Maharashtra government has reclaimed historic sword of Maratha warrior Raghuji Bhonsle I by purchasing it at a London auction for ₹47.15 lakh. This sword is a significant symbol of Maratha heritage and the legacy of the Nagpur Bhonsles, marking a historic return of cultural property to India.
Key Features of Sword
- Type: Basket-hilt sword
- Blade:
- European-style
- Single-edged
- Slightly curved
- Two fullers (grooves along the blade)
- Inscription:
- Gold inlay inscription in Devanagari script
- Reads: “Shrimant Raghuji Bhosale Sena Saheb Subah Firang”
- Purpose: Sword was likely ceremonial and was conferred along with the title of Sena Saheb Subah by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj.
- The title “Sena Saheb Subah” was a high military rank in the Maratha Empire, granted by the Chhatrapatis of Satara along with a sword and robe.
How Did Sword Leave India?
- Likely taken as war loot or gifted after the Battle of Sitabuldi (1817).
- After the British defeated Nagpur Bhonsles in Sitabuldi:
- The Bhonsle treasury was looted by the British East India Company.
- Bhonsle Palace (Nagpur), larger than Shaniwar Wada (Pune), was set on fire and burned for six months.
- Battle led by General Sir Alexander Campbell under East India Company.
- Part of broader British victories including the Battle of Mahidpur against the Holkars.
Significance of Sword’s Return
- Symbolic reclamation of Maratha heritage and pride.
- Revives interest in the history of the Nagpur Bhonsles and Maratha expansion in eastern India.
- Highlights ongoing efforts to reclaim India’s cultural and historical artifacts from abroad.
About Raghuji Raje Bhonsle I
- Key Maratha leader in the 18th century.
- Supported by Chhatrapati Shahu in 1728 to assert control over family territories.
- Defeated his uncle Kanhoji in 1730 after the siege of Bham, establishing himself as the ruler of Nagpur.
- Expanded Maratha rule to:
- Berar
- Gondwana
- Odisha (secured under Maratha control in 1751 via treaty with Nawab Alivardi Khan)
- Significance in Odisha:
- Revived Shree Jagannath Temple’s activities
- Built 22 Dharamshalas
- Spent ₹20,000 annually for Rath Yatra
- Introduced Annachhatra charity scheme
- Built roads connecting Puri with the rest of India
- Led military campaigns in Bengal (1745–1755).
- Under his rule, Nagpurkar Bhonsles controlled 2.17 lakh sq. km, extending Maratha influence across present-day Odisha, Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh.
- Played a key role in reclaiming temples and restoring Hindu pilgrimage centers.
Who Were Bhonsles of Nagpur?
- One of the five principal Maratha royal clans (alongside Peshwe, Holkar, Gaikwad, Scindia).
- Claimed descent from Sisodia Rajputs of Udaipur.
- Known as Hinganikar Bhonsles, tracing lineage to an ancestor who rehabilitated Beradi village near Hingani (Pune district).
- Played an important role in Maratha expansion in Central and Eastern India.
- Sabaji Bhosle performed Shivaji Maharaj’s last rites as Sambhaji was imprisoned in Panhala fort.