Babasaheb Purandare Books (Part 2)

Title: Maharaj 

Author: Babasaheb Purandare 

This book is an extract of the novel named Raja Shivchatrapati written by the same author. Similar to the main novel, this book also contains the entire compilation of all events related to the life of Shivaji Maharaj, his rule, his fight against Mughal rule and his later years. However, this book has been written in brief as an attempt to make it easy to read for children. It only contains 152 pages as compared to the original version that had around 1000 pages in total. The book has been written in two versions - English and Marathi.

Title: Purandar 

Author: Babasaheb Purandare

The book receives its name from the fort Purandar that is around 50 kilometers southeast of Pune. The author describes various events that had taken place in this fort during the period of Shivaji Maharaj. The book narrates historical incidents of how Aurangazeb’s forces headed by Mirza Jaisingh and assisted by Diler Khan besieged this fort. The author introduces Murarbaji Deshpande, keeper of the fort, who lost his life fighting against Aurangazeb’s forces.

Title: Shelar Khind 

Author: Babasaheb Purandare

A novel that tells the story of a common villager named "Sarja," who helped the King to regain a fort from the Mughals. Apart from describing Sarja’s adventures, courage and bravery; this book also represents the village life, culture and social issues prevalent in those times very aptly. It is a book comprising of 221 pages and described as a nail bitter experience by readers. The author has also described the King’s emotions and feelings so beautifully that it has acted as an added advantage to the book’s popularity.

Title: Raigad 

Author: Babasaheb Purandare 

The book details about incidents that took place in the fort of Raigad. It was the capital of Shivaji’s kingdom. The book consists of 121 pages narrating various stories and events that took place years ago during the Shivaji rule. Similar to many other books of this eminent author, this book also aims at presenting historical facts related to the fort that appears to be interesting for children. The book has a special mention of various eminent characters such as Nawab Shahistekhan, Chakan Fort, Balahi Aawji etc.


Title: Janta Raja Book 

Author: Babasaheb Purandare 

A novel that rotates around the life of Shivaji Maharaj starting from his birth to his coronation as the Chhattrapati. The novel has been enacted as the famous Janta Raja Play for several times in and around  Maharashtra. It has also earned appreciation in foreign land. The novel also highlights the role of Jijabai in molding Shivaji as a warrior and leader that is found to be very inspiring by readers. The novel has been written in a manner that interests readers of all age group. It triggers patriotism and love for one’s own country. Thus, the book as well as the play is a must read and watch for all.

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Babasaheb Purandare Books (Part 1)

Title: Raja Shivchatrapati 

Author: Babasaheb Purandare

A best selling book that still continues to be the most popularly read books of its time. A great compilation of various historical events, that narrate stories about the life and work of one of the greatest Maratha Warrior – Shri Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This book has been written in two parts and contains around 1000 pages. It initiates from those years, when Shivaji Maharaj was yet to be born and then proceeds to his early life, his  fight for ‘Swarajya’ and ends with his final years and death. It has been written in a lucid language that makes it easily understandable by all. In addition, it also contains accurate date, time and place information about incidents, that took place thousands of years ago. This makes it a very good informative source from historical point of view.

Title: Agra

Author: Babasaheb Purandare 

A book that tells the story of Shivaji’s great escape from Agra Fort, where he was kept captive by Mughal king  Aurangazeb. The writer here attempts at addressing children and thereby narrates relevant instances in an appropriate manner that is found highly interesting and engrossing for children of all age groups. Although the book comprises of only 98 pages; it is sufficient to put forth the glory of rich Indian culture, prevalent then, before young minds. It also has some brief historical references of significant events along with the mention of Netaji Palkar, who happened to be the Second Sardar Senapati i.e; Commander in Chief of the Maratha Empire.

Title: Sinhagad 

Author: Babasaheb Purandare 

The book derives its name from a fort named Sinhagad, that is located 30 Kilometers south west of the city of Pune, Maharashtra. This fort stands as a natural witness of many historically significant events and the author has described a few of them in his book. It is a 155 page compilation and suitable for both children and adult reading. Battle of Sinhagad is one of the most vital incidents that took place in this fort. It was fought by Tanaji Malusare who holds a special mention in this book. Besides, the author has also described many other historical figures such as; Netaji Palkar, Narayan maharaj, Udayraj Munshi, Pilajiraje Shirke etc.

Title: Lal Mahal 

Author: Babasaheb Purandare 

This book is a descriptive summary of incidents that took place in Lal Mahal or the famous Red Palace of Pune. It is said that the Palace was established by Shahaji Bhosle for his wife Jijabai and son Shivaji. The book describes incidents related to Shivaji’s childhood and his growing years. The author has also given timely references of Shahaji Maharaj, Jijabai and Dadoji Kondeo in his collection short stories comprising of 133 pages. The book has been written so beautifully that it is still a great attraction for children belonging to different age groups.

Title: Panhalgad 

Author: Babasaheb Purandare 

The book is a compilation of short stories that narrate incidents related to Panhala Fort or Panhalgad that stands 20 kilometers northwest of Kolhapur, Maharashtra. The book comprises of 92 pages that describes number of events and battles that took place in relation to this fort. One of the most significant battles in this regard is the Battle of Pavankhind that holds a significant mention in this book. Historical character such as Baji Prabhu Deshpande – trusted commander of Shivaji also finds a special mention in this book.

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Shivaji Maharaj’s Management Skills

Just a few days back, the Maharashtra Educational Minister, Vinod Tawde had taken some substantial decisions towards developing a promising and firm Young India. On the occasion of ‘Shivaji Jayanti’ that was commemorated on 19th February 2016, he had announced that children right from their tender age should know Shivaji Maharaj not only as a great warrior but also as a Management Guru. Thereby, a separate chapter on Shivaji Maharaj Management skills would be included in class four history syllabuses of all State board schools.

Well, it’s never too late and it is always better than never. Therefore, hope that this inclusion can bless India with young leaders who can walk on same lines of such an eminent and glorious leader that Indian history can boast off.  The following discussion recollects Shivaji’s excellent Management skills and Leadership traits:

Shivaji - An Unmatched Manager: 

Foresight is perhaps one of the core qualities every leader, who is responsible for managing millions of task and people, is ought to possess. And Shivaji Maharaj stands as an epitome with this regard. Historians claim that Shivaji Maharaj is by far one of those rarest leaders who are born with this quality of efficient vigilance.

Shivaji Maharaj Management ideas and leadership qualities are studied by many aspiring leaders across the globe. And this makes it evident that his forethought and planning has loads to teach us and generations to come.

Shivaji’s ideas of welcoming traders or businessmen had introduced and strengthen inter territory marketing concepts then. To put it in his own words – “Sahukar he to rajyache bhushan;” (Business people are jewels of a nation) is sufficient to inspire and motivate young or aspiring entrepreneurs in today’s world. He entertained productive and lucrative businesses of all types and provided tax concessions, choice of locations and other perks to keep them connected.

Government modules that are followed today can find their origins to administrative divisions and management bodies during the Shivaji Maharaj Rule. He had a group of ministers known as ‘Ashta Pradhan’ meaning the Prime Eight. These group of ministers can be easily compared to present day council of ministers as they discharged similar duties then. Rather, it is not unlikely that the concept of ‘Ashta Pradhan’ led to the development of cabinet and council of ministers that we witness today.

Again, he maintained a separate group of ministers and trained them accurately to handle relationships with other rulers and territories who were seen to be in support of the huge Maratha empire. These groups were known as ‘Dabir’. Now don’t you think that this is very similar to what we know as Foreign affairs ministry?  And the answer is nothing but a Yes. Besides he is also said to have run an intelligence wing that forms a critical part in today’s government and security measures.

Lastly, many are of the belief that The 14 principals of management set by Henry Fayol finds intense similarity with those created and followed by Shivaji Maharaj. However, this is still debatable. No matter what, Shivaji Maharaj is definitely one of the finest and rarest of rulers who’s managerial and leadership techniques are enough to take India to greater prosperity if followed.

Shivaji Maharaj and Peshwa Connection

Peshwas - The uncrowned Rulers of Maratha Empire

The Peshwas were a team of Maratha Chieftains who served as Prime Ministers to the Chatrapati or the Maratha King. They were invincible in their own way and earned laurels and battles for the mighty Maratha dynasty. The esteemed Shivaji maharaj  was a great warrior and leader. And the Peshwas were like a daunting feather to the glorious crown of this Maratha ruler.

The Era of the Peshwas

The era of the Peshwas started from 1713 and continued till 1818. However, this span is debatable. In this article we shall take a closer look at the golden time period when the Marathas owing to the Peshwas gave a befitting reply to the Mughal stronghold. Before delving deeper into the Peshwas it must be known that the word ‘Peshwa’ is of Persian origin meaning, the prime or the foremost.

Shivaji was not merely a great ruler, but he was also a visionary per se. He soon realised after assuming the helmthat the Mughals were a tough opponent to beat. Might can never be the sole weapon to put them down, rather it is important to have a strong base that could protect the Maratha Empire from all possible ends. This needed impeccable administration, and here came the need of the Peshwas.

Shivaji’s Golden Years

Shivaji assumed to power and gained several forts and places in Maharashtra back under the domain of the Marathas from the Mughal capture. During the rule of Shivaji most of Deccan was under the Marathas and he left the kingdom at the hands of the son before dying as a martyr. Under him Shivaji appointed Moropant Trimbak Pingle as the first ever Peshwa. And in the later years there was an elaborate rule of the Peshwa Dynasty. This has been discussed elaborately in the succeeding paragraphs.

The Peshwa Timeline - a brief

Moropant Trimbak Pingale (served from 1657-1683)

This noted Peshwa was the first officially appointed Peshwa who served Shivaji as a member of the Ashtapradhan Mandal. He was an able man of Shivaji’s troop and helped him win several battles. His role in defeating Bijapu’s Adil Shah is the most celebrated achievement. Apart from this he also aided in constructing and reconstructing several forts in Maharashtra. Trimbakeshwar Fort at Nashik was heroically captured by him. He also was one of the first persons to help Shivaji in establishing Maratha rule in Surat.

Note: Sonpant Dabir and Shyampant Kulkarni Ranzekar preceded Pingale as Peshwas. However, their roles and achievement as Peshwas were short stints. 

Moreshwar Pingale was the successor of Trimbak Pingale and served Sambhaji from 1683-89. Like his father he too achieved great feat. He built Shukravarpeth and Ravivarpeth in Pune which have great significance even to this day.

Ramchandrapant Bawdekar (1689-1708)

This skilled man was the next in line of the Peshwas. His time saw tough times including that of famine and scarcity of other valuable resources. However, with great administration he could improve situations. He was the man who helped Tarabai in setting her foothold at Kolhapur.

Bahirojipant Pingale (1708-11)

Younger son of Morepant Pingale, Bahirojipant Pingale served as a Peshwa under Shahuji I.

Parshuram Trimbak Kulkarni (1711-13)

He served as the Pratinidhi during the ruke of Chhatrapati Rajaram and Tarabai. His contribution as a warrior is considered vital.

Balaji Vishwanath Bhatt (1713-19)

He was the appointed Peshwa of Shahu. He belonged to Bhatt family of Chitpawan Brahmins. He strengthened the foothold of the Marathas not just by winning battles for the dynasty but also by starting many reforms and signing several treaties. He started the tradition of Peshwas for the Bhatt family and the legacy continued thereafter.

Note: It is said that from Vishwanath Bhatt’s tenure the control shifted from the Chhatrapati to the Peshwas, though they were never the officially declared kings. 

The successors of Vishwanath Bhatt were the Peshwas till the very end of the Maratha dynasty. Let’s go through the course of events during the Peshwas.

Peshwa Bajirao (1700-1740)

A born leader, Bajirao I put his feet into his father’s shoes (Balaji Vishwanath Rao) and sworn in as the next Peshwa of the Maratha dynasty. His life is a perfect example of valour, chivalry, skills. Not just this, he is known to be a big time strategist who sailed against the tide and attained victory.

Unlike the other veterans in the Maratha Empire, Bajirao resolved to conquer the North and establish Maratha rule not just in the Deccan, but also in the north Indian states of that time period. He made Poona as the capital city instead of Raigadh.  There were many foes not just outside the Maratha dynasty but also within the strong walls of the Empire itself. Attock, Deccan, Malwa, Gujarat, all saw the Maratha flag hoisted under the skilled leadership of Bajirao. He assumed and sustained his reign for about two decades (1720-40). His rule was brought to an end quite unexpectedly due to a deadly fever that struck him at Raver. Overlooking the Narmada river, Peshwa Bajirao breathed his last, and thus came an end to an eventful life.

He was soon succeeded by his eldest son, Balaji Bajirao, also known as Nanasaheb. However, his was a short tenure, because of his death after the Third Battle of Panipat.

The next in line was Madhavrao Peshwa. He came to power in 1761. However, after the death of Nanasaheb, the downfall had already begun. His successors could barely sustain the already achieved glory and power of their predecessors, let alone marking newer heights.

End of the Peshwas

So, with the advent of the next century, the stronghold of the Peshwas was gradually diminishing. Bajirao II was then the surviving Peshwa. There were ample reasons for this downfall. Though the Maratha dynasty saw heights of success during the rule of the Peshwas, there was this constant tension building up owing to the rigid caste system. On Jauary 1st 1818, near river Bhima at Koregaon, in Pune, commenced a fight between the Pehwas and a troop of 500 odd untouchable Sepoys. This war is important because it marked the end of the Peshwas.

Apart from this, there was also strife between the Peshwas themselves. Needless to say, a divided rule could hardly carry on any further.