In a momentous occasion marking the 350th anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s coronation, his renowned “tiger claw” weapon, known as wagh nakh, is set to make its way back to Maharashtra from London in November. This historical artifact played a pivotal role in Shivaji’s triumph over Bijapur sultanate’s general, Afzal Khan, in 1659.
Sudhir Mungantiwar, the Culture Minister of Maharashtra, is scheduled to arrive in London to finalize an agreement with the Victoria and Albert Museum for the return of the wagh nakh.
The precious relic is intended to be showcased at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in South Mumbai for a three-year exhibition.
The Battle of Pratapgad in 1659 marked a significant turning point in Shivaji’s quest to establish the Maratha Empire. Despite facing overwhelming odds, the Marathas emerged victorious, vanquishing the Adilshahi forces led by Afzal Khan. This victory elevated Chhatrapati Shivaji’s reputation as a brilliant military strategist.
Chhatrapati Shivaji’s legendary confrontation with Afzal Khan, culminating in his heroic feat at the foot of Pratapgarh fort in present-day Satara district, has become a symbol of his courage and cleverness in defeating a much larger and more formidable adversary.
Sudhir Mungantiwar remarked, “When Afzal Khan stabbed Shivaji Maharaj in the back during the meeting, Shivaji Maharaj used a ‘wagh nakh’ to eliminate the cruel and demonic Afzal Khan.
The wagh nakh serves as a source of inspiration and strength for us, especially in this year, which marks the 350th anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation.”