Wagh Nakh (Tiger Claws) of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, historically used to kill Afzal Khan, returning to India from the UK

 



The Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's infamous "wagh nakh," a knife with tiger claw-like blades, will be returned by the UK authorities. As Afzal Khan, the general of the Bijapur sultanate, was killed by Shivaji Maharaj using this weapon in 1659, it has historical significance. According to a TOI report, Sudhir Mungantiwar, the minister of Maharashtra Cultural Affairs, will travel to London later this month to formally announce the return through a Memorandum of Understanding.

According to the record in the Victoria and Albert Museum, East India Company officer James Grant Duff owned the renowned weapon. The 'Prime Minister of the Peshwa of the Marathas' had allegedly given it to him as a gift. According to the museum's description, the blades come with a fitted case labeled "The "Wagnuck" of Shivaji Maharaj with Which He Killed the Adil shahi General." The specific individual or artisan who made the Wagh Nakh (Tiger Claw) for Shivaji Maharaj is not well-documented in historical records.



Later this year, it's possible that the 'wagh nakh's' long-anticipated return to its motherland may actually happen. Toi quoted Mungantiwar as saying, "We have a letter from the UK authorities confirming their agreement to repatriate Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's 'wagh nakh.'" According to the Hindu calendar, we are looking into the potential of bringing it back to coincide with the anniversary of the important occasion when Shivaji fought Afzal Khan. A number of dates are being considered, and we are also completing the.

The MoU will help conversations about the return of other historically significant pieces, such as Shivaji's Jagadamba sword, which is currently in the collection of the UK museum, in addition to the "wagh nakh." "The upcoming return of the tiger claws is a momentous step for the people of Maharashtra," stated Mungantiwar. We are methodically synchronizing dates based on the Hindu tithi calendar, even though Afzal Khan's murder anniversary falls on November 10 in the Gregorian calendar.

Afzal Khan's killing ushers in a significant period in Maratha history. Khan's formidable force was routed by the Marathas utilizing guerrilla tactics despite being outnumbered. When the two met at the base of Pratapgad fort in the present-day Satara area, the legendary Maratha king murdered Khan with a wagh nakh, a sharp iron weapon curved like tiger claws. Maharashtra’s people have emotions about the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Wagh Nukh.

Mungantiwar emphasized the need for the safe and responsible transmission of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's "wagh nakh," recognizing its enormous cultural and historical worth. The cultural affairs department of the government declared in a decision that "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's 'wagh nakh' is a priceless treasure of history, and the sentiments of the people of the state are deeply attached to them."


Source: Times of India

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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