What is the controversy over the dog statue near the Shivaji Maharaj Memorial in Raigad Fort?
The controversy also sparked comments from Bhushansinharaje Holkar, descendant of Ahilyabai Holkar, who initially opposed the removal.
The statue of Waghya is a dog near samadhi in Raigad Fort by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who has a fierce debate on its historical legitimacy and appropriateness. The problem was raised by Royal descendants, Sambahajiraje Chhatrapati and Udayanraje Bhosale, who demanded their evacuation, claiming that there is no historical evidence to support the popular faithful dog jumping into Shivaji Maharaj’s funeral pie pyre’s faithful dog.
Sambhajiraje, who first asked the question last month, noted that Waghya’s story was introduced in 1919 through Rajsanyas in Marathi written by Ram Ganesh Ganesh Gadkari. He believes that the story has become part of Marathi folk customs, purely fictional, without any basis in the historical record. He expressed doubt that the statue was installed without reliable historical support, especially considering that it was larger than Shivaji Maharaj himself. “It’s absolutely ridiculous,” he said.
The controversy attracted further attention when the Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Legardeburg. Sambhajiraje hopes Shah can solve the problem and advocates for the removal of the statue, but the matter is not mentioned during his visit, disappointing the royal family. Still, Sambhajiraje remained optimistic, noting that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had previously suggested a committee was formed to investigate the matter.
Udayanraje Bhosale added his voice to the criticism, questioning how dogs similar to the British breed are considered symbols of Indian heritage. He believes that the statue should be removed, if not based on real history.
The controversy also sparked comments from Bhushansinharaje Holkar, descendant of Ahilyabai Holkar, who initially opposed the removal. However, after clarifying the misunderstanding of the deadline for the statue’s removal, he said further emotional disagreements should be prevented based on historical evidence.
As the debate continues, the fate of the statue remains uncertain, and many have called for a cautious, evidence-based approach to safeguarding the integrity of Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy.
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