New Delhi: As the Lok Sabha elections approach, the BJP government appears to be strategically shaping its image as a champion of national pride and a guardian of tradition. Recent moves, such as sealing deals to bring back artifacts like the tiger claw, believed to have been wielded by Chhatrapati Shivaji, suggest a concerted effort to reinforce this narrative.
In a move to commemorate the 350th year of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation, the Maharashtra government is gearing up for the grand return of the legendary 'Wagh Nakh', a dagger with metal nails resembling tiger claws worn on knuckles, from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
However, this narrative doesn't sit well with opposition parties, particularly Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, who raises questions about the authenticity of the weapon. Thackeray casts doubt on whether the returning tiger claw is indeed the same one used by Chhatrapati Shivaji to kill Bijapur Sultanate's general Afzal Khan in 1659.
Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar announced that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would be signed on October 3 to bring back the 'Wagh Nakh' for a three-year display across various museums in the state.
Thackeray accused the state government of creating a false impression that the 'Wagh Nakh' is returning permanently, emphasizing the need for clarity on its historical authenticity. Maharashtra Leader of Opposition Jitendra Awhad echoed similar sentiments, accusing the government of exploiting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's legacy for political gains and shared a video of historian Indrajit Sawant questioning the credibility of the tiger claws.
The Victoria and Albert Museum clarified that the weapon was given to an East India Company officer, James Grant Duff, by Shivaji Maharaja’s descendants. Duff later took the 'Wagh Nakh' to Britain, and his descendants donated it to the museum. Despite this clarification, doubts persist, with Awhad emphasizing the lack of a historical connection between Grant Duff and the tiger claws.
In response to the criticism, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed the opposition's claims, labelling them as "childish" and refraining from commenting further.
Despite the controversy, the state government is moving forward with its plans for a grand event on November 16 to celebrate the return of the 'Wagh Nakh.' The weapon will be displayed in museums across the state, including Satara, Nagpur, Kolhapur, and Mumbai, under tight security measures. The exhibition will span from November 23, 2023, to November 14, 2026, with the aim of showcasing this historical artifact to the public.