Karnataka - Bidar   

In remembrance of a devoted pet

UNUSUAL: The tomb for man’s best friend.

BIDAR: It was a common thing that Muslim rulers raised tombs for themselves and also for their near and dear ones but a tomb for a dog is something many would not have come across.

Especially, Bidar is bestowed with many such magnificent tombs belonging to the rulers of the erstwhile Bahmani and Barid Shahi dynasties, and among them lies Kutha Ka Qabr, a small tomb dedicated to a devoted dog, which was killed by its master unknowingly.

This tomb of the dog has not got its due owing to the significance attached to the tombs of great rulers of the dynasties which ruled Bidar.

The tomb of the dog is located to the west of Ibrahim Barid’s tomb in the city. Ibrahim Barid was a ruler of Barid dynasty.

A Karnataka Tourism booklet says there is history behind the tomb. The booklet adds that a devoted dog saved the life of its master but was killed by its master under the mistaken impression that it had harmed his friend.

Later, learning about the dog’s devotion to him, the Muslim master raised a tomb over its grave.

But, the booklet does not mention who was the master of this devoted dog nor when the incident took place.

Kutha Ka Qabr establishes the fact that dogs are man’s best friends and that they share a strong bonding with him.

Though it is a small tomb, it speaks big about the nature of an animal having devotion towards its master.

Today, the tomb of the dog is in dilapidated condition.

Pigeons have made it their home and the bushy growth around the tomb makes it difficult for one to access it.

Archaeological officials told The Hindu that the tomb of the dog is not a protected structure.

Local people said that there was another tomb close to tomb of the dog but it collapsed without proper maintenance.

The collapsed structure has been removed from the site leaving no clue as to what it was.

Residents are now apprehensive that the Kuth Ka Qabr also may face a similar fate, if the authorities do not take up proper maintenance.

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