An exhibition featuring weapons from the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, organized by the Rotary Club of Belgaum South, is drawing a massive crowd in Belagavi. The event, which began on Tuesday, will run until Friday. Schoolchildren can attend the exhibition free of charge, and thousands of students from various institutions are flocking to witness these historical artifacts.
Held at Maratha Mandir, the exhibition offers a glimpse into the military heritage of the Maratha Empire. Displays include swords, daggers, shields, tridents, bows and arrows, cannons, and handguns—all used by soldiers and commanders during Shivaji’s reign. Over 600 historical weapons are showcased, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the craftsmanship and warfare technologies of the period.
Among the standout exhibits are replicas of warships from Shivaji’s naval fleet, including models of the Galbat, Gurab, and Pal ships, which played crucial roles in his maritime strategies. The display also features warships from the Chola, Portuguese, and British eras, as well as modern Indian naval vessels like INS Vikrant and INS Visakhapatnam. In total, the exhibition includes 640 ship models, providing a comprehensive view of India’s naval evolution.
Visitors can also view rare coins from Shivaji’s reign, along with those from the Mughal, British, and Maratha empires, offering a glimpse into India’s rich history. Additionally, 1,230 historical letters in the Modi script, used for official correspondence during Shivaji’s rule, are part of the exhibition. To enrich the experience, QR codes placed beside each exhibit allow attendees to access detailed information about the weapons, their significance, and the warriors who wielded them.
A particularly fascinating artifact is the legendary sword of Sardar Yesaji Kank, a trusted general of Shivaji. Historical accounts describe how Shivaji, in response to the Mughal army’s war elephants, declared that his soldiers could take down an elephant with a single strike. Sardar Yesaji Kank proved this by severing an elephant’s trunk with one blow of his sword, which is now displayed at the exhibition.
Nilesh Patil, president of Rotary Club Belgaum South, and event chairman Ashok Naik emphasized that this exhibition aims to rekindle the memory of Shivaji’s brave history, which is often forgotten by younger generations.
