Latest news with #PLDeshpandeMaharashtraKalaAcademy
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Sword of Raghuji Bhonsle Unveiled in Mumbai: ‘A Bridge Between Generations,' Says CM Fadnavis
1 2 Nagpur: The historic sword of Shrimant Raje Raghuji Bhonsle, founder of Nagpur's Bhonsle dynasty, was unveiled in Mumbai on Monday in a grand ceremony attended by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis , cultural affairs minister Ashish Shelar, and descendant Shrimant Mudhoji Raje Bhonsle. The event, held at PL Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy, drew a large gathering of citizens, scholars, and political leaders. Speaking on the occasion, chief minister Fadnavis said the sword was more than a recovered relic — it was a vital link between Maharashtra's glorious past and its new generation. "This sword connects us with our history. Today's youth can understand how our Hindavi Swarajya expanded under the leadership of stalwarts like Raghuji Bhonsle. The sword will also travel to Nagpur and other places, ensuring this chapter of history reaches far and wide," he said. CM Fadnavis also recalled how minister Shelar had asked him about the bidding price and process. "I told him that whatever the cost, we will ensure the sword comes to us. However, I did wonder if the bidding might spiral beyond what the govt could afford, but I was certain that in Maharashtra there are people who would step forward, contribute to the state, and make sure the priceless relic returns home," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3 Lakh+ Have Transformed Their Smile Toothsi by MakeO Book Now Undo Fadnavis stressed the valorous history of Nagpur Bhonsles must be told to as many people as possible. "After Aurangzeb attacked the Jagannath Puri temple, it was Nagpur's Bhonsle royals who ensured the rathyatra continued. Not only that, they also guarded the shrine for several years," he said. "This is not the end, but part of a continuous effort to reclaim our cultural pride," he said. Sources confirmed Mudhoji Bhonsle, CM Fadnavis, and minister Shelar held a discussion after the programme on bringing the sword to Nagpur. The relic is expected to arrive in the city in a month or two. Shelar and Mudhoji too interacted for half an hour, deliberating on the history of the Bhonsles and the Hadpakya Ganpati festival, which has been celebrated in the region for almost 240 years. Sources added Shelar also explored the possibility of declaring Hadpakya Ganpati a state festival. Shelar described the sword's return as a moment of "cultural rebirth." He said, "This is not just an object, but a symbol of Swarajya. Raghuji Raje Bhonsle expanded the Maratha empire and return of his sword is a reminder of our strength, and an inspiration for generations to come." Shrimant Mudhoji Raje Bhonsle, direct descendant of Raghuji Raje, said, "I still remember how the CM personally replied to my message at 1:50am when I wrote to him about the auction. The sword was taken abroad during the reign of Mudhoji Bhonsle II, and I am grateful it has now returned during my lifetime, as Mudhoji Bhonsle III. For this, I will remain eternally thankful to the state govt." The ceremony also saw the release of the book Marathyacha Darara, a book inspired on the life of Raghuji Raje Bhonsle-1. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Sword of Raghuji Bhonsle arrives in Mumbai and will be on display till Aug 25
Mumbai: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday inaugurated the seven-day exhibition where the newly obtained sword of Maratha commander Shrimant Raje Raghuji Bhonsle will be exhibited. The exhibition will be held at the PL Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy, Prabhadevi, from Aug 18 to 25. Thereafter, it will travel across Maharashtra and be displayed. The sword was bought by the state govt in an auction in London at a cost of Rs 45 crore last week. State culture minister Ashish Shelar went to London to get it and returned with it on Monday morning. Since the city was lashed by heavy rainfall and the subsequent traffic congestion, the planned bike rally to welcome the sword back to India was cancelled. It arrived in Shelar's car at the academy. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai | Gold Rates Today in Mumbai | Silver Rates Today in Mumbai "The sword will link the new generation to history. This sword will travel to Nagpur and other places and tell the new generation how Hindavi Swaraj spread and expanded," said Fadnavis at the inauguration, adding that the history of the Nagpur Bhonsles was one of exemplary valour. "Through the 12 forts being listed as UNESCO heritage sites, the tiger's nails (wagh nakh) and now the sword we are being linked to our history and these efforts are truly commendable," said Fadnavis. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The efforts to get back the symbols of the Maratha Empire, artefacts and heritage will continue, said Fadnavis. PM Narendra Modi had got back thousands of artefacts and similar efforts will be made by the state govt to bring back the state's heritage, said the chief minisiter. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Sword of Maratha commander Raghuji Bhonsle returns to Mumbai, to be unveiled at exhibition
MUMBAI: The sword of Maratha commander Raghuji Raje Bhonsle, bought by the Maharashtra government for ₹47.15 lakh at a London auction a week ago, will return to India on Monday. It will be put on public display in Mumbai for the first time. Sword of Maratha commander Raghuji Bhonsle returns to Mumbai, to be unveiled at exhibition The 18th-century Firangi sword, once wielded by Raghuji Bhonsle I, will be the showpiece of a week-long exhibition that also explores the legacy of twelve heritage forts of Maharashtra. The exhibition will be held from August 19 to 25 at the P L Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy in Prabhadevi, between 11AM and 7PM The sword, bought from England by cultural affairs minister Ashish Shelar, will receive a grand state welcome at the international airport, where Shelar will formally receive it. After paying homage at the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the sword will be carried in a bike rally and later placed on a decorated chariot for its journey to the PL Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy in Prabhadevi. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis will ceremoniously unveil the weapon on Monday evening at the 'Sena Saheb Subha Parakram Darshan' programme, organised by the Cultural Affairs Department in collaboration with the Archaeology and Museums Directorate and the Kala Academy. Shrimant Mudhoji Raje Bhonsle, descendant of Raghuji Bhonsle, will be present for the occasion. Born in 1695, Raghuji Bhonsle I was the founder of the Nagpur Bhonsle dynasty and one of the most formidable commanders of the Maratha army during Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj's reign. Conferred the title of 'Senasahib Subha' for his bravery, Raghuji led campaigns that extended Maratha influence deep into Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and southern India. His Nagpur kingdom, rich in iron and copper, became renowned for its elegant yet formidable weaponry. Raghuji died in 1755, leaving behind a legacy as one of the 18th century's most daring Maratha leaders. The sword that went under the hammer in London is a rare example of a Maratha 'Firangi' weapon — a straight European blade fitted with a locally crafted hilt. Its gold-inlaid Mulheri hilt bears intricate koftgari work, while the blade spine carries a Devanagari inscription: 'Shreemant Raghoji Bhosale Senasahib Subha Firang'. Such inscriptions are extremely rare in Maratha weaponry, making this piece invaluable for historians. Experts believe the sword may have left India following the Battle of Sitabuldi in 1817, when the Nagpur Bhonsales were defeated by the British East India Company and their treasury plundered. Whether lost in war loot or later given as a tribute, the sword eventually found its way into private collections in Britain before resurfacing at auction this year.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Raghuji Bhonsle's Sword To Reach Mum Today, Mudhoji Raje To Attend Ceremony
1 2 Nagpur: The legendary sword of Shrimant Raje Raghuji Bhonsle, a rare 18th-century Maratha weapon that was overseas for over two centuries, is set to arrive in Mumbai on Monday. The state govt will accord it a grand reception at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, where cultural minister Ashish Shelar will receive the sword before it is showcased in an evening 'Senasahebsubha Parakram Darshan' ceremony at the P L Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy in Prabhadevi. The evening ceremony will also be graced by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. Mudhoji Raje Bhonsle, the descendant of Raghuji Bhonsle and head of the Bhonsle family in Nagpur, will be travelling from Kolhapur to attend the evening ceremony. His office bearers have confirmed his participation, noting that he is among the invitees and will be present for the official unveiling of the sword. Sources said Bhonsle will also hold discussions with government officials and likely with Shelar on bringing the sword to Nagpur at the earliest. The sword, won by the Maharashtra govt earlier this year in a London auction, was personally collected by Shelar. It bears the gold-inscribed Devanagari inscription 'Shreemant Raghoji Bhonsle Senasahebsuha Firang' and features a European-style straight blade with intricate Maratha koftgari hilt detailing. Experts believe it may have left India after the 1817 Battle of Sitabuldi or as a ceremonial gift to the East India Company. The day-long programme in Mumbai begins with the sword's reception at 10 am, followed by homage at the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the airport precinct in the presence of Shelar. A bike rally and a decorated chariot procession will then carry the sword to the Kala Academy. Deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar are also expected, along with other state dignitaries. For Nagpur, the ceremony holds special historical significance. Raghuji Bhonsle, who ruled from 1695 to 1755, was instrumental in establishing the Bhonsle dynasty in Nagpur and expanded Maratha influence deep into Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and southern India. The sword's return and public display provide a tangible connection to the city's rich Maratha legacy, making it an event of pride for the people of Nagpur as well. The exhibition of the sword will remain open to the public from August 19 to 25, between 11 am and 7 pm, at the art gallery of P L Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy. Alongside the sword, information on twelve heritage-listed forts will be on display. Entry is free for all visitors. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Raghuji Bhonsale's legendary sword set to arrive in Mumbai tomorrow, ‘darshan' ceremony to be held at PL Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy
The legendary sword of Shrimant Raje Raghuji Bhonsle is set to arrive in Mumbai from London on Monday. The Maharashtra Government recently secured the legendary sword through an auction. Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar will formally receive the sword at the international airport on Monday morning. After paying homage to the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the airport, a bike rally will be held, after which the sword will be carried on a decorated chariot and taken to the PL Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy. Later on Monday evening, the Departments of Cultural Affairs, Archaeology and Museums, and the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, along with PL Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy, will organise the 'Sena Saheb Subha Parakram Darshan' ceremony. The program will be attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, among others. Shrimant Mudhoji Raje Bhonsle, descendant of Shrimant Raje Raghuji Bhonsle, will also grace the occasion. 'An exhibition showcasing the sword along with insights into 12 heritage forts of Maharashtra will be held from August 19 to August 25, 2025, between 11 am and 7 pm at the Art Gallery of PL Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy, Prabhadevi, Mumbai. The exhibition will be open to all, free of cost,' Shelar said.
