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द इरा ऑफ बाजीराव
This is the Marathi translation of the original English book 'The Era of Bajirao' by Uday S. Kulkarni. The free translation of the book into Marathi was done by Vijay Bapaye, who won the Maharashtra Granthottejak Sanstha award for his translation of 'Solstice at Panipat'. This non fiction annotated account of the Era of Baji rao Peshwa begins in the seventeenth century and extends to the mid eighteenth. The "Era of Baji rao" is an account of the Empire of the Deccan. It is published by Mula-Mutha Publishers. The book has 348 plus 32 preliminary pages and 12 art pages (380 pages in all), 27 pictures and 22 maps with the narrative. The book has 36 chapters divided into five sections. Besides maps and illustrations, it has a timeline, genealogies, introduction to principal characters, appendices, references, bibliography, glossary and an index.
380 pages, Paperback
First published January 8, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 22, 2021
This book resurrects the era of Supreme Maratha Power. Solid Research and treasure of original references. What a fascinating man Baji Rao was. Died before he turned 40. Expanded an empire, dismantled another. Fought memorable battles. During his 20 year reign, he was constantly on the move and didn't lose a single major battle.
I loved how so many backstories were mentioned here. chimaji Appa, Holkar, Nizam, Brahmendra Swami, Kanhoji Angre, Sawai Jaisingh, Portugese in western ghat and many other stories which help in developing narrative even stronger. This is how history should be written to make you understand what were scenario during those times and it is easy connect those dots.
Baji Rao expanded the 'Swarajya' established by Shivaji Maharaj into a 'Samrajya'.
This book has photographs, maps, illustrations, genealogies. This kinda book helps you in visualizing. For lucid account of one of the most important personality of Indian history, do read this book. Uday Kulkarni manages to create the era in front of your eyes with maps and so many other details. He doesn't flinch from highlighting the faults of the players involved. Well referenced and yet not cluttered at all.
Sadly our history books doesn't teach us about Maratha empire. What we Indians know about Baji Rao through the terrible work of bollywood's Sanjay Leela Bansali. It was simply sad to see Baji Rao being portrayed like that. When we talk of Bajirao only Mastani strikes to the mind of people. As if other than that he didn't do anything in his life. Bollywood made lover boy out of Baji Rao. Read this book to know the real Baji Rao.
18th Century has often been dubbed as era of anarchy by colonialist historians. Even one author recently wrote book on it too. 70 yrs has been passed still they are not over colonialist hangover. Even our school textbooks have taught many generations that it was the time when the control of India passed from Mughal to Britishers. The correct history is by the time British emerged as a strong political power, India was ruled by Marathas, Rajputs, Jats, Sikhs, Carnatic, Mysore, Travancore, Awadh & Ahoms. Mughal empire was virtually dead. The fixation of historians to move from the Mughals to the British, with Marathas as a passing reference needs to revisited in today's multi polar world.
For a non Marathi, work on Peshwa Bajirao's military prowess, we have to go all the way back to 1970s. Col Palsolkar's book on Bajirao is still a hard to find book which is why Era of Bajirao was a much needed work in the present scenario. After his earlier book Solstice at Panipat, the bar of expectations was set quite high and this book does not disappoint. Extensive use of sources, especially contemporary documents, Peshwa daftars etc make for a very well Informed read. Bhopal, Amjhera, Palkhed, Delhi, Vasai all covered in great detail, troop movements etc. Passages from reference books attached to bring out the actual scenarios.
Now i am eagerly waiting for author to release his next book i.e. The extraordinary epoch of Nanasaheb Peshwa.
I loved how so many backstories were mentioned here. chimaji Appa, Holkar, Nizam, Brahmendra Swami, Kanhoji Angre, Sawai Jaisingh, Portugese in western ghat and many other stories which help in developing narrative even stronger. This is how history should be written to make you understand what were scenario during those times and it is easy connect those dots.
Baji Rao expanded the 'Swarajya' established by Shivaji Maharaj into a 'Samrajya'.
This book has photographs, maps, illustrations, genealogies. This kinda book helps you in visualizing. For lucid account of one of the most important personality of Indian history, do read this book. Uday Kulkarni manages to create the era in front of your eyes with maps and so many other details. He doesn't flinch from highlighting the faults of the players involved. Well referenced and yet not cluttered at all.
Sadly our history books doesn't teach us about Maratha empire. What we Indians know about Baji Rao through the terrible work of bollywood's Sanjay Leela Bansali. It was simply sad to see Baji Rao being portrayed like that. When we talk of Bajirao only Mastani strikes to the mind of people. As if other than that he didn't do anything in his life. Bollywood made lover boy out of Baji Rao. Read this book to know the real Baji Rao.
18th Century has often been dubbed as era of anarchy by colonialist historians. Even one author recently wrote book on it too. 70 yrs has been passed still they are not over colonialist hangover. Even our school textbooks have taught many generations that it was the time when the control of India passed from Mughal to Britishers. The correct history is by the time British emerged as a strong political power, India was ruled by Marathas, Rajputs, Jats, Sikhs, Carnatic, Mysore, Travancore, Awadh & Ahoms. Mughal empire was virtually dead. The fixation of historians to move from the Mughals to the British, with Marathas as a passing reference needs to revisited in today's multi polar world.
For a non Marathi, work on Peshwa Bajirao's military prowess, we have to go all the way back to 1970s. Col Palsolkar's book on Bajirao is still a hard to find book which is why Era of Bajirao was a much needed work in the present scenario. After his earlier book Solstice at Panipat, the bar of expectations was set quite high and this book does not disappoint. Extensive use of sources, especially contemporary documents, Peshwa daftars etc make for a very well Informed read. Bhopal, Amjhera, Palkhed, Delhi, Vasai all covered in great detail, troop movements etc. Passages from reference books attached to bring out the actual scenarios.
Now i am eagerly waiting for author to release his next book i.e. The extraordinary epoch of Nanasaheb Peshwa.
February 6, 2017
This is the way history is meant to be written. Thoroughly researched, and backed by a huge set of data. A scholarly work that is imminently readable and will apply to both the student of history, and to the casual reader in equal measures. Bajirao Peshwa was a monumental figure in Indian history, and Uday S. Kulkarni's work does justice. Highly recommended, definitely a 5-star book.
April 2, 2017
A serious problem afflicts Indian writing of history. The books are either jingoistic or utter drab collection of references. Often the texture is uneven, usually due to the author's specific areas of interest in a timeline. Worse, scant attention is paid to presentation and copy-editing by most Indian publishers of books of history.
The Era of Baji Rao, by Dr. Uday Kulkarni, thankfully, is none of the above. (Save for a few typos that could have been easily taken care of and a couple of maps that could have been clearer).
Writing a book on a person like Baji Rao I, given his life and times, is a difficult one to write, without falling in the trap of being in awe of his achievements. The author is aware of that, and says so, in the opening note. Dr. Kulkarni stays true to this submission.
From being a very well-researched book to its balance in presentation, I'd mark this book as ground breaking. Dr. Kulkarni has laid down a framework for writing a biography that does not insult the intelligence of the reader; in fact, the book respects the reader's intelligence. In a few reviews Dr. Kulkarni was congratulated for not forming conclusions. The conclusions are there; they aren't however, dumbed down as is usually the practice. They are there; they aren't obvious. And standing tall on a mountain of such irrefutable, rich, and varied references that Dr. Kulkarni has gathered, there is no reason why an author should not conclude.
Then there is context. If a book were to focus only on the achievements of a historical personality, it tends to become hagiographical. Depending on how you view that personality, it causes unnecessary chest-thumping or extreme suspicion of bias. One of the key highlights of The Era of Baji Rao is that there is rich and relevant context to the life and times of Baji Rao I. It is not written in isolation; on the contrary, the context to the why and how of any of his campaigns, initiatives, or choices is is there for the reader to see. A context to the circumstances in which a choice was made is of more value to the reader than an insipid statement of the choice. This, coupled with a deftly handled insight into Baji Rao I's character, personality, and emotion makes this one of the better non-fiction biographies.
If you have an interest in the history of India, the Deccan, the Marathas, or Baji Rao I, himself, this is a book, you should be reading now!
The Era of Baji Rao, by Dr. Uday Kulkarni, thankfully, is none of the above. (Save for a few typos that could have been easily taken care of and a couple of maps that could have been clearer).
Writing a book on a person like Baji Rao I, given his life and times, is a difficult one to write, without falling in the trap of being in awe of his achievements. The author is aware of that, and says so, in the opening note. Dr. Kulkarni stays true to this submission.
From being a very well-researched book to its balance in presentation, I'd mark this book as ground breaking. Dr. Kulkarni has laid down a framework for writing a biography that does not insult the intelligence of the reader; in fact, the book respects the reader's intelligence. In a few reviews Dr. Kulkarni was congratulated for not forming conclusions. The conclusions are there; they aren't however, dumbed down as is usually the practice. They are there; they aren't obvious. And standing tall on a mountain of such irrefutable, rich, and varied references that Dr. Kulkarni has gathered, there is no reason why an author should not conclude.
Then there is context. If a book were to focus only on the achievements of a historical personality, it tends to become hagiographical. Depending on how you view that personality, it causes unnecessary chest-thumping or extreme suspicion of bias. One of the key highlights of The Era of Baji Rao is that there is rich and relevant context to the life and times of Baji Rao I. It is not written in isolation; on the contrary, the context to the why and how of any of his campaigns, initiatives, or choices is is there for the reader to see. A context to the circumstances in which a choice was made is of more value to the reader than an insipid statement of the choice. This, coupled with a deftly handled insight into Baji Rao I's character, personality, and emotion makes this one of the better non-fiction biographies.
If you have an interest in the history of India, the Deccan, the Marathas, or Baji Rao I, himself, this is a book, you should be reading now!
June 1, 2019
Really interesting account on Baji Rao. So glad to see non fiction book on him. Baji Rao is famous for many things but the movie Baji Rao Mastani didnt show that at all. This book does have maps and illustrations too. You will like it.
March 18, 2017
The Era of Bajirao by Dr. Uday S. Kulkarni is quite possibly one of the best historical narratives written - and should serve as an example of how history books should be written.
Bajirao arguably was the greatest general in Indian History and is famous for not having lost a single war. He took a tiny kingdom of the size of a few hundred miles and expanded it to cover most of modern India - all this before his tragic death at an early age of 40. And there is no book that tells that story better than "The Era of Baji Rao" By the eminent historian Dr. Uday Kulkarni.
Dr. Kulkarni has been on a mission to bring to light the real history of 18th century India; history that has been suppressed first by the British and then by the post-British colonialists. His third book, The Era of Bajirao, is a gem and an absolute must read.
It is an exceptionally well-researched history book and takes great care of not voicing any opinions. Each conclusion is drawn from a treasure-trove of valid and verified sources viz treaties, bakhars, letters, and other historical documents. And to top it all, it's written in a lucid flowing style that grips the reader and entertains as much as it informs.
I actually read it twice over the last month in order to get the most out of it - and will no doubt read it again in future. This book is an absolute must-read for anyone interested in history, India, or Bajirao. This is a must have on your bookshelf and/or your kindle.
Bajirao arguably was the greatest general in Indian History and is famous for not having lost a single war. He took a tiny kingdom of the size of a few hundred miles and expanded it to cover most of modern India - all this before his tragic death at an early age of 40. And there is no book that tells that story better than "The Era of Baji Rao" By the eminent historian Dr. Uday Kulkarni.
Dr. Kulkarni has been on a mission to bring to light the real history of 18th century India; history that has been suppressed first by the British and then by the post-British colonialists. His third book, The Era of Bajirao, is a gem and an absolute must read.
It is an exceptionally well-researched history book and takes great care of not voicing any opinions. Each conclusion is drawn from a treasure-trove of valid and verified sources viz treaties, bakhars, letters, and other historical documents. And to top it all, it's written in a lucid flowing style that grips the reader and entertains as much as it informs.
I actually read it twice over the last month in order to get the most out of it - and will no doubt read it again in future. This book is an absolute must-read for anyone interested in history, India, or Bajirao. This is a must have on your bookshelf and/or your kindle.
January 21, 2017
If you've watched the movie on Baji Rao's romance with Mastani and are left wondering how much truth there is to the highly dramatised and historically inaccurate version, this book is a must. Mastani is a mere chapter in the great life of the Peshwa. His strategic warfare and achievements define the extent of Maratha rule and its glory. A must read for all history buffs and those interested in Indian history.
October 25, 2020
Engrossing, research based non-fiction history book written in an original style
This book captures an era from 1689(After Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj) to 1740(Peshwa Baji Rao's death). Events that unfolded in these 50 years were foundational for the Maratha Empire that later span across India.
Book starts with Principal Characters, Timeline and Genealogies which set the context for the reader. Book has many maps, few of these are really unique, they super impose military formations, directions of campaigns over the geographical terrain. I have not read such a reader friendly book in a long time. I wish more books present the information in this way.
Sections on Balaji Vishwanath, Kanhoji Angre, Chatrapati Rajaram, Brahemndra Swami, Nizam-ul-Mulk, Sayyid brothers are rich in detail and help the reader understand the key contemporary personalities that shaped events of this era.
Chapters on Battle of Palkhed, Campaign in Habshan, Pilgrimage of Radha Bai (Baji Rao's mother), Baji Rao's dash to Delhi are really epic. Chapters on Firangan area and Battle of Vasai are so thorough that you will be mesmerised. There are many things that can be learned from Battle of Palkhed, Chimaji Appa's heroic efforts while capturing Vasai Fort and his magnanimity towards enemy post the battle. For me, these chapters are highlight of this book. They are so alive(with maps, letters, references to other historians) that you will feel that history unfolded right in those pages.
Most importantly, Author has stayed true to facts as recorded in the available historical documents. Author's page section captures his views on non-fiction historical writing. Such unbiased, objective writing is rare. Usually, such book runs the risk of being dry and un-engaging. However, it is a testament to author's literary skills that book keeps the reader fully engrossed. Idea of Rewa Uvach sections where River Naramada narrates the storyline is simply brilliant.
This kind of history writing is rare, do read this book.
This book captures an era from 1689(After Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj) to 1740(Peshwa Baji Rao's death). Events that unfolded in these 50 years were foundational for the Maratha Empire that later span across India.
Book starts with Principal Characters, Timeline and Genealogies which set the context for the reader. Book has many maps, few of these are really unique, they super impose military formations, directions of campaigns over the geographical terrain. I have not read such a reader friendly book in a long time. I wish more books present the information in this way.
Sections on Balaji Vishwanath, Kanhoji Angre, Chatrapati Rajaram, Brahemndra Swami, Nizam-ul-Mulk, Sayyid brothers are rich in detail and help the reader understand the key contemporary personalities that shaped events of this era.
Chapters on Battle of Palkhed, Campaign in Habshan, Pilgrimage of Radha Bai (Baji Rao's mother), Baji Rao's dash to Delhi are really epic. Chapters on Firangan area and Battle of Vasai are so thorough that you will be mesmerised. There are many things that can be learned from Battle of Palkhed, Chimaji Appa's heroic efforts while capturing Vasai Fort and his magnanimity towards enemy post the battle. For me, these chapters are highlight of this book. They are so alive(with maps, letters, references to other historians) that you will feel that history unfolded right in those pages.
Most importantly, Author has stayed true to facts as recorded in the available historical documents. Author's page section captures his views on non-fiction historical writing. Such unbiased, objective writing is rare. Usually, such book runs the risk of being dry and un-engaging. However, it is a testament to author's literary skills that book keeps the reader fully engrossed. Idea of Rewa Uvach sections where River Naramada narrates the storyline is simply brilliant.
This kind of history writing is rare, do read this book.
February 18, 2020
*Some context before I start writing my review, I'm a history major undergrad student. So going into this I knew the background of 18th century India and what came afterward. Also, I was to write a review of this book for my Maratha history paper.*
The era of Bajirao an account of Deccan is a book set in the eighteenth century and starts with Aurangzeb's rule in Deccan and goes from there. The specialty of this book is that it not only tells us about the facts of that tie period but shows them to us through primary sources like the bakhars, newspaper articles, letters, etc. It gives you a very immersive experience while reading as you are not only following the authors writing but are getting to see these actors in history through there own writing.
Writing history as objective as possible is a hard task, especially to remain unbiased about a time period which many love to mythicize. And I think Uday Kulkarni achieved that goal by allowing us the reader to judge of these characters.
The one trait I have to mention here is that He did not try to glorify any leader or villainize any opposition. With our main lead Bajirao, It could have easily become an account of his valor but the author shows us, his vulnerable side when he is writing to his brother Chimaji Appa, We could see the vexation he felt when the Marathas were crushing under debt in his letters to swami.
Overall a very genuine and detail account of a time period which usually gets skipped or glossed over with the decline of Mughals and Rise of British.
The era of Bajirao an account of Deccan is a book set in the eighteenth century and starts with Aurangzeb's rule in Deccan and goes from there. The specialty of this book is that it not only tells us about the facts of that tie period but shows them to us through primary sources like the bakhars, newspaper articles, letters, etc. It gives you a very immersive experience while reading as you are not only following the authors writing but are getting to see these actors in history through there own writing.
Writing history as objective as possible is a hard task, especially to remain unbiased about a time period which many love to mythicize. And I think Uday Kulkarni achieved that goal by allowing us the reader to judge of these characters.
The one trait I have to mention here is that He did not try to glorify any leader or villainize any opposition. With our main lead Bajirao, It could have easily become an account of his valor but the author shows us, his vulnerable side when he is writing to his brother Chimaji Appa, We could see the vexation he felt when the Marathas were crushing under debt in his letters to swami.
Overall a very genuine and detail account of a time period which usually gets skipped or glossed over with the decline of Mughals and Rise of British.
September 13, 2020
Jadunath Sarkar, the preeminent historian of Maratha history states
The place of Bajirao I in India’s history comes home to us with unmistakable force and vividness when we compare the political situation of this country in the 1740 to that in 1720.
In 1720, Marathas were a small state spread over a few districts in western Maharashtra rife with internal divisions, while by the end of 1740 Marathas were the largest power in the country which covered lands from the Tungabhadra to the Yamuna. This was largely due to the unbeaten generalship of Peshwa Bajirao I. Uday Kulkarni, a Doctor by training, has taken to history writing these last few years and his writing has been a refreshing counter to the narrative-focused history popular in recent times. Dr. Kulkarni goes through the original sources as methodically and systemically as a surgeon would and the result is a crisp, tight book grounded in documents and not a narrative/hagiography held together by the whims of the author.
The tale starts with the Maratha-Mughal war of the late 17th century and ends with the death of Bajirao. The river Narmada or Rewa is the voice of the book as Rewa Uwaach, as Bajirao’s life was witnessed by the river Narmada, from his earliest campaigns to his untimely death. A few relationships and characters from this time period stand out in the book, and I got to know some interesting facets of all these characters and their actions in the book.
The Aurangzeb – Shahu relationship, its genesis, and its implications have been well represented in the book. Whether it was due to remorse, realpolitik, or human nature but Aurangzeb had treated Shahu well in captivity and Shahu’s unwillingness to directly attack the legacy of Emperor Aurangzeb is one of the most under-explored parts of Maratha history. This facet of Shahu can be seen as a constraint on the ambitions of the dynamic Peshwa.
Kulkarni presents the Era of Bajirao as a rivalry between two generals, Nizam-Ul-Mulk – one of the last generals from the time of Aurangzeb &Bajirao. Bajirao’s victories over the Nizam, both military and diplomatic are covered very well in the book.
The author also sheds light on a not very known fact about the life of Bajirao – his troubles with debt. The letters exchanged between Bajirao, Chimaji Appa, Brahmendra Swami, and Shahu Maharaj all point to the constant financial pressure under which the Peshwa operated. The strain between the Emperor and his prime minister over various issues, from financial matters to Bajirao’s conquering zeal are all brought forth.
The Konkan campaigns of the Peshwa, against the Siddis and the Portuguese, take up a considerable amount of the book. Chimaji Appa, the hero of the wars with the Portuguese who has often been ignored by popular imagination gets his due. The episode of Mastani is dealt with without unwarranted speculations or folk gossip. The fascinating character of Brahmendra Swami is always present in the background as Bajirao and co’s spiritual mentor.
Kulkarni also differentiates the ethics & morality of the Marathas – especially under Bajirao and Chimaji from their enemies with examples like Bajirao’s decision of not mauling Delhi and Chimaji’s respectful treatment of the Portuguese (especially women).
Bajirao’s singular quality in Kulkarni’s view is
Flight in the face of a strong enemy was not considered an act of cowardice, it was never the intention of the Maratha troops to give battle in an unfavorable situation. Bajirao’s success lay in his ability to choose when to fight, where to fight (and more importantly) when not to.
The only issue a reader might have with the book is arguably also the book’s strongest quality – the author’s unwillingness to speculate beyond a reasonable point. As a reader, at many places, I felt that I wouldn’t mind going a bit deeper into the motivations and implications of the actions of the book. But all these issues are compensated easily by the treasure trove of letters, accurate maps (with military movements), and illustrations offered in the book. On the whole, I would rate the Era of Bajirao 5/5 and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in Indian history. It is especially a must-read of every Marathi Manoos – given the profound implications, the life of Bajirao had on Maharashtra. It is quite feasible, that without Bajirao’s and Chimaji’s rescue of North Konkan from the Portuguese, we might have even had a Portuguese governed Konkan (like Goa).
The place of Bajirao I in India’s history comes home to us with unmistakable force and vividness when we compare the political situation of this country in the 1740 to that in 1720.
In 1720, Marathas were a small state spread over a few districts in western Maharashtra rife with internal divisions, while by the end of 1740 Marathas were the largest power in the country which covered lands from the Tungabhadra to the Yamuna. This was largely due to the unbeaten generalship of Peshwa Bajirao I. Uday Kulkarni, a Doctor by training, has taken to history writing these last few years and his writing has been a refreshing counter to the narrative-focused history popular in recent times. Dr. Kulkarni goes through the original sources as methodically and systemically as a surgeon would and the result is a crisp, tight book grounded in documents and not a narrative/hagiography held together by the whims of the author.
The tale starts with the Maratha-Mughal war of the late 17th century and ends with the death of Bajirao. The river Narmada or Rewa is the voice of the book as Rewa Uwaach, as Bajirao’s life was witnessed by the river Narmada, from his earliest campaigns to his untimely death. A few relationships and characters from this time period stand out in the book, and I got to know some interesting facets of all these characters and their actions in the book.
The Aurangzeb – Shahu relationship, its genesis, and its implications have been well represented in the book. Whether it was due to remorse, realpolitik, or human nature but Aurangzeb had treated Shahu well in captivity and Shahu’s unwillingness to directly attack the legacy of Emperor Aurangzeb is one of the most under-explored parts of Maratha history. This facet of Shahu can be seen as a constraint on the ambitions of the dynamic Peshwa.
Kulkarni presents the Era of Bajirao as a rivalry between two generals, Nizam-Ul-Mulk – one of the last generals from the time of Aurangzeb &Bajirao. Bajirao’s victories over the Nizam, both military and diplomatic are covered very well in the book.
The author also sheds light on a not very known fact about the life of Bajirao – his troubles with debt. The letters exchanged between Bajirao, Chimaji Appa, Brahmendra Swami, and Shahu Maharaj all point to the constant financial pressure under which the Peshwa operated. The strain between the Emperor and his prime minister over various issues, from financial matters to Bajirao’s conquering zeal are all brought forth.
The Konkan campaigns of the Peshwa, against the Siddis and the Portuguese, take up a considerable amount of the book. Chimaji Appa, the hero of the wars with the Portuguese who has often been ignored by popular imagination gets his due. The episode of Mastani is dealt with without unwarranted speculations or folk gossip. The fascinating character of Brahmendra Swami is always present in the background as Bajirao and co’s spiritual mentor.
Kulkarni also differentiates the ethics & morality of the Marathas – especially under Bajirao and Chimaji from their enemies with examples like Bajirao’s decision of not mauling Delhi and Chimaji’s respectful treatment of the Portuguese (especially women).
Bajirao’s singular quality in Kulkarni’s view is
Flight in the face of a strong enemy was not considered an act of cowardice, it was never the intention of the Maratha troops to give battle in an unfavorable situation. Bajirao’s success lay in his ability to choose when to fight, where to fight (and more importantly) when not to.
The only issue a reader might have with the book is arguably also the book’s strongest quality – the author’s unwillingness to speculate beyond a reasonable point. As a reader, at many places, I felt that I wouldn’t mind going a bit deeper into the motivations and implications of the actions of the book. But all these issues are compensated easily by the treasure trove of letters, accurate maps (with military movements), and illustrations offered in the book. On the whole, I would rate the Era of Bajirao 5/5 and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in Indian history. It is especially a must-read of every Marathi Manoos – given the profound implications, the life of Bajirao had on Maharashtra. It is quite feasible, that without Bajirao’s and Chimaji’s rescue of North Konkan from the Portuguese, we might have even had a Portuguese governed Konkan (like Goa).
May 23, 2021
This is one of the best history books that I have read. Based on this, I am now going to read all of Uday Kulkarni’s books on the Marathas. This is well researched, borrowing from an incredible array of credible and rare sources. There is no bias or hyperbole. Indian readers who study a biased and limited history in school need more such books to know the real history of their country.
This is the story of Peshwa Baji Rao and the building of the great Maratha empire. Usually, when it comes to the Marathas, we know about Shivaji and his triumphs and the third battle of Panipat. The period in-between is actually their most glorious period. Although it’s often neglected and forgotten.
Taking over as the Peshwa at a very young age, Baji Rao helped to turn a tiny kingdom into a large empire and the most dominant power in India. He got the better of the Mughals, the Nizam, the Siddi and the Portuguese. He was tactically very astute, knowing when and where to fight and when not to fight. He built the empire on the back of a lightening fast cavalry which tired their enemies and struck at them when they were most vulnerable. He left behind an empire which stood the test of time and an able core of commanders who took the Marathas to even greater heights. While he won so many riches for his king, the great man had a huge personal debt when he died. Money he borrowed to finance the military campaigns. Honest and committed. Not trying to make a personal fortune.
There are three important takeaways from this this book. One, it places Baji Rao in his rightful place as one of India’s greatest military commanders. Second, it informs all readers that India didn’t transition directly from the Mughals to the British. There was a long period of Maratha domination and glory between the two periods. Thirdly, it also gives a glimpse of what ailed the Marathas. Something which also contributed to their defeat at Panipat.
A big thanks to Uday Kulkarni for writing this book.
This is the story of Peshwa Baji Rao and the building of the great Maratha empire. Usually, when it comes to the Marathas, we know about Shivaji and his triumphs and the third battle of Panipat. The period in-between is actually their most glorious period. Although it’s often neglected and forgotten.
Taking over as the Peshwa at a very young age, Baji Rao helped to turn a tiny kingdom into a large empire and the most dominant power in India. He got the better of the Mughals, the Nizam, the Siddi and the Portuguese. He was tactically very astute, knowing when and where to fight and when not to fight. He built the empire on the back of a lightening fast cavalry which tired their enemies and struck at them when they were most vulnerable. He left behind an empire which stood the test of time and an able core of commanders who took the Marathas to even greater heights. While he won so many riches for his king, the great man had a huge personal debt when he died. Money he borrowed to finance the military campaigns. Honest and committed. Not trying to make a personal fortune.
There are three important takeaways from this this book. One, it places Baji Rao in his rightful place as one of India’s greatest military commanders. Second, it informs all readers that India didn’t transition directly from the Mughals to the British. There was a long period of Maratha domination and glory between the two periods. Thirdly, it also gives a glimpse of what ailed the Marathas. Something which also contributed to their defeat at Panipat.
A big thanks to Uday Kulkarni for writing this book.
October 12, 2021
A very well researched and written book. The author doesn't overtly glorify the protagonist (Baji Rao) and presents a fact based story of his life and the happenings of the first half of 18th century India. Looking forward to reading more books from the author on the Maratha Empire.
February 2, 2020
This is an excellent book on not so well-publicized era of Indian history specifically on the life and times of Baji rao and Chimaji Appa. The 2 band of brothers lead the rise and dominance of the Maratha Empire in the 18th century.
Generally it is quite difficult to follow the complex tangle of so many characters and entities in a historical narrative and there is a tendency to get lost, however Dr.Kulkarni with many features like list of characters (with a short description), battle maps and timelines ensures that the reader stays invested with the story. This is a big achievement and full credit goes to Dr.Kulkarni for the same.
The author also avoids taking any obvious sides of any of the characters and majorly sticks to telling the story as it happened. He provides a wider perspective and has noted many sources and references which provides multiple views. The author also provides a fictional perspective of the river Narmada (Rewa) which is a novel element in the narrative.
The story moves at a furious pace and the reader is left breathless at the various twists and turns that occur.
This is definitely a must read on the bygone era and the impact that Baji Rao and his allies had on Indian history. I would suggest that readers block some sufficient time to read, the book deserves y0ur time!
Generally it is quite difficult to follow the complex tangle of so many characters and entities in a historical narrative and there is a tendency to get lost, however Dr.Kulkarni with many features like list of characters (with a short description), battle maps and timelines ensures that the reader stays invested with the story. This is a big achievement and full credit goes to Dr.Kulkarni for the same.
The author also avoids taking any obvious sides of any of the characters and majorly sticks to telling the story as it happened. He provides a wider perspective and has noted many sources and references which provides multiple views. The author also provides a fictional perspective of the river Narmada (Rewa) which is a novel element in the narrative.
The story moves at a furious pace and the reader is left breathless at the various twists and turns that occur.
This is definitely a must read on the bygone era and the impact that Baji Rao and his allies had on Indian history. I would suggest that readers block some sufficient time to read, the book deserves y0ur time!
July 18, 2019
The author Uday Kulkarni a retired Indian Naval Officer has painstakingly combined all the 41 battles and the strategies which were used by the Peshwa Bajirao Ballal Bhat to expand the Maratha Confederacy from the Krishna River in the south of India till the foothills of the Himalayas in the North and from the Arabian Sea in the West till the Bay of Bengal in the East. In his 20 years as a Peshwa or the Prime Minister Bajirao fought 41 major battles and was victorious in each of them. His clever use of the cavalry and swift advances were breathtaking. General Montgomery has described Bajirao's battle of Palkhed against the Nizam of Hyederabad spread over 4 months as one of the best use of cavalry. Bajirao moved the Nizam as per his will across Hyderabad, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat finally culminating in a decisive victory at Palkhed near Aurangabad.
January 18, 2021
Well documented book about first half of 18 century in India, when Bajirao Peshwa fondly called as "Raya" , the extraordinary phenomenon expanded maratha 'Kingdom' to 'empire'. Bajirao was the shrewd general who knew where to fight, whom to fight , when to fight and most importantly when not to fight. He was not reckless yet confident in his every military missions. From the battles against Nizam to negotiations with mughal emperor, he handled everything wisely. Being magnanimous to the defeated enemy was what set him apart from others and which shows the culture of Maratha empire right from the Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Bajirao's sudden death at young age brought the end to his ambitions of expanding the maratha empire till the attock, which was later fulfilled by his son Nanasaheb Peshwa. A great read for those who are interested in authentic Indian history.
October 30, 2018
Thoroughly engrossing! If only all History books were written in this manner; captivating, yet backed by tonnes of original sources. Dr Kulkarni's book is one of the finest pieces of historical work that I have read in a long time which is equally enjoyable for both the casual reader as well as the scholar. However, the best part for me was the unabashed manner in which the author has stuck with facts and not tried to whitewash history for making it palatable to the Lutyens audience as is the norm with the works of our Eminent Historians.
April 10, 2017
An extremely well researched book giving us great insights of the life of the great warrior Bajirao Peshwa . A must read for anyone fascinated and interested in the history of the Maratha empire.
July 25, 2018
Amazing book. Easy to understand as well. More of maps can be used to make readers understand the intricacies of warfare. Must read for all history buffs.
January 15, 2021
Brilliant book on Baji Rao. This book is more than Biography. Love the way how Uday jee mentioned backstories. They are essence to history. This is how history should be written.
April 14, 2021
One of the most extraordinary generals and a leader of men. The story of Bajirao and the political and military maneuvers of early 18th century India are a fascinating read.
This book is peppered with extracts from all the letters and journals going around between the Peshwa and his Chatrapati, The Nizam and Mughal Emperor, Portuguese and the English and 100 more actors. It gives an authentic glimpse into the lives of these men (yes, mostly men with some famous exceptions like Mastani) and the fears and aspirations of those times.
This book is peppered with extracts from all the letters and journals going around between the Peshwa and his Chatrapati, The Nizam and Mughal Emperor, Portuguese and the English and 100 more actors. It gives an authentic glimpse into the lives of these men (yes, mostly men with some famous exceptions like Mastani) and the fears and aspirations of those times.
September 22, 2021
Ujjwala Uvacha:
It takes a Shivaji to dream of Hindavi Swaraj and build a foundation for it; and then it takes a Baji Rao to create on that foundation an Empire so vast that covered virtually the whole of Bharatvarsh. Where Shivaji hoisted his Zaripataka, south of Narmada, giving succor to a persecuted Hindu population in the Deccan region, Baji Rao’s aspiration took him north of Narmada and waive the same Zaripataka in the northern heartland of our country. Shivaji made the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb leave the comfort of his Delhi court and trudge to the treacherous Sahyadri, Sambhaji ensured Aurangzeb wastes 27 years of his life away from his capital fighting a war which drained the Mughal treasury; and Baji Rao put the death-nail in the Mughal’s Empire by bringing the battle to their doorstep in Delhi. He made the Marathas the real rulers, reducing the Mughal Emperor to a mere figurehead and under the Chhatrapati’s protection. However, I do not by any mean want to draw a comparison between Chhatrapati Shivaji and Peshwa Baji Rao. My intent is just to show that the fire that Shivaji kindled in the proud Marathas burnt brightly decades after him who went on to build an empire that the Chhatrapati would have been proud of.
This is the second book of Dr Uday Kulkarni. In his first book, Solstice at Panipat, the author drew a picture of all the important historical events that led to the Battle of Panipat and the result of that fateful war. In this book, The Era of Baji Rao, Dr Kulkarni takes a step back in history to show the twenty years of Baji Rao’s reign as the Maratha Empire’s Peshwa.
The author has yet again dug through the history as recorded by various witnesses and historians. He has used the translated work of Marathi, Farsi, English, French and Portuguese writers to build an authentic account of the era of the Peshwa Baji Rao. He has also tried to retrace the path, as could be possible almost three centuries later, to just get the feel of the large field on which the Maratha fought and won; and waived their saffron flag. And he has provided ample references, maps, colored plates to paint the picture of that era vividly in his readers’ minds.
Baji Rao, not even twenty, was appointed the Peshwa at his father’s, Balaji Vishwanath, death. His life was an unending saga of campaigns in the bid to expand the Chhatrapati’s Empire beyond the boundaries of Narmada and Tungabhadra. In twenty-five years of his service to the nation, he was constantly on the move and he didn’t lose a single important battle. Like a grand chess master he would play his opponents however he liked. In all his strategies, he was ably supported by his younger brother Chimmaji Appa. Chimmaji lived in the shadows of his larger-than-life brother all his life and died a few months after Baji Rao’s death. These two warriors left the stage too soon, we could only imagine what greater heights these two could have achieved if they had lived only a few more years.
Between these two brothers, with their cavalry and fearless generals, they fought not only with the Mughal in their own home, but they defeated the Portuguese as well. They expanded the Swaraj from Multan, Attock in the north-west, Bengal in the east, got Malwa, Bundelkhand as their territories, and western coastal strip and below the Tungabhadra in the south. Among all these victories, the author never lost sight of the mistakes that were made by the capable generals and their people, the kings and their vassals. He pointed out the mistakes, the errors and the short-sightedness of the key players which cost the nation its men and wealth. The author dispassionately talks about the greed and self-interest of powerful people that were instrumental in changing the course of tide.
Additionally, Dr Kulkarni has successfully painted the human side of Baji Rao. A man who was a great warrior but not an invested administrator. A Peshwa who was debt-ridden all his life in his service to the Empire and always trying to get the funds to cover his immediate need, i.e. the current campaign he was engaged in. A man in love with a courtesan whom he did not want to leave despite pressures from his family and community. A person who was watching the fissures in his family develop and was not ready to pay the price for harmony. The author painstakingly brought out the multiple facets of Baji Rao’s personalities and the challenges of his life.
However, Baji Rao was, first and foremost, a warrior and the author kept that in mind. He also ensured that the readers could appreciate that it is not Baji Rao’s story alone, he could not have achieved everything that he did without the support of so many unsung heroes of his time. So, the canvas of Dr Kulkarni’s story is as large as the landmass on which the Peshwa planted the Zaripataka of the Marathas.
I like the narrative style of the author, in his first book he used Sootradhar as the narrator who held the various thread of history capably as the story seamlessly flowed. And in his second book, he used Rewa as the witness and the narrator of Baji Rao’s life. Rewa was not only Peshwa’s playground but also his final resting place, so, it is a great tribute to the warrior to have his story told by her.
I highly recommend this book to all the history aficionados. We need to read our history which is not tainted by left-liberals, communists, and their ilk. We owe it to our heroes, our children but above all we owe it to ourselves. Even if you are not into history, just give it a read for the sheer beautiful experience. I now have started on Dr Kulkarni’s third book The Extraordinary Epoch of Nanasaheb Peshwa.
P.S. - We should be mindful that Shivaji and Baji Rao, Sambhaji and Nanasaheb could not and did not create the Hindavi Swaraj on their own. There were many stalwarts like Holkar, Scindia, Purandare, Padhnis, Sadhasiv Rao, Tanhaji, Chimmaji Appa and many more (battle-hardened warriors, able administrators, shrewd strategists) even the women in their lives were not lacking in capability from Jija Bai to Ahalyabai. They proudly sacrificed their lives at the great Yajna of Swaraj and left their mark on history, they deserve their stories to be told. I hope our current and future historians would tread the path into the past and tell these stories as it should be told.
It takes a Shivaji to dream of Hindavi Swaraj and build a foundation for it; and then it takes a Baji Rao to create on that foundation an Empire so vast that covered virtually the whole of Bharatvarsh. Where Shivaji hoisted his Zaripataka, south of Narmada, giving succor to a persecuted Hindu population in the Deccan region, Baji Rao’s aspiration took him north of Narmada and waive the same Zaripataka in the northern heartland of our country. Shivaji made the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb leave the comfort of his Delhi court and trudge to the treacherous Sahyadri, Sambhaji ensured Aurangzeb wastes 27 years of his life away from his capital fighting a war which drained the Mughal treasury; and Baji Rao put the death-nail in the Mughal’s Empire by bringing the battle to their doorstep in Delhi. He made the Marathas the real rulers, reducing the Mughal Emperor to a mere figurehead and under the Chhatrapati’s protection. However, I do not by any mean want to draw a comparison between Chhatrapati Shivaji and Peshwa Baji Rao. My intent is just to show that the fire that Shivaji kindled in the proud Marathas burnt brightly decades after him who went on to build an empire that the Chhatrapati would have been proud of.
This is the second book of Dr Uday Kulkarni. In his first book, Solstice at Panipat, the author drew a picture of all the important historical events that led to the Battle of Panipat and the result of that fateful war. In this book, The Era of Baji Rao, Dr Kulkarni takes a step back in history to show the twenty years of Baji Rao’s reign as the Maratha Empire’s Peshwa.
The author has yet again dug through the history as recorded by various witnesses and historians. He has used the translated work of Marathi, Farsi, English, French and Portuguese writers to build an authentic account of the era of the Peshwa Baji Rao. He has also tried to retrace the path, as could be possible almost three centuries later, to just get the feel of the large field on which the Maratha fought and won; and waived their saffron flag. And he has provided ample references, maps, colored plates to paint the picture of that era vividly in his readers’ minds.
Baji Rao, not even twenty, was appointed the Peshwa at his father’s, Balaji Vishwanath, death. His life was an unending saga of campaigns in the bid to expand the Chhatrapati’s Empire beyond the boundaries of Narmada and Tungabhadra. In twenty-five years of his service to the nation, he was constantly on the move and he didn’t lose a single important battle. Like a grand chess master he would play his opponents however he liked. In all his strategies, he was ably supported by his younger brother Chimmaji Appa. Chimmaji lived in the shadows of his larger-than-life brother all his life and died a few months after Baji Rao’s death. These two warriors left the stage too soon, we could only imagine what greater heights these two could have achieved if they had lived only a few more years.
Between these two brothers, with their cavalry and fearless generals, they fought not only with the Mughal in their own home, but they defeated the Portuguese as well. They expanded the Swaraj from Multan, Attock in the north-west, Bengal in the east, got Malwa, Bundelkhand as their territories, and western coastal strip and below the Tungabhadra in the south. Among all these victories, the author never lost sight of the mistakes that were made by the capable generals and their people, the kings and their vassals. He pointed out the mistakes, the errors and the short-sightedness of the key players which cost the nation its men and wealth. The author dispassionately talks about the greed and self-interest of powerful people that were instrumental in changing the course of tide.
Additionally, Dr Kulkarni has successfully painted the human side of Baji Rao. A man who was a great warrior but not an invested administrator. A Peshwa who was debt-ridden all his life in his service to the Empire and always trying to get the funds to cover his immediate need, i.e. the current campaign he was engaged in. A man in love with a courtesan whom he did not want to leave despite pressures from his family and community. A person who was watching the fissures in his family develop and was not ready to pay the price for harmony. The author painstakingly brought out the multiple facets of Baji Rao’s personalities and the challenges of his life.
However, Baji Rao was, first and foremost, a warrior and the author kept that in mind. He also ensured that the readers could appreciate that it is not Baji Rao’s story alone, he could not have achieved everything that he did without the support of so many unsung heroes of his time. So, the canvas of Dr Kulkarni’s story is as large as the landmass on which the Peshwa planted the Zaripataka of the Marathas.
I like the narrative style of the author, in his first book he used Sootradhar as the narrator who held the various thread of history capably as the story seamlessly flowed. And in his second book, he used Rewa as the witness and the narrator of Baji Rao’s life. Rewa was not only Peshwa’s playground but also his final resting place, so, it is a great tribute to the warrior to have his story told by her.
I highly recommend this book to all the history aficionados. We need to read our history which is not tainted by left-liberals, communists, and their ilk. We owe it to our heroes, our children but above all we owe it to ourselves. Even if you are not into history, just give it a read for the sheer beautiful experience. I now have started on Dr Kulkarni’s third book The Extraordinary Epoch of Nanasaheb Peshwa.
P.S. - We should be mindful that Shivaji and Baji Rao, Sambhaji and Nanasaheb could not and did not create the Hindavi Swaraj on their own. There were many stalwarts like Holkar, Scindia, Purandare, Padhnis, Sadhasiv Rao, Tanhaji, Chimmaji Appa and many more (battle-hardened warriors, able administrators, shrewd strategists) even the women in their lives were not lacking in capability from Jija Bai to Ahalyabai. They proudly sacrificed their lives at the great Yajna of Swaraj and left their mark on history, they deserve their stories to be told. I hope our current and future historians would tread the path into the past and tell these stories as it should be told.
August 1, 2022
Most Indian history books are written by partisans, including many of the pop-academic ones. The ones that especially get my goat are those that try to rationalize their narrative choices under the guise of being objective, while being firmly informed by present day politics. This book is not one of those. While the author doesn't hide his sympathies for the Marathas, at the same time he goes out of his way to present various sources describing the same event - from the Mughal archives, the Company minutes to various Maratha bakhars. Uday S Kulkarni is also admirably restrained and many times he refuses to speculate beyond a point. The book is littered with footnotes and there are some correspondences by the principal characters presented at the end.
I knew little about Baji Rao before this book, but he does seem like a worthy candidate if one were to give a name to that particular era - the first 40 years of the 18th century. He turned what was essentially a small redoubt based out of Pune and Satara into an empire spanning a large part of the country, all the way from Tungabadra to the Yamuna. The politics of the land and affairs between the various stakeholders are wonderfully captured - the weakened Mughal throne after Aurangzeb, the Nizam and the Marathas each maintaining the fiction that they were only governors of the Mughal emperor but essentially carving out huge chunks of the country for themselves, while also being also being at each others throats, an Mughal emperor who knew this but still went along with the charade. Game of thrones, anyone? Then there are the others - the Portuguese and the English on the Konkan coast doing their thing, the decline of the Siddhis with the decline of the Mughals.
Everyone, including the Nizam, leveraged Maratha power to their advantage, changing allies when needed. The Nizam-ul-Mulk, even more than Muhammed Shah 'Rangeela', comes off very poorly here - bested by Baji Rao in each of their encounters, colluding with Nadir Shah and then subsequently humiliated by him during the the latter's invasion of India. It's easy to forget that he still managed to create the most important Islamic state outside of Ottoman Turkey that lasted till the middle of the 20th century. Even so, it was the Marathas that were the most continuously expansionist Mughal successor state throughout much of the 18th century, not Hyderabad.
One thing I wish the book did better was to speculate a bit and complete the arc of some of the minor characters. For example, there’s a Brahmendra Swami, who is presented as the spiritual counsel of Baji Rao and Chimaji Appa (Rao's brother). Their correspondences with him are used by the author to synthesize the narrative. At the end of the book, one learns that he was also a creditor - Baji Rao owed him a significant amount of money. In one instance, he is also a prime mover of the action, providing the impetus for the Maratha campaign against the Siddhis. It would have been interesting to learn more about him - Where did he come from? How did he become such a big lender? What happened to him after the deaths of Baji Rao and Chimaji Appa? Not much of this information on the internet either.
All in all, a very compelling read.
I knew little about Baji Rao before this book, but he does seem like a worthy candidate if one were to give a name to that particular era - the first 40 years of the 18th century. He turned what was essentially a small redoubt based out of Pune and Satara into an empire spanning a large part of the country, all the way from Tungabadra to the Yamuna. The politics of the land and affairs between the various stakeholders are wonderfully captured - the weakened Mughal throne after Aurangzeb, the Nizam and the Marathas each maintaining the fiction that they were only governors of the Mughal emperor but essentially carving out huge chunks of the country for themselves, while also being also being at each others throats, an Mughal emperor who knew this but still went along with the charade. Game of thrones, anyone? Then there are the others - the Portuguese and the English on the Konkan coast doing their thing, the decline of the Siddhis with the decline of the Mughals.
Everyone, including the Nizam, leveraged Maratha power to their advantage, changing allies when needed. The Nizam-ul-Mulk, even more than Muhammed Shah 'Rangeela', comes off very poorly here - bested by Baji Rao in each of their encounters, colluding with Nadir Shah and then subsequently humiliated by him during the the latter's invasion of India. It's easy to forget that he still managed to create the most important Islamic state outside of Ottoman Turkey that lasted till the middle of the 20th century. Even so, it was the Marathas that were the most continuously expansionist Mughal successor state throughout much of the 18th century, not Hyderabad.
One thing I wish the book did better was to speculate a bit and complete the arc of some of the minor characters. For example, there’s a Brahmendra Swami, who is presented as the spiritual counsel of Baji Rao and Chimaji Appa (Rao's brother). Their correspondences with him are used by the author to synthesize the narrative. At the end of the book, one learns that he was also a creditor - Baji Rao owed him a significant amount of money. In one instance, he is also a prime mover of the action, providing the impetus for the Maratha campaign against the Siddhis. It would have been interesting to learn more about him - Where did he come from? How did he become such a big lender? What happened to him after the deaths of Baji Rao and Chimaji Appa? Not much of this information on the internet either.
All in all, a very compelling read.
December 10, 2022
Uday Kulkarni have become one of the trusted names when it comes to Maratha empire history. Everytime I look for what he have to offer. Its a brilliant book on Baji Rao Peshwa. Go ahead read it.
March 5, 2023
There are times when you find the right book in the right mood. Same happened with me when I stumbled upon this.
Can't stress more this being a fluent read.
It authentically covers the history which was mostly obscure for our generation as.
India was not lost to Britishers by mughals but by Marathas.
Can't stress more this being a fluent read.
It authentically covers the history which was mostly obscure for our generation as.
India was not lost to Britishers by mughals but by Marathas.
August 25, 2024
It's an extraordinary saga of the greatest Maratha Primminister. He turned the Maratha kingdom into an empire. Dr Kulkarni is a master storyteller and a great historian. His command over 17-18th century India is unparalleled.
May 8, 2022
A well researched, accurate and structured account of the second father of the maratha Empire
August 3, 2023
One of the best book with a lot of real references
December 28, 2021
Well researched and supported, but largely an account of war exploits.
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