Historic sword of legendary Maratha Commander Raghuji Bhosale secured by government

Calling it a witness to many glorious feats, Shelar expressed his honour at having the privilege of bringing such a priceless piece into Maharashtra’s custody, describing it as a historic victory for the entire state. This marks the first time that the State has acquired a historic artefact from abroad through an auction.

When the sword was taken into possession Monday, a large number of Marathi-speaking citizens in London gathered to witness and celebrate the event. Deputy Director of the Archaeology Department, Hemant Dalvi, also accompanied the Minister on this trip.

After completing all legal formalities, the sword will arrive at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, at 10 am on Monday, 18 August. In the presence of Cultural Affairs Minister Shelar, a bike rally will escort the sword with great fanfare to PL Deshpande Kala Academy, Dadar. On the same day, the programme ‘Gad Garjana’ will be held in the presence of dignitaries.

Minister Shelar conveyed special thanks to the Chief Minister for the achievement, stating that under the leadership of CM Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, this is a proud moment that will go down in the Government’s history.

Historical Significance of Sword

Raghuji Bhosale I (1695 – 14 February 1755) was the founder of the Nagpur Bhosale dynasty and a prominent commander in the Maratha army during Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj’s reign. Impressed by his bravery and military strategy, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj conferred upon him the title ‘Senasahib Subha’. Raghuji Bhosale I led military campaigns against the Nawab of Bengal in 1745 and 1755, extending the Maratha Empire’s reach to Bengal and Odisha. He also established control over Chanda, Chhattisgarh and Sambalpur, and defeated the Nawabs of Cuddapah and Kurnool, thereby asserting Maratha military and political dominance in southern India. Recognised as one of the most daring Maratha commanders of the 18th century, Raghuji Bhosale’s Nagpur kingdom was rich in iron and copper deposits, used not only for manufacturing goods but also for crafting weapons.

The sword of Raghuji Bhosale that went under the hammer in London is an exquisite example of the Maratha-style Firangi sword, featuring a straight, single-edged European blade and a gold-inlaid Mulheri hilt. Near the hilt is the name of the European manufacturer, as such blades were popular among India’s elite in the medieval era. The spine of the blade bears a gold-inlaid Devanagari inscription reading ‘Shreemant Raghoji Bhosale Senasahib Subha Firang’, indicating it was made for or used by Raghuji Bhosale. The hilt is adorned with gold koftgari work, and the rounded pommel is wrapped in green cloth.

This Firangi sword is remarkable for several reasons. Most medieval Maratha weapons lacked decorative embellishment or inscriptions of their makers or owners. This sword is a rare exception, bearing both intricate ornamentation and the owner’s name. The presence of its European-made blade further points to the flourishing international arms trade in 18th-century India.

In 1817, the Nagpur Bhosales fought the British East India Company at Sitabuldi. Following the Company’s victory, the Bhosale treasury was looted, including many valuable items, jewellery and weapons. After Nagpur was annexed, the British also received tribute and gifts from the Bhosales over time. Experts believe that Raghuji Bhosale’s sword may have left India either as part of the war loot or as a gift to the British.