Maharashtra’s Iconic Paithani Sarees to be Showcased at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum; Raghuji Bhonsle I’s Sword to Return to State

Mumbai, 14th August 2025: Maharashtra’s celebrated Paithani sarees will soon grace the galleries of the Victoria and Albert (V\&A) Museum in London, offering global visitors a glimpse of the state’s rich textile heritage. The announcement was made by State Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar during his visit to the UK.

While in London to retrieve the historic sword of Maratha general Raghuji Bhonsle I, Shelar met V\&A Museum Director Dr. Tristram Hunt to discuss showcasing Maharashtra’s cultural treasures. “We had proposed to exhibit the Paithani saree at the museum, and they have agreed,” Shelar said. Discussions also explored future exhibitions of Maharashtra’s handloom fabrics at the prestigious institution.

A Royal Weave:
Often called the “Queen of Sarees,” the Paithani is renowned for its opulent silk, intricate handwoven designs, and centuries-old weaving tradition. It holds a place of pride in Maharashtra’s cultural identity and is prized for its regal elegance.

Shelar also revealed that Maharashtra is exploring the possibility of securing important artefacts from the V\&A Museum on long-term loan to prevent situations like the recent return of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s wagh nakh (tiger claws) after a three-year loan expired. “We are working to ensure such historic items can remain with us for longer durations,” he said.

Raghuji Bhonsle’s Sword Coming Home

On August 18, the sword of Raghuji Bhonsle I, the 18th-century Maratha commander credited with expanding the Maratha Empire, will be formally returned to Maharashtra. The state acquired the sword in a London auction, and Shelar has taken possession of it.

The V\&A Museum will also serve as an advisory partner for the new state museum being built at Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). The Cultural Affairs Department has initiated the process for an official agreement to formalise this collaboration.