• Source:JND
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Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, a former Rajya Sabha member and descendant of the Kolhapur royal family, requested Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to remove a dog memorial from Raigad Fort. The memorial, created in the 1920s, was for "Waghya," which means "Tiger."

According to legend, the Maratha emperor's dog was a mix breed. The dog apparently jumped onto Shivaji's funeral pyre, when he died and immolated himself.

However, the Archaeological Survey of India has said that there is no written evidence of such a dog, despite Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati's claims.

In a letter to the Chief Minister dated March 22, the former MLA stated that the dog's memorial should be removed by May 31.

"A few decades ago, a memorial of a dog named Waghya was erected near that of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the Raigad Fort, his capital in the 17th century," his letter read.

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"However, there is no documentary evidence concerning Waghya, the name of the pet dog of Shivaji Maharaj. As there is no such evidence, it is an encroachment on the fort, which is legally preserved as a heritage structure," he had added.

"It is unfortunate and demeans the legacy of the great Shivaji Maharaj," said the ex-MP.

According to ASI policy, a structure that is more than 100 years old is protected. Sambhajiraje suggested that the dog's memorial be dismantled before it is granted such status.