Mumbai: In a proud moment for Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the state government has successfully acquired the historic sword of Raje Raghuji Bhosale, the esteemed founder of the Bhosale dynasty of Nagpur. The sword, a symbol of Maratha valour and legacy, was recently auctioned in London and is now set to return to India.
Raje Raghuji Bhosale was a prominent military commander during the reign of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. Recognised for his exceptional war strategies and bravery, he was honoured with the title of ‘Senasahibsubha’. Raghuji Bhosale played a crucial role in expanding the Maratha Empire during the 1740s, leading successful military campaigns into Bengal and Odisha. He also established his military and political dominance in South India.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Post | X|@Dev_Fadnavis
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has bought a special old sword once owned by Raghujiraje Bhosale, a Maratha leader. The sword cost Rs 47.15 lakh and is a Maratha-style Firang with a European blade. It has gold writing on it, including the name “Srimant Raghoji Bhosale Senasahibsubha".
Raghujiraje Bhosale's Sword | X|@Dev_Fadnavis
CM Fadnavis said that in 1817, the British East India Company took many valuable things from the Bhosale family’s treasury in Nagpur, and this sword may have been one of them.
CM Fadnavis's Post | X|@Dev_Fadnavis
Due to technical constraints, the sword was purchased through an intermediary for Rs 47.15 lakh. The swift action was made possible by the collaborative efforts of Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, Additional Chief Secretary of the Cultural Affairs Department, and Vikas Kharge from the Chief Minister’s office.
An X post shared by the CM Devendra Fadnavis on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, saying this is a proud moment for Maharashtra. He added that bringing back such things is a way to honour and protect the state’s rich Maratha history.
