What Is The Legend Of Shivaji's Wagh Nakh That Has Returned To India? Why Is It Important For Marathas?

The 'wagh nakh' used by legendary Maratha warrior, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, will be on display for people in Maharashtra's Satara from Friday, June 19.

The wagh nakh legend is closely associated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (Representative image)

Source : Wikimedia Commons

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's 'wagh nakh' (tiger's claw), a legendary weapon used by the great Maratha warrior, is all set to take its rightful place in India. Shivaji's 'wagh nakh' arrived in India from London's Victoria and Albert Museum. It will now be taken to western Maharashtra's Satara and displayed to the public from Friday.

Shivaji's wagh nakh has been brought to India for three years as part of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in 2023 by the Maharashtra government and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Maharashtra cultural affairs Sudhir Mungantiwar has said that this is an important moment for Maharashtra as the wagh nakh reflected people's faith.

The wagh nakh was brought in a specially made box housed in a bulletproof casing. 

What Is The Shivaji Wagh Nakh and Why Is It So Important?

The wagh nakh or bagh nakh is a weapon shaped like a tiger's claws. The wagh nakh has four or five claws. The metal weapon is worn on the knuckles and the 'claws' are sometimes tipped with poison. A wagh nakh is easily concealable and could be whipped out in an instant during a fight. It is meant to be used in a swiping motion just like a tiger would do when in a fight. If used right, the weapon can inflict heavy damage on the opponent, taking out skin and flesh and even poisoning the victim.

While there is no record of its use officially, many believe Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhonsle, known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, used a wagh nakh to kill Afzal Khan, the General of the army of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur. While many historical works confirm Shivaji killed Afzal Khan, the weapon of choice differs in various accounts. While some accounts mention wagh nakh as Shivaji's weapon of choice, others say he killed Afzal Khan with a dagger or the 'possessed' sword known as 'Bhavani Talwar'.

According to a report by the Deccan Chronicle, Shivaji used three swords — 'Bhavani', 'Jagadamba', and 'Tulja'. Both Tulja and Bhavani talwars are battle swords kept at the Satara fort. But the Jagadamba talwar, a ceremonial sword, is with the British Royals at Saint James's Place.

Wagh Nakh Brought From London A Fake?

A controversy was triggered earlier this month when historian Indrajit Sawant claimed that the wagh nakh being brought from London is a fake. Indrajit Sawant, in a series of Facebook posts, claimed that the original wagh nakh used by Shivaji has always been in possession of the Chhatrapati family of Satara.

Alleging that the Maharashtra government was misleading the public, Sawant demanded a thorough investigation into the matter as crores were being spent on the exercise. Sawant's claims have, however, been refuted by the Maharashtra government.