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पानिपत [Panipat]
Panipat, Vishwas Patil's first literary work, takes a look at the third battle of Panipat, which took place on January 14, 1761. It presents the historical battle that progressed between the Maratha army and the army of Ahmad Shah Abdali, the founder of the Afghan Empire.The book initially follows the battle that takes place between the army of Najib-ud-Daulah, an ethnic Pashtun, and the Scindias. It then proceeds to cover the northward progress of the massive Maratha forces to counter the threat of Najib-ud-Daulah. Eventually, the Maratha infantry and cavalry succeed in entering the Mughal stronghold of Panipat. Here, they are surrounded by a huge force of Shia Muslim and Afghan soldiers who block their source of ration. The resulting frustration and malnutrition takes its toll on the Maratha army.The book speaks of the valiant efforts of men like Jankoji Shinde, Nanasaheb Peshwa, and many other Maratha compatriots. The author has also countered the common negative portrayal of Sadashivrao Bhau, one of the Maratha leaders, with strong appreciation of his war tactics.The book highlights the myriad experiences that cast their shadows on the battleground, including bloodshed, depression, disease, desolation, martyrdom, betrayal, death, fear, victory, loss, hatred, ignorance, and vengeance.It also focuses on certain key points pertaining to India as a federal nation. Some of these points include the role of religion, the battle for supremacy between the North and the South, the detrimental influence of regional politics, the role of language, and the importance of unity. At the end of the book, the author has provided insights into his research efforts, which included several trips to Panipat. Panipat was originally written in Marathi and first published on October 20, 1988. Since then, it been translated to English and several other Indian languages, including Hindi.
Panipat has received thirty-eight awards since its release in 1988, and sold more than 200,000 copies.
Panipat has received thirty-eight awards since its release in 1988, and sold more than 200,000 copies.
613 pages, Hardcover
First published October 20, 1988
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10063 people want to read
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January 14, 2012
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Summary –
“Two pearls have been dissolved, 27 gold coins have been lost and of the silver and copper the total cannot be cast up” – These words describe the outcome of the Third Battle of Panipat fought between Marathas and Ahmed Shah Abdali. The epic battle, considered as one of the largest in the 18th century resulted in a disaster for the Marathas and had long lasting ramifications on India’s politics.
Review –
Panipat. The word invokes such strong memories among Maharashtrians that even after 250 years my hands tremble while typing these words. What Waterloo is to French or Stalingrad to Germans, Panipat is to Maharashtra. Vishwas Patil’s renowned novel recounts this legendary battle fought exactly 250 years ago on this very same day between the Marathas and Ahmed Shah Abdali.
The decline of the Mughal Empire after a long war fought over 27 years (1980-1707) with Marathas left Marathas strongly in saddle to rule India south of Narmada river. Soon under Peshwa Bajirao I they made a dash in North as far as Attock. This brought them in direct conflict with Ahmed Shah Abdali. Abdali invaded India and with his allies Rohillas under Najib Khan formed a coalition against Marathas. Najib Khan was shrewd and cunning enough to understand the political implications of this confrontation and helped Abdali to obtain support of Shuja-ud-Daula, Nawab of Awadh. Marathas bound by their treaty with the Mughal Emperor sent a strong force under Sadashiv Rao Bhau. Maratha force entered Delhi in August 1760. This was followed by constant skirmishes and battles between the two forces. After Marathas stormed Kunjpura, 60 miles to the North of Delhi, Abdali taking a calculated risk crossed Yamuna secretly. Both the armies were now placed in a deadlock with Marathas at Panipat blocking Abdali’s way back to Afghanistan and Abdali blocking Maratha’s road towards Delhi. Marathas set up defence at Panipat but they were surrounded by enemy from all sides and their supply lines were cut. After two months of constant fights Maratha army was exhausted and desperate without any support from their friends in North and reinforcements from South, they went to War on 14th January 1761.
Marathas made some strategic and tactical errors before the actual battle began. Their traditional allies Rajputs and Jats in North had deserted them due to Maratha’s meddling in their internal affairs. Sikhs who could have been very strong ally were ignored in the beginning. Abdali’s siege ensured that Marathas could not seek reinforcements from Sikhs afterwards. Marathas were almost 1000 miles away from their homeland and though they had very strong cavalry and artillery, they were saddled by many civilians who had come with army for pilgrimage in North. This proved fatal as it slowed the pace of the army and added more mouths to feed. Marathas formed a spherical formation with their heavy artillery in front supported by cavalry. The idea was to use the superior artillery to break Abdali’s ranks and open the road to Delhi at the same time protecting the civilians behind the lines. But some of the old generals used to traditional Maratha Guerrilla Warfare were opposed to this.
When the actual battle started, Marathas fought ferociously and were in command by noon. Victory beckoned them but at this critical juncture Maratha cavalry left its position in its jubilation to chase the enemy leaving the flanks open. The cavalry was now between the artillery and the enemy leaving the Maratha artillery ineffective. Abdali seizing this opportunity used his reserve force and cannons mounted on Camels effectively to break Maratha ranks. During battle Vishwas Rao, son of Peshwa Nanasaheb was killed. Seeing the tide turning some senior Maratha generals including Malhar Rao Holkar left the battlefield. Sadashiv Rao Bhau fought with valour till end but could not save Marathas from defeat. After Bhau fell Marathas were completely routed. It is said that almost every household in Maharashtra lost someone on the battlefield of Panipat.
There are moments… moments in lives of nations when time stops and one wonders “What if?” Panipat was such a moment. What if Marathas had won the battle? We can only surmise but will never know the answer to this question. I have always felt that the importance of this battle has not been completely understood by many in India. Abdali won, but he suffered heavy casualties and fearing fresh Maratha attack from South soon went back to Afghanistan never to return. This was last of the attacks on India from the Northwest. The defeat of Marathas left a void in North which the British, buoyed by their victory in Bengal just four years earlier quickly began to fill. After Panipat, Maratha’s enemies in South, The Nizam and Haider Ali reared their heads again and young Madhav Rao Peshwa spent most of his short career fighting them. Marathas under Madhav Rao soon regained their strength and came back to power in Delhi in 1771, but their success was short lived. Crippled by Madhav Rao’s untimely death at the age of 28, infighting ensued among Maratha chiefs. A spate of deaths of Peshwa Sawai Madhav Rao, Mahadaji Shinde and Nana Phadnis in quick succession weakened them and resulted in their defeat at the hands of British in 1818.
The persona of Sadashiv Rao Bhau has remained an enigma. Many consider him responsible for the defeat at Panipat. He is regarded as haughty and arrogant. He was thought of more as a pen pusher than a general though he had proved his mettle at the battle of Udgir thereby granting him the helm of the Maratha army. Others consider him as a competent soldier and statesman. The truth, I am sure, is standing as usual somewhere between the two arguments.
History is a cruel judge who lets his judgement known only after a considerable time has elapsed. But as long as Marathi language lives, the word Panipat will be spoken with greatest pride.
Summary –
“Two pearls have been dissolved, 27 gold coins have been lost and of the silver and copper the total cannot be cast up” – These words describe the outcome of the Third Battle of Panipat fought between Marathas and Ahmed Shah Abdali. The epic battle, considered as one of the largest in the 18th century resulted in a disaster for the Marathas and had long lasting ramifications on India’s politics.
Review –
Panipat. The word invokes such strong memories among Maharashtrians that even after 250 years my hands tremble while typing these words. What Waterloo is to French or Stalingrad to Germans, Panipat is to Maharashtra. Vishwas Patil’s renowned novel recounts this legendary battle fought exactly 250 years ago on this very same day between the Marathas and Ahmed Shah Abdali.
The decline of the Mughal Empire after a long war fought over 27 years (1980-1707) with Marathas left Marathas strongly in saddle to rule India south of Narmada river. Soon under Peshwa Bajirao I they made a dash in North as far as Attock. This brought them in direct conflict with Ahmed Shah Abdali. Abdali invaded India and with his allies Rohillas under Najib Khan formed a coalition against Marathas. Najib Khan was shrewd and cunning enough to understand the political implications of this confrontation and helped Abdali to obtain support of Shuja-ud-Daula, Nawab of Awadh. Marathas bound by their treaty with the Mughal Emperor sent a strong force under Sadashiv Rao Bhau. Maratha force entered Delhi in August 1760. This was followed by constant skirmishes and battles between the two forces. After Marathas stormed Kunjpura, 60 miles to the North of Delhi, Abdali taking a calculated risk crossed Yamuna secretly. Both the armies were now placed in a deadlock with Marathas at Panipat blocking Abdali’s way back to Afghanistan and Abdali blocking Maratha’s road towards Delhi. Marathas set up defence at Panipat but they were surrounded by enemy from all sides and their supply lines were cut. After two months of constant fights Maratha army was exhausted and desperate without any support from their friends in North and reinforcements from South, they went to War on 14th January 1761.
Marathas made some strategic and tactical errors before the actual battle began. Their traditional allies Rajputs and Jats in North had deserted them due to Maratha’s meddling in their internal affairs. Sikhs who could have been very strong ally were ignored in the beginning. Abdali’s siege ensured that Marathas could not seek reinforcements from Sikhs afterwards. Marathas were almost 1000 miles away from their homeland and though they had very strong cavalry and artillery, they were saddled by many civilians who had come with army for pilgrimage in North. This proved fatal as it slowed the pace of the army and added more mouths to feed. Marathas formed a spherical formation with their heavy artillery in front supported by cavalry. The idea was to use the superior artillery to break Abdali’s ranks and open the road to Delhi at the same time protecting the civilians behind the lines. But some of the old generals used to traditional Maratha Guerrilla Warfare were opposed to this.
When the actual battle started, Marathas fought ferociously and were in command by noon. Victory beckoned them but at this critical juncture Maratha cavalry left its position in its jubilation to chase the enemy leaving the flanks open. The cavalry was now between the artillery and the enemy leaving the Maratha artillery ineffective. Abdali seizing this opportunity used his reserve force and cannons mounted on Camels effectively to break Maratha ranks. During battle Vishwas Rao, son of Peshwa Nanasaheb was killed. Seeing the tide turning some senior Maratha generals including Malhar Rao Holkar left the battlefield. Sadashiv Rao Bhau fought with valour till end but could not save Marathas from defeat. After Bhau fell Marathas were completely routed. It is said that almost every household in Maharashtra lost someone on the battlefield of Panipat.
There are moments… moments in lives of nations when time stops and one wonders “What if?” Panipat was such a moment. What if Marathas had won the battle? We can only surmise but will never know the answer to this question. I have always felt that the importance of this battle has not been completely understood by many in India. Abdali won, but he suffered heavy casualties and fearing fresh Maratha attack from South soon went back to Afghanistan never to return. This was last of the attacks on India from the Northwest. The defeat of Marathas left a void in North which the British, buoyed by their victory in Bengal just four years earlier quickly began to fill. After Panipat, Maratha’s enemies in South, The Nizam and Haider Ali reared their heads again and young Madhav Rao Peshwa spent most of his short career fighting them. Marathas under Madhav Rao soon regained their strength and came back to power in Delhi in 1771, but their success was short lived. Crippled by Madhav Rao’s untimely death at the age of 28, infighting ensued among Maratha chiefs. A spate of deaths of Peshwa Sawai Madhav Rao, Mahadaji Shinde and Nana Phadnis in quick succession weakened them and resulted in their defeat at the hands of British in 1818.
The persona of Sadashiv Rao Bhau has remained an enigma. Many consider him responsible for the defeat at Panipat. He is regarded as haughty and arrogant. He was thought of more as a pen pusher than a general though he had proved his mettle at the battle of Udgir thereby granting him the helm of the Maratha army. Others consider him as a competent soldier and statesman. The truth, I am sure, is standing as usual somewhere between the two arguments.
History is a cruel judge who lets his judgement known only after a considerable time has elapsed. But as long as Marathi language lives, the word Panipat will be spoken with greatest pride.
July 31, 2020
A magnificent work of historical fiction. Amazing battle scenes, political intrigue, military logistics. Thrilling stuff. Must read for all history buffs.
January 9, 2020
Amazing book on Panipat.
Highly recommended.
This book is better than that lame movie which was released in 2019.
You can also read Panipat book written by Uday Kulkarni.
Glad this epic Marathi book got translated in english.
Highly recommended.
This book is better than that lame movie which was released in 2019.
You can also read Panipat book written by Uday Kulkarni.
Glad this epic Marathi book got translated in english.
August 22, 2011
This book should be a mandatory read. The battle saga humiliated me, made me proud,
I felt love, anguish & respect and many a time's experienced pain. The reason
for Panipat's battle, the outcome and various factors for the same. You will
fall in love with the character's and curse yourself for being such an ignorant fool,
I did!
I felt love, anguish & respect and many a time's experienced pain. The reason
for Panipat's battle, the outcome and various factors for the same. You will
fall in love with the character's and curse yourself for being such an ignorant fool,
I did!
December 23, 2022
Dramatised book on Panipat but do read it. You will love it. Way better than Panipat movie that was released in 2019. I even heard the news that Panipat movie script was written based on Vishwas Patil book without giving credit to him.
August 10, 2020
What an epic description of the ultimate battle of Paanipat ! The bravery of maratha warriors despite facing difficult situations like food shortage is unbelievable. Sadashivraobhau Peshwe is really the unsung hero of the peshwa history. A must read !
December 1, 2012
Many thanks to the author for making aware of this historical battle fought with extraordinary spirit & skills by our great Maratha warriors. A salute to all these heroes who fought till their last breath even when they were encountered with all negative circumstances like betrayal, heavy casualties, loss of key soldiers, severe malnutrition due to ration cutoff by Afghans,diseases, non co-operation from the other rulers & so on.. Panipat in Marathi has become a synonym for defeat, but after reading this book, your outlook towards it changes. You look it as battle brilliantly FOUGHT, than the battle lost....
August 5, 2019
This book has power to boost your imagination to a level where you feel like you are living the battle. 260 years and still Maharastrian use phrase 'Panipat Jhala' to define or refer big defeats and now I know why. The battle was undoubtedly one of biggest and most destructive in 18th century and the way Vishwas Patil has described this destruction will surely make your hand tremble while keeping book down. Book surely glorifies bravery of Marathas but doesn't forget to take dig at some internal traitors and those who just ran away from arena for life. The level of research work and detailing done by author makes this simply a masterpiece.
August 22, 2013
पानिपत�च्या लढाईबद्दलची नकारात्मक भावना दूर करून या लढाईला इतिहासात मानाचे स्थान मिळवून देणारी कादंबरी... प्रत्येकाने वाचावी अशी...
October 16, 2021
Heartwrenching novel that justifies Historical Accounts - Najib's evilness and Peshwa's bravery (and also, foolishness!)
Many a time authors fictionalise historical accounts to develop a fan base for their books. This book does the opposite - it sticks to the historical facts. The beauty of this novel lies in the way history is recounted - the words come alive and it is more of visualizing rather than reading. Though this sounds great it is rather heart wrenching when the accounts are that of treachery, foolishness, indecisiveness, political selfishness causing numerous deaths. The most painful deaths were that of brave Jankoji Rao Scindia who was the only heir of Scindia House and was only 16 years old when he sacrificed himself. And that of the loyal Ibrahim Khan Gardi who before him lost his younger brother Fateh Khan, Son, and Son-in-law and was brutally tortured and killed in a way that No Maratha will give their enemy a death of this kind but then Najeeb and the Afghans were no Maratha and were humans only for name-sake.
Panipat Battle was never a battle between Hindus and Muslims. Rather Najib made into Jihad and attempted to pull in all the Muslim Rulers into this battle which was rather successful. Even the Afghan Emperor, Abdali, at the end of the Battle realised Najib's farce. Also, the 3rd battle of Panipat was long lost by the Peshwas even before it began - Malharrao Holkar taking wicked Najib as his adopted son, Raghunathrao and Dattaji Shinde's failure in curbing Najib's growing fangs at the right moment, and GopikaBai's sinister attempts to ensure her son Vishwasrao becomes next heir(subtly mentioned). Though I was aware of each historical event mentioned in the book still, reading all these accounts left me teary-eyed. At this point, I should confess that there were few pages that I skipped because I was overwhelmed with the havoc and deaths.
It is not a hidden fact that many in Peshwas were self-indulgent; though they were clever and brave the internal feuds and strifes eventually brought the downfall of the Maratha Empire. But, there were few who commanded loyalty and respect even from their Muslim counterparts. One of them was Sadashivrao Peshwa. But this Peshwa's legacy has been over-written by false accounts that he was the cause for Maratha's failure at Panipat. This account was actually a crude attempt to hide the betrayals and failure to support him on the battlefield by those guilty. Hence, an attempt was also made to redeem Sadashivrao Peshwa's legacy and to highlight MalharRao Holkar's shameful betrayal and arrogance till the end.
The book is perhaps the most truthful account of what happened prior to and during the month of January 1761.
If you love history and are willing to shed few tears then this book is definitely worth reading!
Many a time authors fictionalise historical accounts to develop a fan base for their books. This book does the opposite - it sticks to the historical facts. The beauty of this novel lies in the way history is recounted - the words come alive and it is more of visualizing rather than reading. Though this sounds great it is rather heart wrenching when the accounts are that of treachery, foolishness, indecisiveness, political selfishness causing numerous deaths. The most painful deaths were that of brave Jankoji Rao Scindia who was the only heir of Scindia House and was only 16 years old when he sacrificed himself. And that of the loyal Ibrahim Khan Gardi who before him lost his younger brother Fateh Khan, Son, and Son-in-law and was brutally tortured and killed in a way that No Maratha will give their enemy a death of this kind but then Najeeb and the Afghans were no Maratha and were humans only for name-sake.
Panipat Battle was never a battle between Hindus and Muslims. Rather Najib made into Jihad and attempted to pull in all the Muslim Rulers into this battle which was rather successful. Even the Afghan Emperor, Abdali, at the end of the Battle realised Najib's farce. Also, the 3rd battle of Panipat was long lost by the Peshwas even before it began - Malharrao Holkar taking wicked Najib as his adopted son, Raghunathrao and Dattaji Shinde's failure in curbing Najib's growing fangs at the right moment, and GopikaBai's sinister attempts to ensure her son Vishwasrao becomes next heir(subtly mentioned). Though I was aware of each historical event mentioned in the book still, reading all these accounts left me teary-eyed. At this point, I should confess that there were few pages that I skipped because I was overwhelmed with the havoc and deaths.
It is not a hidden fact that many in Peshwas were self-indulgent; though they were clever and brave the internal feuds and strifes eventually brought the downfall of the Maratha Empire. But, there were few who commanded loyalty and respect even from their Muslim counterparts. One of them was Sadashivrao Peshwa. But this Peshwa's legacy has been over-written by false accounts that he was the cause for Maratha's failure at Panipat. This account was actually a crude attempt to hide the betrayals and failure to support him on the battlefield by those guilty. Hence, an attempt was also made to redeem Sadashivrao Peshwa's legacy and to highlight MalharRao Holkar's shameful betrayal and arrogance till the end.
The book is perhaps the most truthful account of what happened prior to and during the month of January 1761.
If you love history and are willing to shed few tears then this book is definitely worth reading!
February 3, 2023
A dreadful yet important part of history.
I read this book in Marathi, but can't seem to find the tag on here, so I'll use this one.
His writing is pretty dramatic and evokes emotions but it perfectly sets the theme as it was quite the melancholic time.
I read this book in Marathi, but can't seem to find the tag on here, so I'll use this one.
His writing is pretty dramatic and evokes emotions but it perfectly sets the theme as it was quite the melancholic time.
December 20, 2017
मराठ देशातील असा एकही उंबरठा नव्हता जिथे बांगडी नव्हती फुटली, या एका ओळीतच पानिपत च्या ३ऱ्या लढाईचे वर्णन.
अफगाणचा बादशाह अहमदशाह अब्दाली आणि दिल्ली रक्षणाची जबाबदारी स्वीकारलेले छत्रपतींचे प्रधान सेवक पेशवे यांच्यात झालेली १४ जानेवारी १७६१ ची पानिपत येथील लढाईचे रेखाचित्र आपल्या लेखणीतून उभे केले आहे विश्वास पाटील यांनी.
वैशिष्ट्ये :
परिपूर्ण आराखडा तयार करून अभ्यासाअंती उभी केलेली साहित्यकृती
युद्धक्षेत्राचे तपशीलवार नकाशासहित वर्णन
नानासाहेब-सदाशिवभाऊ यांच्यातील प्रेम,राघोबादादांच्या भाऊद्वेष,कोवळ्या वयाच्या जनकोजी आणि विश्वासरावांचे पराक्रम,अब्दालीची पकड,ऐषोआरामात मशगूल पुणे,देवभोळे मराठी लोक,आणि ऐनवेळी पाठ दाखविलेले होळकर आणि बरच काही ..
माझे तर असे मत आहे कि उत्तर भारतात मराठ्यांनी गाजविलेले पराक्रम अनेक असतील पण पानिपतच्या ३ ऱ्या लढाईत मराठ्यांचा जो पराभव झाला तेथूनच पुढे दिल्लीवरील मराठ्यांची पकड ढिली पडली.
ब्रिटिशांनी भारतीय राजकारणात प्रवेश करण्यापूर्वी दिल्ली कशी चालायची हे माहित करून घ्यावयाचे असेल तर नक्की वाचावे असे साहित्य.
अफगाणचा बादशाह अहमदशाह अब्दाली आणि दिल्ली रक्षणाची जबाबदारी स्वीकारलेले छत्रपतींचे प्रधान सेवक पेशवे यांच्यात झालेली १४ जानेवारी १७६१ ची पानिपत येथील लढाईचे रेखाचित्र आपल्या लेखणीतून उभे केले आहे विश्वास पाटील यांनी.
वैशिष्ट्ये :
परिपूर्ण आराखडा तयार करून अभ्यासाअंती उभी केलेली साहित्यकृती
युद्धक्षेत्राचे तपशीलवार नकाशासहित वर्णन
नानासाहेब-सदाशिवभाऊ यांच्यातील प्रेम,राघोबादादांच्या भाऊद्वेष,कोवळ्या वयाच्या जनकोजी आणि विश्वासरावांचे पराक्रम,अब्दालीची पकड,ऐषोआरामात मशगूल पुणे,देवभोळे मराठी लोक,आणि ऐनवेळी पाठ दाखविलेले होळकर आणि बरच काही ..
माझे तर असे मत आहे कि उत्तर भारतात मराठ्यांनी गाजविलेले पराक्रम अनेक असतील पण पानिपतच्या ३ ऱ्या लढाईत मराठ्यांचा जो पराभव झाला तेथूनच पुढे दिल्लीवरील मराठ्यांची पकड ढिली पडली.
ब्रिटिशांनी भारतीय राजकारणात प्रवेश करण्यापूर्वी दिल्ली कशी चालायची हे माहित करून घ्यावयाचे असेल तर नक्की वाचावे असे साहित्य.
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December 24, 2015There is a proverb in Marathi .. "Panipat hone" (turning into a complete ruin).. But this book redefines the phrase and glorifies one of the greatest wars India has witnessed.. it takes the timeline back and showcases the events on larger than life screen.. the cause, proceedings are very well described.. Politics in the time of Peshwai, their riches, bravery, various sardars and all wards are detailed out neatly.. Pages on the actual war are the most captivating part of the book.. It make you wishing you to be on the warfront to somehow change the bitter course of events.. Beware, this book keeps dwelling in your head, even after you finish reading.. and if you are planning to co-read with your friends, your discussions will never end for some months atleast.. Hats off Vishwas Patil!
July 28, 2014
"Panipat" is an excellent book about historical war where entire Maratha empire fought for the country against the invaders. It's a true spirit of "shrimant bhausaheb peshva" who led his life for our own country. The pace & excellence of writer is so great where you can even involve into those days. Salute to the great Marathi people their dedication & courage.
November 20, 2015
I could not fathom the marathi literary crowd going gung-ho about this book, until i read it. I can surely say this is a literary masterpiece and ranks very high on my list of books.
The book exemplifies the painstaking efforts the Author has put to recreate the events of one of the greatest battles ever fought in history.
The book exemplifies the painstaking efforts the Author has put to recreate the events of one of the greatest battles ever fought in history.
July 15, 2012
best war ever described......!!!!!!
October 25, 2013
Classic on fall of maratha empire
November 6, 2018
The book opens when the Mughal Empire was at the verge of its extinction and there were constant attacks of Ahmed Shah Abdali on India. In midst of all chaos Marathas were campaigning in the north India to protect the weaken Mughal Empire as per an agreement. The Maratha forces face many adversities during this campaign and they even lose one of their general Dattaji Shinde. The book does not waste any time to give a solid start to a grand story of the battle which was proven as the turning point in the Indian history. In the first half the book is very balanced historical document and a good story at the same time. Author has done a good job in building situations, the mistakes that Maratha forces made and through some extent the internal tension in Shaniwaar Wada, I think this was the part which had potential to be given more space, but most of the time is given to the hardships Marathas faced during their journey. As most of the hardships were created by the Marathas themselves and by lack of a steadfast and strict leadership, I felt that the author here try to cover up the mistakes of Marathas and also the deeper and darker rifts in the Marathas by targeting some characters as villians. The book starts loosing it's momentum towards the second half and becomes almost boring and the dialogues were same on each and every occasion.
The Hindi translation was also one of the biggest problems of the book, the language used in the translation is not up to the mark and also not impactful. In most of the book the language used is either very casual or characters talk in a manner that they are always in the mood of fighting. There are very rare instances where the characters talk normally. The most ridiculous part was when the people in the camp of Ahmed Shah Abdali talk in Shuddh Hindi. There are many (and I mean MANY) characters which keep coming throughout the book and it becomes very difficult to keep the track of all of them. There were also two very loose ends in the book which would have been quite good twists but they are never mentioned again in the book.
Hero worshipping-which is on each and every page-makes book repeatative, dragging and ultimately leads to a delayed ending. There was scope to develop the characters of Sadashiv Bhau and Ahmed Shah Abdali as two singular personalities who ended up facing each other in this fateful war but on the name of development they are just given few pages of back story and thanks to the bad translation the back stories also lacked conviction and failed to make any impact. There are many unipmortant characters whose back stories are needlessly in the book. Towards the end I lost all the interest and it was hard to end the book.
A Very Disappointing Read.
2 Stars.
The Hindi translation was also one of the biggest problems of the book, the language used in the translation is not up to the mark and also not impactful. In most of the book the language used is either very casual or characters talk in a manner that they are always in the mood of fighting. There are very rare instances where the characters talk normally. The most ridiculous part was when the people in the camp of Ahmed Shah Abdali talk in Shuddh Hindi. There are many (and I mean MANY) characters which keep coming throughout the book and it becomes very difficult to keep the track of all of them. There were also two very loose ends in the book which would have been quite good twists but they are never mentioned again in the book.
Hero worshipping-which is on each and every page-makes book repeatative, dragging and ultimately leads to a delayed ending. There was scope to develop the characters of Sadashiv Bhau and Ahmed Shah Abdali as two singular personalities who ended up facing each other in this fateful war but on the name of development they are just given few pages of back story and thanks to the bad translation the back stories also lacked conviction and failed to make any impact. There are many unipmortant characters whose back stories are needlessly in the book. Towards the end I lost all the interest and it was hard to end the book.
A Very Disappointing Read.
2 Stars.
September 17, 2019
जेंव्हा हे पुस्तक माझ्या हातात आलं तेंव्हा अजिबात बाजूला ठेऊ शकलो नाही . पानिपत बद्दल सम्पूर्ण महिनाभर डोक्यातून विचार जात नव्हते . प्रत्येक प्रसंग डोळ्यासमोर जसा च्या तसा उभा राहण्याची ताकत या पुस्तकात आहे . ज्या परिस्थिती मध्ये मराठे लढले , ज्या प्रकारे त्यांनी मुघलांना जेरीस आणलं , शह कटशह , शिंदे घराण्याची जिद्द जोश कर्तबगारी हुशारी सगळंच सुन्न करून टाकणार आहे . पानिपत मराठे हरले नाहीत तर जिंकले असच मी म्हणतो . जस्ट अमेझिंग five stars , love it .. 👌👍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2019
पानिपतचा रणसंग्राम, मराठी मातीची गुण अवगुण यांची विस्तृत अशी चिकित्सा या कादंबरीतून पाहायला मिळते. मराठे जरी पानिपत ची लढाई हरले तरीही ती हार खंद्या वीरांची होती.
March 5, 2025
Fabulous 😍
April 27, 2020
A treat
Reading the book by Patil is a treat and delight. I read the English Version and was enthralled and absorbed completely . Credit too must be given to the translator Mr Nadeem Khan, who has done a wonderful job. he carried the essence of the original so well. Reading the book was like watching the events unfold in front of on a 70mm screen. Whether it is discussion on the planning of the battle strategy or the actual battle scenes. Each of the persons mentioned in the book ( and a part of history) has been etched out so well by the author and carried equally in the translation. The author states that he was writing a novel and not history, but any reader he transports them in time to history and events .
Reading the book by Patil is a treat and delight. I read the English Version and was enthralled and absorbed completely . Credit too must be given to the translator Mr Nadeem Khan, who has done a wonderful job. he carried the essence of the original so well. Reading the book was like watching the events unfold in front of on a 70mm screen. Whether it is discussion on the planning of the battle strategy or the actual battle scenes. Each of the persons mentioned in the book ( and a part of history) has been etched out so well by the author and carried equally in the translation. The author states that he was writing a novel and not history, but any reader he transports them in time to history and events .
July 8, 2020
A great inspirational book. It takes you back to the plains of Panipat and portrays a vary lively picture of the battle of Panipat and the valour of the Marathas.
Although the focus is more on the events preceding the battle it gives you a great impression of the hardships and adversities the Maratha army faced prior to launching itself to the battle.
It also touches the contemporary conflicts among the Maratha chieftains like Holkars and Shindes and also amongst other rulers of the Central India namely Shuja-ud-Dawla and Surajmal Jaat.
Finally the English translation by Nadeem Kahn is very good with appropriate use of the vocabulary and he has ensured that the original spirit of the Marathi book has prevailed in his translation.
Overall a great book to read.
Although the focus is more on the events preceding the battle it gives you a great impression of the hardships and adversities the Maratha army faced prior to launching itself to the battle.
It also touches the contemporary conflicts among the Maratha chieftains like Holkars and Shindes and also amongst other rulers of the Central India namely Shuja-ud-Dawla and Surajmal Jaat.
Finally the English translation by Nadeem Kahn is very good with appropriate use of the vocabulary and he has ensured that the original spirit of the Marathi book has prevailed in his translation.
Overall a great book to read.
February 12, 2020
Read the original Marathi book. An absolutely brilliant book which builds back the Peshwa period and brings all the characters alive. A great lesson in history often misinterpreted or forgotten, but the author does all the justice to stay true to the courage shown and loss seen by the Maratha army during the third battle of Panipat. Hats off to Vishwas Patil for his narrative style and engaging structure. The book compelled me to sit through the entire battle narration from mid night to wee hours, and that according to me was the best part of the book.
November 5, 2015
This book is a complete masterpiece work done by the author. This is second book of this author which i read, first being Sambhaji. Again I found the same things attracting me. The details which the author provided are extraordinary. We can feel the scenes running in front of our eyes, while reading them. A must read book for all history lovers.
March 30, 2016
This book has a power to take you right in the middle of the battle of Panipat! Every emotion is captured very well by author. By the end of the book, I was ashamed of the mistakes but at the same time extremely proud of Marathas for putting up a brave fight when everything was going against them.
May 22, 2014
This is one of my favorite book so I can't resist to have my own copy of it. Till now I read it two times and it brings tears in my eyes at the end of this book whenever I read it. It is a must read book.
June 21, 2017
खूप छान लिहिलंय हे पुस्तक .. परंतु हे पुस्तक वाचणार्या इतिहासप्रेमी मराठी वाचकांना माझी विनंती आहे कि आपण यानंतर "पानिपतचा विजय" हे प्रा.नामदेवराव जाधव लिखित पुस्तक जरूर वाचावे. आपले संभ्रम दूर होतील.
July 1, 2012
full of Travel, Sorrow, Joy, Religion and History no need to use any reference
April 28, 2014
Fantastic novel, it brings battle scenes to life. Detailed description of entire expedition starting from Maharashtra to Panipat.
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