- Amid controversy over its authenticity, the iconic Wagh Nakh (tiger claws) used by Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was brought to India from London.
- Subsequently, the dagger would arrive in Satara, Maharashtra and be encased in a bulletproof cover.
- The weapons from the Victoria and Albert Museum commemorate the 350th anniversary of Shivaji’s ascension to the throne (1674).
- It will be displayed at the Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in Satara for seven months.
- The Culture Affairs Minister confirmed its use by Shivaji Maharaj.
- However, Maharashtra historian Indrajit Sawant claimed the original wagh nakh, used to kill Bijapur Sultanate general Afzal Khan in 1659, was already in Satara and that the artefact brought from London is a replica.
- The museum information does not confirm Shivaji Maharaj’s use of the artefact.
| The Killing of Afzal Khan • According to Sir Jadunath Sarkar’s ‘Shivaji and his Times’, Afzal Khan assembled a force of 10,000 cavalry and marched from Bijapur to Wai, plundering Chha. Shivaji’s territory en route. • In response, Chha. Shivaji convened a council of war at the fort of Pratapgarh, where most advisers urged for peace. Chha. Shivaji arranged a meeting with Khan. • Although there are disputes regarding the details of Afzal Khan’s death on November 10, 1659, it is undisputed that during the meeting, an embrace between the two turned into an attack, with Shivaji emerging victorious. • This victory was followed by the rout of the Adilshahi army by the Marathas. |
Dig Deeper: Get a chronological overview of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s political achievements like the Killing of Afzal Khan, Truce of Purandar, encounter with Shaista Khan, Agra Escape, ascension to throne, Dakshin Digvijay etc.
