London Lord Mayor Michael Mainelli has proposed to name an artificial intelligence (AI) centre in the UK capital after Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, an official said on Friday

Mainelli met Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at Varsha bungalow, the latter's official residence, on Thursday, a statement issued by the chief minister's office (CMO) said

During the meeting, the Lord Mayor discussed naming an AI centre in London after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, it said

Welcoming the move, the chief minister proposed that a statue of the Maratha king be installed in the UK capital, the statement said

The duo held discussions on issues, including artificial intelligence, clean air, the environment and information and technology

Shivaji Maharaj was a prominent historical figure in India, particularly remembered for his role in establishing the Maratha Empire in the 17th century. He was born on February 19, 1630, in the hill fort of Shivneri, near the city of Junnar in present-day Maharashtra