The Marathas made swords like Thop by studying war tactics and weapons. They were also called Firangi because they used blades made in French and Portuguese countries for these swords.

While studying historical and ancient structures in Sri Kshetra Mahabaleshwar, Phaltan scholar Mayuresh More and local expert Rahul Kadam found the hilt of a Maratha Thop sword and other ancient objects in an old well (Aad/Bawdi).

After the Indian Arms Act, the British confiscated and destroyed many weapons. The weapons that survived from it are very important historical relics. The Marathas made swords like Thop by studying war tactics and weapons. They were also called Firangi because they used blades made in French and Portuguese countries for these swords. This steel was of excellent quality. There are two subtypes of these swords. The first type is a curved thop; its blade and tip are slightly curved. The second is a straight thop; its blade is straight.

Upon realizing that this historical deposit found in Kshetra Mahabaleshwar is rare, Rahul Kadam informed some prominent people of the village about it. Dhanesh Wadekar gave the idea to Rajendra Kachre, the Provincial Officer of Wai. After that, under the guidance of Tehsildar Tejaswini Patil, a team of Praveen Shinde, the custodian of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum, along with Satara Yuvarajya Foundation President Maharudra Tikunde, Subhash Gaikwad, and Rohan Dhane, entered Sri Kshetra Mahabaleshwar. Jaywant Biramane and Anil Langi, with the help of Mahabaleshwar Trekkers, retrieved these historical objects from the well. Locals like Dhanesh Wadekar, Prashant Katrat, Nilesh Dhanawade, Anand Debe, Mahesh Langi, Sanket Langi, etc., were present on this occasion. Through such historical objects, many hidden pages of history can be revealed, said Custodian Shidi.

Such swords were used for cavalry; they are four feet long, and this weapon is used to pierce the enemy. These swords were made 350 years ago during the Maratha period of Shiva. The Marathas made these Firangi blades to last longer in war and have a handle that does not hurt the hand, and they have made it well balanced.

– Rahul Kadam, History Connoisseur

With the help of Mahabaleshwar Trekkers, Jaywant Biramane and Anil Langi took these historical objects out of the well. Locals like Dhanesh Wadekar, Prashant Katrat, Nilesh Dhanawade, Anand Debe, Mahesh Langi, Sanket Langi, etc., were present on this occasion. Many hidden pages of history can be opened through such historical objects, said Archivist Shinde.

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