The Priceless historic artifact Wagh Nakh which was used by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to be brought back to India from the United kingdoms.
As stated by the officials, The wagh nakh is made of steel and has four claws mounted on top of the bar with two rings for the first and fourth fingers.
State Cultural Affairs Minister of Maharashtra Mungantiwar informed, “We have received confirmation from UK authorities that they are willing to return Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s ‘wagh nakh.’ We are considering bringing it back to coincide with the anniversary of Shivaji’s slaying of Afzal Khan, based on the Hindu calendar. We are also exploring alternative dates and making arrangements for the transportation of the ‘wagh nakh.”
Adding to this he said “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s ‘wagh nakh’ is a priceless historical treasure, and the emotions of the people of the state are deeply connected to it. The transfer must be carried out with the utmost personal responsibility and care.”
Later this month, Sudhir Mungantiwar along with Dr Vikas Kharge (Principal Secretary, Culture), and Dr. Tejas Garge (Director of the State’s Directorate of Archaeology and Museums) will visit the Victoria and Albert Museum and other museums in London and sign a Memorandum Of Understanding ( MoU).
According to CNBCTV18.com, In 1659, during a pivotal face-off against the Bijapur army, Shivaji Maharaj decided to meet Afzal Khan under the pretense of negotiation. Secretly, he carried a dagger in his left sleeve and concealed the Wagh Nakh in his right hand, as he was aware of plans of Khan to kill him during the meeting.
As the two leaders approached each other for a formal, unarmed embrace as a sign of peace, Shivaji Maharaj swiftly used the Wagh Nakh to pierce Khan’s back and then followed up with a dagger strike. This bold and strategic move by Shivaji Maharaj helped secure his victory and left a lasting mark in history for the Wagh Nakh as a symbol of victory.
