News Brief
Dandapatta, Used By Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj And Maratha Army, Declared State Weapon Of Maharashtra
Representative Image (Pic Via Twitter)
Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar announced the designation of the dandapatta as the state weapon on the occasion of the the 350th anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's coronation.
The dandapatta, a unique sword featuring a gauntlet as a handguard, holds a significant place in Maratha history as a key weapon of the Maratha army.
"The dandapatta has an important place as a Maratha weapon in the history of Marathas. It is a distinctive weapon of the Maratha army and it is important to highlight its importance. For this, the dandapatta will be declared as the state weapon. Maharashtra is the first state in the country to announce dandpatta as a state weapon," Mungantiwar was quoted as saying in a Times of India report.
The approval to declare the dandapatta as the state weapon was given by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during the Shivaji Jayanti celebrations at Agra Fort on Monday, according to Mungantiwar.
“We conducted a study and found that the Maratha kingdom used the dand patta most effectively. It was used by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his commanders. So we have decided to declare it as the state weapon," he said.
The event was also attended by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar.
"The Mughal Durbar in Agra once experienced the self-respect and majesty of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj...once again, the same Durbar will be resounding with cries of Shiva Raya," Mungantiwar said.
According to the Maharashtra minister, Russian historians have also elaborated the importance of this Maratha weapon in the books written on Shivaji Maharaj.
"With this, historians and writers of the time over the world have described this Maratha weapon as an innovative type. The decision has been taken considering the importance of this Maratha weapon and this is a happy news for all Shiv devotees," Mungantiwar said.
According to officials, the dandapatta was a lightweight yet deadly sword, ideal for engaging multiple adversaries simultaneously.
"It usually consists of a long, straight steel blade attached to an armoured gauntlet that can be worn on the fist. Armoured gloves are designed to cover the forearm from the fist to the elbow. It was used in hand-to-hand combat at close range. Especially the Maratha infantry used it effectively in many campaigns," an official was quoted as saying in the ToI report.
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