We are well aware that British historic museums have loads and loads of Indian artifacts and statues. One of them is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s legendary dagger named ‘Wagh Nakh’ which has great historical significance for the state of Maharashtra. The great value of this tiger-clawed dagger comes from the fact that in the year 1659, it was used to kill Afzal Khan. Afzal was the general of the Bijapur Sultanate and by murdering him victory was for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Read more about its historical significance.
Know All About The Significance Of Wagh Nakh
In another Diplomatic success for Modi Govt, The UK authorities have agreed to return the ‘Wagh Nakh’, a dagger shaped like tiger claws which was used by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to kill Afzal Khan in 1659.#WaghNakh pic.twitter.com/1srGR6MqCX
— Ravindra Sonar (@RavindraSonar22) September 9, 2023
- The dagger’s name, Wagh Nakh, is enough to point out the way it is shaped. In English, it translates to “tiger’s claw” because it is influenced by the claws of big cats like lions and tigers.
- According to information provided on the Victoria and Albert Museum’s website, James Grant Duff an East India Company officer owned it and brought it to England. He worked as the Resident of the Satara State in the year 1818.
- “The ‘Wagnuck’ of Sivajee With Which He Killed the Moghul General. This Relic was given to Mr. James Grant-Duff of Eden When he was Resident at Satara By the Prime Minister of the Peshwa of the Marathas” was inscribed on the case of this dagger.
A significant diplomatic victory!
The UK authorities have agreed to return the #WaghNakh, a dagger shaped like tiger claws which was used by #ChhatrapatiShivajiMaharaj to kill Afzal Khan in 1659.
Currently, Wagh Nakh is in Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
Yet another… pic.twitter.com/jb8Uj4U0kg
— Upasna Mohapatra (@UpasnaMohapatra) September 8, 2023
- It is a special dagger that is to be concealed in the hand or worn on fingers. It has four or five curving blades meant to slice through the flesh.
- The Maratha Emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj killed Afzal Khan in 1659 with this amazing sword and the rest is history for Maharashtra.
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The Crucial History Of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Wagh Nakh
Another Diplomatic Triumph for India! 🇮🇳🌟
The UK authorities have consented to return the ‘Wagh Nakh’ – a tiger-claw-shaped dagger wielded by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1659 to kill Afzal Khan.
A historic artefact is coming back to India! 🐯🗡️#CulturalHeritage… pic.twitter.com/ycok5fEdgn
— Norbert Elikes (@NorbertElikes) September 8, 2023
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj decided to pretend to negotiate with Afzal Khan after a crucial battle with the army of Bijapur. Shivaji Maharaj was aware of the fact that Afzal Khan intended to assassinate him during the encounter. Therefore he secretly carried a dagger in his left sleeve and had Wagh Nakh in his right hand.
- Shivaji Maharaj took a daring step that contributed to his and Maharashtra’s triumph. This action made him establish the Wagh Nakh as a legendary weapon in the history of Maharashtra.
- Just as they were about to give each other a hug as a greeting, Shivaji Maharaj quickly pierced Khan’s back with the Wagh Nakh and then struck him with a dagger, when Khan went to stab him.
- Afzal Khan’s guts were ripped out and he was then beheaded later. Therefore, it was used as a defence weapon.
The Dagger Is Finally Coming To India
The United Kingdom authorities have agreed to return the legendary Wagh Nakh, a dagger shaped like tiger claws.#ReturnOfTigerClaw pic.twitter.com/AfKsID3Kbb
— Radhika (@Its_Radhika5) September 9, 2023
The great Wagh Nakh will make its return to Maharashtra, India for three years. It will move around different museums of the state for display. Maharashtra’s Cultural Affairs Minister, Sudhir Mungantiwar, will visit the popular Victoria and Albert Museum in London to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Kingdom’s authorities. The historic artifact will come to Maharashtra later this year.
If you are a history buff and an ardent follower of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj then witnessing this classic piece of the historical artifact should be on your bucket list as soon as it arrives in Maharashtra.
Also Read: From Matsya To Vamana, This Boutique Art Hotel In Maharashtra Has Vishnu-Themed Rooms
So, who will go along with to see the weapon once held by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj?
Cover Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
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