Shivaji: The Great Maratha
Ranjit Desai’s monumental narrative of Shivaji, the visionary architect of the Maratha Empire, finds its vibrant expression in Vikrant Pande’s exquisite English adaptation. This captivating chronicle immerses us in the formative years of the youthful Shivaji as he arrives in Pune, alongside his indomitable mother, Jijabai, who breathes vitality into the fading fort city. As the tale unfolds through a harrowing sequence of events, we bear witness to Shivaji's metamorphosis from an ambitious dreamer to an iconic warrior and strategist. The narrative artfully traverses the vast tapestry of India—ranging from Surat to Thanjavur and even to Aurangzeb's royal court in Agra—fueling his relentless quest for Hindavi Swaraj. Desai's literary prowess meticulously captures the web of political maneuvering, personal tragedies, and military exploits that sculpted Shivaji's remarkable existence, presenting a riveting portrayal of a leader propelled by an unyielding devotion to his homeland. This elegantly woven historical saga offers a mesmerizing window into the cradle of the Maratha Empire and the extraordinary journey of its charismatic progenitor.
- Author: Ranjit Desai
- Publisher: HarperPerennial (20 December 2017)
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- ISBN: 978-9352774395
- Pages: 592 pages