Shivaji Maharaj's Wagh Nakh Returns to Maharashtra | 19 Jul 2024

Recently, the wagh nakh, a wartime weapon used by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has been transported to Mumbai from London's Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum.

The tiger claws have been loaned to Maharashtra by the Victoria and Albert Museum for three years and will be exhibited in museums across the state, as per a Government Resolution.
The 'Wagh Nakh' or tiger claws is a mediaeval dagger used in the Indian subcontinent, with curved blades affixed to a glove or bar for personal defence or stealth attacks. It is capable of slicing through skin and flesh with ease.
- The wagh nakh was used by Shivaji Maharaj to kill Afzal Khan, the general in the Bijapur Adil Shahi empire.
Shivaji was born on 19th February 1630 in Pune District, Maharashtra. He fought important battles like the Battle of Pratapgad, Battle of Pavan Khind, Sacking of Surat, Battle of Purandar, Battle of Sinhagad, and Battle of Sangamner.
- He took on titles like Chhatrapati, Shakakarta, Kshatriya Kulavantas, and Haindava Dharmodhhaarak.
- Shivaji established a centralised administration with a council of eight ministers (Ashtapradhan) and divided his kingdom into four provinces.
- He abolished the Jagirdari System and implemented the Ryotwari System for revenue administration. He died in Raigad in 1680.