After months of detailed negotiations, the historic ‘wagh nakh’ or tiger’s claw, famously wielded by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to defeat Bijapur Sultanate general Afzal Khan in 1659, has been successfully brought back to Maharashtra from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
This iconic artifact arrived in Maharashtra on Wednesday and will be displayed starting July 19 at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sangrahalaya in Satara. It will remain there for the next seven months before being rotated among four different museums in the state over the next three years. This arrangement was made possible by a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed last October between the Maharashtra state government and the Victoria and Albert Museum, which agreed to loan the wagh nakh for three years without any charge.
The grand unveiling ceremony is scheduled for 11 am and will be officiated by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. He will be accompanied by his deputies, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, as well as direct descendants of Shivaji Maharaj, Udayanraje Bhosale and Shivendraraje Bhosale. The presence of these notable figures underscores the cultural and historical importance of the artifact’s return.
The return of the wagh nakh has not been without controversy. Historian Indrajit Sawant previously claimed that the original wagh nakh had never left Satara, sparking a public debate about the artifact’s authenticity. This controversy was addressed when Sudhir Mungantiwar, the state’s Cultural Affairs Minister, assured the legislative assembly of the artifact’s authenticity. He cited a specially designed box from 1875 that confirmed its historical significance, effectively putting the debate to rest.
Minister Mungantiwar also clarified that no funds were expended to repatriate the wagh nakh, despite rumors suggesting otherwise. This return was facilitated entirely by the MoU with the Victoria and Albert Museum, which agreed to the loan at no cost. This information was crucial to address public concerns and maintain transparency regarding the artifact’s return.
The decision to bring back the wagh nakh followed the government’s actions to clear encroachments at Afzal Khan’s tomb. This move ignited a strong public demand for the artifact’s return, supported by numerous historical documents provided by followers of Shivaji Maharaj. The tiger’s claw holds significant cultural and historical value, symbolizing Shivaji Maharaj’s bravery and strategic prowess.
The display of the wagh nakh at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sangrahalaya in Satara is just the beginning. Over the next three years, the artifact will be showcased at four different museums across Maharashtra, allowing a wider audience to view and appreciate this significant piece of history. This rotational display ensures that people from various regions of the state have the opportunity to connect with their heritage.
The return of the wagh nakh to Maharashtra marks a significant moment in preserving and celebrating the state’s rich history. The collaborative effort between the state government and the Victoria and Albert Museum exemplifies the importance of cultural heritage and international cooperation. As the wagh nakh embarks on its journey across Maharashtra, it will undoubtedly inspire pride and admiration for the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
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