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