What’s the significance of sword of Maratha warrior Raghuji Bhosale reclaimed by Maha govt at London auction?

The auction, conducted on Tuesday, listed the 18th-century sword with an estimated value between £6,000 and £8,000 (Rs 6.84 lakh to Rs 9.13 lakh). The state government secured the artifact for £38,100 (around Rs 43.49 lakh). The total cost, including handling, transportation and insurance, amounts to Rs 47.15 lakh.

As news of the historic sword being put up for auction in London reached Maharashtra, it immediately spurred the state government into action. Shelar swiftly coordinated with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to ensure the state got back the sword.

Accordingly Shelar entrusted Vikas Kharge, Additional Chief Secretary in the Cultural Affairs Department, to liaise with embassy officials and oversee the acquisition process. Both Fadnavis and Shelar worked late into the night, coordinating efforts, sources said.

Speaking to media persons on Tuesday, Shelar said this is indeed a moment of pride for Maharashtra under the leadership of Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.

“Over the past two days, news of the sword’s auction gained widespread attention. We urged both state and central authorities to intervene, and we are glad that action was taken promptly,” Raje Mudhoji Bhosale of the Nagpur royal family said.

Officials said the artifact will be brought back to India shortly, where it is expected to be displayed in a museum or heritage institution.

Raghuji Bhosale I (1695–February 14, 1755) was a distinguished Maratha general under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. Impressed by his bravery and military acumen, he was honoured with the title ‘Senasaheb Subha’ by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. Raghuji led pivotal military campaigns in Bengal in 1745 and 1755, greatly expanding the Maratha Empire’s territory into Bengal and Odisha. His influence also extended to regions such as Chanda, Chhattisgarh and Sambalpur.

Raghuji’s successful campaigns in South India, which resulted in the defeat of the Nawabs of Kurnool and Cuddapah, further solidified Maratha dominance in the region. Widely regarded as one of the most valiant Maratha warriors of the 18th century, Raghuji Bhosale’s legacy endures in Indian history. The Nagpur Bhosales ruled over a mineral-rich region abundant in iron and copper, which were skilfully used to craft both everyday items and formidable weapons. The quality and artistry of the weaponry crafted by the Bhosales are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship.

The sword auctioned in London exemplifies the ‘firangi’ style of Maratha weaponry — characterised by a straight, single-edged European blade paired with a locally crafted Mulheri hilt, beautifully adorned with intricate gold inlay. The blade bears the European manufacturer’s mark and is inscribed with a gold-inlaid Devanagari script near the hilt, reading ‘Shrimant Raghoji Bhosale Senasaheb Subha Firang’. This inscription suggests the sword was either created for Raghuji Bhosale or was used by him personally. The hilt is further embellished with koftgiri gold inlay, and the grip is wrapped in green cloth, adding to its unique beauty.

This sword holds immense historical significance for several reasons. Most medieval Indian weapons either lacked decorative detailing or did not bear the maker’s or owner’s name, making this sword a rare and remarkable exception. Also, the European-made blade reflects the active global arms trade in 18th-century India, emphasising the intersection of Indian and European craftsmanship.

Following the 1817 Battle of Sitabuldi, where the East India Company defeated the Nagpur Bhosales, the British looted the Bhosale 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.