Over 250 rare Shivaji-era weapons to go on public display in Delhi for the first time

Mumbai: For the first time ever, more than 250 rare and historic armour from the era of legendary Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will be displayed in the national capital at the Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav, to be held from December 13-15 at the Bharat Mandapam (Indraprastha) in New Delhi.

These invaluable weapons are being brought from Maharashtra under special security arrangements.

Delhi will thus witness an unprecedented exhibition of Maratha-era arms and heritage.

The grand showcase is being organized by Sanatan Sanstha, presented by Save Culture, Save Bharat Foundation, said Abhay Vartak, national spokesperson of Sanatan Sanstha.

Marking the silver jubilee year of Sanatan Sanstha, the 3-day exhibition titled “Swarajya ka Shauryanaad” (The call of courage of Swarajya) will be open to all visitors in Hall No. 12.

The display will include several original weapons personally wielded by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, as well as arms used by Maratha generals including the legendary spear of Commander-in-Chief Hambirrao Mohite.

Also featured will be weapons from the era of Maharana Pratap, swords from the Vijayanagara Empire of Karnataka, insights into Shiv-era warfare traditions, metallurgy, and the Maratha weapon-making process based on the concept “From Iron to Weapon.”

The exhibition will highlight the strategic brilliance and military craftsmanship of the Marathas, along with a dedicated section showcasing the arms used by Hindu women for self-defense, celebrating their valor and contributions in warfare.

“This exhibition offers not merely a visual experience but an awakening, a spiritual and historical journey rekindling the flame of Hindavi Swarajya and the inspiration of a Sanatan Rashtra,” said Vartak.

Dignitaries including Swami Govinddevgiri Maharaj, Treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, along with several saints and spiritual leaders, will grace the event and guide the audience.

Other eminent attendees will include Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Delhi’s Cultural Minister Kapil Mishra, Satara MP Chhatrapati Shrimant Udayanraje Bhosale, and Advocate Vishnu Jain, among others.