Mumbai, September 30: The Maharashtra government led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is all set to bring back the famed "wagh-nakh" of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The "wagh-nakh" or tiger claws, as it is known, were used by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to kill Afzal Khan, the General of Bijapur Sultanate, in 1659. The historical weapon will be brought from a museum in the United Kingdom. Notably, the "wagh-nakh" is part of a popular folklore when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj deployed it to kill Afzal Khan.

Where Will Wagh Nakh Be Displayed?

As per a government resolution (GR) issued by the cultural affairs department, the "wagh-nakh" will be given to Maharashtra by the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum on a loan for three years. The GR also stated that the "tiger claws" used by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will be displayed at four museums. These museums include Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) in Mumbai, Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in Satara, Central Museum in Nagpur, and Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Kolhapur. Historic Wagh Nakh Dagger of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj To Return From Britain in November, Says Maharashtra Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar.

According to a report in the Times of India, the Eknath Shinde-led government has formed an 11-member committee to plan the security and transport arrangements in order to bring back the tiger claws from London. The committee is also expected to finalise the plans for the exhibition of the tiger claws and public engagements across Maharashtra. Earlier, Sudhir Mungantiwar, Cultural Affairs Minister and BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar had said that the "wagh-nakh" would be brought to the city in November 2023.

The report also stated that Mungantiwar will visit the UK on October 3 and sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the V&A Museum. At present, the "wagh-nakh" is on display at the V&A Museum. While the weapon is expected to arrive in the country in November, it's important to understand what "wagh-nakh" really is and its importance in Maharashtra's history. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Coronation Anniversary 2023: Maratha Warrior a Different Historical Hero Owing to His ‘Vision’, Says PM Narendra Modi (Watch Video).

What Is the 'Wagh-Nakh' Made Of?

As per experts, the "wagh-nakh" or tiger claws are made of iron and have four sharp claw-like protrusions attached to a bar. The iconic weapon used by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj also has two rings built on it so that it can fit on two fingers. The deadly tiger claws are currently on display at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

In an official statement, the V&A Museum said that the display of the "wagh-nakh" in India could lead to new research into the history of the weapon. Besides the tiger claws, the state government has plans to bring back the Maratha warrior's Jagdamba Sword too.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 30, 2023 10:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).