Two years after the wagh nakh, a dagger resembling tiger claws believed to have been used by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to kill Afzal Khan, was brought to Maharashtra from London's Victoria and Albert Museum, it will now be relocated to Mumbai. The historic artifact will be exhibited at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) from November 2026. The state government has allocated Rs 20 lakh for moving the wagh nakh from Laxmi Vilas Palace in Kolhapur to CSMVS in Mumbai.
Committees Formed for Display and Security
The Maharashtra government has established two committees to oversee the display and security of the wagh nakh. One committee is for Mumbai, while the other covers the districts of Satara, Kolhapur, and Nagpur, where the artifact was originally scheduled to be displayed. These committees include local district collectors, police commissioners or superintendents, Public Works Department officials, and museum representatives. Their primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of the wagh nakh and develop plans for its public exhibition. The Mumbai committee is chaired by Dr. Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Director General of CSMVS.
Historical Background of the Wagh Nakh
The wagh nakh, made of steel, features four claws mounted on a bar with two rings designed for the first and fourth fingers. It was originally given to James Grant Duff, an officer of the East India Company, who served as the Resident (Political Agent) at Satara from 1818 to 1824. The Prime Minister of the Peshwas of the Marathas presented the tiger claws to Duff. After his tenure, Duff took the artifact to Britain, and his descendants later donated it to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The weapon is accompanied by a fitted case that was made after Grant Duff returned to Scotland.
Loan Agreement with V&A Museum
In October 2023, the Maharashtra government, led by then Minister for Cultural Affairs Sudhir Munganthiwar, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Victoria and Albert Museum to bring the wagh nakh back to India. The MoU outlined a three-year loan agreement for the unique pair of tiger claws. According to a V&A Museum spokesperson, the standard loan agreement is for three years and proposes that the tiger claws will travel to CSMVS as well as four other proposed venues. The wagh nakh was brought to India in July 2024 under this loan arrangement.
Significance of the Artifact
The wagh nakh holds immense historical significance as it is associated with the legendary encounter between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Afzal Khan, a pivotal event in Maratha history. Its display in Mumbai will allow a wider audience to view this iconic weapon. The state government's efforts to secure its return and exhibition underscore the cultural importance of preserving historical artifacts for public education and heritage.
