Shivaji's 'Wagh Nakh' Put On Display At Satara Museum Amid Row Over Its Authenticity — WATCH

The 'wagh-nakh' (tiger claws) used by the Maratha warrior Shivaji were put on display in Maharashtra's Satara district starting Friday.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's 'wagh nakh' has been surrounded by controversy over its authenticity.

Source : ANI

Amid the controversy over their authenticity, the 'wagh-nakh' (tiger claws) used by the Maratha warrior Shivaji, brought back from London on Thursday, were put on display in Maharashtra's Satara district starting Friday. These tiger claws are historically significant as they are believed to have been used by Shivaji during his legendary battle against Bijapur Sultanate's General Afzal Khan in 1659.

Shivaji Maharaj Waghnakh | शिवरायांच्या वाघनखांची पहिली झलक! ABP Majha#Waghnakh #ABPMajha #ShivajiMaharaj pic.twitter.com/jCOpfaVWNL

— ABP माझा (@abpmajhatv) July 19, 2024

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju took to X and stated, "I feel very satisfied as the legendary #WaghNakh returns to India! Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s iconic Tiger Claw,  which was used to vanquish  Afzal Khan has returned home from London. It is now proudly displayed at Shivaji Museum, Satara."

I feel very satisfied as the legendary #WaghNakh returns to India! Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s iconic Tiger Claw, which was used to vanquish Afzal Khan has returned home from London. It is now proudly displayed at Shivaji Museum, Satara. pic.twitter.com/QeGFsGLvki

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) July 19, 2024

Row Over Authenticity Of Shivaji's 'Wagh Nakh' 

The claws found themselves amid a fresh controversy over their authenticity. Historian Indrajit Sawant raised questions on the authenticity of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's 'wagh nakh'.

According to news agency IANS, Indrajit, known for his extensive research on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, has claimed that the tiger claws are not original and such 'stunts' by the Maharashtra government amounted to 'befooling' the people.

He also claimed that the genuine tiger claws are already housed in Maharashtra's Satara district.

Sawant is not alone in his scepticism. Former Shiv Sena (UBT) minister Aditya Thackeray had previously raised similar concerns about the credibility of the claws.

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey has also voiced doubts and called for an investigation.

"The claws brought, claiming to be original, are not convincing to us. Now, even historian Indrajit Sawant is questioning their credibility. The BJP needs to carefully consider what is correct and what is not," he emphasised, as quoted by IANS.

Responding to the charges, Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar stated, "No one has claimed that the 'wagh nakh' or the tiger claws being brought from London were used by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," IANS quoted. He also refuted claims of exorbitant expenses, clarifying that Rs 14.08 lakh was spent on travel and agreement formalities altogether.

According to Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, the 'wagh nakh' has been received and will be on display in Chhatrapati Shivaji Sangrahalay (the museum), which the common people can see and take pride in. The tiger claws will be in Maharashtra for three years, as per an agreement with the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.