States » WestPosted at: Nov 13 2026 8:25PM


Maha: Minister Shelar inaugurates ‘Shivshastra Shauryagatha’ exhibition

Mumbai, Nov 13 (UNI) Asserting that the preservation and conservation of Shivaji-era weaponry is a sacred duty, Maharashtra Cultural Affairs, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar today inaugurated the ‘Shivshastra Shauryagatha’ exhibition at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) here, urging citizens to visit the showcase in large numbers.
Jointly organised by the State Department of Cultural Affairs, the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, and CSMVS, the landmark exhibition will remain open to the public for the next six months.
Speaking at the inaugural function, Shelar said historic weapons are not merely symbols of valour, but also reflect courage, engineering skill, metallurgy, and precise strategic planning.
Describing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s iconic Wagh Nakh (iron claws) as an emblem of planned victory, he noted that the state government under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis brought these priceless artefacts back to Maharashtra through sustained international efforts and adherence to global protocols.
Recounting the repatriation of Senasaheb Subha Raghuji Raje Bhosale’s sword, the Minister said timely clearances from the Ministry of External Affairs, the Reserve Bank of India, and the Indian Embassy—facilitated with the cooperation of the central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi—ensured the heirloom returned to Maharashtra with due honour.
He also highlighted the unanimous UNESCO World Heritage recognition for 12 forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the adoption of his Rajmudra on the Indian Navy’s ensign as milestones in global recognition of Maratha heritage.
Alongside the Wagh Nakh and Raghuji Raje Bhosale’s sword, the exhibition features Sarsenapati Prataprao Gujar’s sword, Khanderao Gaikwad’s shield, Sardar Raste’s Dandpatta (gauntlet-sword), and several other Maratha-era and contemporary weapons.
Cultural Affairs Secretary Dr Kiran Kulkarni, CSMVS Director General Dr Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Directorate of Archaeology and Museums Director Dr Tejas Garge, Deputy Director Hemant Dalvi, Trustee Cyrus Guzder, and noted folk artiste Shahir Nandesh Umap were present on the occasion. The programme began with a Powada rendition by Mr Umap depicting the historic slaying of Afzal Khan, followed by the release of a book titled ‘Dandpatta’.
Dr Kulkarni said the Mumbai exhibition has added an international dimension to the study of Maratha weaponry, noting that strict international conservation standards—including temperature control, safe viewing distance, and specialized lighting—have been maintained.
In his introductory remarks, Dr Garge said the initiative was launched to mark the 350th anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation under an MoU with London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, and has already drawn lakhs of visitors in Satara, Kolhapur, and Nagpur.
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