The ceremonial sword known as ‘Jagdamba’, once wielded by the illustrious Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji, is set to make a momentous return to Maharashtra from the United Kingdom. This historic event is strategically planned to align with the 350th anniversary of Shivaji’s coronation, symbolizing a poignant homecoming for the sword, which currently resides in a London museum.
Embellished with precious diamonds and rubies, ‘Jagdamba’ was originally gifted to Albert Edward, the then Prince of Wales and future King Edward VII, by Shivaji IV during his 1875-76 visit to India. The Maharashtra Government, led by State Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, is actively collaborating with the Indian central government to orchestrate the sword’s temporary return. Plans are underway for Minister Mungantiwar to travel to London to negotiate with UK officials, with the Indian government serving as a guarantor for the sword’s eventual return.
The quest to bring ‘Jagdamba’ back is not a recent endeavor. It was first championed by freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak and has been pursued by various Maharashtra Chief Ministers since India’s Independence, including Yashwantrao Chavan. The sword’s return is viewed as a matter of immense pride, especially as it coincides with the significant anniversary of Shivaji’s coronation at Raigad Fort on June 6, 1674.
Historical Significance and Repatriation Efforts
Chhatrapati Shivaji was known to possess three notable swords: ‘Bhavani’, ‘Jagdamba’, and ‘Tulja’. While ‘Bhavani’ and ‘Tulja’ remain in India, ‘Jagdamba’ is housed at Saint James’s Palace under the custodianship of the British Royal Family. The Prince of Wales, a keen collector of historical weaponry, sought out significant antique weapons during his Indian tour, resulting in the acquisition of ‘Jagdamba’.
Historian Indrajit Sawant, author of “Shodh Bhavani Talwaricha”, notes that Shivaji IV, who was only 11 years old at the time, presented the sword to the British prince, a customary practice among Indian royalty of that era. In a gesture of reciprocity, the Prince of Wales gifted a sword to Shivaji IV, which is now displayed at the New Palace Museum in Kolhapur.
Details and Description of the ‘Jagdamba’ Sword
The ‘Jagdamba’ sword is an exquisite artifact from the 18th century, measuring 127.8 x 11.8 x 9.1 cm with a blade length of 95 cm. It features a Maratha straight, one-edged old European blade adorned with intricate designs and is lavishly decorated with large diamonds and rubies. A museum catalogue provides a detailed description, emphasizing its historical and cultural importance as a relic of Shivaji Maharaj.
The anticipated return of ‘Jagdamba’ is expected to be a grand occasion, marked by a series of celebratory events throughout Maharashtra. This initiative not only pays tribute to the enduring legacy of Shivaji Maharaj but also highlights the ongoing efforts to reclaim India’s rich cultural heritage.
