Maharashtra Reclaims Raghuji Bhosale's Historic Sword in London Auction for Rs47.15 Lakh
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Nagpur: In a proud moment for Maharashtra, the state govt successfully acquired the historic sword of Maratha warrior Raghuji Bhosale I at an international auction in London on Tuesday. The acquisition, which includes the cost of the auction, handling, transport, and insurance, amounted to Rs47.15 lakh, announced cultural affairs minister Ashish Shelar at a press conference in Mumbai.
Calling it a proud moment for the state, Shelar credited chief minister Devendra Fadnavis for leading a rapid and coordinated response to secure the prized artefact, including contacting the Indian embassy in London and securing the sword through mediated auction. "This is the first time our govt retrieved such a significant historical object from abroad," Shelar said.
TOI had reported on April 28 that the sword linked to Raghuji Bhonsle I was listed for auction at Sotheby's London as part of a high-profile collection of arms and armour. The listing described it as an 18th-century khanda, with an estimated value between £6,000 and £8,000 (roughly Rs6.3 to Rs8.4 lakh).
On Monday, Mudhoji Bhosale, currently residing in Nagpur and a descendant of Raghuji Raje, had written to the Prime Minister, home minister, chief minister, and culture minister, urging them to ensure the sword returns to Maharashtra, its rightful home. Following the letter, sources confirmed that a phone call took place between Mudhoji and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis at 1.50am on April 29 to discuss the matter. Mudhoji is also expected to address the media at a press conference on Wednesday.
Fadnavis said in a tweet, "I'm happy to share that the Maharashtra govt successfully brought back the historic sword of Raghuji Bhosale from a London auction. This priceless treasure, tied to the proud legacy of Nagpur and the Maratha Empire, will now return home. Thanks to the swift action by our cultural affairs team, this rare symbol of valour and heritage comes back where it belongs — in Maharashtra."
The sword is a rare example of the Maratha 'Firang' type — a straight, single-edged European blade with an intricately crafted Mulheri Ghat hilt, adorned in gold and wrapped in green cloth. Most notably, the sword bears a Devanagari inscription in gold: 'Srimant Raghoji Bhosale Senasahib Subha Firang', marking it as a personal weapon of Raghuji Bhosale I.
Experts believe the sword may have been taken out of the country during British looting after the Battle of Sitabuldi in 1817, when the East India Company defeated the Nagpurkar Bhosales and seized valuable artefacts from their treasury.
Raghuji Bhosale I (1695–1755) was a key military leader under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj and the founder of the Bhosale dynasty of Nagpur. His military campaigns helped expand the Maratha Empire into Bengal, Odisha, and parts of South India. He was honoured with the title 'Senasahibsubha' for his service. "This sword is not just a weapon — it is a symbol of Maratha legacy, resilience, and pride," Shelar said.
Sotheby's which conducted the auction on Tuesday, said on its portal that the basket-hilt sword (khanda) was sold for £38,100.
Raje Mudhoji Bhonsle of the Nagpur royal family congratulated and thanked the Maharashtra government for acquiring the sword. His representatives also took part in the bidding process on his behalf and had bid up to Rs35 lakh, the member of the erstwhile royal family told the media.
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