Mumbai: A significant and historic artefact of the Maratha Empire, the sword of Raje Raghuji Bhonsle, founder of the Nagpur Bhonsle dynasty, was recently put up for auction. The Maharashtra state government purchased the sword on April 29, and it has now officially come into the government’s possession.
State Minister for Cultural Affairs, Ashish Shelar, accepted the sword in London. Due to certain technical reasons, the acquisition had to be made through an intermediary. All legal procedures were completed via this intermediary, and it has been taken into possession.
In a post shared on X by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, he mentioned, "A valuable and historical treasure of our Maratha Empire, the historic sword of Raje Raghuji Bhonsle, the founder of the Nagpur Bhonsle dynasty, was put up for auction. After the state government purchased it on April 29, it has now officially come into the possession of the state government today."
The sword is expected to arrive in Maharashtra soon, where it will remain under the permanent custody of the state government. Notably, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj had bestowed the title of ‘Senasahibsubha’ upon Raje Raghuji Bhonsle.
Raje Raghuji Bhonsle was known for leading several successful military campaigns, extending the Maratha Empire’s reach into Bengal and Odisha, and asserting political and military dominance in South India.
The sword itself is a remarkable specimen of the Maratha-style Firang sword. It features a single-edged blade with intricate gold engravings. Crafted in Europe, such blades were highly esteemed during that period. At the base of the blade’s spine, the inscription ‘Shrimant Raghoji Bhonsle Senasahibsubha’ is etched in gold.
Experts believe the sword was likely taken during the East India Company’s plundering of the Bhonsle treasury in Nagpur in 1817. The state government now proudly holds this cultural treasure, and special appreciation goes to Minister Ashish Shelar and his team for their dedicated efforts in bringing it back.
