In a major cultural win, the Maharashtra Government has successfully retrieved the historic Firangi sword of Maratha commander Raghuji Bhosale, founder of the Nagpur Bhosale dynasty, after securing it through a competitive auction held in London. Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar officially took custody of the artefact on Monday and announced that it would arrive in Mumbai on August 18.

According to a statement from the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations (DGIPR), the sword had been listed for auction on April 28, sparking significant interest and emotional responses from people across Maharashtra. Recognizing its historical and cultural value, Minister Shelar promptly consulted with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, leading to a swift and coordinated initiative to bring the artefact home.

With the assistance of the Indian Embassy and a specially appointed intermediary, the state government entered and won the auction. On Monday, Minister Shelar met the intermediary in London, finalized legal formalities, and officially took possession of the sword — marking the first time Maharashtra has secured a historical artefact from abroad via auction.

Calling the relic “a witness to many glorious feats,” Shelar hailed the acquisition as a “historic victory” for Maharashtra. A crowd of Marathi-speaking residents in London witnessed the moment, along with Deputy Director of the Archaeology Department Hemant Dalvi.

The sword is scheduled to land at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai at 10 AM on August 18. A ceremonial bike rally will escort the sword to PL Deshpande Kala Academy in Dadar, where a public programme titled ‘Gad Garjana’ will be held in the presence of dignitaries. Minister Shelar expressed his gratitude to CM Fadnavis, Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, calling the moment a matter of great pride for the state’s heritage.

Raghuji Bhosale I (1695–1755) was a prominent commander under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj and earned the title Senasahib Subha for his military leadership. He expanded Maratha influence across Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Sambalpur, and parts of southern India through his campaigns in 1745 and 1755. The Nagpur kingdom under his rule was known for its iron and copper resources, which were crucial for weapons manufacturing.

The retrieved Firangi sword is a rare and historically significant piece. It features a European-made straight blade, a gold-inlaid Mulheri hilt, and a Devanagari inscription bearing Raghuji’s name. Experts note its uniqueness not only due to its craftsmanship but also because it directly identifies the historic owner — a rarity in Maratha-era weapons. The sword is believed to have been taken out of India as British war loot or a gift following the 1817 Battle of Sitabuldi, after which the Nagpur Bhosale treasury was seized.

This successful retrieval represents a powerful statement of cultural preservation and a renewed effort by Maharashtra to reclaim and celebrate its glorious Maratha legacy.