MoU Between India, UK To Retrieve Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Wagh Nakh, Will Be Displayed In Maharashtra Museums

Maharashtra's Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar has confirmed the return of wagh nakh to India by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the renowned Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

The historic wagh nakh, also known as tiger claws, is a martial weapon famously employed by the revered Maratha king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to kill Afzal Khan, the formidable General in the Bijapur Adil Shahi empire.

The Victoria and Albert Museum in London will loan the tiger claws to the Maharashtra government for a period of three years. During this period, it will be displayed at various museums within the state, the Indian Express reported.

Mungantiwar flew to London from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Sunday (1 October) night, after paying tribute to the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the airport.

During the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), State Industries Minister Uday Samant was also present.

Previously, Mungantiwar had announced that the tiger claws would be brought back to India from London as part of the 350th-anniversary celebration of Chhatrapati Shivaji's coronation.