Shivaji Kon Hota ?

by by Govind Pansare (Author)

Genres: Marathi, History

Paperback

Published January 1, 2018

Reviews

[Amruta Bhave]

I picked up this book because I heard vague condemnation of it on social media - with people complaining that it paints an insulting picture of Shivaji - the greatest Marathi ruler there ever was! And that intrigued me because which sane person would insult Shivaji - certainly not an accomplished intellectual like Govind Pansare! So I wanted to read the book for myself.
And I am happy to report that as expected, the social media warriors condemning this book couldn't be more wrong! The book is a well-researched history and analysis of Shivaji's achievements and idealistic policies; and paints him in the most glorious light. Why then, might people be offended, you ask? Because the book also provides a strong critique of the hypocrisy of those who use Shivaji's name to further their political cause built on the foundation of hatred and classism. The fact that Shivaji stood for the exact opposite of that means nothing to them! Exactly like how Shivaji's reign was vehemently opposed by the people in power when he was up and coming!

The book offers interesting insights on hindu-muslim relations in the 1600-1700s, differences in regional aristocracy, historical facts and data, etc. It's really a must read for all history buffs, political science enthusiasts, socially aware people, or in general, for anyone interested in common sense, logic, and anthropology.

[Prabhakar]

अभ्यासपूर्ण इतकं खरे लिहिल्यावर कोणतरी ठार मारेलच ना मग.
प्रत्येकाला वाचवे असे पुस्तक आहे.

[Onkar]

“सत्ता संपत्ती, प्रतिष्ठा, ज्ञान या बाबतीत ज्यांच बर चाललेल असत ते आहे ते टिकवायला, नुसत्या बळाचा वापर करीत नाहीत. नुसत्या दंडुक्याचा, शस्त्राचा आणि शासनचा वापर करीत नाहीत. विचारांचा वापर करतात. लोकाना असा विचार सांगतात, असा विचार पटवतात. तसे तत्वज्ञान त्यांच्या गळी मारतात, असा इतिहास त्याना शिकवतात की, त्यांचे फावते. ज्याचे हाती जे आहे ते त्याच्याकडेच राहायला या विचाराची, या तत्वज्ञानाची, खऱ्या, खोट्या, विकृत, खोडसाळ इतिहासाची मदत होते. विचार हे प्रभावी हत्यार आहे. टिकाऊ आहे. बंदुकी पेक्षा श्रेष्ठ आहे. या हत्याराचा प्रस्थापित वापर करीत असतात.”

“Those who are well-off in terms of power, wealth, prestige, and knowledge do not rely solely on force to maintain what they have. They do not merely use sticks, weapons, or the government's authority. Instead, they use ideas. They present such thoughts to people and convince them of these ideas. They impose such philosophies upon them and teach them a version of history that ensures their own success. This use of thoughts, philosophies, and even true, false, distorted, or mischievous history helps ensure that what is in their hands stays in their hands. Thought is a powerful and durable weapon—superior to a gun. The established elite constantly make use of this weapon."

[Shreyash Devkar]

Recommendation: 10/10

The short book is not a historical chronology or a biography but a detailed personality and what we can learn, analysis of policies Chh. Shivaji implemented in his times and how it helped him become a Jaanta Raaj or king of the people and help economy flourish, brought wellbeing for the people

Often history of Chh. Shivaji is described as tales of fights against Mughals but facts like how much struggle faced during times from own people, how to run state economies, how to uplift the weaker sections of the society, how to maintain diplomacy and earn respect even from enemies and so on are ignored

The book falls into controversy because it's not just a biography but a reflection of society then 1988 and even relevant now How Chh. Shivaji's name is used to sway people for votes or power whilst hiding real history, how politicians use his name to get power and not implement any policies

[Prakash S.]

शिवाजी महाराज खरे कोण होते? आणि आधुनिक लोकशाहीच्या काळात सुद्धा त्यांच्या विषयी लोकांत आदर का आहे? याचे विवरण प्रस्तुत पुस्तकात लेखकाने प्रभावी पणे केले आहे. लेखकाचे विचार अती डावे असल्याने, त्यांचा अती उजव्या लोकांबरोबर संघर्ष होणे साहजिकच आहे. शिवाजी महाराजांची केवळ व्यक्तिपूजा न करता त्यांचे विचार आचरणात आणले पाहिजे असा लेखकाचा आग्रह आहे.

[Pravin Raut]

please read only after clearing your mind. dont read it with having already some prejudices. it will frustrate you. by the way book shows ideal side of chhatrapati shivaji maharaj. author erases unwanted and wrong things surrounding maharaj real personality. read it with patience. allow yourself to let author show what real shivaji is.
happy reading. : )

[Shekhar Waghmode]

Controversial...because this book is not about main stream and much talked events about our Maharaj.
This book is more about his Character and Personality and why people were ready to sacrifice for him.

[Amol Kate]

A short book gives interesting facts and evidence about Shivaji and his methods of establishing Swarajya. Different from the Brahmanical established view about Shivaji. Should read as it gives a different perspective.

[The Dude]

महान राजा!