Waghya, the legendary canine companion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has been immortalized with a statue at the historic Raigad Fort. According to lore, Waghya demonstrated unparalleled devotion by leaping into Shivaji's funeral pyre in 1680. This act of loyalty was commemorated in 1936 when Maharaja Tukojirao-III Holkar of Indore installed a statue beside Shivaji Maharaj's samadhi.
Sambhajiraje, a descendant of Shivaji Maharaj, has called for the statue's removal, questioning the historical authenticity of Waghya's tale. He argues that Waghya's story gained traction primarily after the 1919 play "Rajsanyas" by Ram Ganesh Gadkari, suggesting that Waghya might be a fictional character rather than a real historical figure.
The demand to remove Waghya’s statue has stirred significant social tension in Maharashtra. The Dhangar community, to which the Holkars belonged, views this move as a slight against their historical contributions. This controversy has reignited caste-based tensions in the state, particularly between Maratha and Dhangar groups.
Supporters of Waghya's legend point to historical references, such as the 1930 German book "Negotiations," which mentions a dog jumping into Shivaji's pyre. Additionally, the 1905 book "Maharashtratil Kille" and several depictions from Shivaji's era showcase the Maratha leader with a dog, underscoring the animal’s symbolic presence in Maratha imagery.
In 2012, the controversy took a heated turn when Sambhaji Brigade activists removed Waghya’s statue, prompting protests from the Dhangar community. The statue was eventually reinstalled, highlighting the deep emotional and political significance attached to symbols associated with Shivaji Maharaj.
The current demand for the statue's removal coincides with other sensitive debates in Maharashtra, such as the discourse surrounding Aurangzeb's legacy. Critics argue that revisiting such issues could disrupt social harmony, especially considering that previous royal descendants did not oppose Waghya's statue.
As of now, the Maharashtra government has not reached a definitive decision on the matter. However, Sambhajiraje, in his capacity as president of the Raigad Development Corporation, has formally appealed to both state and central governments to support his stance.
This controversy transcends the existence of a statue; it delves into the broader contestation over historical narratives, public memory, caste identity, and the enduring legacy of Shivaji Maharaj, a figure of immense pride for various communities across Maharashtra.
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