VIDEO: Maharashtra Govt Acquires Raja Raghuji Bhonsale’s Historic Sword At London Auction For ₹47.15 Lakh, Marks Cultural Milestone

In a landmark achievement for Maharashtra’s cultural heritage, the state government has successfully acquired the historic sword of Raja Raghuji Bhonsale – the founder of the Bhonsale family in Nagpur – at an international auction held in London.

This priceless relic of the Maratha empire will now be brought back to its homeland. Raja Raghuji Bhonsale was a key commander in the Maratha army during the reign of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. Recognised for his strategic brilliance and valour in battle, he was honoured with the title ‘Senasaheb Subha’ by the Chhatrapati.

A sword inscribed with the name of Raghuji Bhosale of Nagpur. The Nagpurkar Bhosales were nobles of the Peshwas who controlled East Maharashtra, Central India & Orissa. This sword will be auctioned at Sothebys soon. Insider news is that it might come back to Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/cGJLTlTk1j

— Ashutosh Potnis (@daksinapathpati) April 29, 2025

In the 1740s, Raghuji Bhonsale led significant military campaigns against the Nawabs of Bengal, expanding Maratha influence into Bengal and Odisha. He also established strong military and political authority in South India.

The acquisition of this historic artifact was the result of coordinated efforts led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and cultural affairs minister Ashish Shelar. Working late into the night, the two leaders developed a strategic communication plan and swiftly moved to secure Maharashtra’s bid.

शूर मराठा सरदार रघुजी भोसले प्रथम यांची ही फिरंग तलवार अनेकार्थांनी महत्वपूर्ण आहे. बहुतांशी मध्ययुगीन मराठा शस्त्रांची कमी अथवा अजिबात नसलेले नक्षीकाम आणि शस्त्रांवरील निर्माणकर्त्याच्या किंवा वापरकर्त्याच्या नावाचा अभाव ही ठळक वैशिष्ट्ये होती. या दोन्हीसही अपवाद म्हणून रघुजी… pic.twitter.com/qCfDOh2SZ7

— Adv. Ashish Shelar - ॲड. आशिष शेलार (@ShelarAshish) April 29, 2025

Under the CM's direction, Shelar appointed a mediator to represent the state in the auction. The bid was successfully won, with a total cost including handling, transport and insurance amounting to Rs 47.15 lakh.

This marks the first time the Maharashtra government has recovered such a culturally significant artifact through an international auction. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Shelar expressed his gratitude to Fadnavis.

“This is a moment of immense pride and a historic achievement for Maharashtra under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar,” he said.

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