Current Affairs » Chhatrapati Shivaji Sword ‘jagadamba’

Chhatrapati Shivaji Sword ‘jagadamba’

The sword is currently at the Royal Collection Trust in Saint James's Palace in London.

Why in the News?

Recently, the Maharashtra government announced that it is working to bring back the sword of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from the United Kingdom to India.

Key Points:

History of the sword of Shivaji:

  • It was given to Edward, the Prince of Wales (the later King Edward VII), by Shivaji IV in 1875-76.

  • This was not so much a genuine “gift” and a mark of respect as it was a coercive extraction by the British.

  • Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak made the first effort to bring back the sword when he went to London. 

What is the difference between the “Bhavani” and “Jagdamba” swords?

  • The “Bhavani” sword, now in Satara, was also used by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who had at least three swords. 

  • But this sword is different from the one in London, which is called “Jagdamba” in the catalogue of Chhatrapati of Karveer.

Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

  • Shivaji Bhonsale I (1627-1680), popularly known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was a Maratha ruler from the Bhonsle Maratha clan.
  • Shivaji was formally crowned as the Chhatrapati (Monarch) of his realm at Raigad in 1674.