Maharashtra Government secured the historic sword through mediated auction win
Informed Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar
In a historic moment for Maharashtra, the state government successfully reclaimed the iconic sword of the legendary Maratha warrior Raghuji Bhosale, the founder of the Nagpur-based Bhosale dynasty and a prominent Maratha general during the reign of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, from an international auction held in London, informed Minister of Cultural Affairs Adv. Ashish Shelar in Mumbai on Tuesday.
This unprecedented recovery marks the first time Maharashtra has reclaimed a historical artifact of such immense cultural value through an international auction. Minister Ashish Shelar extended heartfelt gratitude to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for this remarkable achievement.
The news of the historic sword being put up for auction in London reached Maharashtra just yesterday, sparking immediate action from Minister Ashish Shelar. Upon learning of the auction, he swiftly coordinated with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to ensure the sword would be secured for the state. Minister Shelar entrusted Vikas Kharge, Additional Chief Secretary of the Cultural Affairs Department, with liaising with the embassy and overseeing the acquisition process. Both Chief Minister Fadnavis and Minister Shelar worked tirelessly late into the night, coordinating efforts and developing a strategic communication plan. Acting on the Chief Minister’s guidance, Minister Shelar immediately appointed a mediator to represent the government in the auction. The state successfully won the bid with an estimated total expenditure, including handling, transport and insurance, amounting to ₹47.15 lakh.
Speaking to the media persons on Tuesday, Minister Shelar expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Fadnavis. He stated that this is indeed a moment of great pride and historic achievement for Maharashtra under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
*Historical Significance of the Sword*
Raghuji Bhosale I (1695 – February 14, 1755), the founder of the Nagpur-based Bhosale dynasty, was a distinguished Maratha general under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. Impressed by his bravery and military acumen, he was honoured with the title ‘Senasaheb Subha’ by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. Raghuji led pivotal military campaigns in Bengal in 1745 and 1755, greatly expanding the Maratha Empire’s territory into Bengal and Odisha. His influence also extended to regions such as Chanda, Chhattisgarh and Sambalpur. Raghuji’s successful campaigns in South India, which resulted in the defeat of the Nawabs of Kurnool and Cuddapah, further solidified Maratha dominance in the region. Widely regarded as one of the most valiant Maratha warriors of the 18th century, Raghuji Bhosale’s legacy endures in Indian history. The Nagpur Bhosales ruled over a mineral-rich region abundant in iron and copper, which were skilfully used to craft both everyday items and formidable weapons. The quality and artistry of the weaponry crafted by the Bhosales are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship.
The sword recently auctioned in London exemplifies the ‘firangi’ style of Maratha weaponry — characterized by a straight, single-edged European blade paired with a locally crafted Mulheri hilt, beautifully adorned with intricate gold inlay. The blade bears the European manufacturer's mark and is inscribed with a gold-inlaid Devanagari script near the hilt, reading ‘Shrimant Raghoji Bhosale Senasaheb Subha Firang’. This inscription suggests the sword was either created for Raghuji Bhosale or was used by him personally. The hilt is further embellished with koftgiri gold inlay, and the grip is wrapped in green cloth, adding to its unique beauty.
This sword holds immense historical significance for several reasons. Most medieval Indian weapons either lacked decorative detailing or did not bear the maker's or owner’s name, making this sword a rare and remarkable exception. Also, the European-made blade reflects the active global arms trade in 18th-century India, emphasizing the intersection of Indian and European craftsmanship.
Following the 1817 Battle of Sitabuldi, where the East India Company defeated the Nagpur Bhosales, the British looted the Bhosale treasury, seizing priceless treasures, ornaments and weapons. Experts believe that this sword may have been a part of that war loot or a gift presented to the British in the aftermath of the battle.
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