The UK authorities have agreed to return Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s wagh nakh, a dagger-shaped like tiger claws used by him to kill Afzal Khan, the general of the Bijapur sultanate in 1659.

As per reports, Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar is set to visit London later this month to formalise the return through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Victoria and Albert Museum, where the artifact is currently on display.

“We have got a letter from the UK authorities saying they have agreed to give us back Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s wagh nakh. We might get it back for the anniversary of the day when Shivaji killed Afzal Khan, based on the Hindu calendar. Some other dates are also being considered and the modalities of transporting the wagh nakh back are also being worked out,” Mungantiwar told TOI.

“Apart from signing the MoU, we will also look at other objects such as Shivaji’s Jagadamba sword which is also on display in the UK, and take steps to bring these back as well. The fact that the tiger claws are on the way back is a big step for Maharashtra and its people. The date of Afzal Khan’s killing is November 10 based on the Gregorian calendar but we are working out dates based on the Hindu tithi calendar,” he added.

“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s wagh nakh is a priceless treasure of history and the sentiments of the people of the state are associated with them. The transfer must be done with personal responsibility and care. For this, Mungantiwar, principal secretary culture (Dr Vikas Kharge), and Dr Tejas Garge, director of the state’s directorate of archeology and museums, will visit V&A and other museums in London,” the government resolution issued by the cultural affairs department stated.