Maharashtra’s Cultural Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar is all set to bring back the legendary weapon belonging to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj known as ‘ Wagh Nakh ( Tiger Claw)’ from London to Maharashtra.
To commemorate the occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s coronation, the weapon will be brought back in November 2023 to mark the 350th anniversary of Shivaji’s coronation this year. However, it will be brought back on loan for three years ,not permanently.
The weapon will be brought back from Victoria and Albert Museum in London.Sudhir Mungantiwar will arrive in London on Tuesday to sign the agreement regarding return of the weapon.
Sudhir said that in the first phase they are bringing back the Wagh Nakh or Tiger Claw weapon and he is signing an MoU to bring back the weapon in November. He also said ,” Our effort is to bring it on the day when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj disemboweled Afzal Khan.”The Tiger Claw weapon is expected to be placed in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in South Maharashtra.
Let’s look at the history of Tiger Claw of Shivaji Maharaj
The Wagh Nakh is a claw-like dagger consisting of four or five curved blades affixed to a glove. It is designed to slash through the skin and muscles of the enemy and is inspired by the armament of Big cats as the name of the weapon itself suggests. It is designed to wear on the knuckles.
The Wagh Nakh or Tiger claw weapon is said to be used by Chhatrapati Shivaji to defeat Afzal Khan who was Bijapur Sultanate’s general in 1659.
According to a folklore , in 1659 , the battle of Pratapgarh happened which resulted in the victory of Marathas even though the Maratha army troupe was smaller than Bijapur Sultanate’s army. This battle proved to be a turning point in Shivaji Maharaj’s campaign to establish the Maratha Empire.The victory boosted Shivaji’s reputation as a brave and brilliant military strategist.
Shivaji killed general Afzal Khan at the foot of Pratapgarh fort. The fort is now present in the Satara district of present day Maharashtra. This war is said to be a symbol of bravery on the side of Chhatrapati Shivaji in defeating the Bijapur army in spite of them being large in number.
Also , there are other conflicting reports of the time period when the weapon first appeared. Some say that it was used by Rajput clans for assassinations. It is also used by Nihang Sikhs who wear it in their turbans and Nihang women who carry the Wagh Nakh along with them while going alone to dangerous areas.
The Wagh Nakh was also used by wrestlers in claw wrestling, a form of wrestling which used to happen under British rule. M. Rousselete, while visiting Baroda in 1864 ,described claw wrestling as one of the Raja’s favourite forms of entertainment.Even though this folklore is said to be true, people are debating on the authenticity of the weapon.
Inderjit Sawant , a history expert, said that the Victoria and Albert Museum’s website states that the weapon was not at all used by Chhatrapati Shivaji. Even Aaditya Thackeray, the leader of Shiv Sena ,has also questioned the authenticity of the Wagh Nakh.
