Context:
The iconic wagh nakh or tiger claws used by Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was brought to India from London.
Wagh Nakh:
- A medieval claw-like dagger which was used across the Indian subcontinent.
- Used as a weapon for personal defence or stealth attack.
- It is believed that it was used by Shivaji to kill Bijapur Sultanate’s general Afzal Khan in 1659
- Afzal Khan – General of Bijapur’s Adil Shahi Sultanate.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj:
- Name – Shivaji Bhonsle
- Born in – 1630
- Birthplace – Shivneri Fort, Pune
- Parents – Shahaji Bhonsle (Father) and Jijabai (Mother)
- Known as – Founder of Maratha Empire
- Reign – 1674–1680
- Seat of Power – Raigad Fort, Maharashtra
- Successor – Sambhaji Bhonsle
- Key battles –
- Battle of Pratapgarh – Between Shivaji and Afzal Khan, commander of Bijapur Sultanate
- Battle of Kolhapur – Between Shivaji and Bijapur Sultanate
- Treaty of Purander (1665) – Signed between Raja Jai Singh (under Aurangzeb) and Shivaji.
Source: Times of India
Previous Year Question
Who among the following rulers of medieval Gujarat surrendered Diu to the Portuguese?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Ahmad Shah
(b) Mahmud Begarha
(c) Bahadur Shah
(d) Muhammad Shah
Answer: (c)
