Maharashtra Government Attempts To Get Chhatrapati Shivaji’s Sword Back For The 350th Anniversary of His Coronation

The Maharashtra government is in talks with the centre to initiate efforts to bring back a sword of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from Britain.

The state’s minister of Cultural Affairs Sudhir Mungantiwar also tweeted a video in this regard announcing that the ‘Jagadamb’ sword of the legendary ruler that is worshipped on Vijaya Dashami should be brought back. 

‘The gem stone and diamond studded precious sword had been taken away by the British. But that sword which has had the pious touch of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is invaluable for us,” said Mungantiwar.

So, we have begun written correspondence with the central government through the cultural affairs department, he added.

“We will also appeal that discussion be held with the Britain PM Shri Rishi Sunak for the return of the sword to Maharashtra. We are going to make efforts in this direction,” said Mungantiwar.

In 2024, the state is also gearing up for a grand celebration of the 350th anniversary of Shivrajyabhishek. “If ‘Jagadamb’ sword is returned to us on this occassion, it will surely help us celebrate in an even better way,” he added.

As per this video, by Malojirao Jagdale which shows rare footage of the sword, the sabre, is a straight, one-edged European blade, with two grooves on each side, in one of which “IHS” is stamped three times.

It‘s description reads as follows: ‘the raised steel supports at the hilt are damascened with gold in floral designs; the guarded hilt is of iron with a broad knuckle-gurad and a circular pommel, terminating in a spike and encrusted with heavy open-work floral decoration of gold, thickly set with large diamonds and rubies’.

As per the note, this was presented by ‘H.H the Maharaja of Kolapore as a relic of the Mahratta chief Sivaji, to whom it formerly belonged’.