Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati Urges Removal of ‘Waghya’ Tomb Near Shivaji Maharaj Memorial at Raigad Fort
Pune, 24th March 2025: Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, President of the Raigad Development Authority, has demanded the permanent removal of the structure near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s memorial at Raigad Fort, which is believed to be the tomb of a dog named ‘Waghya’. In a letter to the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, he urged that this alleged encroachment be cleared by 31st May, in accordance with the Maharashtra Government’s policy.
Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati claims that historians and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have stated that there is no historical reference to a dog named Waghya in the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj era. The ASI has also clarified that it has no records or evidence supporting the historical significance of the so-called tomb or the dog itself.
Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati criticized the presence of such a structure next to the revered memorial of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, calling it an unfortunate mockery of faith and a betrayal of the great ruler’s legacy. As per ASI regulations, only structures older than 100 years are considered protected monuments. Therefore, he emphasized the urgent need to remove the Waghya tomb before it reaches the 100-year mark.
