Nagpur: It has been a year since the Maharashtra government acquired the historic sword of Maratha general Shrimant Raghuji Bhonsle I at a London auction in April 2025 for over Rs 47 lakh. However, the prized artefact has still not reached Nagpur, leaving many waiting for its public display.
Significance of the Sword
Raghuji Bhonsle I founded the Bhonsle dynasty in Nagpur and was a key figure in the eastward expansion of the Maratha Empire into regions such as Bengal, Odisha, and parts of central India. When the government acquired the sword, it was hailed as a significant cultural recovery. But its journey to Nagpur has remained uncertain. Speculations over possible dates, including Dussehra and the end of 2025, have not materialized, and the wait for an official public display in Nagpur continues.
Current Location and Exhibitions
The artefact was exhibited in Mumbai in August last year and still remains there. At a recent event at the senior Bhonsle Palace in February, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured that the sword would come to Nagpur. He stated, "You decide the date — the sword will come to Nagpur on that date. I promise you."
Shrimant Mudhoji Raje Bhonsle, a descendant of Raghuji Bhonsle I, told TOI, "We are in constant touch with state authorities, including CM Fadnavis and Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar. The sword will soon be brought to Nagpur for public display."
Pending Formal Event
Sources indicated that Mudhoji Raje was in Mumbai last week and was scheduled to meet Shelar to discuss the matter. The only pending aspect is finalizing a mutually convenient date involving the Chief Minister, the Bhonsle family, the minister, and senior state officials. Once agreed upon, a formal public event is expected to be organized.
Cultural Symbol for Nagpur
For many in Nagpur, the sword is not merely a historical object but a symbol of the city's political and cultural origins. Its absence continues to be felt beyond ceremonial value. What was projected as a historic homecoming remains incomplete, leaving a sense of anticipation among the people.
