The Wagh Nakh, believed to have been used by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to kill Bijapur general Afzal Khan at Pratapgad, will have its stay extended at the Kolhapur museum until the end of October. The state government decided to prolong the display of the artifact, which was brought from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, due to the tremendous public response.
Visitor Turnout and Exhibition Details
Since the Wagh Nakh arrived in Kolhapur in October last year, approximately 1.5 lakh people have visited the museum to see it. After its stint in Kolhapur, the final stop in India before the artifact returns to London will be at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sanghrahalay in Mumbai, where it will be on display until June 2027.
Journey of the Wagh Nakh in India
After being brought to India, the Wagh Nakh was first exhibited at a museum in Satara, followed by Nagpur, and then Kolhapur. The Victoria and Albert Museum has lent the artifact to the Maharashtra government for a period of three years. Security arrangements are being handled by the Maharashtra Security Force.
Uday Surve, assistant curator of the Kolhapur museum, stated, "Around 1,500 people visit the museum daily to see the Wagh Nakh and the Shivshourya Shastra Gatha, an exhibition of weapons used during Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's time."
Location and Additional Attractions
The museum is located in the Laxmi Vilas Palace of Kasba Bawada, the birthplace of Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj. The state government has converted the palace into a memorial, which is also drawing significant crowds.
