The historic “Bagh Nakh,” the tiger claw believed to have been wielded by Maratha emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji, has returned to India after 350 years. The weapon, which holds immense historical significance, was loaned from London’s Victoria and Albert Museum and has been put on display at a museum in Satara, western Maharashtra.
The ceremonial unveiling of the Bagh Nakh was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and other prominent leaders. The weapon, now encased in a bulletproof cover for protection, will be exhibited at the Satara museum for the next seven months.
The Bagh Nakh is famously associated with the event of 1649 when Shivaji Maharaj, who established the Maratha Empire through a successful rebellion against the Bijapur Sultanate, faced General Afzal Khan. During a purportedly peaceful meeting, Shivaji, suspecting treachery, had concealed the Bagh Nakh under his clothes. When Khan attempted to stab him, Shivaji used the weapon to kill Khan, solidifying his place in Maratha history. This confrontation took place at the foot of the Pratapgarh Fort, now part of Satara.
The return of the Bagh Nakh comes at a strategically significant time, ahead of Maharashtra’s upcoming assembly elections. The ruling alliance, including Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his faction of the Shiv Sena, views the display of this legendary artifact as a means to strengthen their political standing and appeal to voters. The Shiv Sena has long revered Shivaji as an icon, and the Bagh Nakh’s return is expected to enhance the ruling alliance’s political credentials.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP, allied with the undivided Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray, achieved significant success, winning 23 of 25 seats contested. However, recent election results saw a shift, with the BJP and its allies winning only nine seats out of the 25 contested, while opposition parties, including the Congress and factions of the Shiv Sena and NCP, made notable gains.
The Bagh Nakh’s return is anticipated to be a focal point of political discussions and campaigns as the state prepares for the assembly elections by the end of this year. The ruling alliance aims to leverage the historical artifact to boost their image and connect with the electorate.
Sources By Agencies
