Historic Celebration in Satara: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Wagh Nakh Returns to India
A grand celebration is set for July 19 in Maharashtra’s historic city of Satara to showcase the wagh nakh (tiger claw-shaped weapon) of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This weapon, brought back from the United Kingdom’s Victoria and Albert Museum, will be on display as part of a three-year agreement between the Maharashtra government and the museum.
Grand Celebration Plans
The Maharashtra state government has elaborate plans for this momentous occasion. The wagh nakh, famously used by the great Maratha ruler to defeat Bijapur Sultanate’s general Afzal Khan in 1659, will be displayed at the Satara City Museum for public viewing. This marks the first time the weapon will be on display in India.
Key Attendees
- Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde
- Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar
- Members of the Royal Family of Satara
- BJP Rajya Sabha member Udayanraje Bhosale
- Former BJP MLA Shivendra Raje Bhosale
Additionally, a postal stamp in honor of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will be released during the function.
Historical Significance
The victory at the Battle of Pratapgarh in 1659, where Shivaji Maharaj used the wagh nakh, was a turning point in his campaign to establish the Maratha Empire. Despite being outnumbered, the Marathas, led by Shivaji, defeated the Adilshahi forces. This victory boosted Shivaji’s reputation as a brilliant military strategist.
Shivaji killed Afzal Khan at the foot of Pratapgarh fort, located in present-day Satara district. This event has become a symbol of Shivaji’s bravery and tactical genius, ingrained in Maratha folklore.
Controversy and Claims
Historian’s Doubts
Kolhapur-based historian Indrajit Sawant claims that the weapon brought to Satara is a replica, not the original used by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. According to Sawant, various proofs in the public domain suggest that the original weapon remains in Satara.
“There are many accounts of historians clearly stating that the wagh nakh held by the Victoria and Albert Museum is a replica. These historians have seen the original one in Satara along with the Bhavani Talwar (sword) of Shivaji Maharaj.” – Indrajit Sawant
He referenced historians who have extensively documented the original weapon during their visits to the Satara king.
Government’s Response
In response to the controversy, senior Maharashtra minister Sudhir Mungantiwar affirmed that the wagh nakh is indeed the original. He urged the public to ignore the rumors and confirmed that the royal family supports the weapon’s authenticity.
“The royal family has not raised any objections, as it also believes the wagh nakh brought to the state is of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Yes, one historian has raised some doubts, but I request people not to spread any rumors as these claws are original.” – Sudhir Mungantiwar
Future Exhibitions
Following its display in Satara, the wagh nakh will be exhibited in other cities, including Kolhapur, Nagpur, and Mumbai. Alongside the wagh nakh, other weapons from Shivaji Maharaj’s era will be showcased to educate the new generation about Maratha war tools.
| City | Exhibition Date |
|---|---|
| Satara | July 19 |
| Kolhapur | TBA |
| Nagpur | TBA |
| Mumbai | TBA |
This historic event promises to be a significant moment in celebrating the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the rich history of the Maratha Empire.