In the wake of successfully bringing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s ‘Wagh-Nakh’ to India, the Maharashtra government is now determined to repatriate the legendary Maratha warrior’s renowned ‘Jagdamba Talwar’ (sword).
State Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar confirmed this initiative, stating, “Following the ‘Wagh-Nakh’ (tiger claws), we are now actively working on bringing the ‘Jagdamba Talwar’ (sword) back to India.” Mungantiwar acknowledged that certain “technical issues” need to be addressed, and discussions will be held with the External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar.
Earlier this month, Mungantiwar led an 11-member delegation to the United Kingdom, during which a memorandum of understanding was signed with Dr. Tristram Hunt, the Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The delegation included Dr. Vikas Kharge, Principal Secretary in charge of the Culture department, and Dr. Tejas Garge, Director of the Directorate of Archaeology.
The Victoria and Albert Museum has agreed to loan the ‘Wagh-Nakh’ to the state for three years, which will be displayed at various prominent locations, including the Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in Satara, Central Museum in Nagpur, Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Kolhapur, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya in Mumbai. The ‘Bagh-Nakh’ is expected to be brought to India in November.
This historic undertaking coincides with the 350th anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation, a momentous occasion in Indian history. Shivaji Maharaj, who reigned from February 19, 1630, to April 3, 1680, was coronated in Raigad Fort on June 6, 1674, marking the foundation of ‘Hindavi-swaraj’ or self-rule for the Hindu people. His coronation remains a pivotal event in the Indian subcontinent’s history.
The government is now embarking on a mission to repatriate the ‘Jagdamba Talwar,’ one of the three swords used by Shivaji Maharaj, alongside ‘Bhavani Talwar’ and ‘Tulja Talwar,’ which are currently housed at Satara Fort and Sindhudurg Fort, respectively. The ceremonial sword ‘Jagdamba,’ embellished with diamonds and rubies, is presently in the possession of the British Royal Family, housed at Saint James’s Palace.
This ornate sword was originally gifted to Albert Edward, then the Prince of Wales and later King Edward VII, by Shivaji IV.
