The statue was commissioned to commemorate the first May Day celebrations held in Madras in 1923.
It was the first outdoor bronze sculpture installed in independent India.
The sculptor, Debi Prasad Roy Chowdhury, was also the founding principal of the Government College of Fine Arts in Chennai.
A replica of the statue is located at the Marina Beach entrance of the Raj Bhavan in Chennai.
The figures represent the physical exertion and collaborative effort of the industrial working class.
The Labour Statue, officially known as the Triumph of Labour, is a prominent bronze sculpture located on Marina Beach in Chennai. Designed by sculptor Debi Prasad Roy Chowdhury, the statue depicts four men straining to move a massive rock, symbolizing the dignity of manual labor. It was unveiled in 1959 and remains one of the most recognizable icons of the city’s architectural heritage. The sculpture stands as a tribute to the workers who contributed to the development of the region. It is situated on Kamarajar Salai, a historic coastal road running parallel to the Bay of Bengal. The statue is a central focal point for public gatherings and commemorations in the area.
From the pedestrian walkway across the street to capture the statue with the sea in the background.
Combine your visit with a walk along the adjacent Marina Beach promenade.
Observe the statue from the street-facing side to capture the full architectural detail against the coastal backdrop.
Visit during the early evening to take advantage of the coastal breeze after the heat of the day.
Do not attempt to climb the pedestal or touch the bronze sculpture, as it is a protected heritage site.
