Nagpur Bhosale Dynasty Founder's Historic Sword Returns To Maharashtra After 200 Years
The sword belonged to Raghuji Bhosale, a fearless commander under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, who gave him the title Senasahib Subha for his bravery and strategic skill
News18
A priceless piece of Maratha history is finally returning home. The sword of Raghuji Bhosale—the legendary founder of the Nagpur Bhosale dynasty and one of the most daring commanders in the Maratha army—has been secured by the Maharashtra government from London and will arrive in Mumbai on August 18.
The sword was unexpectedly put up for auction on April 28 this year, sparking excitement and pride across Maharashtra. As soon as cultural affairs minister Ashish Shelar heard about it, he discussed the matter with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Determined to bring the sword back to India, the government worked quickly, coordinating with the Indian Embassy and appointing an intermediary to participate in the auction. Their swift action paid off, and Maharashtra won the bid.
This week in London, Shelar met the intermediary, completed all the legal procedures, and officially took possession of the sword. For the first time in its history, the state has brought back a historic artefact from abroad through an auction.
'This is not just a weapon, it's a witness to our glorious past," Shelar said, calling the moment a victory for every citizen of Maharashtra. The event drew several Marathi-speaking people living in London, who came to witness this special moment. Deputy Director of the Archaeology Department, Hemant Dalvi, was also present during the handover.
The sword will land at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at 10am on August 18. It will then be taken in a bike rally to PL Deshpande Kala Academy in Dadar, where it will be displayed during a programme called Gad Garjana.
Raghuji Bhosale I (1695 – 1755) was a fearless commander under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, who gave him the title Senasahib Subha for his bravery and strategic skill. He led successful campaigns in Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and parts of South India, expanding the Maratha Empire's reach.
The sword is a Maratha-style Firangi — a straight, single-edged European blade fitted with a gold-inlaid Mulheri hilt. Near the hilt, the name 'Shreemant Raghoji Bhosale Senasahib Subha Firang" is inscribed in Devanagari, confirming its royal ownership. Its gold koftgari decoration makes it rare, as most Maratha weapons were functional and unadorned.
Historians believe the sword may have left India after the 1817 Battle of Sitabuldi, when the British East India Company defeated the Nagpur Bhosales and seized their treasures.
Now, after more than two centuries abroad, the sword is returning to the land where it was forged, fought with, and celebrated—a homecoming that carries both pride and history for Maharashtra.
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