In the annals of Bharat Varsh, amidst the swirling mists of time and legacy, emerges the figure of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a warrior whose name echoes through time, a testament to resilience, strategic brilliance, and unwavering devotion to Swarajya. His itihas, etched in the very soul of the land, is inextricably linked to the gleaming steel he wielded – not a single blade, but a trinity of swords, each with a tale as vibrant and compelling as the Maharaj himself.

Shivaji Maharaj, a master of guerilla warfare, a tactician unparalleled, did not rely on mere brute force. He understood the subtle dance of strategy, the art of surprise, and the profound psychological impact of a well-placed strike. His swords, therefore, were not just weapons; they were extensions of his will, instruments of his vision. Let us delve into the stories of these legendary blades:

1. Bhawani: The Gift from the Sea's Depths

The year 1659 witnessed a serendipitous event near the Konkan coast, a region where the waves whispered secrets of trade and adventure. A Portuguese vessel, caught in the treacherous shallows near Banda, became a prize, not of gold or spices, but of steel. Ambaji Sawant, a loyal soldier of Shivaji Maharaj, ventured onto the stranded ship, his keen eyes discerning a treasure amidst the mundane cargo: a European sword, its hilt adorned with precious stones, its blade gleaming with an otherworldly sheen.

At that very moment, Shivaji Maharaj, a monarch of vision and purpose, was traversing the Konkan region, visiting the revered Saptakoteshwar temple. There, fate intervened. Krushnaji Sawant, Ambaji's son, overcome by the presence of the great leader, offered the captured sword as a gift. It was March 7th, 1659, a day destined to be etched in the annals of Maratha history.

The Maharaj, his gaze drawn to the exquisite craftsmanship and the inherent power of the blade, was immediately captivated. He, a king who understood the delicate balance of duty and honor, insisted on compensating Krushnaji, for a ruler could not accept gifts without due recompense. Krushnaji, initially hesitant, finally accepted 300 hun (a substantial sum, equivalent to approximately Rs. 7.2 crores in today's value). This magnificent sword, imbued with the spirit of the sea and the loyalty of a devoted soldier, was christened Bhawani. Its current whereabouts remain shrouded in mystery, a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the vagaries of history.

2. Tulja: The Father's Blessing

The year 1662 saw Shahajiraje, Shivaji Maharaj's father, journeying through the fertile lands of Pune. He witnessed the remarkable strides his son had made in establishing the Maratha kingdom, a testament to his courage and leadership. Overwhelmed with paternal pride and admiration, Shahajiraje decided to bestow upon his son a gift, a symbol of his blessing and support. This sword, gifted at Jejuri, a place steeped in spiritual significance, was named Tulja.

This act was more than a mere exchange of material possessions; it was a transfer of legacy, a reaffirmation of the bond between father and son, and a recognition of the burgeoning power of the Maratha kingdom. The location of this sword, like Bhawani, has faded into the shadows of time, lost to the relentless march of years.

3. Jagdamba: The Gift from a Distant Land

Impressed by the lightness, swiftness, and exceptional quality of the Bhawani sword, Shivaji Maharaj sought to equip his entire army with similar blades. He, a leader who understood the importance of equipping his soldiers with the best, issued an international tender, inviting the European powers – the British, Dutch, Portuguese, and French – to fulfill his order.

However, the European powers, wary of Shivaji Maharaj's growing influence and his challenge to their colonial ambitions, declined. Yet, one nation, nestled between France and Portugal, a kingdom less powerful but perhaps more astute, saw an opportunity. Spain, recognizing the strategic importance of aligning with the rising Maratha power, accepted the order.

The Spanish monarch, deeply impressed by the sheer magnitude of the order and the trust placed in his nation, decided to bestow upon Shivaji Maharaj a personal gift: a sword of unparalleled quality, adorned with precious stones, a masterpiece of European craftsmanship, and a testament to the enduring spirit of diplomacy. This sword, christened Jagdamba, was a symbol of international recognition and respect for the Maratha king.

In 1875, this magnificent sword fell into the hands of the British, who, through cunning and strategic maneuvering, acquired it from a descendant of Shivaji Maharaj. Today, the Jagdamba sword rests within the hallowed halls of the Royal Museum in London, a silent witness to the grandeur of a bygone era and a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

These three swords, Bhawani, Tulja, and Jagdamba, are not merely relics of the past. They are links to a time of valor, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the ideals of Swarajya. They are echoes of a king who, with his strategic brilliance and unwavering courage, carved a place for himself in the heart of Bharat Varsh, a place that continues to inspire generations. Though the swords may be lost to the present day, the swarajya they helped establish stands as a living testament to their enduring blessing upon Bharat. 

Surya Sarathi Roy is an Operations specialist with a passion of Indian history & Great Epics Ramayana & Mahabharata. Pursuer of Technology to bring value & touch lives around me.