Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's ‘Wagh Nakh’: Will Return from UK

Maharashtra cultural affairs minister Sudhir Mungantiwar reiterated that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's dagger 'wagh nakh', an iron weapon used to kill Bijapur sultanate's general Afzal Khan in 1659 will likely be brought back to India from the United Kingdom in November. 

The ‘wagh nakh’ – an iron weapon shaped like tiger claws – was used by the Maratha leader to kill the Bijapur sultanate's general Afzal Khan. Designed to slash through skin and muscle, the small weapon is currently part of London's Victoria and Albert Museum. 

He also said efforts were also on to bring the famed 'Jagdamba' sword of the 17th century Maratha warrior king from a London museum.

Wagh Nakh is claw like dagger 

Wagh Nakh, sometimes also referred to as 'Bagh nakh' or 'Vagh nakhya' is a claw-shaped weapon which has its origins in India. The weapon is designed in a way that it can fit over the knuckles. 

• It consists of four to five sharp blades (nakh) which were used to cut through skin and muscle of the enemy. The weapon and its name 'bagh nakh' have drawn inspiration from the claws of big cats. Notably, 'bagh' is Hindi for tiger and 'Nakh' refers to tiger's claws.

Historical significance of Wagh Nakh

While it was never used as an official weapon, given its size and design, Wagh Nakh could be concealed effectively and be used to conduct assassinations.

• Its most famous use was made by the first Maratha leader Chhatrapati Shivaji who attacked Bijapur general Afzal Khan with a 'Wagh nakh'.
• Afzal Khan's powerful army was defeated by the Marathas using guerrilla warfare. Shivaji killed Khan using a ‘wagh nakh’, a sharp iron made weapon shaped like tiger claws in 1659.
• This happened when the two met at the foot of Pratapgad fort in present-day Satara district. Since then the episode has become a part of folklore.
• This year also marks the 350th anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj's coronation.

‘Jagdamba’  belonged to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

The ‘Jagdamba’ was the ceremonial sword that belonged to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Shivaji IV, the descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, had presented the sword ‘Jagdamba’, set with diamonds and rubies, to Albert Edward, who was then the Prince of Wales and would later ascend to the throne as King Edward VII in 1875-76. 

The sword is kept at Saint James’s Palace in London under the purview of the British Royal Family.