Tiger claws from Victoria and Albert Museum arrive in Maharashtra: Chief Minister Shinde defends authenticity

Satara, July 19, 2024: Tiger claws from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London have arrived in Maharashtra, with the state government claiming their connection with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The claim has been scrutinised by some historians and opposition leaders, prompting Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to defend the artefacts.

At the inauguration of the ‘Shivashastra Shouryagatha’ exhibition in Satara, Chief Minister Shinde addressed the controversy and criticised those who question the authenticity of the tiger claws. “Doubting the significance of these claws is an insult to the bravery and courage of Shivaji Maharaj,” Shinde said.

He added, “I am speaking here not just as Chief Minister but as a devotee of Shivaji Maharaj. These claws have travelled a long distance back to Maharashtra, thanks to the efforts of Sudhir Mungantiwar. I am deeply grateful to him for this achievement.”

Shinde continued, “The doubts being raised about these claws are disheartening. They are the very claws that Shivaji Maharaj used to defeat Afzal Khan, a historical fact that we are proud of. Unfortunately, some individuals are more interested in political games than honouring Shivaji’s legacy. Questioning the claws is a disrespect to Shivaji’s bravery and valour.”

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also weighed in, criticising the opposition for their stand. “Some individuals seem to have a chronic tendency to oppose everything,” he said.

Highlighting the historical importance of the claws, Fadnavis said, “The story of Shivaji Maharaj’s fight with Afzal Khan is well known. Now, the weapon used in that fight in Maharashtra is on display in Satara. This is an important link to our history.”

Addressing the opposition further, he said, “Udayanraje and Shivendraraje have asked for no controversy over these claws. Yet some continue to resist. This kind of mindset is a challenge, even one that Shivaji Maharaj faced and overcame to build his kingdom.”

Fadnavis concluded: “In a symbolic gesture, Sudhir Mungantiwar handed over these claws to Chief Minister Shinde. Though they no longer serve as weapons, they should inspire us to remove the mental rust and mould that clouds the judgement of some.”