Wagh Nakh of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to Grace Central Museum
Nagpur, India- The renowned "Wagh Nakh," a knuckle-duster adorned with metallic nails reminiscent of the tiger claws symbolizing the bravery of the great warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from the 17th century, is set to be exhibited at the Central Museum in Nagpur for public viewing. This artefact, used by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to Kill Afzal Khan, a brutal General in the Bijapur Adilshahi empire in 1659, holds significant historical importance.
Following an agreement signed by Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar and Dr Tristram Hunt, the Director of the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, the "Wagh Nakh" will be returned to Maharashtra for three years. Correspondence initiated by the Maharashtra Government with the Victoria and Albert Museum, involving officials such as Imogen Stone and Alan Gammell, paved the way for the retrieval of this historic weapon. Originally in the possession of James Grant Duff, an officer of the East India Company and purported Resident agent of the Satara state in 1818, the "Wagh Nakh" found its way to the Victoria and Albert Museum through one of Duff's descendants.
Mayuresh Khadke, the Curator of the Central Museum, confirmed Nagpur's inclusion among the museums scheduled to showcase the "Wagh Nakh" to the public. Additionally, the Maharashtra Government is actively pursuing the return of "Jagdamba," Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's ceremonial sword, from the United Kingdom. This sword, along with a set of diamonds and rubies, was presented by Shivaji IV to Albert Edward, then Prince of Wales and future King Edward VII, during his visit to India in 1875-76. Plans to display the "Wagh Nakh" across various museums in the state are underway and will be announced soon.
