August 18, 2025, marks a historic event for Mumbai as the prestigious sword of the Maratha royal Raghuji Bhonsle returned home after two centuries. This repatriation is a remarkable event for the entire nation and is being hailed as a “historic victory for all of Maharashtra”. This is one of the most significant recoveries of the cultural heritage for the state, underscoring India’s commitment to reclaim its invaluable heritage across the world.
The Legendary Raghuji Bhonsle
Shrimant Raje Raghuji Bhonsle I (1695-1755) founded the Nagpur Bhonsle dynasty in 1730. He served as a Maratha commander under the reign of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. Bhonsle was also given the title of ‘Senasahib Subha’ for his acts of bravery as a commander, meaning ‘Lord of the provinces and the army’.
Raguji Bhonsle is credited with his contributions in Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj’s military campaigns against the Nawab of Bengal in 1745 and 1755, and subsequently for extending the geographical extent of the Maratha Empire to Bengal and Odisha. He also played a pivotal role in conquering Chanda, Chhattisgarh and Sambalpur, and in gaining victory over the Nawabs of Cuddapah and Kurnool. This helped in establishing Maratha control over the South as well.
Raghuji Bhonsle was only defeated in 1817 by the British East India Company at Sitabuldi. After his defeat in the Sitabuldi battle, Nagpur was annexed, and the treasury was looted. Following this, Bhonsles are believed to be sending tributes and gifts to the British to maintain their royalty.
The Tale of the Sword
The Bhonsle dynasty controlled the large mineral-rich region of Nagpur. The abundance of iron and copper in the region made it a hub of skilled craftsmanship, particularly in the manufacture of formidable weapons. The quality and aesthetic of the weaponry of the Bhonsles are renowned around the world. This sword demonstrates the same. According to scholars, the war loot by the British in 1817 resulted in shifting the ownership of the sword. Or another possibility could be that the sword was presented to the British as a gift by the Bhonsles.
The sword is an exclusive example of sheer craftsmanship. The Maratha-style Firangi sword has a straight, single-edged European blade, along with a gold-inlaid Milheri hilt. There is a Devnagari inscription on the spine of the blade, reading, “Shreemant Raghoji Senasahib Subha Firang”. The hilt is beautifully decorated in gold koftgari work, with the rounded pommel wrapped in green cloth.
Homecoming of the Historic Artifact
The sword came back to popular attention in April when it was unexpectedly put up for auction on the 28th of the month. The government saw an opportunity and gracefully grabbed it, bringing pride to the entire nation. After the announcement of the auction, the Minister of Cultural Affairs discussed the matter with Devendra Fadnavis, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, and together, the government quickly worked with the Indian Embassy to lead to this historic victory.
The Government of Maharashtra has gained ownership of the sword after purchasing it in an auction in London. The artifact of Maratha valour was purchased for INR 47.15 lakh. The people have been eagerly waiting for the sword to arrive at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, at 10 am.
Celebration Begins
As a gesture of celebrating the homecoming of the legendary sword, Mumbai will be witnessing the great ‘Gad Garjana’ programme, being organised by PL Deshpande Kala Academy, Mumbai. This will be followed by a special event, “Sena Saheb Parakram Darshan”, jointly organised by the Department of Cultural Affairs, Department of Archaeology and Museums, the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, and the Maharashtra Kala Academy. It will be presided over by dignitaries like Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. The exhibit is free for the public to celebrate the legacy of the Maratha culture.
The exclusive artifact will be displayed at the Ajab Bangla, Nagpur. This future display request has been proposed by Mudhoji Bhonsle, a descendant of the Bhonsle dynasty. This exhibition will be open for the public from 11 AM to 7 PM from August 19 to August 25, 2025.
Sword Exhibition at Nagpur Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Exhibition of Raghuji Bhonsle Sword |
| Venue | Ajab Bangla, Nagpur |
| Proposed By | Mudhoji Bhonsle, descendant of the Bhonsle dynasty |
| Exhibition Dates | August 19 – August 25, 2025 |
| Timings | Open daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM |
| Public Access | Exhibition is free for the public to view the historic artifact |
Reference:
Raghuji Bhonsle Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
