Maharashtra declares Dandapatta as state weapon on 350th anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation
In a significant move, Sudhir Mungantiwar, the Cultural Affairs Minister of Maharashtra, announced ‘Dandapatta’ as the state weapon on the occasion of the 350th anniversary of the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The Dandapatta is a unique weapon, characterized by a sword with an integrated gauntlet serving as a handguard, commonly referred to as a gauntlet-sword. Mungantiwar highlighted the historical importance of the Dandapatta in Maratha warfare and deemed it essential to emphasize its significance. Maharashtra becomes the first state in India to accord the status of state weapon to the Dandapatta.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde approved the declaration during the Shivaji Jayanti celebration at the Agra fort, attended by deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar along with Mungantiwar. This decision aims to honor the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and recognize the historical value of the dandapatta in Maratha’s military history.
