Raghuji Bhosale I

Source: TOI

Context: The Maharashtra government successfully reclaimed the 18th-century ceremonial sword of Raghuji Bhosale I at auction in London for ₹47.15 lakh, including all costs.

• It is believed to be war loot post-Battle of Sitabuldi (1817) or gifted to the British.

About Raghuji Bhosale I:

• Founder of the Nagpur-based Bhosale dynasty, active during the early 18th century.

• Loyal Maratha general under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj.

• Controlled eastern regions like Chhattisgarh, Sambalpur, Chanda, and parts of Odisha and Bengal.

• His dynasty ruled over the mineral-rich Vidarbha region known for iron and copper.

• Led successful military expeditions in Bengal (1745, 1755) and South India, defeating the Nawabs of Kurnool and Cuddapah.

• Honoured with the title ‘Senasaheb Subha’ by Shahu Maharaj for his military excellence.

• Promoted weapon craftsmanship; the Bhosales were known for artisanal weapons using imported blades and local hilts.

About Khanda and Firangi Swords:

• Khanda Swords:

• Indigenous Indian weapon, originating in the 9th–10th century CE. Used by Rajputs, Sikhs, and Marathas for war. Features: Straight, double-edged blade designed for heavy chops. Equipped with Hindu basket hilts and knuckle guards. Made purely from locally sourced iron or steel.

• Indigenous Indian weapon, originating in the 9th–10th century CE.

• Used by Rajputs, Sikhs, and Marathas for war.

• Features: Straight, double-edged blade designed for heavy chops. Equipped with Hindu basket hilts and knuckle guards. Made purely from locally sourced iron or steel.

• Straight, double-edged blade designed for heavy chops.

• Equipped with Hindu basket hilts and knuckle guards.

• Made purely from locally sourced iron or steel.

• Firangi Swords:

• Fusion weapons blending European blades with Indian hilts. The reclaimed Raghuji sword features: Straight, single-edged European blade (likely from Solingen, Germany). Local Mulheri hilt with gold inlay and Devanagari script. Decorative grip wrapped in green cloth, indicating ceremonial usage. Inscription: Shrimant Raghoji Bhosale Senasaheb Subha Firang.

• Fusion weapons blending European blades with Indian hilts.

• The reclaimed Raghuji sword features: Straight, single-edged European blade (likely from Solingen, Germany). Local Mulheri hilt with gold inlay and Devanagari script. Decorative grip wrapped in green cloth, indicating ceremonial usage. Inscription: Shrimant Raghoji Bhosale Senasaheb Subha Firang.

• Straight, single-edged European blade (likely from Solingen, Germany).

• Local Mulheri hilt with gold inlay and Devanagari script.

• Decorative grip wrapped in green cloth, indicating ceremonial usage.

• Inscription: Shrimant Raghoji Bhosale Senasaheb Subha Firang.