The UK authorities have agreed to return the ‘Wagh Nakh’, a dagger shaped like tiger claws which was used by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to kill Bijapur Sultanate’s general Afzal Khan in 1659.

To formalise the return, state cultural affairs minister Sudhir Mungantiwar will be visiting the Victoria and Albert Museum in London later this month to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU).

If all goes according to plan, the renowned wagh nakh may be back in its rightful place this year.

“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 was quoted as saying by Times of India.

The wagh nakh, made of steel, consists of four claws mounted on a bar with two rings for the first and fourth fingers, as per the officials.

In addition to the MoU signing, efforts will be made to bring back other artifacts, such as Shivaji’s Jagadamba sword, currently on display in the UK.

“The fact that the tiger claws are on the way back is a big step for Maharashtra and its people,” Mungantiwar said.

While the killing of Afzal Khan is traditionally associated with 10 November in the Gregorian calendar, the specific dates will be determined according to the Hindu tithi calendar, Mungantiwar 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, ToI reported.

For the six-day visit of the three-member team from 29 September to 4 October, Maharashtra government has allocated a budget of around Rs 50 lakh, according to the resolution.