Historic Sword of Brave Maratha Sardar Raghuji Bhonsle in Government Custody

Sword to Arrive in Mumbai on August 18

Mumbai, Aug 2025 :The Maharashtra government has acquired through auction the sword of Raghuji Bhonsle, founder of the Nagpur Bhonsle dynasty and one of the most important sardars (commanders) in the Maratha army during the reign of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar took possession of the sword today in London. The sword will arrive in Mumbai on Monday, August 18, 2025.

When news broke on April 28, 2025, that this historically significant sword would be up for auction, Minister Shelar promptly discussed the matter with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and plans were made to secure it for the government. Through coordination with the embassy, CM Fadnavis and Minister Shelar set up the necessary arrangements. Following the CM’s advice, Minister Shelar quickly appointed an intermediary, enabling the government to participate in and win the auction.

On behalf of the Government of Maharashtra, Minister Shelar met the intermediary in London, completed all legal formalities, and took possession of the sword. He remarked that this is the first time such a historic artifact taken abroad has been reclaimed through an auction, calling it a proud and historic victory for Maharashtra.

Large numbers of Marathi citizens in London were present to witness the handover, celebrating the occasion enthusiastically. Hemant Dalvi, Deputy Director of the Archaeology Department, was also part of the delegation.

After completing all legal procedures, the sword will arrive at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, at 10:00 a.m. on August 18, 2025. From there, it will be taken to the P. L. Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy in Dadar via a celebratory bike rally. On the same day, the cultural program Gad Garjana will be held in the presence of dignitaries.

Minister Shelar expressed special gratitude to CM Fadnavis, stating that under the leadership of the CM, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, this moment marks a historic achievement for the state.

Historical Significance of the Sword

Raghuji Bhonsle I (1695 – February 14, 1755) was the founder of the Nagpur Bhonsle dynasty and a prominent commander in the Maratha army during Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj’s reign. Impressed by Raghuji’s bravery and military strategy, Shahu Maharaj conferred on him the title Senasahibsubha. Raghuji Bhonsle I led campaigns against the Nawab of Bengal in 1745 and 1755, extending the Maratha Empire into Bengal and Odisha. He also established dominance over Chanda, Chhattisgarh, and Sambalpur, and defeated the Nawabs of Cuddapah and Kurnool, expanding Maratha influence in southern India. He is regarded as one of the most courageous Maratha commanders of the 18th century.

The Nagpur Bhonsles’ territories were rich in iron and copper mines, used for crafting both goods and weapons. The royal weapons of the Nagpur Bhonsles were known for their craftsmanship and beauty.

The sword auctioned in London is an excellent example of a Maratha-style firang sword. It features a straight, single-edged European-made blade, with the maker’s name inscribed near the hilt, and a Mulheri Ghat style hilt decorated with gold inlay work. On the back of the blade, near the base, is an inscription in Devanagari reading “Shrimant Raghoji Bhonsle Senasahibsubha Firang,” written in gold wash — indicating that the sword was made for or used by Raghuji Bhonsle. The sword’s pommel is wrapped with green cloth.

This sword is unique because most medieval Maratha weapons lacked decorative work or inscriptions naming the maker or owner, but Raghuji’s sword has both. Its European blade points to the 18th-century international arms trade in India.

Experts suggest that the sword may have left India either as part of the plunder after the British East India Company defeated the Nagpur Bhonsles in the 1817 Battle of Sitabuldi, or as a gift presented to the British during subsequent years when the Nagpur kingdom was annexed.