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Hindustan Times
a day 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
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
