Actor Riteish Deshmukh recently released the trailer of his upcoming film Raja Shivaji. The film sees him play Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Apart from acting, the actor has also served as the writer, director, and producer of the film. After the release of the trailer, it landed in controversy over the depiction of the wagh nakh used in the film. The scene in question shows Riteish as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj confronting Afzal Khan using the Wagh Nakh (tiger claws), a well-known incident from the Maharaj’s life.

The Wagh Nakh significance

An X user accused Riteish of historical manipulation while questioning the scene. The user claimed that Shivaji Maharaj never showed the wagh nakh to Afzal Khan before attacking him, as opposed to what was presented in the scene. However, Riteish maintained that the truth will be revealed in the film.

While films often present different interpretations of historical events, the wagh nakh continues to be a memorable element in the history of Shivaji Maharaj.

The weapon is also known as bagh nakh (translated as tiger claws). The weapon was designed to be worn across the fingers and remain concealed. It was intended for close combat and as a tool to take the enemy by surprise.

The wagh nakh came into use during Shivaji Maharaj’s diplomatic meeting with Afzal Khan, the general of the Adil Shahi dynasty of the Bijapur Sultanate, at Pratapgad Fort. While it was presented as a diplomatic meeting, Afzal Khan allegedly intended to attack the Maharaj. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, on his part, was also prepared for an act of treachery. When Afzal Khan attempted to attack him as they embraced, Shivaji struck using the concealed wagh nakh, injuring Afzal Khan. The episode marked a turning point in his campaign against the Adil Shahi forces.

Reportedly, in Maharashtra’s cultural and historical imagination, the wagh nakh continues to stand as a symbol of strategy, resistance, and survival.

Where is the Wagh Nakh?

The original wagh nakh was kept at the Victoria and Albert Museum for centuries. In 2023–24, then cultural minister Sudhir Mungantiwar signed an MoU with the museum to bring the artefact back to Maharashtra for three years. Since its return, the wagh nakh has been exhibited at various locations across the state. On July 19, 2024, it was first displayed in Satara. However, there is currently no clarity on where the wagh nakh is presently located.