• By Abhishek Sheoran
  • Sun, 01 Oct 2023 03:10 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji’s ‘Wagh Nakh’ (the tiger claw) is set to return to India in November from London. Maharashtra Culture Minister, Sudhir Mungantiwar, will reach London on Tuesday to sign a deal with the British museum, which will ensure the return of the rare artefact, reported NDTV.

Also read: Una Officials To Take Action Against Child Begging Nexus Ahead Of Navratri

As per reports, the Maharashtra government has formed an 11-member committee to plan security and transport arrangements to bring back tiger claws from London.

The weapon has a historic significance as it was used by Chhatrapati Shivaji to vanquish Bijapur sultanate’s general Afzal Khan in the 1659 Battle of Pratapgad. This was the turning point of the establishment of the Maratha Empire.

As this year marks the 350th anniversary of  Chhatrapati Shivaji, the tiger claw will be brought back from London's Victoria and Albert Museum to be showcased for a three-year exhibition to commemorate the event. It is expected to be housed at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in south Mumbai.

Earlier, the Ministry of Culture announced the return of the ‘glorious heritage’ calling it a big victory of India’s diplomatic efforts.

“Our Glorious Heritage ReturnsGet ready to witness history in the making as the legendary 'Wagh Nakh' of Chhatrapati #ShivajiMaharaj, is all set to make its triumphant return to where it truly belongs,” the ministry wrote.

“Repatriation of our treasured artefacts is a big win for India's diplomatic efforts,” it added.   

However, many people have raised questions over the authenticity of the weapon. Inderjit Sawant, a history expert, said the Victoria and Albert Museum website states that Chhatrapati Shivaji did not use the aforementioned weapon to execute Afzal Khan.

Also read: UP Woman Stripped And Beaten By Husband, Brother In-Laws; Five Arrested As Victim Alleges Repeated Sexual Abuse

The government is vehemently making attempts to bring back the artefact that has cultural as well as sentimental value. As per the Centre, as many as 240 such ancient objects have been brought back to the country in the last nine years.