Raghuji Bhonsle I

Raghuji Bhonsle I : Recently, the Maharashtra government successfully reclaimed the ceremonial sword that once belonged to Raghuji Bhonsle I, a prominent Maratha leader.

• About Raghuji Bhonsle I: A powerful 18th-century Maratha general and founder of the Nagpur Bhonsle dynasty.

o Rose to prominence after defeating his uncle in 1730 and establishing authority over Berar and Gondwana.

o Played a pivotal role in expanding Maratha rule to Odisha, culminating in a 1751 treaty with Alivardi Khan.

o Instrumental in reviving the Jagannath Temple in Puri, funding rituals, endowments, pilgrim welfare, and infrastructure.

o Led campaigns into Bengal, Bihar, UP, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh, with the dynasty eventually ruling an area of over 2.17 lakh sq km.

• Features of the Sword: A type of Basket-hilt sword with a European-style single-edged blade.

o Design: Slight curvature and two fullers (grooves).

o Inscription: Inlaid in gold Devanagari script, it reads: “Shrimant Raghuji Bhosale Sena Saheb Subah Firang”

o Significance: Likely ceremonial, possibly gifted by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj along with the conferment of the title Sena Saheb Subah, a prestigious military designation in the Maratha hierarchy.