Sword of Raghuji-1 Bhonsale to be brought to India on Aug 18

 

 

 

The sword of Raghuji-1 Bhonsale, the founder of the Bhonsale dynasty in Nagpur and an important Sardar in the Maratha army during the time of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, was won by the Maharashtra Government in an auction. The sword will arrive in India on Monday, August 18. Cultural Affairs Minister Adv Ashish Shelar took possession of the sword in London on Monday. The sword will arrive in Mumbai on August 18. As soon as the news that the said sword, which contains historical documents, was put up for auction, reached Maharashtra on April 28, 2025, the Cultural Affairs Minister Adv Ashish Shelar swung into action.

 

He immediately discussed with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and made arrangements to get the said sword for the Government. After contacting the embassy, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Adv Ashish Shelar themselves set up a planning and communication mechanism in this regard late that night. Adv Ashish Shelar immediately appointed an intermediary and the Government participated in this auction as per the instructions from Fadnavis and won the auction for Rs 47.15 lakh. After meeting the intermediary, who won the auction on behalf of the Maharashtra Government in London and completing its legal matters, Adv Ashish Shelar took possession of this sword. This is the first time that a historical object that went abroad has been won at an auction. Expressing happiness, Adv Shelar said, “I was fortunate enough to take possession of this historical sword, which is a witness to many feats. This is a historic victory for the whole of Maharashtra.

 

When this sword was taken away today, a large number of Marathi citizens were also present in London. They celebrated the event.” Hemant Dalvi, Deputy Director of the Archaeological Department of the Government of Maharashtra, accompanied Adv Shelar in this visit. Meanwhile, after completing all the legal matters, this sword will arrive at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Mumbai Airport on Monday, August 18 at 10 am. In the presence of Cultural Affairs Minister Adv Ashish Shelar himself, a bike rally will be held and the sword will be brought to Dadar’s P L Deshpande Kala Akademi. On the same day, a programme called ‘Gad Garjana’ will be held in the presence of dignitaries. Adv Ashish Shelar expressed special gratitude to the Chief Minister for this success achieved by the Maharashtra Government. Adv Ashish Shelar added, “This is a happy development and of immense joy. The Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar will be etched in history books.

 

Sword to come to Nagpur  The historical sword given to Raghuji-1 Bhonsale who established Bhonsale dynasty in 1735 in Nagpur, will be brought to Nagpur. Raje Dr Mudhoji Bhonsale, the descendent of Raghuji-1 Bhonsale said, “I will be going to Mumbai on August 18 to welcome the sword. Afterwards, it will brought to Nagpur. For some time, the sword will be put in Bhonsala palace and then will be shifted to Central Museum.” Raje Mudhoji Bhonsale expressed gratitude towards Maharashtra Government, especially Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Cultural Affair Minister Adv Ashish Shelar and others.