The ‘wagh nakh’ or tiger claw-shaped weapon used by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was brought to Mumbai from a London museum. This wagh nakh will now be taken to Satara in western Maharashtra and put on display from Friday. “The wagh nakh has landed,” Mr Mungantiwar said but did not divulge any further details.
Shivaji’s Iconic ‘Wagh Nakh’
Why In News
- The ‘wagh nakh’ or tiger claw-shaped weapon used by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was brought to Mumbai from a London museum. This wagh nakh will now be taken to Satara in western Maharashtra and put on display from Friday. “The wagh nakh has landed,” Mr Mungantiwar said but did not divulge any further details.
What is the ‘Wagh Nakh’
- The ‘wagh nakh,’ literally translating to ‘tiger claws,’ is a unique medieval dagger used across the Indian subcontinent.
- This fearsome weapon featured four or five curved blades affixed to a glove or a bar, designed for personal defence or stealth attacks.
- Its sharp blades were capable of slicing through skin and flesh with ease.
Chhatrapati Shivaji’s Defense with the ‘Wagh Nakh’:
- Chhatrapati Shivaji faced Afzal Khan, a Bijapur general assigned to stop Shivaji’s strong campaigns in the Konkan. Khan suggested a peaceful meeting, but Shivaji, anticipating danger, came prepared.
- He concealed a ‘wagh nakh’ and wore chainmail (armour made from small metal rings) under his attire. When Khan attacked, Shivaji’s ‘wagh nakh’ struck, resulting in Khan’s death, ultimately securing Shivaji’s victory.
Journey to London
- The ‘wagh nakh’ made its way to London through James Grant Duff, an East India Company officer who served as the Company Resident of the Satara State. He received the weapon as a gift from the Prime Minister of the Peshwa of the Marathas.
All You Need To Know
- State Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar announced that the wagh nakh will be displayed at a museum in Satara from July 19, alongside other artefacts from the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
- The state government has heightened security measures for the artefact and established two committees, one in Mumbai and one in Satara, to oversee its transportation and exhibition arrangements.
- These committees comprise collectors, police officials, museum officials, and representatives from the Public Works Department.
- Dr. Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Director General of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), is leading the Mumbai committee responsible for the handling and display of the wagh nakh.
- According to a Government Resolution, the tiger claws have been loaned to Maharashtra by Victoria and Albert Museum for three years and will be exhibited in museums across the state.
