Latest news with #Rs47.15
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Bhosale Heir Envisions Maratha Legacy Museum in Nagpur To House Raghuji's Sword On Return from UK
1 2 Nagpur: In a push to reclaim a piece of Maratha history, Mudhoji Bhosale — descendant of Raghuji Raje Bhosale I — has offered to personally pay the full amount spent by the Maharashtra government to secure the warrior king's sword at a recent UK auction. He also pledged to cover transport and related formalities, making it clear he wants the artifact brought to Nagpur. "This is about legacy, not just ownership," Mudhoji said at a press conference at his Mahal residence on Wednesday. Beyond recovering the artifact, Mudhoji announced his long-term vision of establishing a grand Maratha legacy museum in the city with the sword as its centrepiece. Looking ahead, the family plans to establish the museum within the next four to five years. The museum would showcase arms, artifacts, cannons, which are currently at Mudhoji's residence, and the rich history of the Bhosale dynasty in Vidarbha. "We want a space where people can connect with our region's Maratha heritage," he added. Local voices have joined the call, urging the government to bring the sword to Nagpur's state-run museum or support the proposed legacy museum. Atul Guru of Durg Pratishthan, emphasized that cultural relevance matters. "We already have a state-run museum in Nagpur that displays artifacts linked to the region's Maratha and Vidarbha history. This sword belongs here. The recent display of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Wagh Nakh drew over 50,000 visitors to our museum. Imagine the response if we had Raghuji's sword on display permanently." The centuries-old sword was recently brought back into Indian hands after the Maharashtra government won a last-minute bid at a London auction, securing it for Rs47.15 lakh. Interestingly, the Bhosale family had also participated in the auction with two bids — Mandar Kadam and Ankur Singh, bidding up to Rs35 lakh before learning the state was also competing. "We didn't mind losing the bid as long as the sword came back to Maharashtra," said Mudhoji. "Now, our focus is to ensure it comes to Nagpur." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 10 Mysterious Photos That Cannot Be Explained True Edition Undo He said that best efforts will be made between the Bhosales and government officials, including chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and cultural affairs minister Ashish Shelar, to determine the sword's final location. A ceremonial homecoming is being planned once it returns from the UK. He also reflected on Nagpur's historical significance. "The Nagpur Bhosale kingdom once spanned over 2.17 lakh square kilometers. When the Mahal Palace burned, legend says the fire raged for six months. The British looted heavily, and the sword might have been taken by an officer during those raids or by a British officer later, who might have gifted it to his senior," he added.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Maharashtra Reclaims Raghuji Bhosale's Historic Sword in London Auction for Rs47.15 Lakh
1 2 3 4 5 6 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.
