Government of Maharashtra, under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has successfully secured the historic sword associated with Raje Raghuji Bhonsle (First), founder of the Bhonsle Kingdom in Nagpur. The sword was put up for auction on Tuesday by Sotheby’s, an auction house in London, and the Government has secured the sword through a proxy representative for cost of 38,100 GBP (Pounds) or approximately Rs 43.50 lakh in Indian currency. The auction house had originally estimated the cost of the sword to be somewhere between 6000 to 8000 GBP. Ashish Shelar, Minister for Cultural Affairs, informed in a press conference that this is the first instance when a historic artifact has been secured and brought back from an auction abroad. He credited CM Devendra Fadnavis for the success.

 

The news of auction of the sword was highlighted by ‘The Hitavada’ on Monday. Shrimant Dr Mudhoji Raje Bhonsle wrote a letter to Chief Minister, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Ashish Shelar for their assistance in securing the sword by stopping the auction. The State Government, taking the notice of the matter, swung into action immediately and entrusted Vikas Kharge with securing the sword in coordination with Indian Consulate in London. A representative participated in the auction on behalf of the Government and placed the winning bid after the the auction started at 3 pm IST on Tuesday. The sword is expected to cost Rs 47.15 lakh including its original cost, handling, transportation, and insurance costs. Ashish Shelar stated that this moment would be recorded as a significant historical achievement under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Shrimant Dr Mudhoji Raje Bhonsle has expressed his gratitude towards the Government for their swift action.

 

He said, “CM Devendra Fadnavis had called us to inform that Government will take all necessary actions to secure the historic sword, and they delivered the results. We also had Ankur Singh and Indrajit Sawant representating us in the auction process, and they bid till the value reached Rs 35 lakh.” He also said that the sword will be displayed for public soon. Raje Raghuji Bhonsle (First) was the founder of the Bhonsle dynasty of Nagpur and an important ‘Sardar’ in the Maratha army during the reign of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. Impressed by Raje Raghuji Bhonsle’s valour and military strategy, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj bestowed upon him the title of ‘Senasaheb Subha’. He led successful military campaigns against the Nawab of Bengal in 1745 and 1755, extending the Maratha Empire’s influence to Bengal and Odisha. Furthermore, during his rule, Raje Raghuji Bhonsle (First) established his dominance over the regions of Chanda, Chhattisgarh, and Sambalpur. He also defeated the Nawab of Cuddappah and the Nawab of Kurnool in South India, establishing a strong military and political presence. The geographical boundaries of the Nagpur Bhonsles were rich in iron and copper mines, which were extensively used for crafting both everyday objects and weaponry. The royal arms of the Nagpur Bhonsle dynasty represent a unique blend of craftsmanship and aesthetics. The sword of Raje Raghuji Bhonsle (First), which was auctioned in London today, is an excellent example of the Maratha ‘Firang’ style sword. It features a straight, single-edged blade and a hilt of the ‘Mulheri Ghat’ design adorned with gold inlay work.

 

The blade is of European make, and the name of the manufacturing company is inscribed near the ricasso. European-made blades were highly sought after by the elite in medieval India. On the spine of the blade, near the base, the Devanagari inscription ‘Shrimant Raghuji Bhonsle Senasaheb Subha Firang’ is written in gold. This inscription on the blade indicates that the sword was either made for or used by Shrimant Raje Raghuji Bhonsle (First). This Firang sword of Shrimant Raje Raghuji Bhonsle (First) holds significance for multiple reasons. Most medieval Maratha weapons typically lacked or had minimal ornamentation and inscriptions of the maker’s or user’s name, making this sword an exception to both these characteristics. The European origin of the blade points towards the international arms trade prevalent in 18th century India. The Nagpur Bhonsles fought against the East India Company at Sitabuldi in 1817. Following the East India Company’s victory in this battle, they looted the treasury of the Nagpur Bhonsles, which included numerous valuable items, jewellery, and weapons. After the annexation of the Nagpur state, the East India Company also received tributes and gifts from time to time. Experts suggest that Shrimant Raje Raghuji Bhonsle’s sword likely left the country either as part of the spoils of war or as a gift presented to the British.