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Frontiers
Massive armies of the Mughal empire and the allied kingdoms have been unleashed to crush the Maratha warrior who is about to set a dangerous precedent. What will happen when two of the biggest enemies in the history of Hindustan come face to face?
Aurangzeb has ascended to the throne in the North, leaving a trail of blood in his wake. His aim is to conquer the kingdoms of the Deccan and expand the great Mughal empire to include hitherto uncharted, rebellious territories. Unforgiving and relentless, he unleashes his violent rage against anyone who tries to tame his ambition.
Raja Shivaji, a jagirdar from the hills of western Deccan, dreams of Swaraj and has raised his sword against all those who stand between him and his goal. He wins and conquers, escapes death traps through masterful strategy, unrivalled courage and intelligence to become a force to reckon with-a thorn in Aurangzeb's flesh.
Theirs is a battle of wit and might-one in which neither will give up.
Frontiers, a historical saga, brings to life the complex and ever-shifting dynamics between these two arch nemeses.
Aurangzeb has ascended to the throne in the North, leaving a trail of blood in his wake. His aim is to conquer the kingdoms of the Deccan and expand the great Mughal empire to include hitherto uncharted, rebellious territories. Unforgiving and relentless, he unleashes his violent rage against anyone who tries to tame his ambition.
Raja Shivaji, a jagirdar from the hills of western Deccan, dreams of Swaraj and has raised his sword against all those who stand between him and his goal. He wins and conquers, escapes death traps through masterful strategy, unrivalled courage and intelligence to become a force to reckon with-a thorn in Aurangzeb's flesh.
Theirs is a battle of wit and might-one in which neither will give up.
Frontiers, a historical saga, brings to life the complex and ever-shifting dynamics between these two arch nemeses.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
504 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2018
16 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Medha Deshmukh Bhaskaran
10 books41 followersMedha Deshmukh Bhaskaran is a microbiologist and has worked for pharmaceutical and food industry in Germany, India and United Arab Emirates. Subjects that interest her are history and pharmaceuticals - or the world of medicines.
Her biography of Chhatrapati Shivaji has been Crossword Bookstores bestseller in 2016-17. The book is nominated in two categories (non-fiction and biography) for Raymond Crossword Book Awards 2017.
Her biography of Chhatrapati Shivaji has been Crossword Bookstores bestseller in 2016-17. The book is nominated in two categories (non-fiction and biography) for Raymond Crossword Book Awards 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 11 reviews
March 9, 2025
Although not a colossal book when compared to the lengthy pedigree of generational Marathi classics, reading 'Frontiers' still feels like a proper accomplishment and a hefty pat on the back. Clocking in around four hundred and eighty odd pages, one can even consider this one a toddler of a novel compared to the Shivaji Sawants and the Ranjit Desais of this world! But what Medha Deshmukh Bhaskaran's book offers in abundance is not only a modern lens that isn't insecure enough to accommodate a secondary protagonist but also a solid understanding of complexity. Something that the older and much-championed predecessors of the past so thoroughly lack.
Thus, one can argue about the true nature of this thing. 'Frontiers,' in its evident ambition of being historically enriching, sacrifices the fictional part of the bargain to some debatable degrees. Bhaskaran, a microbiologist by day, is also the author of 'Challenging Destiny'—a' biography of Chhatrapati Shivaji, which is evident in the pages of 'Frontiers.'. The author has spent decades of her life researching the man, digging into their shared Marathi past, and the efforts are legible within the chapters. Almost exhaustive in her approach as she meticulously notes down strategies, sieges, and battle plans, one after the other in intricate detail, giving her storytelling a deeply military shade.
Not that I am complaining or anything. For the novel is literally subtitled as 'The relentless battle between Aurangzeb and Shivaji.' And that's what the book tries to deliver, flipping between chapters as best as it can, within the limited time frame chosen to be recreated on paper. Namely, a decade (1656-1666) of Shivaji gradually growing into a venerable nuisance for the ever-ambitious Alamgir! We begin early, as such. At a point where Aurangzeb, still a prince, is the Subhedar of Deccan. Kept far away from the centre owing to Emperor Shah Jahan's habit of playing favourites with his children. While an upstart young Shivaji progressively burns one bridge after the other, antagonising not only his Adilshahi patrons but also the Mughal camp by taking over one fort at a time.
This makes up the majority of the first half and is a delightful read in general, as we trace the journey of both the men in their own respective spaces. Bhaskaran is a patient customer. Her prose flows steadily, despite the overwritten nature of it all. A plethora of names, both human and regional, pop up, muddying the stream and creating ripples. But that's just how history rolls. A list of characters made up in a chart of sorts would have been pretty beneficial for unsuspecting readers not in the habit of tackling them regularly. The book could have also worked with some crisper editing, which is ironic, for I believe the novel had the potential to run even longer than it ultimately did!
There's a sequence, quite early in 'Frontiers,' where a recently recruited Murarbaji is being given the rounds of the Pratapgarh Fort by a disgruntled Netoji Palkar. The entire exchange, as the two men walk around the rain-drenched fortifications, discussing geography and strategic developments, made me unironically giddy. Which sounds suspiciously weird in retrospect, I suppose, but a part of me, the one with the habit of imagination and wonder, could almost visualise a lively picture. A picture that involved following their footsteps, walking the slippery bastions, peering upon the foggy Sahyadri, while tackling the chilly mountain breeze in all its fresh, unpolluted haze!
In comparison, the Aurangzeb portions grow progressively slighter as the book trundles along. A part of it can be chalked up to the well-known, almost scandalous nature of the Mughal war of ascension that flared up around this time. We jump along. Gallop rather, as the future Alamgir defangs his detractors and eliminates claimants, while simultaneously trying to balance the Deccan in his purview. However, despite the author's well-intentioned and good-hearted claims, Aurangzeb remains what she promised from the get-go. A secondary protagonist, where the word 'secondary' takes precedence. A part of me, who enjoys studying both the figures on an academic pedestal, was disappointed to find a lack of fleshing out when it came to the Mughal padshah.
Something that catches further fire during a conversation Aurangzeb shares with his sister, Jahanara. This, for me, was personally the lowest point of the first half, where Aurangzeb suddenly starts acting out of character (in reference to how he was portrayed up until then) and engages in a crude, almost shallow exchange of words, fanning the flames of the age-old incestuous allegation pertaining to the eldest princess and their father. A train of thought that has been debunked over the years as nothing more than a tall tale sponsored by haughty gossip mongers of a tumultuous era. Coming off as unnecessarily distasteful, if anything.
Thus, despite the modernity that Bhaskaran brings to the table, nuance isn't something that follows by default.
It's not something that you can blame the author for. A Marathi author, adept at researching Marathi history and writing a book aiming to accommodate both Shivaji and Aurangzeb, will always lean onto a certain side. And you can't really blame her for not following the greyish path of diplomacy. As a result, something like the ever-scrutinised Surat expedition of Shivaji and his men is hotshotted in a few chapters. Something that, according to me, required a bit more focus to be truly gauged upon. Simultaneously, we also get little of Shivaji, the man in his personal quarters. Living a life predominantly on the road, from one fort to another. The book tries to fill in the gap of an absentee husband, who in turn becomes an absentee father. But it's painfully little. Almost shying away from giving us anything truly humane.
As such, read the novel if you wish to experience the triumphs of a rebellious Shivaji prior to his Chhatrapati days, in a military and administrative capacity. His creative acumen in anticipating offence; his policies and strategies, buoyant under the common thread of Hindavi Swaraj. Him growing and easing into the role of a foresighted leader, employing the geography of the Konkan and the Sahyadris to create a forceful thorn not only in the Deccan but also in the side of a centralised Mughal supremacy. Making up for a fairly steady read under these particular parameters. As visible in the brilliant reanimation of the entire Afzal Khan incident, that acts as a triumphant climax to the first half of the book!
Although the second half suffers from a lack of cohesion, as if the author suddenly remembered she was short on time and space (like we did back in our exam halls) and decided to wing it accordingly, we do get a great representation of the entire Shaesta Khan siege. Supported with elan by the hearty battle of the fabled Pawankhind! Other important events, like that of the Surat expedition (as mentioned earlier) and the animosity with Siddi Jauhar, are undercut due to time constraints (or editorial concerns, in all probability, who might have felt the book was running the risk of repetition by its incessant martial fervour!). My tired complaints were nonetheless pacified by the finishing stretch, which sees Alamgir playing offence through Mirza Raja Jai Singh.
The siege of Purandar and the treaty signed afterwards act as a veritable watershed moment in the animosity between Shiva and the Mughal empire. It's a defining event of Mediaeval India. Something that Marathi history enthusiasts study on a mourning note. And we, the students, prepare long questions to fill answer sheets with. The author does a commendable job with the entire arc and the aftermath that bleeds into Agra, albeit with a sentimental heart, casting a shadow of sorrow over the proceedings. A part of her, however, plays it safe. Borrowing judiciously from popular sources like that of GS Sardesai, while giving a realistic and much more accepted modern twist to Shivaji's Agra escape. Although not entirely riveting or matching the flair of the first half, it does cap the book off on a satisfactory note.
Nevertheless, to my great delight, the author finishes up on an ambiguous note, featuring a young Sambhaji left behind in Mathura after the entire Agra fiasco. He comes off as hesitant, almost unforgiving in his gloominess, unaware of his father's complicated machinations, hinting towards a future that's far from sunny. It's not much of a spoiler, seeing that the events are historically backed, to the extent that the book can be almost termed 'Fictionalised History' and not the other way round. But it made me glad for once that an author was willing to explore the root of the somewhat strenuous relationship shared between the Bhosles. A grey thread that the mainstream, nationalised school of scholarship tends to conveniently overlook in favour of a more pronounced 'like father, like son' narrative.
(3.75/5 || February, 2025)
Thus, one can argue about the true nature of this thing. 'Frontiers,' in its evident ambition of being historically enriching, sacrifices the fictional part of the bargain to some debatable degrees. Bhaskaran, a microbiologist by day, is also the author of 'Challenging Destiny'—a' biography of Chhatrapati Shivaji, which is evident in the pages of 'Frontiers.'. The author has spent decades of her life researching the man, digging into their shared Marathi past, and the efforts are legible within the chapters. Almost exhaustive in her approach as she meticulously notes down strategies, sieges, and battle plans, one after the other in intricate detail, giving her storytelling a deeply military shade.
Not that I am complaining or anything. For the novel is literally subtitled as 'The relentless battle between Aurangzeb and Shivaji.' And that's what the book tries to deliver, flipping between chapters as best as it can, within the limited time frame chosen to be recreated on paper. Namely, a decade (1656-1666) of Shivaji gradually growing into a venerable nuisance for the ever-ambitious Alamgir! We begin early, as such. At a point where Aurangzeb, still a prince, is the Subhedar of Deccan. Kept far away from the centre owing to Emperor Shah Jahan's habit of playing favourites with his children. While an upstart young Shivaji progressively burns one bridge after the other, antagonising not only his Adilshahi patrons but also the Mughal camp by taking over one fort at a time.
This makes up the majority of the first half and is a delightful read in general, as we trace the journey of both the men in their own respective spaces. Bhaskaran is a patient customer. Her prose flows steadily, despite the overwritten nature of it all. A plethora of names, both human and regional, pop up, muddying the stream and creating ripples. But that's just how history rolls. A list of characters made up in a chart of sorts would have been pretty beneficial for unsuspecting readers not in the habit of tackling them regularly. The book could have also worked with some crisper editing, which is ironic, for I believe the novel had the potential to run even longer than it ultimately did!
There's a sequence, quite early in 'Frontiers,' where a recently recruited Murarbaji is being given the rounds of the Pratapgarh Fort by a disgruntled Netoji Palkar. The entire exchange, as the two men walk around the rain-drenched fortifications, discussing geography and strategic developments, made me unironically giddy. Which sounds suspiciously weird in retrospect, I suppose, but a part of me, the one with the habit of imagination and wonder, could almost visualise a lively picture. A picture that involved following their footsteps, walking the slippery bastions, peering upon the foggy Sahyadri, while tackling the chilly mountain breeze in all its fresh, unpolluted haze!
In comparison, the Aurangzeb portions grow progressively slighter as the book trundles along. A part of it can be chalked up to the well-known, almost scandalous nature of the Mughal war of ascension that flared up around this time. We jump along. Gallop rather, as the future Alamgir defangs his detractors and eliminates claimants, while simultaneously trying to balance the Deccan in his purview. However, despite the author's well-intentioned and good-hearted claims, Aurangzeb remains what she promised from the get-go. A secondary protagonist, where the word 'secondary' takes precedence. A part of me, who enjoys studying both the figures on an academic pedestal, was disappointed to find a lack of fleshing out when it came to the Mughal padshah.
Something that catches further fire during a conversation Aurangzeb shares with his sister, Jahanara. This, for me, was personally the lowest point of the first half, where Aurangzeb suddenly starts acting out of character (in reference to how he was portrayed up until then) and engages in a crude, almost shallow exchange of words, fanning the flames of the age-old incestuous allegation pertaining to the eldest princess and their father. A train of thought that has been debunked over the years as nothing more than a tall tale sponsored by haughty gossip mongers of a tumultuous era. Coming off as unnecessarily distasteful, if anything.
Thus, despite the modernity that Bhaskaran brings to the table, nuance isn't something that follows by default.
It's not something that you can blame the author for. A Marathi author, adept at researching Marathi history and writing a book aiming to accommodate both Shivaji and Aurangzeb, will always lean onto a certain side. And you can't really blame her for not following the greyish path of diplomacy. As a result, something like the ever-scrutinised Surat expedition of Shivaji and his men is hotshotted in a few chapters. Something that, according to me, required a bit more focus to be truly gauged upon. Simultaneously, we also get little of Shivaji, the man in his personal quarters. Living a life predominantly on the road, from one fort to another. The book tries to fill in the gap of an absentee husband, who in turn becomes an absentee father. But it's painfully little. Almost shying away from giving us anything truly humane.
As such, read the novel if you wish to experience the triumphs of a rebellious Shivaji prior to his Chhatrapati days, in a military and administrative capacity. His creative acumen in anticipating offence; his policies and strategies, buoyant under the common thread of Hindavi Swaraj. Him growing and easing into the role of a foresighted leader, employing the geography of the Konkan and the Sahyadris to create a forceful thorn not only in the Deccan but also in the side of a centralised Mughal supremacy. Making up for a fairly steady read under these particular parameters. As visible in the brilliant reanimation of the entire Afzal Khan incident, that acts as a triumphant climax to the first half of the book!
Although the second half suffers from a lack of cohesion, as if the author suddenly remembered she was short on time and space (like we did back in our exam halls) and decided to wing it accordingly, we do get a great representation of the entire Shaesta Khan siege. Supported with elan by the hearty battle of the fabled Pawankhind! Other important events, like that of the Surat expedition (as mentioned earlier) and the animosity with Siddi Jauhar, are undercut due to time constraints (or editorial concerns, in all probability, who might have felt the book was running the risk of repetition by its incessant martial fervour!). My tired complaints were nonetheless pacified by the finishing stretch, which sees Alamgir playing offence through Mirza Raja Jai Singh.
The siege of Purandar and the treaty signed afterwards act as a veritable watershed moment in the animosity between Shiva and the Mughal empire. It's a defining event of Mediaeval India. Something that Marathi history enthusiasts study on a mourning note. And we, the students, prepare long questions to fill answer sheets with. The author does a commendable job with the entire arc and the aftermath that bleeds into Agra, albeit with a sentimental heart, casting a shadow of sorrow over the proceedings. A part of her, however, plays it safe. Borrowing judiciously from popular sources like that of GS Sardesai, while giving a realistic and much more accepted modern twist to Shivaji's Agra escape. Although not entirely riveting or matching the flair of the first half, it does cap the book off on a satisfactory note.
Nevertheless, to my great delight, the author finishes up on an ambiguous note, featuring a young Sambhaji left behind in Mathura after the entire Agra fiasco. He comes off as hesitant, almost unforgiving in his gloominess, unaware of his father's complicated machinations, hinting towards a future that's far from sunny. It's not much of a spoiler, seeing that the events are historically backed, to the extent that the book can be almost termed 'Fictionalised History' and not the other way round. But it made me glad for once that an author was willing to explore the root of the somewhat strenuous relationship shared between the Bhosles. A grey thread that the mainstream, nationalised school of scholarship tends to conveniently overlook in favour of a more pronounced 'like father, like son' narrative.
(3.75/5 || February, 2025)
August 18, 2018
Emperor Aurangazeb is on a mission to conquer South. Sent to the Deccan by Emperor Shah Jahan as to rid him to make way for his elder son, Dara Sikoh, the prince has a point to prove as he engaged in a murderous zeal to expand his kingdom's frontiers. As Aurangazeb deals with his issues and fights his way to become emperor, there is a valiant jagirdar with stars in his eyes and dreams of Swaraj for the soil he was born in. Between the dynastic Adil Shahi, and the rampaging Aurangazeb, how this prince carved out a kingdom and strives to form a respectable kingdom, is the tale.
This is a fantastic read on Raja Shivaji, one of the original freedom fighters, and an inspiration for many in our quest for Swaraj. Book moves slightly slow, that's my only grudge, although that's completely overridden by the narrative.
This is a fantastic read on Raja Shivaji, one of the original freedom fighters, and an inspiration for many in our quest for Swaraj. Book moves slightly slow, that's my only grudge, although that's completely overridden by the narrative.
September 6, 2020
Fascinating historical novel on incredible tale of maverick warrior Raja Shivaji, and his nemesis Aurangzeb. Extensive research is a key highlight of this book. History is presented in way that mimics adrenaline inducing adventure. Descriptions of the time, customs and the way of life is also captivating to read and imagine. Motivations, drive and progression of each significant character is well formed. The book is a treat for any history lover out there. It is a long read and demands patience at times, but the investment of time is worth it for the sense of pride and anger it induces in us, knowing about the most turbulent, yet hopeful time in Indian history
May 10, 2019
Great work
I believe a lot of research has gone into writing the book. The author has covered the lives of Shivaji Maharaj and Aurangzeb in a nice way.
I believe a lot of research has gone into writing the book. The author has covered the lives of Shivaji Maharaj and Aurangzeb in a nice way.
January 17, 2023
Frontiers is a good book if you are looking for an introductory read. Easy to understand language is a plus. It does two things really great. First it gives a lot of context on people who stood against Raje. Second it tries to get inside Raja's head and try to understand thought process of Shivaji Maharaj.
The writing style is different than usual. Use of flashbacks give it the 'game of thrones' vibes as somebody mentioned.
Picked up the book after I heard Medha ma'am speak on a podcast. The book didn't live upto the hype the podcast created.The whole story felt superficial and there was a much lack of details. Also the stories felt anticlimactic. The book started pretty good but the colours faded out as it went. Ut felt pale toward the later half.
But something that you have to give points for is that the book provided alternate
turn of events for some of the events - escape from Agra - which felt more real and logical that what is popularized by media.
All in all I liked the book but didn't love it. If you are trying to dive into this subject it could be a great starting point but if you are scouting for detailed narrative than this book is not for you.
The writing style is different than usual. Use of flashbacks give it the 'game of thrones' vibes as somebody mentioned.
Picked up the book after I heard Medha ma'am speak on a podcast. The book didn't live upto the hype the podcast created.The whole story felt superficial and there was a much lack of details. Also the stories felt anticlimactic. The book started pretty good but the colours faded out as it went. Ut felt pale toward the later half.
But something that you have to give points for is that the book provided alternate
turn of events for some of the events - escape from Agra - which felt more real and logical that what is popularized by media.
All in all I liked the book but didn't love it. If you are trying to dive into this subject it could be a great starting point but if you are scouting for detailed narrative than this book is not for you.
December 20, 2022
I tried my level best to try and finish this book, but couldn't. I came across Medha Bhaskaran in a podcast series on trs, and it was riveting. However, that can't be said about this book. I've studied the history of Shivaji Raje in my school days, and I think that was more interesting and entertaining than this book.
I found the writing very slow. A lot of time is given to incidents that according to me have very little significance.
Maybe in the future I'll pick up this book and have a different opinion.
I found the writing very slow. A lot of time is given to incidents that according to me have very little significance.
Maybe in the future I'll pick up this book and have a different opinion.
March 21, 2021
It was an exciting read, my first read from the Mughal era. I felt like I was living vicariously through them and could feel how wars were fought and distance of miles made on foot with war horses and elephants. My favourite character apart from the obvious stars will be Jahanara. Strong woman with a mind of her own in that era and able to make a difference to the history( I know it’s fiction) my favorite scène was Shivaji attacking Shaista Khan in Lal Mahal , loved the details/drama portrayed, reminding of Game of thrones. Very interesting read with a lot of visual details.
June 28, 2020
Oh ! what a delight ? it was to read this book. Medha surely knows the craft to indulge readers and evoke emotions by intricately suffusing fiction with facts.
"Just one more page" will be irresistible even after the last one.
Kudos !!
"Just one more page" will be irresistible even after the last one.
Kudos !!
February 12, 2023
Aurangzeb
Highly thrilling
We know about the history,but this is something different,as visuals r passing in history in our presence, mesmerizing
Highly thrilling
We know about the history,but this is something different,as visuals r passing in history in our presence, mesmerizing
January 9, 2024
The book “Frontiers” explores the face off between two main characters from the historic era of Bharat under the reign of Mughals in North, Adilshahi in west and south and Nizamshahi in the Golconda region.
What keeps you hooked is its narration and switching of situations and characters between Marathas and the Mughals. Every character is of equal importance in this book may it be Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj or Aurangzeb.
The book has many battle and war sequences which might sound too overwhelming to few, but the way those are described many times keep you hooked throughout the sequence and at times even give you that adrenaline rush.
The most important aspect of this book is the way the author puts forth the politics between siblings, between generals and between ideologies.
The book does focus on the emotional elements between Shivaji Maharaj and his wife, between Jahanara and Shah Jahan.
The backbone of any book is the way the author treats its supporting characters and for sure Medha Mam gives full justice may it be Afzal Khan, siblings of Aurangzeb, Shaista Khan, the Maratha regime Tanaji Malusure, Netoji Palkar to be precise.
There are some instances where the explanation gets too detailed that could had been easily rushed especially the scenes where the details of the court are explained.
The book is more than 400 pages but towards the end you still expect something more and that’s because it’s the way Medha Mam has crafted this book.
The book that stays with you days after you have read it is an impactful book and “Frontiers” stands strong in this aspect.
A strong recommendation to all the readers who enjoy historical fiction.
What keeps you hooked is its narration and switching of situations and characters between Marathas and the Mughals. Every character is of equal importance in this book may it be Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj or Aurangzeb.
The book has many battle and war sequences which might sound too overwhelming to few, but the way those are described many times keep you hooked throughout the sequence and at times even give you that adrenaline rush.
The most important aspect of this book is the way the author puts forth the politics between siblings, between generals and between ideologies.
The book does focus on the emotional elements between Shivaji Maharaj and his wife, between Jahanara and Shah Jahan.
The backbone of any book is the way the author treats its supporting characters and for sure Medha Mam gives full justice may it be Afzal Khan, siblings of Aurangzeb, Shaista Khan, the Maratha regime Tanaji Malusure, Netoji Palkar to be precise.
There are some instances where the explanation gets too detailed that could had been easily rushed especially the scenes where the details of the court are explained.
The book is more than 400 pages but towards the end you still expect something more and that’s because it’s the way Medha Mam has crafted this book.
The book that stays with you days after you have read it is an impactful book and “Frontiers” stands strong in this aspect.
A strong recommendation to all the readers who enjoy historical fiction.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 11 reviews