Mumbai: The legendary 'wagh nakh,' a fearsome weapon famously wielded by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during his historic victory over the Bijapur sultanate's general Afzal Khan in 1659, is poised to make its return to Maharashtra from London this November. This year holds particular significance as it marks the 350th anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji's coronation, and the 'tiger claw' weapon will be repatriated from London's Victoria and Albert Museum for a three-year exhibition commemorating this momentous occasion.

Sudhir Mungantiwar, the Culture Minister of Maharashtra, is set to arrive in London on Tuesday to formalize an agreement with the museum for the repatriation of this historically significant weapon. "In the first phase, we are bringing the wagh nakh. It should be brought here in November, and we are signing an MoU for that. Our effort is to bring it on the day when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj disemboweled Afzal Khan," Mr. Mungantiwar had announced earlier this month. The wagh nakh is expected to find its new home at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in south Mumbai.

The Battle of Pratapgad in 1659 marked a pivotal moment in Chhatrapati Shivaji's quest to establish the Maratha Empire. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Maratha forces emerged triumphant against the Adilshahi forces commanded by Afzal Khan, enhancing Chhatrapati Shivaji's reputation as a brilliant military tactician. Chhatrapati Shivaji's remarkable victory occurred at the foot of the Pratapgarh fort in what is now the Satara district of Maharashtra. This historic event has since become an integral part of folklore, symbolizing Chhatrapati Shivaji's indomitable courage and cunning in vanquishing a formidable adversary.

"When Afzal Khan stabbed Shivaji Maharaj in the back (during the meeting), Shivaji Maharaj used a 'wagh nakh' to kill the cruel, demonic Afzal Khan," Mr. Mungantiwar explained. "The wagh nakh serves as a wellspring of inspiration and strength for us, and this year also marks the 350th anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj's coronation," he added. However, the authenticity of the 'wagh nakh' has been a subject of debate in Maharashtra. History expert Inderjit Sawant has pointed out that the Victoria and Albert Museum's website contradicts the notion that Chhatrapati Shivaji employed the weapon. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has also raised questions regarding the authenticity of the 'wagh nakh.'

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