Raghoba: The Assassination of Narayan Rao Peshwa

by Uday S. Kulkarni

The story of Raghoba – or Raghunathrao – is a captivating tale that spans across eras. It picks up the threads from the death of his nephew Madhav Rao in 1772. Raghoba, the son of the renowned Bajirao Peshwa, was once hailed for his exceptional military skills and talent for intrigue. However, he later succumbed to his own indolence and ambition, crossing a line from which there was no turning back. This account, drawn from contemporary sources, pulls the reader into a vortex of a plot to commit murder and its aftermath, searing Raghoba, burning his nephew, and plunging the Maratha Empire into a crisis. Immerse yourself in this gripping narrative that straddles the boundaries of history and intrigue. With 340 pages, 16 colour plates, 11 maps and illustrations, an introduction to principal characters, a Timeline, Genealogies, Appendices, Bibliography, Glossary and an Index – this in depth account will cover all the known aspects of this crucial event that led to a bruising war with the East India Company. The politics of the time, the many characters who strode the stage of History. They speak to us through their original letters which will take the reader to the very core of the story and give a ring side view of the events over a nearly three year period... A Non Fiction annotated account of the most pivotal years in eighteenth century history, this is Uday S Kulkarni's eighth book!

Genres: History, Nonfiction

340 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2024

Reviews

[Ashish Iyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raghoba: The Assassination of Narayan Rao Peshwa is another masterful work by Uday Kulkarni, continuing the saga from The Mastery of Hindustan:Triumphs & Travails of Madhavrao Peshwa. This book presents a gripping, fast-paced narrative set during one of the most turbulent periods in Maratha history in late 18th century.

Kulkarni meticulously reconstructs the complex web of ambition, betrayal, and political intrigue that defined this era. At the center is Raghoba, a deeply enigmatic figure; both a brilliant military commander and a man entangled in the dark shadows of one of Indian history’s most shocking political assassinations. His pursuit of power, culminating in the chilling murder of his nephew Narayanrao Peshwa, is portrayed with intensity and nuance. The dramatic events at Shaniwar Wada come alive in vivid detail, immersing the reader in the charged atmosphere of Pune’s royal court.

The assassination of Narayanrao in 1773 marked more than just a personal tragedy It was a critical turning point that signaled the beginning of the Maratha Empire’s decline. With the weakening of central authority and a series of poor, self serving decisions by the leadership, the stage was set for British expansion into the Indian heartland.

The book does not confine itself to empire; it expands its lens to encompass the broader geopolitical context tracing events in Bengal, the growing influence of the East India Company, the waning Mughal power, and developments in the Doab region. This adds depth and dimension to the central narrative, situating the Maratha downfall within the larger tapestry of Indian history.

What sets this work apart is the author’s commitment to rigorous scholarship. He draws on a wide array of primary and secondary sources, enriching the text with maps, illustrations, genealogies, photographs, and a dramatis personae that help visualize the complex cast of characters. These additions not only enhance understanding but also invite further exploration.

It is a must read for history enthusiasts eager to dive into the glory, complexity, and eventual decline of the Maratha Empire. It’s a compelling, well researched account that captures both the grandeur and the tragic flaws of one of India’s most powerful kingdoms.