Latest news with #Bhonsle
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Precision strike', 'on expected lines': Defence experts on Operation Sindoor
According to ET sources, the strike was a joint operation by the Indian Army and Air Force using precision strike weapons. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, Indian armed forces executed 'Operation Sindoor,' a precision strike targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK. Defence experts affirm the action was anticipated, emphasizing its non-escalatory nature and focus on dismantling terrorist networks. The operation serves as a strong message to Pakistan, cautioning against further provocations, while India remains prepared for any potential retaliation. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads New Delhi: Defence experts on Wednesday hailed the missile strikes carried out by Indian armed forces under ' Operation Sindoor ' as a " precision strike " against terror infrastructure and said the action was very much on "expected lines". Some experts also said the action by India would serve as a lesson to Pakistan and warn them that they "should not go beyond this".In retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack , Indian armed forces early Wednesday carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's base Muridke. Brig Rahul Bhonsle (retd), a strategic affairs expert from Security Risks Asia, said the strike was on expected lines give the preceding chain of events."It was expected, as the Prime Minister, Home Minister and the Defence Minister had indicated earlier that terrorists and terror infrastructure will be found and hit. So, Operation Sindoor is a result of that," he told Bhonsle said it is a "precision strike against terror infrastructure" and it has been declared that "no military installation" has been further said the US will aim to have this situation not escalate after the strike, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefed media-persons here and said it was deemed essential that the perpetrators and planners of the April 22 Pahalgam attack be brought to justice as there was "no demonstrable" step from Islamabad to take action against the terror infrastructure on its territory or on territory under its said Indian military carried out a "measured, non-escalatory, proportionate, and responsible" strike to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan to "deter and to pre-empt" any further terrorist Dehradun, security and anti-terrorism expert Brig Govind Singh Sisodia (retd), echoed Brig Bhonsle, and said, "It was on expected lines.""The way India, the Indian government and the PM had said... And, pinpoint targets," he told said Operation Sindoor has also demonstrated the "well-coordinated tri-services synergy".He added that a lesson also has gone to Pakistan that "we are not going to do it on small scale, this is just a 'trailer'," and a warning that "they should not go beyond this".Brig Sisodia said retaliation from Pakistan side is expected, as they will "try to save face, retaliate" but India is "capable of responding" to Prithpal Singh Chandhok (retd) said he has participated in Siachen action in 1980s and Operation Parakram in the past."I fully support the action taken by the Indian Army and the Indian defence forces. to counter it," he said.
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Maharashtra buys Raghuji Bhonsle's sword for ₹47 Lakh; The history that makes it priceless
In a remarkable turn of events, a priceless piece of India's royal history has finally returned home. The sword of Raghuji Bhonsle, a famous Maratha general who helped expand the Maratha empire in the 18th century, was recently bought at an auction in London by the Maharashtra government for Rs 47.15 lakh. After being lost for decades, this important royal relic is now back where it belongs. A royal heritage restored Raghuji Bhonsle, the founder of the Bhonsle dynasty in Nagpur, is remembered for his strong military leadership and significant role in Maratha campaigns during the 18th century. The sword isn't just a weapon– it stands as a symbol of his strength, influence, and sharp strategy that helped shape the Maratha Empire. With such a rich history, the sword connects today's generation to a time of major battles, royal politics, and India's fight for independence. A thrilling auction and an unforeseen bid by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo As per media reports, the historic sword, a rare artifact from the 18th century, was put up for auction by Sotheby's in London with a starting price of 6,000 to 8,000 pounds. But it quickly went beyond expectations and was finally sold for 38,100 pounds– almost five times more than expected. Recognizing its cultural value, the Maharashtra government stepped in and made the winning bid through an intermediary. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed the move, calling it a major cultural win for the state, even though the purchase had to go through a middleman due to technical reasons. A beautiful fusion of cultures According to a Times Now report, Sotheby's described the sword as a slightly curved, European-style blade with a single edge and a gold-inlaid Devanagari inscription along the back. It has a traditional 'basket-style' hilt, wrapped in green woven wool, blending European craftsmanship with Indian design. Known as firanghi swords, these types were highly valued by royalty at the time. They were often made using blades brought in from Europe, especially from places like Solingen in Germany and Venice in Italy, and were seen as strong symbols of power and status. Bhonsle descendants' gratitude For the Bhonsle royal family, the return of the sword holds deep personal significance. Raje Mudhoji Bhonsle , a descendant of the Nagpur Bhonsle family, expressed his gratitude towards the Maharashtra government for making this historic acquisition possible. Speaking to the media, he shared: "I want to thank Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Culture Minister Ashish Shelar, and their entire team on behalf of the Nagpur Bhonsle royal family. It is a proud moment that our heritage is coming back,' he said, as quoted by PTI. Raje Mudhoji Bhonsle also mentioned that his representatives took part in the auction, offering up to Rs 35 lakh, and had reached out to state and central officials for help in bringing the sword back to India. Thumb image credits: X/@Dev_Fdnavis
Indian Express
30-04-2025
- General
- Indian Express
A sword returns, a legacy revived: Why Raghuji Bhonsle's weapon matters?
The Maharashtra government on Tuesday (April 29) reclaimed the iconic sword of Maratha warrior Raje Raghuji Bhonsle I at an auction in London for Rs 47.15 lakh. In a post on X, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, 'I am happy to announce that the state government has purchased the historic sword of Raje Raghuji Bhonsle, the founder of the Bhonsle family of Nagpur, which was auctioned in London. Thus, a valuable and historical treasure from our Maratha Empire will now come to Maharashtra.' What are the features of the sword? The basket-hilt sword has a European-style single-edged blade, which is slightly curved, and two fullers — grooves or channels that run the length of the sword. The spine of the sword is inlaid in gold with an inscription in Devanagari script. The inscription reads Shrimant Raghuji Bhosale Sena Saheb Subah Firang, suggesting that the sword could be ceremonial. Sena Saheb Subah was a title of high military rank that was associated with the Maratha Empire, and would be usually conferred by the Chhatrapatis of Satara. The person receiving the title would also get a sword and robe. This particular sword is likely a gift from Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj to Raghuji Raje Bhonsle who was conferred with the title of Sena Saheb Subah. Who were Nagpur Bhonsles? Like the Peshwe, Holkar, Gaikwad, and Scindia families, the Nagpur Bhonsle family also played a significant role in expanding the Maratha Empire. The family was one of the royal or Kshatriya clans of the Marathas, and considered itself as the descendant of Udaipur's Sisodia Rajputs. The Bhonsles of Nagpur were known as Hinganikar as one of their ancestors — who was probably a contemporary of Maloji, the grandfather of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj — rehabilitated the village Beradi near Hingani in the present district of Pune. Notably, after the death of Shivaji Maharaj, his obsequies were performed by Sabaji Bhosle, as Sambhaji, the eldest son, was in confinement on the fort of Panhala, according to Malhar Ram Rao Chitnis's biography of Shivaji Maharaj, called Chitnis Bakhar. Who was Raghuji Raje Bhonsle I? Raghuji Bhonsle I was an important figure in 18th-century Maratha history, whose power was shaped by both family conflict and strategic alliances. Backed by Chhatrapati Shahu in 1728, Raghuji Bhonsle set out not just to confront his uncle Kanhoji but to carve out a legacy of power, earning new titles, lands, and the right to collect taxes across Berar and Gondawana. His decisive victory in 1730 after the siege of Bham marked a turning point, securing his leadership and laying the foundation for the Bhonsle dynasty's rise in Nagpur. In the second half of the eighteenth century, as Mughal authority crumbled and Maratha power expanded, Raghuji Bhonsle I emerged as the key figure in bringing Odisha under Maratha rule following the 1751 treaty with Nawab Alivardi Khan, marking the start of Maratha administration over the region and the Jagannath temple in Puri. Raghuji Bhonsle I, after taking control of Odisha in 1751, played a pivotal role in reviving the Shree Jagannath Temple's activities, which had languished under Mughal rule. He appointed priests, restarted daily offerings, ensured temple upkeep, and made generous endowments—including the Mohun Bhog established by his mother—and assigned land revenue worth Rs 27,000 (Satais Hazari Mahal) for its support. To aid pilgrims, Raghuji Bhonsle built over 22 Dharamshala, spent Rs 20,000 annually to conduct the yatra in full grandeur, introduced the Annachhatra charity scheme, and developed roads connecting Puri to the rest of the country—restoring the temple's sanctity and making it a vibrant hub for Hindu worship again. Raghuji Bhonsle I expanded the Maratha empire to Orissa, Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. He led pivotal military campaigns in Bengal from 1745 and 1755. The approximate area under the rule of Nagpurkar Bhonsles was 2.17 lakh sq km. It was initially Raghuji Bhonsle I who raided Odisha and Bengal and reclaimed the temples. How did the sword leave India? Following the 1817 battle of Sitabuldi, where the East India Company defeated the Nagpur Bhonsles, the British looted the Bhonsle 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. During the Battle of Sitabuldi in 1817, the British East India Company, under the leadership of General Sir Alexander Campbell, set fire to the Bhonsle Palace in Nagpur – said to be bigger than Shaniwar Wada of the Peshwas of Pune – and it remained ablaze for six months. It was the same time when the Holkars were defeated in the battle of Mahidpur.
NDTV
29-04-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Maharashtra Acquires Raghuji Bhonsle's Sword For Rs 47 Lakh At London Auction
Mumbai: The Maharashtra Government has acquired the famous "Raghuji Sword" of the 18th century Maratha general Raghuji Bhonsle for Rs 47.15 lakh at an auction in London, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Tuesday. Raje Raghuji Bhonsle, founder of the Bhonsle dynasty of Nagpur, had in 1745 led the battle against the Nawab of Bengal, D Fadnavis said on X. नागपूरच्या भोसले घराण्याचे संस्थापक राजे रघुजी भोसले यांची लंडनमध्ये लिलावात निघालेली ऐतिहासिक तलवार ही राज्य सरकारने खरेदी केली आहे, हे सांगताना मला आनंद होतो. त्यामुळे आपल्या मराठा साम्राज्यातील एक मौलिक आणि ऐतिहासिक ठेव आता महाराष्ट्रात येणार आहे. रघुजी भोसले हे छत्रपती शाहू… — Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) April 29, 2025 The sword was acquired not directly but through an intermediary due to some technical issues, the CM said. Sotheby's, which conducted the auction on Tuesday, said on its portal that the basket-hilt sword (khanda) was sold for 38,100 pounds. The estimate before the auction was between 6,000 and 8,000 pounds, it added. "The slightly curved, European-style single-edged blade with two fullers and imitation maker's marks towards the forte, the spine gold inlaid with Devanagari script, set in a traditional 'basket'-style hilt fully overlaid with worked gold, the grip covered in green woven wool," is how the global auction house described the sword. "The inscription in Devanagari script on the spine suggests that it was made for the Maratha general Raghuji Bhonsle (1739-55), who established a large kingdom centred on the city of Nagpur in the north of the Deccan," it said. "The long straight blade has been marked to appear European in origin. Indian imitations of European blades are in the Wallace Collection (inv. 1452, OA 1455, OA 1811 and OA 1873). Swords mounted with European blades made in centres including Solingen in Germany and in Venice and Genoa were known as firanghi (Frankish) and were sought after in Indian courts. "William Hawkins, travelling in India from 1608-13, reported that Jahangir had 2200 swords with German blades in his treasury (William Foster (ed.), Early Travels on India, 1583-1619, Oxford University Press, 1921, p.103)," it said. Raje Mudhoji Bhonsle of the Nagpur royal family congratulated and thanked the Maharashtra government for acquiring the sword. His representatives also took part in the bidding process on his behalf and had bid up to Rs 35 lakh, the member of the erstwhile royal family told the media. He had requested the state and central government to help with getting the sword back to the country, and chief minister D Fadnavis called him and assured that it will be brought back, Mr Bhonsle added. "I want to thank chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, culture minister Ashish Shelar and their entire team on behalf of Nagpur Bhonsle royal family. It is a proud moment that our heritage is coming back," he said.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
Maharashtra government shells out Rs 47 lakh for 'Raghuji Sword'
Synopsis The Maharashtra government acquired the historic "Raghuji Sword" for Rs 47.15 lakh. This sword belonged to Raje Raghuji Bhonsle, founder of the Bhonsle dynasty of Nagpur, who led the battle against the Nawab of Bengal in 1745. Sotheby's auctioned the basket-hilt sword (khanda) for 38,100 pounds, exceeding the initial estimate.
