In a significant development, Shrimant Dr Mudhoji Raje Bhonsle has written letters to Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India; Amit Shah, Home Minister; Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of the State; and Ashish Shelar, Minister of Cultural Affairs demanding assistance of the State and Central Governments in bringing back the historic sword associated with Raje Raghuji Bhonsle (First), founder of the Nagpur Bhonsle kingdom, that has been put up for auction by Sotheby’s, an auction house in London. Shrimant Dr Mudhoji Raje Bhonsle, in the letter, cites the urgency for intervention as the auction is scheduled to begin at 3 pm IST on April 29 and appealed them to take initiative to stop the auction. “The Government should take the initiative and intervene to stop the auction, so that the sword can be brought back to the city,” said Shrimant Dr Mudhoji Raje Bhonsle in the letter.

 

He also demanded urgent action on the matter. As per the Senior Bhonsla Palace sources, two representatives are taking part in the auction process on behalf of Shrimant Dr Mudhoji Raje Bhonsle, even though he is not participating personally. The Basket-Hilt Sword (Khanda) bearing the name of Raje Raghuji Bhonsle (First), founder of the Nagpur Bhonsle Kingdom, has been put up for auction by Sotheby’s, a British auction house.

 

The auction house estimated the price of the sword to be between 6000 and 8000 GBP, nearly Rs 7 lakh to Rs 9 lakh in the Indian currency. On Monday, the bid price rose upto 11,000 GBP as per the website of the auction house. The sword features inscription in Devnagari script on the spine that suggests the sword to be made for Raje Raghuji Maharaj. The inscription also proudly mentions Raje Raghuji Bhonsle-I as ‘Sena Saheb Subha’ making it historically important artifact for the city.