Assassination of the Peshwa: A true story of the murder that shook the Maratha empire

by Ankur Chaudhary

August 1773, Shaniwar Wada
On a fateful day, the capital palace of Marathas in Poona was drenched in the blood of its own Peshwa.
Marathas were still recovering from the untimely death of Peshwa Madhavrao when the sensational murder of Peshwa Narayanrao shook the empire. The political conspiracy and the murder divided the empire into two factions and brought it on the verge of a civil war.
Unfazed by the threats and political pressure, Ram Shastri Prabhune, the chief justice of the Marathas, initiated the investigation into the murder of the Peshwa.

Who murdered Peshwa Narayanrao?
Who was the mastermind behind the conspiracy?
Did Ram Shastri manage to deliver justice?
What happened to the Peshwai after Peshwa Narayanrao?

Inspired from true events, this is the true account of sensational murders at Shaniwar Wada and the landmark trial by Ram Shastri Prabhune.

Genres: History

201 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2023

About the author

I love stories - in any format. Since childhood I have read stories in magazines, newspaper, books, watched on television or heard from storytellers. I believe books are the best medium to know a story.
I am an avid reader and also write. I have published three books which are available on amazon. Interested in stories - real or fictional.

Reviews

[Girish · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded to 4. Maratha history is not widely translated into English and hence not so known to a lot of people. The author has chosen, a probable footnote, in the history, the murder of Peshwa Narayanrao and the chief justice who wanted to do his duty, no matter the cost to himself or the kingdom.

To set the context, the book starts with history 3 peshwas ago with the Nizam's aim to capture the strong maratha kingdom. There is the uncle and commander Raghunathrao who harbors wishes to be the peshwa and is openly challenging any Peshwa and always upto schemes without compromising loyalty. What seems to be puzzling is the absolute regard he is held in by the ruling Peshwas and at the same time held in house arrest whenever he is upto no good.

So, when the book starts with Raghunathrao's coronation where the chief justice of the kingdom stands up to share the investigation results of the murder of the earlier Peshwa, you have a solid premise. The book takes it's time to come to the investigation, but is in a rush to cover the history of succession, sometimes crossing years over a full stop. I did feel the author tries to give motives to dialogues which, at times is jarring, but then once the core story starts, feels more familiar.

I loved the last chapter which alternates between the now and "near future" to give closure to the story. At the end of a dramatic expose you expect actions and repercussions - but nothing really happened. Real life seldom is.

A good crisp book.

[Monika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine a head of a state/country is murdered and the chaos and mayhem that will follow after. Now imagine the same almost 250 years ago. Intrigued? Find out more.

In the second half of the eighteenth century, Maratha Empire is struggling financially and with the deaths of two Peshwas within almost a decade. The current Peshwa is very young to handle the throne and is eventually assassinated. It sends tremors across Maratha Empire. Now it’s on Chief Justice Ram Shastri to find out the culprit and to deliver justice. Will he be able to do that when the empire is at the brink of a civil war? Who is the actual perpetrator?

I always like reading stories of kings and their empires, coup, espionage and betrayal. And I am a fan of murder mystery genre. This book combines all of them. It tells the history in such a way that it feels like reading a historical murder mystery.

We all have read how the royal politics worked. But it will take you behind the scenes. You will get to know the inner workings of king’s court. How a greed of one person can destroy families, legacies or even empires. You will read the full scale of revolt, treason and back-stabbing.

It was so much fun to read it. You will not only gain knowledge but will also be thoroughly entertained. The language is easy and the pace is perfect. It can be finished in a day.

A perfect read for a winter afternoon. Definitely recommend it. Give it a go.

[Shrikanth Venne · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all Thank you Ankur Chaudhary for the promotional paperback. This is the first time that I am reading about the marathas after learning about Shivaji maharaj in school. It was a nice experience reading about the peshwas. This story starts from the war of panipat when Nanasaheb was the peshwa and Sadashiv rao leads the panipat campaign against Abdali. This story is mainly about Narayanrao Peshwa who was brutally murdered by Gardis(Peshwa's bodygaurds). Ramshashtri Prabhane is the chief justice who brings justice to the Narayanrao's murder. How ram shashtri investigates the murder and identify the accuse is the story of this book. Overall I would say its a very interesting piece of history in details. I would say a very very awesome goodreads.... :)

[Namrita Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story centers on Narayanrao Peshwa, who was murdered in broad daylight at his own palace. The murder occurred in Shanivar Wada, in the city of Puna, in August 1773. Prior to Narayanrao, his father Nanasaheb and his elder brother Madhavrao died from disease, and his eldest brother Vishwasrao died in battle.

The news of Narayanrao's murder shocked the public. Ram Shastri Prabhune, the chief justice of the Marathas, investigated the crime.

Who murdered Narayanrao Peshwa?
How could anyone murder him in his own palace?
Who was the mastermind behind the conspiracy?

This book is about the Maratha Empire and recounts the true events of August 1773. I loved the book and learned a lot about history from it. The author has written about this topic in a way that is very inspirational for readers. If you enjoy reading this genre, you should give this book a try.

[Deepak Yadav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book very well written.

[Ankita Hundekar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never been particularly drawn to history or had much interest in reading it, but I couldn’t help but immerse myself in this one. On a fateful day, the capital palace of the Marathas in Poona was soaked in the blood of its own Peshwa, and the rest, as they say, is history. Yet, a part of this story remains less known. Anyone can recount historical events, but writing a story like this requires true audacity. I’m certain the author has invested tremendous effort into crafting this book.
Assassination of the Peshwa: A True Story of the Murder that Shook the Maratha Empire is a thrilling historical account that will leave you astounded as you turn each page. This incredible book, penned by Ankur Chaudhary, reveals numerous facts that many were unaware of. It’s hard to believe that a history book can be as gripping as this one. The tension that builds with every page is absolutely worth the time, and by the end, you’ll realize the suspense was more than justified.
In folklore, the narrative often shifts, but the way the author keeps the storyline intact is beyond what most readers can comprehend. By the end, you’ll uncover the mastermind behind the conspiracy, and once you learn the truth, everything changes. You’ll understand what truly shook the Maratha Empire.

[Saanvi Sodhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most splendid historical fiction I ever read. It just is too much addicting.
The story is about the murder of peshwa Narayanrao and how Ram shastri prabhune redefined justice.

[Tarinee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a surprise .. picked up the book with minimal expectations but maximum excitement ..as I have read beforehand about the incident, that builds the premise of the book, from the point of academic pursuit.
But despite my beforehand acquaintance with the subject matter of the book, this one I found very gripping and the flow of the story, going a little to and fro in the time, very suspenseful and captivating. So this one I finished in a single sitting or to be honest I could not put down this book. Despite knowing how the story will end, was curious how it will end in the book. The detailing, characterization and fast paced story telling was to my liking as a reader and when I flipped the last page of the book , began another journey of searching on Wikipedia for most of the historical figures and incidents described in the story and I further delved into incidents that ensured after this particular story ended . Such was the impact of this story telling. So, kudus to the author for at-least invoking the curiosity in this insignificant reader.
Maratha history, when tought in school, has always been dealt with reverence and has always stood for pride and justice. So, while the story dealt with one unjust incident of Maratha History, I is also about justice and courage , but in this case not of its glorious leaders but of one of its public Servant .
This particular history has always been about “what would have been” atleast for me .
What if Raghav Rao had agreed to lead the Maratha Campaign in the 3rd Panipath War?
What if Vishwas Rao was not killed in the battle ?
What if the life of Madhav Rao had enjoyed a longer life of health and prosperity?
What if the life of Narayana Rao was not killed?
But then its no non fiction… history can be cruel and unjust but then it is under no obligation to be fair.
But this story is no about these incident .. These are only facts and causes.. the story is about a byproduct of these historical events .. about a common man that displayed uncommon courage at the face of all adversities…. This story is about him.. this book is dedicated to him .. who delivered justice…Unfazed by the threats and political pressure, Ram Shastri Prabhune, the chief justice of the Marathas
So pick this book, finish it quick and hopefully it will lend us courage in our most testing time.

[Khushwant Rakhecha · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all Thank you Sh. Ankur Chaudhary for providing me with this book. 


This book delves into the true events of Peshwa Narayanrao's murder in 1773. The story revolves around Chief Justice Ram Shastri Prabhune's investigation into the murder, which exposed a complex web of power struggles, deceit, and betrayal within the Maratha empire

Author employs a straightforward and engaging writing style and the narrative is structured chronologically, allowing readers to follow the unfolding events with clarity. The book is well-researched, drawing from historical records to present an accurate portrayal of the events surrounding Narayanrao's assassination.

The character of Ram Shastri Prabhune stands out as a beacon of integrity and justice. His unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth amidst political intrigue adds depth to the narrative.The assassins and their motivations are also explored in depth, providing insight into their personal and political grievances.

"Assassination of the Peshwa" holds the potential to be a captivating and informative read for those interested in Indian history, political thrillers, and stories of justice. 


If you're interested in exploring a lesser-known yet pivotal moment in Indian history, this book offers an insightful and compelling narrative.

Rating:- 5⭐

[Siddu · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is on Indian historic event, that talks about unfolding the truth of Peshwa Narayanrao's sensational murder at Shaniwar Wada, in 18th-century India.
The case is in the hands of Chief Justice Ram Shastri, who abides to deliver justice to the murder, against all the threats and odds he was facing around himself and his family. This is a struggle of power, a person who swore to protect the Peshwa has turned against for his wife’s wish, leading to one of the greatest set backs in the history of Maratha, that too when they were fighting hard with Mughals, to enter into India.
How the murder is committed and how the mystery is solved, how Ram Shastri finds out the real culprit, one should read this gripping and wonderful work by Ankur. The author has made a wonderful book of his excellent historic knowledge. How power and women influenced the powerful and the power seekers, a yet another example put in an excellent book.
I am glad and thankful to the author; well I sure need to apologies for the delayed review but I really had to take my time and live through this history to have enjoyed the book. I sure am going to read this book yet again, very soon and I recommend this to every history lover.

[Laxman Shastri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great research on the historical event

The assassination of the young Peshwa and the events that followed was one of the turning points in the history of India, an event that is so lesser known and talked about. This book is a fascinating tale of the event wherein we realize how strong amd non partisan the judicial system was in the Maratha empire, and how even rulers had to bow down to the diktats of the court when it came down to the larger interests of the people. Ankur brings a unique, detail oriented narration of how the investigation was carried out and the judgment made which shaped the next 50 years of the Maratha empire.

[Souvik Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first picked up Assassination of the Peshwa by Ankur Chaudhary, I was intrigued by the promise of uncovering a pivotal yet under-explored episode in Maratha history. Having long been fascinated by the political intrigues of 18th‑century India, I expected a gripping narrative but worried it might read more like a dry chronicle. To my delight, the book surpassed those expectations by marrying scholarly rigor with the pace of a thriller, immediately drawing me into the shadowy corridors of Shaniwar Wada.

Immersive Storytelling and Pacing
From the very first chapter, Chaudhary’s storytelling prowess shines through. He masterfully builds suspense around the fateful night of August 30, 1773, when Peshwa Narayanrao was lured—and ultimately murdered—within the walls of his own palace. I found the pacing impeccable: moments of high tension are balanced by reflective passages that allowed me to digest the gravity of each twist. Each turn of the page felt urgent, as if I were racing alongside the conspirators and investigators alike.

Character Portraits: Conspirators and Martyr
Chaudhary paints vivid portraits of both the key players and the tragic victim. I was particularly struck by his depiction of Narayanrao—portrayed not merely as a powerless figurehead but as a young ruler whose idealism and naiveté set him on a collision course with ruthless relatives. The book’s dramatization of Raghunathrao and Anandibai’s machinations gave me genuine chills; their calculated cruelty is rendered with almost cinematic clarity.

Chief Justice Ram Shastri: A Beacon of Integrity
Perhaps the most compelling section for me was the account of Chief Justice Ram Shastri Prabhune’s investigation. In an age when power often trumped justice, I found myself cheering for Shastri’s unwavering commitment to truth. Chaudhary describes how Shastri resisted immense political pressure to deliver an impartial verdict—an element of the narrative that deeply resonated with my own belief in the rule of law. His courage stands out as a timeless inspiration.

Depth of Research and Historical Accuracy
As a reader who values authenticity, I appreciated Chaudhary’s meticulous sourcing. I could sense the author’s deep dive into Maratha court records and correspondence. This scholarly foundation not only lends credibility but also enriched my understanding of the wider socio-political context surrounding the assassination.

Themes and Modern Resonance
Beyond the gripping true‑crime story, the book explores themes of loyalty, ambition, and the perils of unchecked power—issues that feel startlingly relevant today. I found myself reflecting on how familial rivalries and political vendettas continue to shape leadership crises in the modern world. In this sense, Chaudhary has crafted more than a historical account; he offers a mirror to our own times.

Writing Style and Accessibility
Chaudhary’s prose strikes a perfect balance between academic precision and readability. Complex legal proceedings are explained in clear, engaging language, making the book accessible even to those unfamiliar with Maratha history. I particularly enjoyed the occasional touch of dry humor, which lightened the narrative without undermining its seriousness.

Conclusion: My Overall Impression
By the final chapter, I felt both satisfied by the resolution of the investigation and haunted by the violence that sparked it. Assassination of the Peshwa left a lasting impression on me—a testament to Chaudhary’s ability to illuminate a dark corner of history with clarity, drama, and insight. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone interested in Indian history, true‑crime aficionados, or readers seeking a story that resonates far beyond its 18th‑century setting.

[Subramanyam K.V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used to believe that the greatest tragedy to befall the Maratha Empire was its defeat in the Third Battle of Panipat. The deaths of Sri Sadashivrao Bhau and Sri Vishwasrao—who was meant to succeed Balaji Baji Rao as Peshwa—along with the crushing blow to Maratha prestige, always stood out to me as its biggest setback.

That belief changed after I read Assassination of the Peshwa: A True Story of the Murder That Shook the Maratha Empire by Ankur Chaudhary. This book brings to life a chilling tale—the murder of Peshwa Narayanrao in the echoing halls of Shaniwar Wada. Now, in my view, the real tragedy of the Maratha Empire lies in the death of not one, but two Peshwas—both pivotal losses that deeply altered its destiny.

The book immerses us in the political drama of the late 18th century, during a time of intense power struggle within the Bhat family. With an experienced but sidelined Raghunathrao, his cunning and politically astute wife Anandibai, a young and able Peshwa Madhavrao, and a loyal group of ministers like Nana Phadnavis, Sakharam Bapu, and Haripant Phadke, the scene is set. But what were their motives? What were they thinking? And how did this shocking episode unfold? You’ll have to read the book to discover the answers.

I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style. The story moves at a brisk, engaging pace, and what stands out most is the character of Ram Shastri Prabhune. The author does a brilliant job of portraying this towering figure of Indian justice—perhaps one of the greatest judges in our history. Ram Shastri is the moral compass and the true hero of this story. His dignity, devotion to duty, and unflinching integrity shine through every page.

Another strength of the book is the depth of characterization. Every major figure—from Sakharam Bapu and Nana Phadnavis to Raghunathrao, Anandibai, Gopikabai, and Girijabai—is meticulously sketched. There’s also another key character whose identity I won’t reveal (to avoid spoilers), but suffice to say, the portrayal is equally compelling.

My only minor complaint is the structure of the final chapter. While the non-linear narrative works beautifully for most of the book, I felt that the time shifts in the concluding section disrupted the momentum slightly. A more straightforward ending might have preserved the emotional intensity as we reached the climax.

That aside, this book is exceptional. It doesn’t just recount a historical event—it subtly explores why great empires collapse. It warns us about the corrosive effects of unchecked ambition, betrayal, and power without accountability. It’s a powerful reminder of how greatness can be hollowed out from within.

This book is a must-read for every history enthusiast. If you have even a passing interest in Maratha history or Indian political drama, don’t miss it. It’s absolutely worth your time and money.

[Kamalika Mazumder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ankur Chaudhary's history-oriented novella invites readers into the heart of 18th-century India, unfolding the chilling and true account of Peshwa Narayanrao's sensational murder at Shaniwar Wada, Poona.

The narrative takes an intriguing turn as Chief Justice Ram Shastri emerges as the central figure, battling against formidable odds and relentless pressure in his pursuit of justice for the slain Peshwa. The book successfully creates a dramatic plot of historical events, offering readers a compelling glimpse into the complex political and social landscape of the Maratha empire.

However, amidst the commendable aspects, a couple of opportunities for improvement are worth mentioning. The absence of a family tree poses a challenge for readers unfamiliar with Maratha history. A visual aid could have provided clarity and enhanced the overall reading experience. Additionally, while the story itself is compelling, the absence of vivid props to evoke the bygone era is a missed opportunity. Period novels thrive on immersive details, and a more robust incorporation of historical elements could have enriched the reader's experience.

For history enthusiasts and casual readers alike, this book provides a satisfying dive into a slice of India's past. The author's storytelling prowess is evident, keeping readers hooked with a narrative that combines historical accuracy with a gripping plot

[Sanjeeva Maithani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a Puneri I was moved by this recounting of the shameful incident in Maraatthaa history which was masterminded by the mantharaa of that age. The struggle for power between Mughals and Maraatthaas that got complicated by the jealousy of an uncle whose wife took advantage of it leading to something that had never happened in Maraatthaa history. An uncle killing his nephew, the Peshwa, whom he had swore to protect. The entire story revolves around the Chief Justice Ram Shastri, who against all odds and tremendous pressure, remains unwavering on his quest to provide justice to the widow and the people of Poona. Ankur has provided an excellent insight into the life of Peshwas, their power struggles, the role played by advisors and the wives of the royal family. A must read for all history buffs and lovers of events fulls of machinations, loyalty ( even of a prostitue), betrayal and love.

[Shinde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greed, jealousy and ambition hatch a murder plot against innocence, trust and integrity.
Palace intrigue. Lady Macbeth at shaniwarwada. The time in Indian history when power struggle and dynasty politics were rife. When Ram Shastri and a slave girl battled against all odds to deliver justice.

When a lauded warrior felt snubbed, morphed into a rebel, then disgraced as a prisoner and finally wilted into a puppet. Raghunathrao is a tragedy as much as naive Narayanrao.

Ankur narrates a horrific tale I heard often in childhood, the tale of how 'dha cha ma' created an indelible bloodstain upon Maratha history. Crafted as shifting between past and present, he recreates the atmosphere of impending doom and emotional upheavals beautifully.

P.S- A family tree flow chart would help non-Maratha readers to decipher various characters better.

[Shrikant Patil · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book on biggest dramatic event in Marathi history is written by Ankur. Its a goo primer to get into the history of peshwas.
Its a well researched book and well paced as well, ready for a screenplay

[Dev Ayan · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who never had a chance to learn about the rich Maratha history, Ankur's book could be the starting point for them.

I was pulled into the world of Peshwas and enjoyed learning about them.

The book deals with rulers, chief justice, royal advisors and has themes of family politics, succession, diplomacy, and deceit.

Would recommend this book to anyone interested in history, politics, or in general wants to learn about the richness of India.