a day ago
Crowdfunding option was ready for historic Bhonsle sword: CM
Nagpur: A lot of behind-the-scenes deliberations took place as the Maharashtra govt brought back the historic sword of Maratha general Raje Raghuji Bhonsle-I of the Nagpur royal lineage to India, CM Devendra Fadnavis told exclusively to TOI.
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"The govt kept crowdfunding as a backup plan while bidding for the acquisition of the historic artefact," he said.
The sword was brought back to Mumbai on Monday after winning it at an auction in London in April for Rs47.15 lakh. Fadnavis said that the govt was aware of opposition criticism if the deal exceeded the expected or failed altogether. "We knew that if the cost exceeded the budget or if we failed to secure the sword, the opposition would raise questions," he said and added that the sword will be brought to Nagpur after discussions with local MLAs.
Earlier, speaking at the sword unveiling ceremony in Mumbai, Maharashtra cultural affairs minister Ashish Shelar said they first learned about the auction late Friday night. "With Saturday and Sunday in between and the bidding scheduled for Monday morning, there was concern, but CM Fadnavis managed to pull it off successfully," he said.
The govt sanctioned funds for its acquisition, but Fadnavis said his team had contingency measures in place.
The sword has been kept at PL Deshpande Kala Academy at Prabhadevi in Mumbai for public viewing.
Fadnavis emphasised that the intention was always to bring the artefact home. "It was for the entire Maharashtra, our culture and heritage. We were determined that this sword should not slip away. If needed, citizens' contributions would have made it possible," he said.
Speaking at the same event, Fadnavis said when Shelar asked him about the bidding price and process, "I told him that whatever the cost, we will ensure the sword comes to us.
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At the back of my mind, 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 this priceless relic returns home.
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As Nagpur eagerly awaits the sword's arrival, Mantralaya sources have clarified that the relic may not be permanently housed in the city, despite a request from Mudhoji Raje Bhonsle, a descendant of Raghuji Bhonsle and head of the Bhonsle family in Nagpur. "The sword will certainly come to Nagpur and remain here for a few days for public viewing. However, its permanent location may not be Nagpur," top sources confirmed.
