Mumbai, Aug. 12 -- The Maharashtra Government has secured the historic sword of Maratha commander Raghuji Bhosale, founder of the Nagpur Bhosale dynasty, after successfully bidding for it at a London auction.

Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar took custody of the artefact in London on Monday and announced that it will be brought to Mumbai on August 18.

According to a statement from the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations (DGIPR), Government of Maharashtra, reports of the sword being put up for auction on April 28 this year sparked widespread public interest across the state.

Upon learning of the development, Minister Shelar promptly discussed the matter with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, initiating a coordi...