Raghuji Bhonsle I (1695–1755) was a prominent Maratha general who established the Bhonsle dynasty in Nagpur around 1730. His military prowess led to the expansion of Maratha influence over regions like Odisha, which marked the beginning of their significant control over the Jagannath Temple in Puri. During his rule, he made generous donations to temples, appointed priests, and revitalized various rituals.
The Nagpur Bhonsles were part of a Kshatriya clan within the Marathas, claiming descent from the Sisodia Rajputs of Udaipur. Known as Hinganikar, they played an essential role in the expansion of the Maratha Empire, paralleling the contributions of notable clans such as the Peshwas, Holkars, Gaikwads, and Scindias.
The sword attributed to Raghuji Bhonsle I is a basket-hilt type featuring a slightly curved, European-style single-edged blade. It is adorned with two fullers (grooves) and bears a gold-inlaid inscription in Devanagari script: Shrimant Raghuji Bhosale Sena Saheb Subah Firang. This suggests that the sword held ceremonial significance.
The title ‘Sena Saheb Subah’ was a prestigious military designation within the Maratha Empire, typically awarded by the Chhatrapatis of Satara to commanders who demonstrated extraordinary success in campaigns. Recipients often received ceremonial items, including swords and robes as symbols of their rank.
It is widely believed that the sword was conferred upon Raghuji Bhonsle I by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj as part of the recognition for his military achievements, symbolizing his esteemed title of Sena Saheb Subah.
Following the 1817 Battle of Sitabuldi, where the East India Company defeated the Nagpur Bhonsles, numerous family possessions were seized by the British. The sword may have been taken as war loot or presented as a “gift” after the defeat, marking a significant loss for the Bhonsle lineage.
The Maharashtra government successfully purchased the sword at a London auction for Rs 47.15 lakh. This act was a part of the broader effort to reclaim historical artifacts significant to the Bhonsle dynasty of Nagpur.
The return of the sword symbolizes the reclamation of an important cultural and martial artifact from Maratha history. It highlights the ongoing efforts to restore India's stolen heritage. As noted, “A civil servant must remember: history may be taken away by force, but heritage must be reclaimed with resolve.”
Q1. Who was Raghuji Bhonsle I?
Answer: Raghuji Bhonsle I was a Maratha general who founded the Bhonsle dynasty in Nagpur around 1730 and expanded Maratha influence in Odisha.
Q2. What title did Raghuji Bhonsle I hold?
Answer: He held the title ‘Sena Saheb Subah’, a prestigious military designation awarded for his successful campaigns in the Maratha Empire.
Q3. How was Raghuji Bhonsle’s sword significant?
Answer: The sword, with its ceremonial value, represents the martial heritage of the Bhonsle dynasty and was recognized as a historical artifact upon its return to India.
Q4. How did the sword leave India?
Answer: The sword was likely seized by the British after the defeat of the Nagpur Bhonsles in the 1817 Battle of Sitabuldi as part of war loot.
Q5. Why is the return of the sword important?
Answer: Its return symbolizes the reclamation of India's cultural heritage and underscores the efforts to restore significant artifacts of Maratha history.
Question 1: Who founded the Bhonsle dynasty in Nagpur?
A) Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj
B) Raghuji Bhonsle I
C) Shivaji Maharaj
D) Balaji Vishwanath
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What title was awarded to Raghuji Bhonsle I for military success?
A) Peshwa
B) Sena Saheb Subah
C) Maharaja
D) Jagirdar
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Which battle led to the British seizing Raghuji Bhonsle's sword?
A) Battle of Panipat
B) Battle of Sitabuldi
C) Battle of Sinhagad
D) Battle of Assaye
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What was the sword's inscription language?
A) Urdu
B) Persian
C) Devanagari
D) English
Correct Answer: C
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