The Maharashtra Govt successfully acquires the historic sword of Maratha Sardar Raghuji Bhosale through a London auction !

Mumbai – The Maharashtra government has succeeded in acquiring the historic sword of Raghuji Bhosale, the founder of the Bhosale family in Nagpur and a brave Maratha Sardar of the era of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, at an auction in London.State Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar informed the media that he, in consultation with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, participated in the London auction and successfully acquired the historic sword of Maratha Sardar Raghuji Bhosale.

The total estimated cost, including the sword’s purchase price, transportation to India, insurance, and associated expenses, amounts to ₹47.15 lakh.Sardar Raghuji Bhosale of Nagpur fought valiantly against the East India Company at the Battle of Sitabardi in 1817. Following the Company’s victory, the Bhosale treasury was looted, and with the subsequent annexation of the Nagpur princely state, the East India Company continued to receive gifts and tributes from the region over time. Experts believe that the historic sword may have found its way to London through this chain of events.

Characteristic of the sword

This Maratha Firang sword showcases a straight, single-edged European blade bearing the name of its manufacturer. Paired with a gold-engraved Mulheri Ghat hilt, the sword exemplifies the Maratha tradition of combining foreign blades with locally crafted hilts. Such weapons were favored by Indian elites in the medieval period, reflecting both martial utility and status.The sword features a Devanagari inscription at the bottom of the back of the blade, written in gold ink, which reads, ‘SrimantRaghoji Bhosale SenasahibsubhaFirang’. This inscription indicates that the sword was either made for or used by Raghuji Bhosale. The blade itself bears this important historical information, confirming its association with the Maratha leader. Additionally, the sword’s Mulheri-style hilt is adorned with an exquisite gold water-based Koftagari pattern.The European-made blade of the sword highlights the significant role of the international arms trade in India during the 18th century, reflecting the exchange of weaponry between Europe and the Indian subcontinent during this period.

The Remarkable Feat of Sardar Raghuji Bhosale

Impressed by the bravery and strategic acumen of Sardar Raghuji Bhosale (1695 – 14 February 1755), Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj honored him with the prestigious title of ‘Senasahibsubha’. Raghuji Bhosale I played a pivotal role in expanding the Maratha Empire, leading successful military campaigns against the Nawab of Bengal in 1745 and 1755, which resulted in the Maratha Empire extending its influence into Bengal and Odisha. Additionally, he defeated the Nawab of Cuddapah and the Nawab of Kurnool in South India, solidifying Maratha dominance in the region.Raghuji Bhosale is regarded as one of the most courageous Maratha warriors of the 18th century.