The ‘wagh nakh’ is a “fist-load, claw-like” dagger that is native to the Indian subcontinent. It is shaped to fit over the knuckles or be tucked under and against the palm. It is thought to have been influenced by the weapons used by large cats, and the Hindi word bagh nakh itself means “tiger’s claw.” According to recent reports, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s wagh nakh is coming to India for 3 years on loan!
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Wagh Nakh Is Coming To India!
According to reports, a British museum will lend India its renowned “wagh nakh” (also known as tiger claw), which belonged to Maratha Empire king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. As per the rumour, Maharashtra would receive the wagh nakh in November, according to Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar.
Afzal Khan had been killed by Shivaji Maharaj in 1659 with a tiger claw, often known as a knuckle duster. At the base of Pratapgarh fort, in what is now Maharashtra’s Satara district, Shivaji Maharaj killed Afzal Khan. The victory at the Battle of Pratapgad in 1659 marked a turning point in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s effort to build the Maratha Empire. The Marathas beat the Afzal Khan-led Adilshahi armies despite being outnumbered.
Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation took place 350 years ago this year. According to the Times of India, the tiger claw will go on exhibit in four museums. They include Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), Satara’s Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum, Nagpur’s Central Museum, and Kolhapur’s Lakshmi Vilas Palace.
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Team Of 11 Members Assigned To Bring It Back
According to the daily, an 11-member team was used by the Maharashtra government to organise the security and transportation arrangements for bringing back tiger claws from London.
On October 3, the Cultural Affairs Minister announced that he would travel to the UK and sign an MoU with the V&A Museum. Shivaji Maharaj killed Afzal Khan with a “wagh nakh” after he attacked Shivaji Maharaj in the back (during the meeting), according to Mungantiwar, who spoke to NDTV.
Further, he noted that they get their inspiration and energy from the wagh nakh. Additionally, the 350th anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation falls this year.
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Eknath Shinde, the chief minister of Maharashtra, will also be travelling to London for the signing of the MoU.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia