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Renaissance State: The Unwritten Story of the Making of Maharashtra
"Maharashtra. Among the country’s largest, wealthiest, most significant constituents. A great state in name and in deed that has been the cradle of individuals and events that have shaped India. Girish Kuber, a seasoned journalist and one of Maharashtra’s foremost opinion makers, tells the region’s story in Renaissance State. Taking in its vast sweep the politics, society and history of the land, from the time of the Satavahanas down to the present day, the book chronicles a number of lesser-known the empire that brought the mighty Mughals to their knees, the woman who took the issue of consent in marital sex right up to Queen Victoria, the social reformers who were far ahead of their time, the men and women who were pioneers in different walks of life, the evolution of movements of the right and left as well as for Dalit identity, the man who mentored Gandhi and also the one who killed him, besides recounting the region’s long tradition of standing up to the power centres of the north. This is the account of the making of Maharashtra and the Marathi Manoos that its proud people deserved but which had so far remained unwritten."
- GenresHistoryNonfictionIndia
240 pages, Hardcover
Published May 6, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 20, 2021
The book 'Renaissance State' written by editor of Loksatta Daily newspaper Shri. Girish Kuber tries to present the story of making of Maharashtra. This makes it kind of informal history of the state but author himself claims that he is not writing it from the high perch of a historian.
The book gives us the interesting account of fascinating history of Maharashtra. To capture the twists and turns of Maharashtra's long and arduous journey since the times of Satvahana dynasty to present times in 200 odd pages is an onerous task. Author has succeeded in doing just that. Although, not without few shortcomings.
The cultural aspects of Maharashtra like festivals, cuisines, dressings, architecture, music and origins of various customs and traditions are conspicuously absent in the discussion in the book. Barring a brief mention of Wari other important aspects of cultural life viz. Kirtan, Abhang, Oovi, Bharud, Gondhal are nowhere discussed. The Saint-poets of medieval period have not been given their due in the story. Reading about Shivaji and political vision and actions of other leaders of Maratha Empire like Sambhaji, Tarabai, Bajirao-I, Madhavrao Peshwa, Mahadji Shide, Malharrao Holkar and Nana Fadnavis is always a joy and author has weaved a lucid narrative there. However, here also a 'Systems Blindness' is clear. While describing the political struggle between Marathas and British author has relied heavily on individual valor and internal bickering of Maratha Sardars and not analyzing the forces like economic systems and scientific revolution that were at play. Further, author has failed to substantiate the claims which might be controversial. e.g. author claims that Sambhaji killed his mother Soyarabai but has not provided any contemporary or later reference or any finding to support this claim.
Works and lives of various 19th and 20th Century Social reforms and leaders like Jambhekar, Tarkhadkar Brothers, Lokhitwadi, Mahatma Phule, Ranade, Tilak, Gokhale, Agarkar, Karve, Chiplunkar, Pandita Ramabai, K T Telang etc are disscussed at length. This individual centric approach of telling the story continues in areas of creative pursuits and innovation to persons like Dadasaheb Phalke, Vishnupant Chatre, Shankar Abaji Bhise, Kero Laxman Chatre, Shivkar Bapuji Talpade, Mahadeo Namjoshi etc.
The leaders of the political left like Shripad Amrut Dange, M N Roy, and Khankhoje as also proponents of Hindu Right like Savarkar, Keshav Hedgewar have been discussed elaborately. And while doing this author makes reasonable claim that Maharashtra has been able to produce and accommodate diverse and contrasting viewpoints. Author pays a glowing tribute to Dr. Ambedkar calling him one of Maharashtra's most illustrious son. Contributions of C. D. Deshmukh and Sharad Joshi have received their due credit in the book.
Interestingly, the most important moment in the story of making of Maharashtra that is creation of the state on1st May 1960 is glossed over as subtext. In post independence period after creation of Maharashtra book primarily focuses on Yashwantrao Chavan and Sharad Pawar and how post the PM has eluded the Marathi Manoos. The book captures the events, people and incidents which are part of Maharashtra's collective consciousness. The book is a good starting point to know about India's most progressive and industrialized state.
The book gives us the interesting account of fascinating history of Maharashtra. To capture the twists and turns of Maharashtra's long and arduous journey since the times of Satvahana dynasty to present times in 200 odd pages is an onerous task. Author has succeeded in doing just that. Although, not without few shortcomings.
The cultural aspects of Maharashtra like festivals, cuisines, dressings, architecture, music and origins of various customs and traditions are conspicuously absent in the discussion in the book. Barring a brief mention of Wari other important aspects of cultural life viz. Kirtan, Abhang, Oovi, Bharud, Gondhal are nowhere discussed. The Saint-poets of medieval period have not been given their due in the story. Reading about Shivaji and political vision and actions of other leaders of Maratha Empire like Sambhaji, Tarabai, Bajirao-I, Madhavrao Peshwa, Mahadji Shide, Malharrao Holkar and Nana Fadnavis is always a joy and author has weaved a lucid narrative there. However, here also a 'Systems Blindness' is clear. While describing the political struggle between Marathas and British author has relied heavily on individual valor and internal bickering of Maratha Sardars and not analyzing the forces like economic systems and scientific revolution that were at play. Further, author has failed to substantiate the claims which might be controversial. e.g. author claims that Sambhaji killed his mother Soyarabai but has not provided any contemporary or later reference or any finding to support this claim.
Works and lives of various 19th and 20th Century Social reforms and leaders like Jambhekar, Tarkhadkar Brothers, Lokhitwadi, Mahatma Phule, Ranade, Tilak, Gokhale, Agarkar, Karve, Chiplunkar, Pandita Ramabai, K T Telang etc are disscussed at length. This individual centric approach of telling the story continues in areas of creative pursuits and innovation to persons like Dadasaheb Phalke, Vishnupant Chatre, Shankar Abaji Bhise, Kero Laxman Chatre, Shivkar Bapuji Talpade, Mahadeo Namjoshi etc.
The leaders of the political left like Shripad Amrut Dange, M N Roy, and Khankhoje as also proponents of Hindu Right like Savarkar, Keshav Hedgewar have been discussed elaborately. And while doing this author makes reasonable claim that Maharashtra has been able to produce and accommodate diverse and contrasting viewpoints. Author pays a glowing tribute to Dr. Ambedkar calling him one of Maharashtra's most illustrious son. Contributions of C. D. Deshmukh and Sharad Joshi have received their due credit in the book.
Interestingly, the most important moment in the story of making of Maharashtra that is creation of the state on1st May 1960 is glossed over as subtext. In post independence period after creation of Maharashtra book primarily focuses on Yashwantrao Chavan and Sharad Pawar and how post the PM has eluded the Marathi Manoos. The book captures the events, people and incidents which are part of Maharashtra's collective consciousness. The book is a good starting point to know about India's most progressive and industrialized state.
June 28, 2021
Well documented History of Maharashtra Brahmins.
This book is very well documented but lacks for the fact that the focus is fully on Maharashtra Brahmins. Exceptions are Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dr. Ambedkar, Mahatma Phule and Yashwantrao Chavan.
He does not fail to specify caste of a Brahmin Leader but tries to play it down for others. Great Warriors like Maharani Tarabai have been played down. Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj has been touched and left and no reference to leaders like Krantiveer Nanasaheb Patil or Gopinath Munde. Even Nathuram Godse has more space then them.
Hence I claim this as a history of Maharashtra Brahmins and not Maharashtra
This book is very well documented but lacks for the fact that the focus is fully on Maharashtra Brahmins. Exceptions are Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dr. Ambedkar, Mahatma Phule and Yashwantrao Chavan.
He does not fail to specify caste of a Brahmin Leader but tries to play it down for others. Great Warriors like Maharani Tarabai have been played down. Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj has been touched and left and no reference to leaders like Krantiveer Nanasaheb Patil or Gopinath Munde. Even Nathuram Godse has more space then them.
Hence I claim this as a history of Maharashtra Brahmins and not Maharashtra
March 2, 2025
I was travelling to Maharashtra and thought it would be the perfect time to know more about it. Feels a little dry at times but fairly informative.
August 8, 2021
Good in some medieval history parts, but ultimately its somewhat unstructured narrative (no sub-headings within a chapter, weird stream-of-consciousness like time jumps, dry and flavorless accounts of events like in a history textbook without much meta-analysis or building up a coherent picture and the lack of depth) makes for an underwhelming and superficial analysis. The book tries to touch upon too many figures/events which results in it being way too broad and is unable to do justice to all of them.
Events like the state's formation get glossed upon in half a page while there are pages devoted to naming each and every person/event in some short-lived 12th century dynasty which is not directly relevant to the main thesis. It definitely requires further editing, and probably more/better content, to replace the fluff. The central thesis is arrived at meanderingly and doesn't organically develop through a common coherent thread across its chapters. It is alluded to in some parts but it seems like the author is unsure whether to make this a history book, or an observational commentary on the particular characteristics of the Marathi Manoos. As a result, it predictably fails at doing either of them properly. It seems like this would work better as two separate books. That way, the history part can touch upon whoever the author wants to include, hopefully with a bit more detail and flavor; and the thesis around the Marathi Manoos could stay focused and make the case a bit more strongly.
Events like the state's formation get glossed upon in half a page while there are pages devoted to naming each and every person/event in some short-lived 12th century dynasty which is not directly relevant to the main thesis. It definitely requires further editing, and probably more/better content, to replace the fluff. The central thesis is arrived at meanderingly and doesn't organically develop through a common coherent thread across its chapters. It is alluded to in some parts but it seems like the author is unsure whether to make this a history book, or an observational commentary on the particular characteristics of the Marathi Manoos. As a result, it predictably fails at doing either of them properly. It seems like this would work better as two separate books. That way, the history part can touch upon whoever the author wants to include, hopefully with a bit more detail and flavor; and the thesis around the Marathi Manoos could stay focused and make the case a bit more strongly.
October 26, 2024
In Renaissance State: The Unwritten Story of the Making of Maharashtra, Girish Kuber, the editor of the Indian Express group’s Marathi daily Loksatta, brings Maharashtra to the non-Maharastrian, so to speak.
The third largest and the second most populous State in the country, Maharashtra, by any parameter, is “maha” in the Indian scheme of things.
From Gautamiputra Satakarni to Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosale to Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar to Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, Maharashtra has gifted India some of the greatest men (and women) that have made this country proud.
Girish Kuber, however, laments that in the national politics, the State has not got the recognition and importance that it deserves. In our North India-centric polity, the lament is not without justification.
In broad brush strokes, Kuber has deftly painted the thousand-year history of the State, dividing it into two broad eras. The resurgent Maharashtra pre-Panipat (the Third Battle of Panipat, 14 January 1761) and the relative decline post-Panipat. It may be safely guessed that if the result of that epochal battle were different, history of India would probably have been very different.
Even then, the author, a proud Maharastrian, need not feel despondent. Given everything about Maharashrra – its size, population, industry, enterprise, state of education, culture – it is, and will remain, one of the most important States in the country.
My best takeaway from the book is Girish Kuber’s assessment of the contribution and relevance of Chhatrapati Shivaji. “Painting him [Shivaji] with religious and linguistic colours undermines his greatness. On both counts, he can be described as a true liberal. The term ‘secular’ was yet to come into being but what Shivaji practiced was true secularism. He didn’t kill Afzal Khan because he was a Muslim; he felt the need to eliminate him because he posed a serious danger to his kingdom. It is easy to perceive everything he did through the prism of religion. … Many quote him describing his kingdom as ‘Hindavi Swarajya’ to ascribe religious motives to his political thoughts. But what he meant by Hindavi Swarajya was its indigenous nature. To be clear, Aurangzeb and quite a few of his forefathers too were born and brought up in Hindustan, but they never considered themselves Hindustani. They were conquerors and India the conquered land. The difference between the Mughals and Shivaji is this. For the latter, his region was his homeland and setting up an independent kingdom meant freeing it from the clutches of foreigners.” (p. 66)
Recommended for all non-Maharastrians (and Maharastrians, too!!)
The third largest and the second most populous State in the country, Maharashtra, by any parameter, is “maha” in the Indian scheme of things.
From Gautamiputra Satakarni to Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosale to Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar to Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, Maharashtra has gifted India some of the greatest men (and women) that have made this country proud.
Girish Kuber, however, laments that in the national politics, the State has not got the recognition and importance that it deserves. In our North India-centric polity, the lament is not without justification.
In broad brush strokes, Kuber has deftly painted the thousand-year history of the State, dividing it into two broad eras. The resurgent Maharashtra pre-Panipat (the Third Battle of Panipat, 14 January 1761) and the relative decline post-Panipat. It may be safely guessed that if the result of that epochal battle were different, history of India would probably have been very different.
Even then, the author, a proud Maharastrian, need not feel despondent. Given everything about Maharashrra – its size, population, industry, enterprise, state of education, culture – it is, and will remain, one of the most important States in the country.
My best takeaway from the book is Girish Kuber’s assessment of the contribution and relevance of Chhatrapati Shivaji. “Painting him [Shivaji] with religious and linguistic colours undermines his greatness. On both counts, he can be described as a true liberal. The term ‘secular’ was yet to come into being but what Shivaji practiced was true secularism. He didn’t kill Afzal Khan because he was a Muslim; he felt the need to eliminate him because he posed a serious danger to his kingdom. It is easy to perceive everything he did through the prism of religion. … Many quote him describing his kingdom as ‘Hindavi Swarajya’ to ascribe religious motives to his political thoughts. But what he meant by Hindavi Swarajya was its indigenous nature. To be clear, Aurangzeb and quite a few of his forefathers too were born and brought up in Hindustan, but they never considered themselves Hindustani. They were conquerors and India the conquered land. The difference between the Mughals and Shivaji is this. For the latter, his region was his homeland and setting up an independent kingdom meant freeing it from the clutches of foreigners.” (p. 66)
Recommended for all non-Maharastrians (and Maharastrians, too!!)
March 15, 2022
A breathless, surface-level history of Maharashtra.
February 8, 2023
Renaissance State is nice documentation of Maharashtra and its relevance in Indian politics. What I really liked about this book is author has focused on pre-Shivaji era as well. Lot of authors begin tale of this great state from Shivaji era but what we fail to understand is the history before that also matters. Maharashtra a true renaissance state within India continues to remain special and its proud people have always refused to bow before Delhi (of course for a good reason).
Santaji-Dhanaji story sheds good amount of light on how regional politics shaped post Sambhaji era.
Author has narrated what happened post 1857 in a really good way. My most favorite story was of Rukhmabai Arjun, a rural housewife, who refused to consummate her marriage as a child bride and then this led to a landmark legal case that stirred public debate in India and England and contributed to the passage of the Age of Consent Act of 1891 when Queen Victoria intervened.
That special chapter about Dr. Ambedkar was totally necessary. People should read it and learn from it.
The only thing I would have liked in this book is some more information on Shinde-Holkar rivalry and the role it played in the debacle of Maratha empire.
Thank you Kuberji for introducing known and unknown warriors, freedom fighters, politicians, social reformers, mathematicians and scientists.
Santaji-Dhanaji story sheds good amount of light on how regional politics shaped post Sambhaji era.
Author has narrated what happened post 1857 in a really good way. My most favorite story was of Rukhmabai Arjun, a rural housewife, who refused to consummate her marriage as a child bride and then this led to a landmark legal case that stirred public debate in India and England and contributed to the passage of the Age of Consent Act of 1891 when Queen Victoria intervened.
That special chapter about Dr. Ambedkar was totally necessary. People should read it and learn from it.
The only thing I would have liked in this book is some more information on Shinde-Holkar rivalry and the role it played in the debacle of Maratha empire.
Thank you Kuberji for introducing known and unknown warriors, freedom fighters, politicians, social reformers, mathematicians and scientists.
April 20, 2025
I started reading the book anticipating that a true story would be told about Maharashtra. In fact the book started with the same premise where the author briefly discussed about the Satvahanas, Chalukyas, Vaktakas, Yadavs etc. This further continued till various Delhi sultanates' influence and control over the current region of Maharashtra followed by the mighty Mughals.
However the author then swirled and followed the traditional hero praising narrative. Somewhere in the middle the book turned into a mish-mash of half paragraphs to 2 pages biographies of various known and influential Marathi people. It lost the narrative it started with about Maharashtra and carried on with the same story. Even then the author only mentioned the Marathi people from Maharashtra in his book completely ignoring the contributions of various Non-marathi people in the making of Maharashtra.
Finally in this hero-praising narrative the character of Maharashtra was lost and many other factors which makes Maharashtra different from rest of the nation were omitted. There is no mention about the cultural narrative where Bollywood is the biggest example. The author solely focussed on the politicians and at times other socialist leaders.
Overall a quick read to refresh your knowledge of various important Marathi personalities from Maharashtra.
However the author then swirled and followed the traditional hero praising narrative. Somewhere in the middle the book turned into a mish-mash of half paragraphs to 2 pages biographies of various known and influential Marathi people. It lost the narrative it started with about Maharashtra and carried on with the same story. Even then the author only mentioned the Marathi people from Maharashtra in his book completely ignoring the contributions of various Non-marathi people in the making of Maharashtra.
Finally in this hero-praising narrative the character of Maharashtra was lost and many other factors which makes Maharashtra different from rest of the nation were omitted. There is no mention about the cultural narrative where Bollywood is the biggest example. The author solely focussed on the politicians and at times other socialist leaders.
Overall a quick read to refresh your knowledge of various important Marathi personalities from Maharashtra.
April 4, 2025
This book is a story of Maharashtra from BCE time who ruled the state, which states of India were part of Maharashtra, whole ruled the state, how was the time, what were there achievements, how they ruled the state from renaissance state to post-modern time till 2019 election of free India.
The rules of, cholas, maurya, turks, Khiljis, Mughals, hindus, And many more who ruled the state time to time make sacrifices for the state and how this state which has rich cultural heritage and made contribution to country never produced a minister worth prime minister, few came close but didn't succeeded. Role of most important figures that contribute to development of country is also highlighted in the book .
The rules of, cholas, maurya, turks, Khiljis, Mughals, hindus, And many more who ruled the state time to time make sacrifices for the state and how this state which has rich cultural heritage and made contribution to country never produced a minister worth prime minister, few came close but didn't succeeded. Role of most important figures that contribute to development of country is also highlighted in the book .
June 29, 2021
The story revolves greatly from historic period to the modern political and social situations. The book provides a good flow from the past to the present situations along with brief stories about the key players which came into being to shape the state of Maharashtra.
This stories may be brief, but allows the readers a curiosity to learn more about the characters introduced in this literature. Many unsung heroes and personalities are introduced in this literature which proves to be a striking feature.
This stories may be brief, but allows the readers a curiosity to learn more about the characters introduced in this literature. Many unsung heroes and personalities are introduced in this literature which proves to be a striking feature.
September 3, 2021
Girish kuber is one of the prominent editor in marathi media but as a historian he is not upto to the mark.
Renaissance maharshtra is very good book to understand the maharashtra's social ,cultural and political fabric , also it gives helping hand to understand how Maharashtra always lead the Renaissance moment in India .
But first fews chapters of this books are misguiding and misleading as well especially about shivaji Maharaj's History.
So you should read the book but crosscheck the historical facts from others sources too..
Renaissance maharshtra is very good book to understand the maharashtra's social ,cultural and political fabric , also it gives helping hand to understand how Maharashtra always lead the Renaissance moment in India .
But first fews chapters of this books are misguiding and misleading as well especially about shivaji Maharaj's History.
So you should read the book but crosscheck the historical facts from others sources too..
May 23, 2021
Brilliantly written book. Found it difficult to stop reading it.Couple of things stood out was the lack of pages given to Balasaheb. I mean the writer has spoken about him. But thought it was less. And more over slightly on the negative side. If not more than Pawar , Balasaheb has had massive impact on the state. Secondly and also correctly no mention of any Maharashtrian businessman or business houses. That shows the lack of business houses started by the Maharashtrians.
December 25, 2021
It's a history book, but short. At times one feels there are biases about some personalities. It's difficult to be very objective but no harm in accepting weaknesses of past leaders. Also caste doesn't go away for every person caste is mentioned.
This also doesn't mention about industrialisation and financial capital of the country.
Nitin Gadkari is missed out.
The analysis in last two pages is okay but could have been more to justify the topic else it's like a brief history book.
This also doesn't mention about industrialisation and financial capital of the country.
Nitin Gadkari is missed out.
The analysis in last two pages is okay but could have been more to justify the topic else it's like a brief history book.
July 2, 2021
This book is absolute treat to read . Apart from one controversy about King Sambhaji.. This book helps us to understand Unsung heroes of Maharashtra which helps to build Maharashtra on all fronts like political, cultural and social.. Book also briefly describes Yashwantrao chavan and his first stint as cm where Maharashtra actually flourished at every aspect.. Go with this book
May 23, 2021
Not a true history about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Author may be biased with RSS philosophy.
Not expected thus from Girish Kuber.
Not expected thus from Girish Kuber.
September 7, 2021
A comprehensive account of the warriors, emperors, social reformers and politicians who made Maharashtra what it is through the ages.
August 22, 2022
Good compact history of Maharashtra in 200 pages.
October 4, 2022
This is a simple, concise and crisp reportage on history of Maharashtra.
The book gives a broad storyline of events for past 2000 yrs.
The book gives a broad storyline of events for past 2000 yrs.
December 2, 2022
More of a compilation of history of maharashtra .
A one stop solution to know glorious history of the economic and ideological powerhouse of the nation.
A one stop solution to know glorious history of the economic and ideological powerhouse of the nation.
May 21, 2023
Mostly collection of journalist POV. Last chapters are regret notes on what could have been achieved.No cultural depth for an outsider. A political history.
January 22, 2024
As a Maharashtrian, I enjoyed the book. I got to learn a lot many things about my homestate.
March 24, 2024
A good starter on Maharashtra's history.
March 7, 2025
A packet of invaluable & unknown information! This book may not strike chord with everyone, but it is still a very interesting read. It focuses on the evolution of the state of Maharashtra and sheds light on the unwritten (or suppressed) facts. I, personally, was unware of many people who contributed towards formation of this state and worked selflessly in making it stand true to its name - Maha (Great) Rashtra (State). I had been hearing their names after roads and areas, but realised their contribution only today.
What made me to pick up this book was a paragraph in the initial few pages. It says (verbatim), Maharashtra is a state of paradoxes and contradictions. Dynasties of this state ruled more than half of what is India today, and today Delhi is a distant dream for it. Reformers like Jyotirao Phule and Ambedkar worked tirelessly for eradication of untouchability and women's emancipation and today it is still an home to most socially backward movements. Mahatma Gandhi's mentor was a Maharashtrian - Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and another Maharashtrian - Nathuram Godse, assassinated him. Anandibai Joshi was the first woman doctor of India, but the state records rampant female infanticide for decades now. Maharashtra has the maximum number of dams (1821 to be precise), but it is also the state with grave agrarian crisis and farmer suicides. Dadasaheb Phalke was behind India's first ever motion picture, but the Hindi film industry today hardly has any Maharashtrians.
What made me to pick up this book was a paragraph in the initial few pages. It says (verbatim), Maharashtra is a state of paradoxes and contradictions. Dynasties of this state ruled more than half of what is India today, and today Delhi is a distant dream for it. Reformers like Jyotirao Phule and Ambedkar worked tirelessly for eradication of untouchability and women's emancipation and today it is still an home to most socially backward movements. Mahatma Gandhi's mentor was a Maharashtrian - Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and another Maharashtrian - Nathuram Godse, assassinated him. Anandibai Joshi was the first woman doctor of India, but the state records rampant female infanticide for decades now. Maharashtra has the maximum number of dams (1821 to be precise), but it is also the state with grave agrarian crisis and farmer suicides. Dadasaheb Phalke was behind India's first ever motion picture, but the Hindi film industry today hardly has any Maharashtrians.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews