The statue was built as a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India and the first home minister of independent India. He was responsible for uniting all 562 princely states of the country to build the Republic of India. The Statue's expression, posture, and pose justify the dignity, confidence, iron will, and kindness that Sardar Patel’s personality radiates.

The Statue of Unity overlooks the vast surrounds and the river basin of the Narmada River and the sprawling Sardar Sarovar dam. It stands on the Sadhu Bet hillock, connected by a 300-meter bridge, which offers access from the mainland to the statue.