CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
The Maharashtra government successfully reclaimed a historic sword belonging to Raghuji Bhosale I at a Sotheby’s auction in London. This marks a significant achievement as it is the first time the state has successfully recovered a historical artifact from an international auction. The 18th-century sword, initially estimated to be worth between £6,000 and £8,000, was acquired for £38,100, amounting to approximately Rs 47.15 lakh after additional costs.
Features Of Sword
The sword is characterized by a European-style, single-edged, slightly curved blade. It features two fullers (grooves) along the blade and a gold-inlaid spine inscribed with "Shrimant Raghuji Bhosale Sena Saheb Subah" in Devanagari script. This inscription highlights the sword's ceremonial importance, with the title “Sena Saheb Subah” indicating it was a prestigious gift from the Chhatrapatis of Satara.
The Nagpur Bhonsles
The Nagpur Bhonsle family played a vital role in the expansion of the Maratha Empire, similar to other influential families such as the Peshwas and Holkars. The Bhonsles traced their lineage to the Sisodia Rajputs of Udaipur. Their prominence grew after the death of Shivaji Maharaj, especially during the rise of the Maratha Empire under Chhatrapati Shahu.
Raghuji Bhosale I
Political Ascendancy (1728–1730)
Raghuji Bhonsle I emerged as a significant figure in the 18th century. Gaining support from Chhatrapati Shahu in 1728, he confronted his uncle Kanhoji and successfully besieged Bham in 1730. This victory solidified his control over Berar and Gondwana, where he gained the rights to collect taxes and obtained new titles, laying the foundation for the Bhonsle dynasty in Nagpur.
Expansion into Odisha (1751)
With the decline of Mughal authority, Raghuji Bhonsle expanded Maratha influence into Odisha in 1751, after a treaty with Nawab Alivardi Khan. This led to Maratha governance in Odisha, including management of the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
Restoration of Jagannath Temple
Under Raghuji's leadership, the Jagannath Temple saw revitalization, including:
Appointment of priests and the restoration of daily rituals.
Donation of land revenue worth Rs 27,000 (Satais Hazari Mahal).
Sponsorship of the Mohun Bhog tradition initiated by his mother.
Construction of over 22 dharamshalas for pilgrims.
Allocation of Rs 20,000 annually for grand temple celebrations.
The introduction of the Annachhatra (free food) scheme.
Improvement of road connections to Puri.
Territorial Expansion
Raghuji Bhonsle led military campaigns in Bengal from 1745 to 1755, expanding Maratha territory to Odisha, Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. At its peak, the Nagpur Bhonsle kingdom spanned approximately 2.17 lakh square kilometers. Raghuji played a key role in restoring temples in Odisha and Bengal.
Historical Significance Of Sword
This sword is of considerable historical importance due to its craftsmanship and the identifying inscription. Unlike many other medieval Indian weapons, this sword is decorated and bears the maker’s mark. The European-style blade highlights the influence of global arms trade in the 18th century, reflecting the fusion of Indian and European weaponry techniques.
Sword Left India
After the British East India Company defeated the Nagpur Bhonsles in the 1817 Battle of Sitabuldi, they looted the Bhonsle treasury, seizing numerous treasures, including the sword. Experts believe it may have been part of the spoils of war or a diplomatic gift to the British following the battle, marking a significant loss for the Bhonsle dynasty.
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