Sword of Shivaji

In News

• Recently, the Maharashtra government announced that it is working to bring back the sword of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from London to India.

About Sword

• The state government would hold discussions with the British Prime Minister to bring back the “Jagdamba” sword of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by 2024, to mark the completion of 350 years of the coronation of the Maratha king.
• It  was presented to King Edward VII, when Prince of Wales, during his tour of India in 1875-76.
• A catalogue of the weapons of King Edward VII that was printed in London, describes the sword as “a relic of Shivaji the Great”.
• The sword is part of the Royal Collection Trust at Saint James’s Palace in London.
• “Bhavani” sword: 
  • Now in Satara, was used by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who had at least three swords. 
  • But this sword is different from the one in London, which is called “Jagdamba” in the catalogue of Chhatrapati of Karveer.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj 

• Early Life:
  • Born on February 19, 1630, at Shivneri Fort in Pune.
  • He was born to Shahaji Bhonsle, a Maratha general who held the jagirs of Pune and Supe under the Bijapur Sultanate.
  • Shivaji’s mother was Jijabai, a pious woman whose religious qualities had a profound influence on him.
  • His name was derived from the name of a regional deity – Goddess Shivai.
• Kingdom:
  • He carved out an enclave from the declining Adilshahi sultanate of Bijapur that formed the genesis of the Maratha Empire.
  • Shivaji was crowned emperor (Chhatrapati) of his realm at Raigad fort on June 6, 1674.
  • The kingdom’s security was based on religious toleration and the functional integration of the Brahmans, Marathas, and Prabhus.
  • He had a council of ministers (Asht Pradhan) to advise him on the matters of the state but he was not bound by it. He could appoint or dismiss them.
  • The brave warrior died in 1680 but is still known for his courage and intelligence.

Source: IE