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शिवाजी कोण होता?
इतिहासातील थोर पुरुषांना वेठीस धरून स्वार्थ साधण्याचा खेळ आपल्या देशात वर्षानुवर्ष सुरू असल्यामुळेच या थोर पुरुषांची नेमकी ओळख करून घेणं जरुरीचं असतं. कारण इतिहासाचं विकृतीकरण करून या थोर पुरुषांची खरं तर बदनामीच झालेली असते. या पार्श्वभूमीवर ज्येष्ठ साम्यवादी विचारवंत गोविंद पानसरे यांनी `शिवाजी कोण होता?' हे पुस्तक लिहून फार मोठी कामगिरी २२ वर्षांपूर्वीच बजावलेली आहे. खरं तर हे पुस्तक नव्हेच ती एक छोटेखानी, अवघ्या ७४ पानांची पुस्तिका आहे. पण त्या पुस्तकातून पानसरे यांनी उभं केलेलं छत्रपती शिवरायांचं व्यक्तिमत्त्व, हे कोणाला सातशे पानं लिहून जमणार नाही, इतकं प्रभावी आहे.
छत्रपतींविषयी समाजात वेगवेगळय़ा प्रकारचे गैरसमज पसरवण्याचं काम सातत्यानं आणि गेली अनेक वर्षं केलं जात आहे. शिवरायांच्या हयातीतच त्यास प्रारंभ झाला होता, ही बाब तर सर्वश्रुतच आहे. पण पानसरे यांनी त्या सर्व समज-गैरसमजांना सज्जड पुराव्यानिशी छेद देत, त्यातून हा `जाणता राजा' कसा सर्व समाजाचा आणि विशेषत: `आम आदमी'चा राजा होता, ते दाखवून दिलं आहे.
छत्रपतींविषयी समाजात वेगवेगळय़ा प्रकारचे गैरसमज पसरवण्याचं काम सातत्यानं आणि गेली अनेक वर्षं केलं जात आहे. शिवरायांच्या हयातीतच त्यास प्रारंभ झाला होता, ही बाब तर सर्वश्रुतच आहे. पण पानसरे यांनी त्या सर्व समज-गैरसमजांना सज्जड पुराव्यानिशी छेद देत, त्यातून हा `जाणता राजा' कसा सर्व समाजाचा आणि विशेषत: `आम आदमी'चा राजा होता, ते दाखवून दिलं आहे.
84 pages, Paperback
First published April 10, 1988
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August 12, 2018
I read this book in its Malayalam translation.
Govind Pansare was murdered, shot down by gun-toting assailants, on 16 February 2015 as he was out on his morning walk. Even though no case has been conclusively proven, his assassination is widely thought to be the handiwork of Hindu far-right activists. He is one in a series of murdered intellectuals: Narendra Dabolkar, M. M. Kalburgi, Gauri Lankesh... all severe critics of extreme Hindu nationalism. Reading this slim book, it is easy to understand why he was killed. Like his fellow victims, his battleground also was the world of ideas - a place where the fascists are severely handicapped, because of their intellectual paucity.
"The Protector of Cows and Brahmins", "The One Protected Hinduism from the Attack of Muslim Bigots" - these are some of titles bestowed on him by the Shiv Sena and other Maratha right-wing organisations. And it is in his name that minorities, Dalits and non-Marathas are being attacked. But Pansare establishes, with evidence from history, that Shivaji was a "People's Ruler" who protected the lives, possessions and honour of the farmers from rapacious landlords. The main supporters of the "Chhatrapati" were farmers from various communities (including Muslims).
Shivaji never styled himself as the protector of cows and Brahmins. This title was conferred later by interested parties. The truth was that Brahmins and other upper-castes frequently opposed Shivaji, because they were unsure of his pedigree; there is enough evidence for this.
Now, coming to his "anti-Muslim" stance: this is also a myth like the long-standing Hindu-Muslim enmity in India. Shivaji's army had a lot of Muslims; and the army of his main antagonist Aurangzeb contained a lot of Hindus. These battles were fought for power and wealth - religion, in them, was only incidental.
As I said before, it is easy to divine the reason behind Pansare's murder after reading this book. The only way to clear away the fog of historical falsehoods is to shine the harsh white light of truth on them: which is what rationalists like Pansare do. Those who cannot extinguish it are left with only one resort - destroy the source.
Govind Pansare was murdered, shot down by gun-toting assailants, on 16 February 2015 as he was out on his morning walk. Even though no case has been conclusively proven, his assassination is widely thought to be the handiwork of Hindu far-right activists. He is one in a series of murdered intellectuals: Narendra Dabolkar, M. M. Kalburgi, Gauri Lankesh... all severe critics of extreme Hindu nationalism. Reading this slim book, it is easy to understand why he was killed. Like his fellow victims, his battleground also was the world of ideas - a place where the fascists are severely handicapped, because of their intellectual paucity.
"The Protector of Cows and Brahmins", "The One Protected Hinduism from the Attack of Muslim Bigots" - these are some of titles bestowed on him by the Shiv Sena and other Maratha right-wing organisations. And it is in his name that minorities, Dalits and non-Marathas are being attacked. But Pansare establishes, with evidence from history, that Shivaji was a "People's Ruler" who protected the lives, possessions and honour of the farmers from rapacious landlords. The main supporters of the "Chhatrapati" were farmers from various communities (including Muslims).
Shivaji never styled himself as the protector of cows and Brahmins. This title was conferred later by interested parties. The truth was that Brahmins and other upper-castes frequently opposed Shivaji, because they were unsure of his pedigree; there is enough evidence for this.
Now, coming to his "anti-Muslim" stance: this is also a myth like the long-standing Hindu-Muslim enmity in India. Shivaji's army had a lot of Muslims; and the army of his main antagonist Aurangzeb contained a lot of Hindus. These battles were fought for power and wealth - religion, in them, was only incidental.
As I said before, it is easy to divine the reason behind Pansare's murder after reading this book. The only way to clear away the fog of historical falsehoods is to shine the harsh white light of truth on them: which is what rationalists like Pansare do. Those who cannot extinguish it are left with only one resort - destroy the source.
July 7, 2018
Question: What is a powerful weapon of a religious fundamentalist?
Answer: IDEAS. These ideas may be established with the help of the powerful in the higher authorities. They are supported with false information. The logic is built on historically inaccurate details or at times with falsehoods.
So to counter religious fundamentalism, one has to begin with exposing the fallacies in their ideologies. Fight ideas with ideas. In a majoritarian society where most of them subscribe to fundamentalism, ideological warfare can be risky. Govind Pansare waged the war. And he paid the price by giving his own life. He was assassinated by Hindu extremists on 16th February 2015.
The present Indian government is headed by a National Party that subscribes to Hindu Fundamentalist views. They are vocal admirers of the killer of Gandhi and there are members who appreciate the 'military efforts' of Israel against Palestine just because the Palestinians are Muslims. In such a context, the present government is bent on creating a division based on the religious affinity of people. The history is rewritten obviously with false information to create a tension in the present between Hindus (Majority) and Muslims (the Minority).
In the state of Maharashtra, the state of Govind Pansare, the similar nefarious effort was done by rewriting the biography of Shivaji, the great Maratha king. Shivaji was continuously portrayed as the saviour of Hindu religion. He saved Hindus from Muslim (Mughals and others) rulers. He was the enemey of Islam. Pansare with the available historical details looks into the history of Shivaji. His findings were different. To him, Shivaji was a popular figure and a great hero not because he was a saviour of Hinduism. He was a Hindu but he was not an enemy of Islam. He was a Hindu who was almost a revolutionary in his thinking. When Hinduism regarded the ordinary low caste people as unworthy, Shivaji made them generals in his army. He gave equal respect to all irrespective of one's caste and religion. He had many Muslims in high position in his kingdom. His army had a large chunk of Muslim soldiers. The punishment for crime was same for all. Even if a Brahmin committed a crime, he was not spared. That was the reason the ordinary folks admired him. They were ready to sacrifice their lives for him. Shivaji was for ordinary peasants and peasants in turn were for Shivaji. The people who had high position then were against Shivaji. But now they have rewritten history and adore him. They have used the history of Shivaji to divide the society.
Pansare rightly exposed them. Brought to light the real history of Shivaji.
A light read recommended for all Indians ready to fight the spread of Fundamentalist trends in India.
Answer: IDEAS. These ideas may be established with the help of the powerful in the higher authorities. They are supported with false information. The logic is built on historically inaccurate details or at times with falsehoods.
So to counter religious fundamentalism, one has to begin with exposing the fallacies in their ideologies. Fight ideas with ideas. In a majoritarian society where most of them subscribe to fundamentalism, ideological warfare can be risky. Govind Pansare waged the war. And he paid the price by giving his own life. He was assassinated by Hindu extremists on 16th February 2015.
The present Indian government is headed by a National Party that subscribes to Hindu Fundamentalist views. They are vocal admirers of the killer of Gandhi and there are members who appreciate the 'military efforts' of Israel against Palestine just because the Palestinians are Muslims. In such a context, the present government is bent on creating a division based on the religious affinity of people. The history is rewritten obviously with false information to create a tension in the present between Hindus (Majority) and Muslims (the Minority).
In the state of Maharashtra, the state of Govind Pansare, the similar nefarious effort was done by rewriting the biography of Shivaji, the great Maratha king. Shivaji was continuously portrayed as the saviour of Hindu religion. He saved Hindus from Muslim (Mughals and others) rulers. He was the enemey of Islam. Pansare with the available historical details looks into the history of Shivaji. His findings were different. To him, Shivaji was a popular figure and a great hero not because he was a saviour of Hinduism. He was a Hindu but he was not an enemy of Islam. He was a Hindu who was almost a revolutionary in his thinking. When Hinduism regarded the ordinary low caste people as unworthy, Shivaji made them generals in his army. He gave equal respect to all irrespective of one's caste and religion. He had many Muslims in high position in his kingdom. His army had a large chunk of Muslim soldiers. The punishment for crime was same for all. Even if a Brahmin committed a crime, he was not spared. That was the reason the ordinary folks admired him. They were ready to sacrifice their lives for him. Shivaji was for ordinary peasants and peasants in turn were for Shivaji. The people who had high position then were against Shivaji. But now they have rewritten history and adore him. They have used the history of Shivaji to divide the society.
Pansare rightly exposed them. Brought to light the real history of Shivaji.
A light read recommended for all Indians ready to fight the spread of Fundamentalist trends in India.
January 16, 2016
‘'Great men face rigid opposition in their lifetime – some even get assassinated. But if their revolutionary ideas stay alive in people’s minds, then their enemies find a novel technique to kill them once again.
They do a volte face and disguise themselves as bhakts (followers). They distort, mutilate and corrupt the original ideas – and present this corrupted version as THE vision to a gullible public. Nobody knows – or cares to know the difference.”
- says Govind Pansare about Shivaji Maharaj, Tukaram, Dnyaneshwar. It is an eerily chilly premonition. Did he anticipate his own end in the same fashion?
‘Shivaji Kon Hota?’ (Who was Shivaji?) is a slim (70 page) sharp analysis on Shivaji Maharaj.
‘Devotees create a God out of a mortal – it absolves them of any responsibility to behave like their idol.’
Pansare does not create God out of Shivaji. He takes down Shivaji from a temple sanctum – but places Maharaj on an even higher pedestal.
He shoots down myths on Shivaji’s miracles (The famed Bhavani sword wasn’t a gift from a goddess, but crafted in Portugal)– and instead sings paens on Maharaj’s foresight, acumen, eye for detail, razor sharp administration, decisive moves and single minded devotion to Swarajya.
He cheers Maharaj even as he sneers at his pseudo-devotees, the ones who misuse Shivaji’s aura for personal & political motives.
Pansare draws parallels in current times. For every vatandar sytem that Maharaj tore down, today there are panchayats, MLAs, sugar barons , corporations sucking away public blood.
For every rapist that Maharaj had blinded, today’s political parties turn a blind eye.
For every Madari Mehtar (Agra escape) and Daulat Khan (Naval commander) in Maharaj’s army, today Hindu Muslim riots are instigated using Shivaji’s pretext.
Pansare points out how the Shivaji glory has been throttled from pan Bharat to Maharashtra and then further down to Maharashtrian Hindus.
Shivaji’s vision was Swarajya (freedom), not Hinduism. His earliest army was sculpted from farmers and shepherds, his navy from fishermen and merchants; barbers like Jiva mahal (Afzal Khan assassination) and Shiva (Panhala fort escape) played a protective role while his chief spy Bahirji Naik belonged to Ramoshi caste. Muslim converts like Nimbalkar and Netaji Palkar were embraced back, not ostracized.
While a brahmin Dadoji Kond dev trained young Shivaji, there were also Brahmins who performed Koti Chandi yagna to ensure Shivaji’s defeat by Jaising. His dearest & nearest became his nemesis. Maharaj’s death is still shrouded by a poison conspiracy.
Pansare was dangerously close to an inconvenient truth. Of course they had to kill him. Or … have they?
Maharaj still rules hearts and minds. The book is in its 4th edition and 45th reprint. Hope is still alive.
They do a volte face and disguise themselves as bhakts (followers). They distort, mutilate and corrupt the original ideas – and present this corrupted version as THE vision to a gullible public. Nobody knows – or cares to know the difference.”
- says Govind Pansare about Shivaji Maharaj, Tukaram, Dnyaneshwar. It is an eerily chilly premonition. Did he anticipate his own end in the same fashion?
‘Shivaji Kon Hota?’ (Who was Shivaji?) is a slim (70 page) sharp analysis on Shivaji Maharaj.
‘Devotees create a God out of a mortal – it absolves them of any responsibility to behave like their idol.’
Pansare does not create God out of Shivaji. He takes down Shivaji from a temple sanctum – but places Maharaj on an even higher pedestal.
He shoots down myths on Shivaji’s miracles (The famed Bhavani sword wasn’t a gift from a goddess, but crafted in Portugal)– and instead sings paens on Maharaj’s foresight, acumen, eye for detail, razor sharp administration, decisive moves and single minded devotion to Swarajya.
He cheers Maharaj even as he sneers at his pseudo-devotees, the ones who misuse Shivaji’s aura for personal & political motives.
Pansare draws parallels in current times. For every vatandar sytem that Maharaj tore down, today there are panchayats, MLAs, sugar barons , corporations sucking away public blood.
For every rapist that Maharaj had blinded, today’s political parties turn a blind eye.
For every Madari Mehtar (Agra escape) and Daulat Khan (Naval commander) in Maharaj’s army, today Hindu Muslim riots are instigated using Shivaji’s pretext.
Pansare points out how the Shivaji glory has been throttled from pan Bharat to Maharashtra and then further down to Maharashtrian Hindus.
Shivaji’s vision was Swarajya (freedom), not Hinduism. His earliest army was sculpted from farmers and shepherds, his navy from fishermen and merchants; barbers like Jiva mahal (Afzal Khan assassination) and Shiva (Panhala fort escape) played a protective role while his chief spy Bahirji Naik belonged to Ramoshi caste. Muslim converts like Nimbalkar and Netaji Palkar were embraced back, not ostracized.
While a brahmin Dadoji Kond dev trained young Shivaji, there were also Brahmins who performed Koti Chandi yagna to ensure Shivaji’s defeat by Jaising. His dearest & nearest became his nemesis. Maharaj’s death is still shrouded by a poison conspiracy.
Pansare was dangerously close to an inconvenient truth. Of course they had to kill him. Or … have they?
Maharaj still rules hearts and minds. The book is in its 4th edition and 45th reprint. Hope is still alive.
January 24, 2017
written from leftist point of view...half baked truths...even justified destroying temples by muslim kings....not worth reading!
December 18, 2015
Note: this book is available in English too, for those who don't follow Marathi very well.
Shivaji is a towering figure in the history of Maharashtra and perhaps the whole of India. As such, many right wing groups have tried to appropriate his history by turning the narrative of his stories towards a Hindu king vs Muslim invaders kind of story.
For many years that tactic has worked with the history of Shivaji being slowly rewritten to make him into a sort of demigod who fought for the Hindu religion. This has actually reduced Shivaji into a regional and communal entity and has alienated Muslims who don't like him as they consider him an anti-muslim king. It has also simultaneously made Shivaji a darling of the right wing who use him as the poster boy for their divisive politics of hatred.
That however, couldn't be further from the truth. Shivaji, in fact, was a far more secular king than any of his time (and for several hundred years to come) and not anti-muslim at all. He was a true visionary who incorporated several socialist schemes for the welfare of his subjects, especially women and the weak, even before such a concept came into being. He instituded several reforms in the daily administration of his kingdom and set up a system that ensured that there wouldn't be exploitation of the weak and the poor.
He was quite intelligent and had a very good understanding of what his people wanted from their king. He was also a brilliant military commander and tactician who did not care for the religion of his foes, but for their political motivations. And it's really surprising to see how conveniently those who paint him as an anti-muslim king, ignore the fact that he fought against many Hindu kings, allied with many Muslim kings and had several Muslims in important positions in his army, including his own bodyguard Madari Mehtar who gave up his life to help him escape from Agra.
But all his qualities apart, Shivaji was also a man of his time. He was superstitious too, as was the custom in those times. But he was not blindly religious and his zeal was more for the establishment of swaraj (self-rule) than for a Hindu Rashtra as the right wing groups would have you believe.
I really enjoyed this book. Govind Pansare wrote it in a very conversational style that is easy to follow and very personal. But that doesn't mean it is not comprehensive. It is quite detailed and has several good anecdotes, including letters from and to Shivaji that help to dispel the myth about Shivaji and separate fact from fiction. This will be a good read for anyone who wants to know about who Shivaji truly was and what he stood for, especially for someone like me who was fed the usual limited glorified history and saffronized accounts of Shivaji that diminished his stature quite a bit in my mind. Shivaji was a great king and his true story of greatness should be widely read.
Additionally, while talking about the appropriation of Shivaji's history, Pansare also talks about Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram and they are interesting departures from the story of Shivaji. The focus of this book is basically to deal a heavy blow to the appropritive tactics of the right wing hindutva fanatics and it does a really good job at that!
Shivaji is a towering figure in the history of Maharashtra and perhaps the whole of India. As such, many right wing groups have tried to appropriate his history by turning the narrative of his stories towards a Hindu king vs Muslim invaders kind of story.
For many years that tactic has worked with the history of Shivaji being slowly rewritten to make him into a sort of demigod who fought for the Hindu religion. This has actually reduced Shivaji into a regional and communal entity and has alienated Muslims who don't like him as they consider him an anti-muslim king. It has also simultaneously made Shivaji a darling of the right wing who use him as the poster boy for their divisive politics of hatred.
That however, couldn't be further from the truth. Shivaji, in fact, was a far more secular king than any of his time (and for several hundred years to come) and not anti-muslim at all. He was a true visionary who incorporated several socialist schemes for the welfare of his subjects, especially women and the weak, even before such a concept came into being. He instituded several reforms in the daily administration of his kingdom and set up a system that ensured that there wouldn't be exploitation of the weak and the poor.
He was quite intelligent and had a very good understanding of what his people wanted from their king. He was also a brilliant military commander and tactician who did not care for the religion of his foes, but for their political motivations. And it's really surprising to see how conveniently those who paint him as an anti-muslim king, ignore the fact that he fought against many Hindu kings, allied with many Muslim kings and had several Muslims in important positions in his army, including his own bodyguard Madari Mehtar who gave up his life to help him escape from Agra.
But all his qualities apart, Shivaji was also a man of his time. He was superstitious too, as was the custom in those times. But he was not blindly religious and his zeal was more for the establishment of swaraj (self-rule) than for a Hindu Rashtra as the right wing groups would have you believe.
I really enjoyed this book. Govind Pansare wrote it in a very conversational style that is easy to follow and very personal. But that doesn't mean it is not comprehensive. It is quite detailed and has several good anecdotes, including letters from and to Shivaji that help to dispel the myth about Shivaji and separate fact from fiction. This will be a good read for anyone who wants to know about who Shivaji truly was and what he stood for, especially for someone like me who was fed the usual limited glorified history and saffronized accounts of Shivaji that diminished his stature quite a bit in my mind. Shivaji was a great king and his true story of greatness should be widely read.
Additionally, while talking about the appropriation of Shivaji's history, Pansare also talks about Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram and they are interesting departures from the story of Shivaji. The focus of this book is basically to deal a heavy blow to the appropritive tactics of the right wing hindutva fanatics and it does a really good job at that!
April 7, 2015
This is one of the mind boggling book that I've come across. The book shows how History can be true mirror and genesis of today's political gimmick. A slap on the face of bigotry who are pandering the people in the name of pseudo-hindu-muslim theocracies. Glory to comrade Govind Pansare.
May 12, 2022
Who was Shivaji ? Is a very simple essay on the great Maratha ruler Shivaji. Shivaji is completely appropriated by the Hindu right as a Muslim hater and the one responsible for elevating cows and Brahmins on a pedestal. Govind Pansare, who was shot dead for his work as a communist and a social activist, has blasted that myth about Shivaji. Pansare posits that Shivaji was a champion of the people. He was responsible for lifting the living conditions of the peasants under his rule. He was responsible for putting the landlords and the Brahmins in their place. He was also a devout Hindu who did hate aurangazeb, not because he was a Muslim but because he was a tyrant and horrible towards his subjects and to his enemies. Shivaji did perform all those coronation ceremonies because he was still a product of his time. He believed in the Hindu religion and its rituals and he wanted to be accepted into the religious fold. But this doesn’t mean that he hated Muslims. He was actually quite generous towards all the other religions and he personally employed a lot of Muslims in highly prominent positions in his kingdom. Overall, Pansare tells, Shivaji was a highly brave, intelligent, and a visionary ruler who improved the quality of life of people of all castes and religion including Dalits, peasants, women and Muslims. Pansare has also provided three letters written by Shivaji himself to prove his arguments and it is pretty difficult to refute that. Anyways I was surprised to understand the real history behind Shivaji and I hope this book reaches a lot of people so they can understand too, the crooked agenda behind communal forces appropriating Shivaji for their own sordid agendas!
September 7, 2020
Author Govind Pansare was assassinated by far-right extremists in 2015 for criticizing their ideology, hate-politics and of course, for spreading the TRUTH. After reading this book it is easy to decipher the reasons behind his murder.
This is a must-read book for every person who idolizes Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to understand who he really was. My respect for Shivaji Maharaj has increased manifold after reading this small book. His true image has always been kept hidden. Grateful to the author for writing this book and throwing light on reality.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a great visionary, strategist and a caring king who cared for his people like a family. His edicts given in the mediaeval times can be applicable even today! He was truly a 'Jaanta Raja', a king who understands. He protected the lives, possessions, wealth and honour of the farmers from avaricious rulers & landlords. The author takes help of historical documents, letters, and edicts from Chhatrapati's times to prove his points.
Religion was never the motive behind Shivaji Maharaj's Maratha Empire. It was to make his people free from the clutches of cruel rulers, who happened to be Muslims. His views on Islam were positive and had many Muslims by his side on his quest to this Empire of prosperity. He had ordered his soldiers not to hurt Mosques, and respect copies of Qur'an found during the battles. He fought against other kings not for being Muslims, but for being the kind of kings they were - cruel, intolerant, rapacious, and inconsiderate. He fought against Hindu kings and generals as well. Many Hindus, especially upper-caste Marathas were against him because he opposed their unruly behaviour and practices. Brahmins opposed his coronation because they did not consider him to be a Kshatriya. Hence, the author raises a fair question to those who portray him as the poster boy of 'Hindu Resistance', 'Slayer of Muslims' and founder of a 'Hindu Empire' - "If Shivaji Maharaj was on a quest to build a 'Hindu Empire', why did these Hindus oppose him?", "Why were there many Muslim generals and soldiers in his army?"
He was a practising Hindu but his love for Hinduism was not based on hatred for other religions. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will continue to inspire generations to come. May this book continue to contribute to it.
This is a must-read book for every person who idolizes Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to understand who he really was. My respect for Shivaji Maharaj has increased manifold after reading this small book. His true image has always been kept hidden. Grateful to the author for writing this book and throwing light on reality.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a great visionary, strategist and a caring king who cared for his people like a family. His edicts given in the mediaeval times can be applicable even today! He was truly a 'Jaanta Raja', a king who understands. He protected the lives, possessions, wealth and honour of the farmers from avaricious rulers & landlords. The author takes help of historical documents, letters, and edicts from Chhatrapati's times to prove his points.
Religion was never the motive behind Shivaji Maharaj's Maratha Empire. It was to make his people free from the clutches of cruel rulers, who happened to be Muslims. His views on Islam were positive and had many Muslims by his side on his quest to this Empire of prosperity. He had ordered his soldiers not to hurt Mosques, and respect copies of Qur'an found during the battles. He fought against other kings not for being Muslims, but for being the kind of kings they were - cruel, intolerant, rapacious, and inconsiderate. He fought against Hindu kings and generals as well. Many Hindus, especially upper-caste Marathas were against him because he opposed their unruly behaviour and practices. Brahmins opposed his coronation because they did not consider him to be a Kshatriya. Hence, the author raises a fair question to those who portray him as the poster boy of 'Hindu Resistance', 'Slayer of Muslims' and founder of a 'Hindu Empire' - "If Shivaji Maharaj was on a quest to build a 'Hindu Empire', why did these Hindus oppose him?", "Why were there many Muslim generals and soldiers in his army?"
He was a practising Hindu but his love for Hinduism was not based on hatred for other religions. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will continue to inspire generations to come. May this book continue to contribute to it.
September 16, 2022
एकदा तरी वाचावी एवढी अप्रतिम पुस्तिका... खरा इतिहास कसा शोधायचा आणि खोट्या इतिहासामधील कारणमीमांसा काय याबद्दलची या पुस्तिकेत दिलेली माहिती आजच्या इंटरनेट युगातील प्रत्येक व्यक्तीसाठी अत्यंत उपयोगी पडणारी आहे... चौथीच्या इतिहासातून शिवाजी महाराजांबद्दलची ओळख झाली होती. त्या वेळच्या माझ्या शिक्षकांनी राजहंसाने भेसळीच्या दुधातून फक्त दूध तेवढे काढून द्यावे त्याप्रमाणे अचूक इतिहास सांगितला होता याची प्रचिती आज ही पुस्तिका वाचताना तिच्या प्रत्येक पानातून, प्रत्येक उदाहरणातून येत होती.
July 28, 2015
सरळ , साध्या , सोप्या शब्दांत महाराजांच्या रंजक गोष्टी वाचायला छान तर वाटतेच . त्याच बरोबर ऐतिहासिक ज्ञान आणि महाराजांबद्दल आदर ही वाढतो !
पुस्तक मनोरंजक तसेच वाचनीय आहे .
महाराजांवर एक अत्योत्तम डोळ्यांत अभिमानाचे अश्रू आणणारा चित्रपट व्हावा असे सतत वाटते .!!
पुस्तक मनोरंजक तसेच वाचनीय आहे .
महाराजांवर एक अत्योत्तम डोळ्यांत अभिमानाचे अश्रू आणणारा चित्रपट व्हावा असे सतत वाटते .!!
October 12, 2020
नुकतेच 'शिवाजी कोण होता?' हि पुस्तिका वाचली. छत्रपतींविषयी समाजात वेगवेगळय़ा प्रकारचे गैरसमज पसरवण्याचं काम सातत्यानं आणि गेली अनेक वर्षं केलं जात आहे. शिवरायांच्या हयातीतच त्यास प्रारंभ झाला होता, ही बाब तर सर्वश्रुतच आहे. पण पानसरे यांनी त्या सर्व समज-गैरसमजांना सज्जड पुराव्यानिशी छेद देत, त्यातून हा `जाणता राजा' कसा सर्व समाजाचा आणि विशेषत: `सामान्य लोकांचा' राजा होता, ते दाखवून दिलं आहे. हे पुस्तक एका वेगळ्या दृष्टिकोनातून लिहिले आहे. त्यांचा मुख्य हेतू हा आहे कि छत्रपतींच्या काळी सर्वसामान्यांची काय अवस्था होती; राज्यांबद्दल, त्यांचा महसूल व्यवस्थ्या इत्यादी कशी होती .. त्यातील काही गोष्टी खालीलप्रमाणे
१. जाणता राजा / आगळा राजा: अगदी आजही आम्हाला ३५० वर्षानंतर हि त्यान्ची का आठवण आठवण येते तर त्यांच प्रशाशन न्याय, समानता यावर त्यांनी भर दिला, लोकांनां त्यांनी इतकं प्रभावीत केले होते कि ते आत्माहुती द्यायलाही मागेपुढे पाहत नसत.
२. जहागीरदार, वतनदार, पाटील यांच्या जुलमी व्यवथ्येविरुद्ध कोणी जात नसे, पण राजांनी या लोकांना नुसता जाबच विचारला नाही तर त्याविरुद्ध कठोर पाऊले उचलून गुन्हेगारांना कडक शाशन दिले.
३. रयतेची कणव छत्रपतींनी जितकी केली तितकी कुणाही पूर्वीच्या व त्यांच्या समकालीन वा आजच्या नव्या सरंजामानी हि कधीच केली नाही, उदाहरणार्थ झाडे, वाळलेलं गवत सरकारी कामासाठी विकत घेतले पाहिजे, सैनिकांनी कधीहि उभ्या पिकांतून जाता कामा नये इत्यादी त्यांनी आज्ञापत्रे लिहिली, उध्वस्त झालेली वा जळालेली गावे त्यांनी पुन्हा वसविली, दुष्काळात महसूल माफ केले, नव्या लागवडीसाठी शेतकऱ्यांना मदत दिली (बी-बियाणे, औत फाटा इ.).
४. बाया - बापड्याची अब्रु दिवसाढवळ्या लुटली जायची, त्यावर त्यांनी हुकूम काडून बंदी आणली. तरीही, ज्यांनी त्यावर अंमल नाही केला त्यांना फार कडक शाशन दिले, मग तो सेनापती सकूजी गाकवाड असो वा रांझ्याचा पाटील.
५. राजांचा असा दंडक होता कि मोहिमेवर जाताना कुणाही कलावंतीण, बटकीन वा कुणबीणस बरोबर नेऊ नये. कुणाही स्त्रीस बटकीन बनविता कामा नये.
६. छत्रपती हे पहिलेच ज्यांनी मराठीला राज्यभाषेचा मान दिला आणि मराठीमध्ये राजव्यहार कोष हनुमंतेकडून लिहून घेतला आणि तो वापरला. नाहीतर आज हि आम्ही इंग्रजी व हिंदीतून सगळे व्यापार व्यवहार करतो.
७. छत्रपती चे सैनिक हे शेतकरी आणि इतर तळागाळातले लोकच होते, त्यामुळे ते नेहमीच काळजी घेत कि कुना शेतकऱ्याचे नुकसान होणार नाही.
८. व्यापार-उद्योगास त्यांनी संरक्षण दिले.
९. गुलामांच्या व्यापारास त्यांनी बंदी घातली.
१०. राजे धर्मश्रद्ध होते, धर्मद्वेष्ठे नाही, इतर धर्मांचा त्यांनी सन्मान केला. आणि स्वधर्मातील अनिष्ठ प्रथेवर हाथ उगारला, त्यांनी कधीही स्पृश्य-अस्पृश्यता कधी मानली नाही.
११. शिवछत्रपतींनी धर्मांतरास नेहमीच पाठिंबा दिला, इतकेच नाही तर त्याचत्याचासोबत नातेसंबंध जोडले; उदा. बजाजी निबाळकरांना स्वतःची मुलगी दिली.
१२. छत्रपती स्वतःला 'क्षत्रीय कुलवतसं श्रीराजा शिवछत्रपती ' असे म्हणवून घेत, 'गोब्राम्हण प्रतिपालक' नव्हे.
१. जाणता राजा / आगळा राजा: अगदी आजही आम्हाला ३५० वर्षानंतर हि त्यान्ची का आठवण आठवण येते तर त्यांच प्रशाशन न्याय, समानता यावर त्यांनी भर दिला, लोकांनां त्यांनी इतकं प्रभावीत केले होते कि ते आत्माहुती द्यायलाही मागेपुढे पाहत नसत.
२. जहागीरदार, वतनदार, पाटील यांच्या जुलमी व्यवथ्येविरुद्ध कोणी जात नसे, पण राजांनी या लोकांना नुसता जाबच विचारला नाही तर त्याविरुद्ध कठोर पाऊले उचलून गुन्हेगारांना कडक शाशन दिले.
३. रयतेची कणव छत्रपतींनी जितकी केली तितकी कुणाही पूर्वीच्या व त्यांच्या समकालीन वा आजच्या नव्या सरंजामानी हि कधीच केली नाही, उदाहरणार्थ झाडे, वाळलेलं गवत सरकारी कामासाठी विकत घेतले पाहिजे, सैनिकांनी कधीहि उभ्या पिकांतून जाता कामा नये इत्यादी त्यांनी आज्ञापत्रे लिहिली, उध्वस्त झालेली वा जळालेली गावे त्यांनी पुन्हा वसविली, दुष्काळात महसूल माफ केले, नव्या लागवडीसाठी शेतकऱ्यांना मदत दिली (बी-बियाणे, औत फाटा इ.).
४. बाया - बापड्याची अब्रु दिवसाढवळ्या लुटली जायची, त्यावर त्यांनी हुकूम काडून बंदी आणली. तरीही, ज्यांनी त्यावर अंमल नाही केला त्यांना फार कडक शाशन दिले, मग तो सेनापती सकूजी गाकवाड असो वा रांझ्याचा पाटील.
५. राजांचा असा दंडक होता कि मोहिमेवर जाताना कुणाही कलावंतीण, बटकीन वा कुणबीणस बरोबर नेऊ नये. कुणाही स्त्रीस बटकीन बनविता कामा नये.
६. छत्रपती हे पहिलेच ज्यांनी मराठीला राज्यभाषेचा मान दिला आणि मराठीमध्ये राजव्यहार कोष हनुमंतेकडून लिहून घेतला आणि तो वापरला. नाहीतर आज हि आम्ही इंग्रजी व हिंदीतून सगळे व्यापार व्यवहार करतो.
७. छत्रपती चे सैनिक हे शेतकरी आणि इतर तळागाळातले लोकच होते, त्यामुळे ते नेहमीच काळजी घेत कि कुना शेतकऱ्याचे नुकसान होणार नाही.
८. व्यापार-उद्योगास त्यांनी संरक्षण दिले.
९. गुलामांच्या व्यापारास त्यांनी बंदी घातली.
१०. राजे धर्मश्रद्ध होते, धर्मद्वेष्ठे नाही, इतर धर्मांचा त्यांनी सन्मान केला. आणि स्वधर्मातील अनिष्ठ प्रथेवर हाथ उगारला, त्यांनी कधीही स्पृश्य-अस्पृश्यता कधी मानली नाही.
११. शिवछत्रपतींनी धर्मांतरास नेहमीच पाठिंबा दिला, इतकेच नाही तर त्याचत्याचासोबत नातेसंबंध जोडले; उदा. बजाजी निबाळकरांना स्वतःची मुलगी दिली.
१२. छत्रपती स्वतःला 'क्षत्रीय कुलवतसं श्रीराजा शिवछत्रपती ' असे म्हणवून घेत, 'गोब्राम्हण प्रतिपालक' नव्हे.
May 10, 2017
An extremely thought provoking read. Politicians have a habit of appropriating tall figures for their own gains. Shivaji Maharaj also couldn't escape these distortions and appropriations. As Shashi Tharoor would say, 'farrago of lies and distortions.' Pansare has argued giving various examples how Shivaji Maharaj was not what has been projected. He was a ruler of exemplary ideals, secular values, and truly connected with the masses. Alas! Pansare was shot dead by those who couldn't digest his ideas. The book sales shot up post that. I am one of those who came to know about Pansare and this book post his death.
November 9, 2015
So many myths abound in relation to Shivaji! This books dispels them excellently with cutting edge simplicity.
Every Indian must read this book, particularly, in the context of the Hindu majoritarianism, religious intolerance and social exclusion being shepherded by some informal groups and mass organisations.
Every Indian must read this book, particularly, in the context of the Hindu majoritarianism, religious intolerance and social exclusion being shepherded by some informal groups and mass organisations.
September 27, 2015
An objective study shorn of all jingoistic nationalism that portrays the hero as he should be rather than what his followers want him to be.
August 26, 2020
Prelude: Author Govind Pansare aka Comrade Pansare was assassinated on 20th February, 2015. He was already in bad books of many right-wing politicians for various reasons. This book happens to be a straw in a haystack that ended up killing him. This book is originally written in Marathi and I read it in Marathi. This has been translated into various Indian languages as well as English. His assassins are still at large.
Blurb : Being a Maharashtrian and someone who has been born and brought up in Maharashtra, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj occupies the most respected corner of my conscience. I have been subject to Maharaj's anecdotes since I was a kid, then be it via textbooks, songs, speeches or via independent works like छावा and श्रीमान योगी.
This small book supersedes all. This work is by no means a biography or a serenade. It is factual vivisection of a legend of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This book explains how Maharaj has become a tool to gain power in this holy land of Maharashtra. It opens an interesting perspective about all the great warriors and their place in modern society and modern politics. Pansare tries to accentuate the dichotomy between C. Shivaji Maharaj as an actual personality and C. Shivaji Maharaj as told by historians. I think this book needs to be read by each and every rational person who has an interest in medieval Indian history. Don't read it for the facts, read it for the perspective.
The only thing where Pansare lags is being subtle about his message. He deals with the most incendiary topic of the country and becomes so blunt that it had infuriated a bunch of Bhagwa fanatics. Had he been a little logical about it, the message would have spread more towards the target audience. A good example of such work is Parva by S.L. Bhyrappa where he successfully humanifies the legend of Mahabharata.
All in all, please read this book, you will gain a whole new political insight.
Blurb : Being a Maharashtrian and someone who has been born and brought up in Maharashtra, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj occupies the most respected corner of my conscience. I have been subject to Maharaj's anecdotes since I was a kid, then be it via textbooks, songs, speeches or via independent works like छावा and श्रीमान योगी.
This small book supersedes all. This work is by no means a biography or a serenade. It is factual vivisection of a legend of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This book explains how Maharaj has become a tool to gain power in this holy land of Maharashtra. It opens an interesting perspective about all the great warriors and their place in modern society and modern politics. Pansare tries to accentuate the dichotomy between C. Shivaji Maharaj as an actual personality and C. Shivaji Maharaj as told by historians. I think this book needs to be read by each and every rational person who has an interest in medieval Indian history. Don't read it for the facts, read it for the perspective.
The only thing where Pansare lags is being subtle about his message. He deals with the most incendiary topic of the country and becomes so blunt that it had infuriated a bunch of Bhagwa fanatics. Had he been a little logical about it, the message would have spread more towards the target audience. A good example of such work is Parva by S.L. Bhyrappa where he successfully humanifies the legend of Mahabharata.
All in all, please read this book, you will gain a whole new political insight.
November 24, 2018
More a pamphlet that has grown until it can now be called a small book without hesitation, Shivaji Kon Hota (the original title) is not a book about the life and tales of Shivaji. It is an attempt to set the record state through some myth-busting around the great king, and it assumes you come to this book with some basic knowledge through fables and school textbooks (even if long forgotten). It is not a book with a lot of nuance or historical references, relying more on a deconstruction of how the appropriation of a leader has happened.
In simple, unpretentious language spread over a hundred odd pages - Pansare first lays out the key reasons why Shivaji was successful, how he enabled his success and what sets him apart from other kings. He then looks at historical distortions one after the other which have now become fairly entrenched in our mind - a Hindu king, a Marathi king, a Brahmin king (?) and so on and calls out hidden agendas behind them being spread. You realise that while Shivaji's valour and cunning have long been eulogized in Marathi history, it was his progressiveness (and liberal thought) that perhaps is his best identifier which continues to set him apart after 350 years.
While Pansare's part is by no means free of bias - some of his passages are especially relevant in the India of Modi - the foreward and afterword are completely shorn of any attempt to hide this, trumpeting the leftist (and that means communist, not 'liberal') cause. We could have done without that perhaps because it is precisely the kind of rhetoric which Pansare seems to have avoided himself. While it is expected perhaps from 'Leftworld Books', if the idea is to break down presumptions and hand back the legacy of hero to his peoples, it may not be the best idea to massage another agenda (flawed in itself) by quoting folks like Mao & reflecting on the CPIs austerity.
In simple, unpretentious language spread over a hundred odd pages - Pansare first lays out the key reasons why Shivaji was successful, how he enabled his success and what sets him apart from other kings. He then looks at historical distortions one after the other which have now become fairly entrenched in our mind - a Hindu king, a Marathi king, a Brahmin king (?) and so on and calls out hidden agendas behind them being spread. You realise that while Shivaji's valour and cunning have long been eulogized in Marathi history, it was his progressiveness (and liberal thought) that perhaps is his best identifier which continues to set him apart after 350 years.
While Pansare's part is by no means free of bias - some of his passages are especially relevant in the India of Modi - the foreward and afterword are completely shorn of any attempt to hide this, trumpeting the leftist (and that means communist, not 'liberal') cause. We could have done without that perhaps because it is precisely the kind of rhetoric which Pansare seems to have avoided himself. While it is expected perhaps from 'Leftworld Books', if the idea is to break down presumptions and hand back the legacy of hero to his peoples, it may not be the best idea to massage another agenda (flawed in itself) by quoting folks like Mao & reflecting on the CPIs austerity.
April 5, 2025
An essential read in today's times of irrationality and hypernationalism.
January 21, 2022
Political propaganda
August 29, 2019
New perspective on Shivaji
Whatever I had read on Shivaji was during my education and from text books, where he is more or less projected as a great Hindu warrior, which is true. But this book by Comrade Pansare has opened the other side of this ruler, who was a rationalist and tried to create a welfare state. A must read for understanding the falsehood propagated now a days as Shivaji being a god and anti Muslim. He was surely a practicing Hindu but his rule were equals for all religion.
Whatever I had read on Shivaji was during my education and from text books, where he is more or less projected as a great Hindu warrior, which is true. But this book by Comrade Pansare has opened the other side of this ruler, who was a rationalist and tried to create a welfare state. A must read for understanding the falsehood propagated now a days as Shivaji being a god and anti Muslim. He was surely a practicing Hindu but his rule were equals for all religion.
March 8, 2016
An eyeopener book which briefly acknowledges every perspective of Shivaji as a king of masses and not as a king of specific religion or caste or creed.
March 18, 2019
हे पुस्तक शिवाजी महाराज समजून घेण्याच्या प्रक्रियेतील एक मैलाचा दगड आहे असच म्हणता येईल.वैचारिक पायाखेरीज बदल होण शक्यच नाही, म्हणूनच आपण महाराजांचा खरा इतिहास शोधला पाहिजे तो जपला पाहिजे आणि अर्थातच वाढवला पाहिजे, आजच्या समाजास याची जाणीव होणे खूप गरजेचं आहे ,कारण काही समाजकंटकाद्वारे आपल्या स्वार्थासाठी इतिहास चुकीच्या पद्धतिने पसरवला जातो आणि तसाच पचवलाही जातो,अशा लोकांना माहीत असते की लोक खोलात जात नाहीत आणि मग सुरू होतो मुस्लिम धर्म द्वेष आणि बरेच काही
August 15, 2019
Great...
November 13, 2021
What a beautiful little book that shows Shivaji as a secular ruler who established a welfare state and pushed upliftment. Pansare asks, "What are the consequences of turning Shivaji into a god?". The answer: If he is made into a god, then we escape our responsibility to emulate him.
The reason this book and Pansare are unpopular (to the extent that Pansare was gunned down in 2015 by Hindutva terrorists) is because he questions those who claim to uphold Shivaji's legacy. And rightly so.
The reason this book and Pansare are unpopular (to the extent that Pansare was gunned down in 2015 by Hindutva terrorists) is because he questions those who claim to uphold Shivaji's legacy. And rightly so.
June 1, 2023
A reminder that a man living 400 years ago embodied more democratic and humane ideas than most people living today. And the reason why he could truly inspire a groundswell as he did. Not on a foundation of tradition and orthodoxy, but by uprooting the systems that didn't serve the people.
April 3, 2023
So much relavent in current situation, and it will pretty much stay relavent for times to come.
This books reminds me of a chapter in our school called "Mahapurushancha Parabhav". This book just elevates the same though in much more detail.
This books reminds me of a chapter in our school called "Mahapurushancha Parabhav". This book just elevates the same though in much more detail.
April 23, 2023
Essential read to understand how little we actually know about our historical figures as they become vehicles of narrow propogandas. I never really paid much attention to Shivaji because he was always portrayed as a Hindu king against Muslims rather than the reality- a rationalist, socialist king. It's always great to learn new things and challenge the mainstream perspectives. The book is concise, accessible and I am very glad that comrade Govind Pansare wrote this book for generations to come.
March 31, 2018
Like mentioned in the letter by high court judge P. B. Sawant at the begin of the book, I wish this book reaches more youth under the influence of right wing groups. It would help to un-brainwash these people. This really could be the reason why the author was murdered by “them”.
Book has collection of very good examples of how people from different backgrounds were with Shivaji and why; also how people of similar cast or religion were against him and why. Book explains why religion played a lesser role in those time than it is generally portrayed in manipulated history; that was very interesting insight for me.
Book will by no means diminish your respect for the king, but will rather increase it in a very humanly perspectives.
Book does not portray upper class people as villains; but those who have and are trying to use image of Shivaji for their own political or social benefits are exposed as how and why they do it, also the people whose biggest achievement is sharing a caste, religion or language with Shivaji is rightfully mocked.
Book explains why it is wrong that Shivaji is considered the promised Hindu king and how he fought against Muslims. With proper examples the author proves his point that in those times kingdom, royalty were far more important than religion as people from all religion and caste fought from both the sides. Author successfully clarified how Shivaji was truly a secular king even though he was religious and still not a superstitious man.
There is great deal of useful content in this 60 pages long book.
A nice gift for friends under the influence of right wing groups who hate people of some religion or caste under the name of Shivaji.
Book has collection of very good examples of how people from different backgrounds were with Shivaji and why; also how people of similar cast or religion were against him and why. Book explains why religion played a lesser role in those time than it is generally portrayed in manipulated history; that was very interesting insight for me.
Book will by no means diminish your respect for the king, but will rather increase it in a very humanly perspectives.
Book does not portray upper class people as villains; but those who have and are trying to use image of Shivaji for their own political or social benefits are exposed as how and why they do it, also the people whose biggest achievement is sharing a caste, religion or language with Shivaji is rightfully mocked.
Book explains why it is wrong that Shivaji is considered the promised Hindu king and how he fought against Muslims. With proper examples the author proves his point that in those times kingdom, royalty were far more important than religion as people from all religion and caste fought from both the sides. Author successfully clarified how Shivaji was truly a secular king even though he was religious and still not a superstitious man.
There is great deal of useful content in this 60 pages long book.
A nice gift for friends under the influence of right wing groups who hate people of some religion or caste under the name of Shivaji.
August 10, 2019
शिवाजी माणूस होता. चांगला माणूस होता. थोर माणूस होता. हुशार व दूरदृष्टीचा माणूस होता. नीतिमान आणि व्यवहारी माणूस होता. शूर लढवय्या आणि कुशल संघटक होता. देव न्हवता. अवतार नव्हता.
शिवाजीचा देव केला म्हणजे काय होते? देव केला कि मग शिवाजीसारखे वागायची जबाबदारी राहत नाही.
देव असल्यामुळे वर्षातून एकदा "शिवाजी महाराज कि जय" म्हणायचे, जयंती करायची, वर्गणी गोळा करायची, थोडी खर्चायची, थोडी खायची. जमलं तर थोडी खर्चायची आणि जास्त खायची. कपाळाला अष्टगंध लावायचा, गुलाल उधळायचा कि काम झाले. शिवभक्त म्हणून घ्यायला आपण रिकामे झालो. शिवाजीसारखे वागायची आपल्यावर जबाबदारी नाही. शिवाजीने रयतेला मदत केली. आता त्याच्या भोंदू भक्तांनी रयतेला भीती घालायला त्याचाच उपयोग करायचा. दारूच्या अड्ड्यावर, मटक्याच्या गाडीवर, बेकायदा वाहतूक करणाऱ्या मोटारीवर शिवाजीचा झेंडा अन शिवाजीचा फोटो लावायचा अन काळे धंदे चालवायचे. हा शिवाजीचा गैरवापर आहे. शिवाजी नीट समजून घेऊन हे थांबवले पाहिज��. भोंदू कोण आणि भक्त कोण हे ओळखायला शिवाजी समजून घ्यावा.
शिवाजीचा देव केला म्हणजे काय होते? देव केला कि मग शिवाजीसारखे वागायची जबाबदारी राहत नाही.
देव असल्यामुळे वर्षातून एकदा "शिवाजी महाराज कि जय" म्हणायचे, जयंती करायची, वर्गणी गोळा करायची, थोडी खर्चायची, थोडी खायची. जमलं तर थोडी खर्चायची आणि जास्त खायची. कपाळाला अष्टगंध लावायचा, गुलाल उधळायचा कि काम झाले. शिवभक्त म्हणून घ्यायला आपण रिकामे झालो. शिवाजीसारखे वागायची आपल्यावर जबाबदारी नाही. शिवाजीने रयतेला मदत केली. आता त्याच्या भोंदू भक्तांनी रयतेला भीती घालायला त्याचाच उपयोग करायचा. दारूच्या अड्ड्यावर, मटक्याच्या गाडीवर, बेकायदा वाहतूक करणाऱ्या मोटारीवर शिवाजीचा झेंडा अन शिवाजीचा फोटो लावायचा अन काळे धंदे चालवायचे. हा शिवाजीचा गैरवापर आहे. शिवाजी नीट समजून घेऊन हे थांबवले पाहिज��. भोंदू कोण आणि भक्त कोण हे ओळखायला शिवाजी समजून घ्यावा.
December 20, 2015
For years, we had heard Shivaji's stories. This book goes beyond stories and tries to find values and principles held by Shivaji.
I am amazed by the information and facts in this book. Must read if you want to know real Shivaji.
I am amazed by the information and facts in this book. Must read if you want to know real Shivaji.
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January 3, 2016Good narrative and helps to find a true patriot
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