What do you think?
Rate this book
The Legend of Bahirji-Naik: Raiders of Surat
Maratha Swarajya, 1663: The dream of a kingdom of the people envisioned by Raje Shivaji, is crumbling. There are enemies to the North, and to the South. The constant attacks have ravaged the Swarajya’s armies and depleted its treasury. The Mughal Subhedar Shaistekhan, sits encamped with his occupying army in the Maratha’s ancestral city – Pune. All hope seems lost.
Merely driving Shaistekhan out of Pune is not going to be enough. To survive, Raje must replenish the Swarajya’s treasuries and rebuild its armies. A hundred kos to the North lies the city of Surat, a hell-hole of corruption and guile, but rich with gold. An attack on Surat would solve all Raje’s problems. But Surat lies deep in Mughal territory, defended by Mughal Subhedar Inayat Khan, with a garrison of five thousand trained troops.
The Swarajya’s hope of survival now depends on a seemingly impossible mission. The brunt will be borne by the Guptachar corps, led by Bahirji-Naik, and their new apprentice, Shashidhwaj, a mere boy of sixteen, using everything they know, to achieve fatteh. Can the Guptachars lead Raje’s army to Surat, negotiating such a vast stretche of hostile Mughal territory? Can they devise a way to beat the defenders of the city? Above all, can the Maratha Swarajya prevail? Or will it be destroyed like the hundreds of others who dared stand against the mighty Mughal Empire?
Merely driving Shaistekhan out of Pune is not going to be enough. To survive, Raje must replenish the Swarajya’s treasuries and rebuild its armies. A hundred kos to the North lies the city of Surat, a hell-hole of corruption and guile, but rich with gold. An attack on Surat would solve all Raje’s problems. But Surat lies deep in Mughal territory, defended by Mughal Subhedar Inayat Khan, with a garrison of five thousand trained troops.
The Swarajya’s hope of survival now depends on a seemingly impossible mission. The brunt will be borne by the Guptachar corps, led by Bahirji-Naik, and their new apprentice, Shashidhwaj, a mere boy of sixteen, using everything they know, to achieve fatteh. Can the Guptachars lead Raje’s army to Surat, negotiating such a vast stretche of hostile Mughal territory? Can they devise a way to beat the defenders of the city? Above all, can the Maratha Swarajya prevail? Or will it be destroyed like the hundreds of others who dared stand against the mighty Mughal Empire?
346 pages, Paperback
Published April 15, 2022
3 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
July 22, 2022
The Legend of Bahiriji-Naik is a historical fiction novel that focuses on the pivotal role played the 'Pramukh Guptchars' of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in saving the dwindling treasury of their Swarajya. We read about how meticulously and efficiently the plan of raiding the prosperous city of Surat is made and executed. This story has a wide range of well developed characters and overall, it ties together well. Marathas, Mughals and the English, all have stakes in Surat. How the Marathas navigate their way to the wealth of Surat is both engrossing and impressive to read. The author has explained in the beginning in the book as to how he went about creating this historical fiction novel and how he blended facts with creative liberty. This book is easy to get into and keeps your interest hooked till the end. Overall, it was a good experience.
September 15, 2023
Raiders of Surat by Shreyas Bhave offers an enthralling journey to 17th-century India, where the Maratha Swarajya's survival teeters on the brink. The daring mission to attack the wealthy city of Surat, deep in Mughal territory, forms the crux of this meticulously researched historical fiction.
Shreyas Bhave's vivid storytelling immerses readers in a world of fragile alliances, common betrayals, and the unwavering spirit of the Marathas. The characters are captivating, especially Bahirji and Naik, while Shashidhwaj's transformation adds depth to the narrative. With its relentless pacing, intricate espionage, and historical accuracy, this book is a must-read for history enthusiasts and fiction lovers alike.
Read the detailed review here - Books Charming
Shreyas Bhave's vivid storytelling immerses readers in a world of fragile alliances, common betrayals, and the unwavering spirit of the Marathas. The characters are captivating, especially Bahirji and Naik, while Shashidhwaj's transformation adds depth to the narrative. With its relentless pacing, intricate espionage, and historical accuracy, this book is a must-read for history enthusiasts and fiction lovers alike.
Read the detailed review here - Books Charming
February 14, 2023
Review:
On the cover page of the book is written - " The story of the greatest exploits of Shivaji Raje's famed Guptachars and the rise of Maratha power. "
I think it's enough line to give you the thrill, if you're a history lover as me, and love to read about the characters we hardly see mentions in the regular books, but also important in everyway.
The book starts with the Second Night if the Sack, in the City of Surat. Where the city is burning, and in the midst of it, a famous bandit trying to steal a big fortune, while Virji Vora, a powerful merchant thinking of his own profit in this and meet Shashidhwaj, whom we will follow most of the story.
And then in the next, we go back nine months earlier, to see what are the causes that lead up to the sack night and we also meet the famous spy, Bahirji and Naik and how they meet Shashidwaj and take him under their wings.
The book is well written, with well research elements, mix with the author's own. That make the plot of the book is amazing, intriguing, thrilling from the very beginning to the end, with perfect amount of mysteries, anticipation, actions and politics. The characters are also - some of which I have heard before, some I don't, but enough interesting to read and root for them. Among them my favorite, Shashidwaj's character building, the two famous spies and Fatima of course.
Except some little disappointments, which is totally for my own taste, the book is perfect in every aspect. And I am already looking forward to the second book.
And would definitely recommend it to all.
On the cover page of the book is written - " The story of the greatest exploits of Shivaji Raje's famed Guptachars and the rise of Maratha power. "
I think it's enough line to give you the thrill, if you're a history lover as me, and love to read about the characters we hardly see mentions in the regular books, but also important in everyway.
The book starts with the Second Night if the Sack, in the City of Surat. Where the city is burning, and in the midst of it, a famous bandit trying to steal a big fortune, while Virji Vora, a powerful merchant thinking of his own profit in this and meet Shashidhwaj, whom we will follow most of the story.
And then in the next, we go back nine months earlier, to see what are the causes that lead up to the sack night and we also meet the famous spy, Bahirji and Naik and how they meet Shashidwaj and take him under their wings.
The book is well written, with well research elements, mix with the author's own. That make the plot of the book is amazing, intriguing, thrilling from the very beginning to the end, with perfect amount of mysteries, anticipation, actions and politics. The characters are also - some of which I have heard before, some I don't, but enough interesting to read and root for them. Among them my favorite, Shashidwaj's character building, the two famous spies and Fatima of course.
Except some little disappointments, which is totally for my own taste, the book is perfect in every aspect. And I am already looking forward to the second book.
And would definitely recommend it to all.
June 16, 2022
The Legend of Bahirji-Naik: Raiders of Surat by Shreyas Bhave 📚
The Legend Of Bahirji-Naik was a fabulous mix of real history and folklore. The book had an air of authenticity to it as the author had done intricate research to enrich it. The writing was so immersive that I felt myself falling into the past at ease. The language used was learned and literary. The author had painted a picturesque view of Surat.
The tone of the book was patriotic and thoughtful. The narration had multiple perspectives of all the main characters. I loved the indexes which showcased all the characters and translations of words. The epilogue at the end had me intrigued for the next book. But the story arc of the book was concluded perfectly for now.
The story was about the infamous spies, Bahirji and Naik who worked for Shivaji Raje. They take a young boy, Shashidwaj as their protégé to infiltrate and sack the city of Surat from the Mughals. The plot entails the details of the triumph of the Swarajya. It was definitely interesting and exciting to read about their exploits. I would recommend this book to historical fiction lovers.
Rating- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Afreen Khalil
The Legend Of Bahirji-Naik was a fabulous mix of real history and folklore. The book had an air of authenticity to it as the author had done intricate research to enrich it. The writing was so immersive that I felt myself falling into the past at ease. The language used was learned and literary. The author had painted a picturesque view of Surat.
The tone of the book was patriotic and thoughtful. The narration had multiple perspectives of all the main characters. I loved the indexes which showcased all the characters and translations of words. The epilogue at the end had me intrigued for the next book. But the story arc of the book was concluded perfectly for now.
The story was about the infamous spies, Bahirji and Naik who worked for Shivaji Raje. They take a young boy, Shashidwaj as their protégé to infiltrate and sack the city of Surat from the Mughals. The plot entails the details of the triumph of the Swarajya. It was definitely interesting and exciting to read about their exploits. I would recommend this book to historical fiction lovers.
Rating- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Afreen Khalil
May 21, 2022
The Legend of Bahirji-Naik: Raiders of Surat by Shreyas Bhave is an insightful tale of unsung heroes and their journey of saving Maratha Swarajya from falling prey to destruction. It chronicles the fight of the legendary duo Bahirji-Naik who found support in their apprentice, Shashidhwaj – an orphaned cowherd. Together they plan to loot Surat, a hell-hole of corruption and guile but rich with gold, to replenish the Swarajya’s treasuries and rebuild its armies.
Would they be successful?
As part one of the series, this book opens up its readers to a different world of Mughal rule and the onset of colonial rule. It comprehensively narrates the incident of the Surat raid right from its inception to its execution. There are too many characters but each of them had a clear role to play. Be it Inayat Khan, Vora, Kasim or Raje himself, each character is sketched wonderfully.
What I liked the most about this book was its central plot which is undoubtedly unique and I’d commend the author for his research on the subject. Moreover, the storyline is quite smooth and hooks the reader with a generous dose of adventure, thrill, and intrigue. Although the book looks like the tale of Bahirji-Naik, I found that the main hero was Shashidhwaj and his character development does take more limelight.
With lucid writing and a well-crafted plot, this book will majorly entertain historical fiction lovers. But does that mean others won’t like it? No.
Go for this book if you are keen on knowing about the triumph of Swarajya, the downfall of corruption and guile in the city of Surat, and valour, courage, strategy, and the art of deception.
Would they be successful?
As part one of the series, this book opens up its readers to a different world of Mughal rule and the onset of colonial rule. It comprehensively narrates the incident of the Surat raid right from its inception to its execution. There are too many characters but each of them had a clear role to play. Be it Inayat Khan, Vora, Kasim or Raje himself, each character is sketched wonderfully.
What I liked the most about this book was its central plot which is undoubtedly unique and I’d commend the author for his research on the subject. Moreover, the storyline is quite smooth and hooks the reader with a generous dose of adventure, thrill, and intrigue. Although the book looks like the tale of Bahirji-Naik, I found that the main hero was Shashidhwaj and his character development does take more limelight.
With lucid writing and a well-crafted plot, this book will majorly entertain historical fiction lovers. But does that mean others won’t like it? No.
Go for this book if you are keen on knowing about the triumph of Swarajya, the downfall of corruption and guile in the city of Surat, and valour, courage, strategy, and the art of deception.
October 31, 2023
Book - Raiders of Surat
Genre - Historical Fiction
Rating - 4⭐
🐎Synopsis :
Shreyas Bhave's The Legend of Bahirji-Naik: Raiders of Surat is a perceptive account of unsung warriors and their quest to prevent devastation from befalling Maratha Swarajya. It recounts the battle of the fabled pair Bahirji-Naik, who drew strength from their disciple, the abandoned cowherd Shashidhwaj. Together, they intend to plunder Surat, a corrupt and cunning city wealthy in gold, in order to restock the Swarajya's coffers and reassemble its armed forces.
🐎Review :
This book introduces readers to a new world of Mughal control and the beginning of colonial rule as part one of the series. From the beginning to the end, it tells the whole story of the Surat raid incident. There are far too many characters and ach one of them has a distinct purpose. The book not only captures the essence of the Maratha-Mughal conflict but also throws light on the interactions between various Indian communities and the Dutch and English against the backdrop of the early British presence in India. This is one of the book's most notable features. Because of this, history buffs will find the book to be an even more invaluable resource. In summary, the book is a captivating and action-packed read that accurately captures a crucial period in Indian history. This novel is remarkable for its thorough attention to detail, well-developed characters, and gripping narrative.
Genre - Historical Fiction
Rating - 4⭐
🐎Synopsis :
Shreyas Bhave's The Legend of Bahirji-Naik: Raiders of Surat is a perceptive account of unsung warriors and their quest to prevent devastation from befalling Maratha Swarajya. It recounts the battle of the fabled pair Bahirji-Naik, who drew strength from their disciple, the abandoned cowherd Shashidhwaj. Together, they intend to plunder Surat, a corrupt and cunning city wealthy in gold, in order to restock the Swarajya's coffers and reassemble its armed forces.
🐎Review :
This book introduces readers to a new world of Mughal control and the beginning of colonial rule as part one of the series. From the beginning to the end, it tells the whole story of the Surat raid incident. There are far too many characters and ach one of them has a distinct purpose. The book not only captures the essence of the Maratha-Mughal conflict but also throws light on the interactions between various Indian communities and the Dutch and English against the backdrop of the early British presence in India. This is one of the book's most notable features. Because of this, history buffs will find the book to be an even more invaluable resource. In summary, the book is a captivating and action-packed read that accurately captures a crucial period in Indian history. This novel is remarkable for its thorough attention to detail, well-developed characters, and gripping narrative.
May 11, 2022
Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres. A story set in past, often during a significant period and how an event, era is then fictionalised through some gripping narration. As an avid reader of this genre, I feel there is a lot of potential in Indian content.
“The Legend of Bahirji-Naik: Raiders of Surat’ is the first installment in the series. The story mainly revolves around Bahirji Naik, who was a 17th century spy and commander in Chhatrapati Shivaji’s reign. He was honoured with the title “Naik” by Shivaji himself, for his great valour and intelligence.
The story is captivating and has out and about patriotic tone. It has a well crafted narration which deals with multiple perspectives. It keeps altering between Spies, Mughals an East India Company. I particularly liked the description of wars where it is almost designed to make the reader imagine them being fought in front of their eyes. The illustrious descriptions of Surat and it’s people were fascinating. I thoroughly enjoyed the sub plots that delve into individual stories and make the overall narration more authentic and layered. Characters are well rounded and developed.
Author’s deep research in to the history is evident and has made the book worth a read. The index, maps, pictures make the book insightful and intriguing. The epilogue certainly made me curious and longing for part two. Overall, a good read. The language of the book is simple and fluid. I would recommend this book to people who love historical fictions.
“The Legend of Bahirji-Naik: Raiders of Surat’ is the first installment in the series. The story mainly revolves around Bahirji Naik, who was a 17th century spy and commander in Chhatrapati Shivaji’s reign. He was honoured with the title “Naik” by Shivaji himself, for his great valour and intelligence.
The story is captivating and has out and about patriotic tone. It has a well crafted narration which deals with multiple perspectives. It keeps altering between Spies, Mughals an East India Company. I particularly liked the description of wars where it is almost designed to make the reader imagine them being fought in front of their eyes. The illustrious descriptions of Surat and it’s people were fascinating. I thoroughly enjoyed the sub plots that delve into individual stories and make the overall narration more authentic and layered. Characters are well rounded and developed.
Author’s deep research in to the history is evident and has made the book worth a read. The index, maps, pictures make the book insightful and intriguing. The epilogue certainly made me curious and longing for part two. Overall, a good read. The language of the book is simple and fluid. I would recommend this book to people who love historical fictions.
November 22, 2023
In the realm of historical novel, Shreyas Bhave's "The Legend of Bahirji-Naik: Raiders of Surat" emerges as a captivating and meticulously crafted narrative that transports readers to the tumultuous era of the Maratha Empire. Set against the backdrop of Chhatrapati Shivaji's valiant struggle for Swarajya, the story revolves around the daring exploits of Bahirji-Naik, a legendary Maratha intelligence officer, and his apprentice, Shashidhwaj. The plot unfolds amidst the backdrop of the 17th century, where the Maratha forces face relentless attacks from their adversaries. To replenish dwindling resources and revitalize the Swarajya, an audacious plan is devised: a daring raid on the opulent city of Surat, a Mughal stronghold brimming with wealth. The mission's success hinges on the strategic brilliance and unwavering courage of Bahirji-Naik and his team. Author masterfully weaves a tapestry of historical accuracy with well researched elements, creating a vivid portrayal of the political and social landscape of the era. The novel's strength lies in its ability to transport readers to the heart of the Maratha struggle for independence, immersing them in the political landscape, military strategies, and social dynamics of the time. Author's writing style is engaging and accessible, seamlessly blending historical details with action-packed sequences and moments of emotional resonance. The novel's pace is well-maintained, ensuring that readers remain immersed in the story from the very first page.
May 9, 2022
Though Mughals are portrayed as heroes in our highly ingenuine history books ,the people who have gone through the real stories know the kind of tyrants they were. But there were some courageous souls too who did stand up against their treachery and even come victorious. However due to doctored content served by the creators of our curriculum they dint find any mention and hence such books become all the more important for us to make ourselves and our future generations aware of our actual heroes.
The story mainly pays tribute to Bahirji Naik who was a key person in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s many surprise victories and escapes. He was honoured by Shivaji with the title "Naik" for his great works in Intelligence. He was a 17th century Indian spy and military commander in the army of Shivaji at a time when the Maratha Empire and Mughal Empire were at war. He was a Maratha fighter and the book talks about his valour and courage shown in expeditions and adventures as a spy that greatly contributed to the success of the Maratha Empire.
The book is very well crafted. It employs a unique technique of writing in which every plot further opens up into sub plots and each character is defined at a great depth without affecting the flow of story. Also the pedantic eye of author is on full display as he has paid equal attention to all aspects of the story. It is one of those few books which are both plot driven and character driven. It also teaches us to take a cue from our past and stay united .
Overall an outstanding work . Eagerly looking forward to read the second part.
The story mainly pays tribute to Bahirji Naik who was a key person in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s many surprise victories and escapes. He was honoured by Shivaji with the title "Naik" for his great works in Intelligence. He was a 17th century Indian spy and military commander in the army of Shivaji at a time when the Maratha Empire and Mughal Empire were at war. He was a Maratha fighter and the book talks about his valour and courage shown in expeditions and adventures as a spy that greatly contributed to the success of the Maratha Empire.
The book is very well crafted. It employs a unique technique of writing in which every plot further opens up into sub plots and each character is defined at a great depth without affecting the flow of story. Also the pedantic eye of author is on full display as he has paid equal attention to all aspects of the story. It is one of those few books which are both plot driven and character driven. It also teaches us to take a cue from our past and stay united .
Overall an outstanding work . Eagerly looking forward to read the second part.
December 7, 2022
This is a story of bravery which never got its own name. This book is based on some historical facts which were not really proved but as it is said that a best spy is someone who doesn't exist, here is our protagonist. This book is considered under Historical Fiction genre where the author can take its liberty to add some stories around the facts already known. Here the author took the liberty to frame the story around two most trusted people Bahirji and Naik United together against one enemy.
The book is based in Surat which is again a very rare place to be seen in Indian history. The locations take you to the time and era where the events are unfolding and we can actually visualise the entire story. The facts are presented in an imaginative manner with a subtle language. We can feel connected to the story because of the mentions of our places, our language and parts of our stories.
We witness war, courage, patriotism and a lot many emotions in the story. The characters are well developed. The story flows smoothly without making us feel lost. The characters are smoothly sewed in and none of them felt out of place.
The Maratha are well known for their war strategies and techniques. We know them for their valour and fight against Mughals. We see a lot of their strategies unveiling in the story.
The end is open and it is just the first book in the series. Looking forward to the next part. A must read if you are a fan of Indian History and historic fiction.
The book is based in Surat which is again a very rare place to be seen in Indian history. The locations take you to the time and era where the events are unfolding and we can actually visualise the entire story. The facts are presented in an imaginative manner with a subtle language. We can feel connected to the story because of the mentions of our places, our language and parts of our stories.
We witness war, courage, patriotism and a lot many emotions in the story. The characters are well developed. The story flows smoothly without making us feel lost. The characters are smoothly sewed in and none of them felt out of place.
The Maratha are well known for their war strategies and techniques. We know them for their valour and fight against Mughals. We see a lot of their strategies unveiling in the story.
The end is open and it is just the first book in the series. Looking forward to the next part. A must read if you are a fan of Indian History and historic fiction.
December 8, 2022
I love to read historical fiction and this is one of the best books I have read in that genre. I read Shame by Salman Rushdie and Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh in the first half of the year and I'm glad I found another gem at the end of the year.
Raiders of Surat is about spies. Yes, you read it right. It's about the spies who wandered around the nation during the rise of Maratha's power.
This book has a lot of characters like in the novels of Salman Rushdie but I never got confused with the names because the author had given the characters' names and their introduction in the beginning.
Shashidhwaj is an orphaned cowherd who works for the zamindar. The zamindar was a ruthless man who spread terror among the people. He meets two men and somehow he gets involved in their plans(not going to spoil if it was a good thing or not😅). His life changed that day.
This book is about friendship, comradery, betrayal, loyalty, greed(for power, money, praise...), sacrifice, trust, death, innocence, determination and hope.
This book deals with the events that took place in Surat in 1663. This book is about the pursuit of Raje Shivaji to replenish the treasuries of Swarajya.
Great effort has been poured into the book as it is visible that the author has done a lot of research on the events to create a masterpiece.
While reading this book, I felt bad for the innocent people who are pulled into the battle. But it is the reality. The betrayal hits hard every time since it is the reality. How many people have lost their lives in their pursuit of freedom or dreams because of the betrayal of the ones whom they trusted? How many people have sacrificed their lives for the common good? Reading this book brings out a lot of painful memories. This book in a way is a reminder of our past or the past our ancestors have been a part of.
There's a character I really want to mention. I liked Hatim at the end of the book. His willpower and comradeship deserve praise. He would become a lasting impression on the readers just because of a sentence he said. If a writer can make a reader fall in love with a character with a single sentence, then he is the real hero.
What I liked about the book
🔸 The language used - the flow of words - Wow😍
🔸 The book is presented to the reader like a painting. And the writer becomes a brilliant artist.
🔸 Well-developed characters
🔸 An excellent plot. The imagination of the writer 🫡
🔸 The twists. I didn't expect that "he" was the mystery man!
What I didn't like
Nothing!
Raiders of Surat is about spies. Yes, you read it right. It's about the spies who wandered around the nation during the rise of Maratha's power.
This book has a lot of characters like in the novels of Salman Rushdie but I never got confused with the names because the author had given the characters' names and their introduction in the beginning.
Shashidhwaj is an orphaned cowherd who works for the zamindar. The zamindar was a ruthless man who spread terror among the people. He meets two men and somehow he gets involved in their plans(not going to spoil if it was a good thing or not😅). His life changed that day.
This book is about friendship, comradery, betrayal, loyalty, greed(for power, money, praise...), sacrifice, trust, death, innocence, determination and hope.
This book deals with the events that took place in Surat in 1663. This book is about the pursuit of Raje Shivaji to replenish the treasuries of Swarajya.
Great effort has been poured into the book as it is visible that the author has done a lot of research on the events to create a masterpiece.
While reading this book, I felt bad for the innocent people who are pulled into the battle. But it is the reality. The betrayal hits hard every time since it is the reality. How many people have lost their lives in their pursuit of freedom or dreams because of the betrayal of the ones whom they trusted? How many people have sacrificed their lives for the common good? Reading this book brings out a lot of painful memories. This book in a way is a reminder of our past or the past our ancestors have been a part of.
There's a character I really want to mention. I liked Hatim at the end of the book. His willpower and comradeship deserve praise. He would become a lasting impression on the readers just because of a sentence he said. If a writer can make a reader fall in love with a character with a single sentence, then he is the real hero.
What I liked about the book
🔸 The language used - the flow of words - Wow😍
🔸 The book is presented to the reader like a painting. And the writer becomes a brilliant artist.
🔸 Well-developed characters
🔸 An excellent plot. The imagination of the writer 🫡
🔸 The twists. I didn't expect that "he" was the mystery man!
What I didn't like
Nothing!
April 30, 2022
Do you live for historical fiction? Would you read a story about the most charismatic personality of our country and his spy network? Does a story with exceptional characters and world building interests you?
If your answer to any of the questions is yes, then you must read this book.
The book is based on a real incident. When Pune is under severe threat, Shivaji Raje gives his guptchars (spies) the near impossible task of infiltrating the rich city of Surat, which is under Mughal control, and looting it to strengthen the Maratha army. The entire story is about how the guptchars carry out this daring feat.
Let's talk about the narration and the plot first. It is pitch-perfect. It alternates between the guptchars and the Mughal invaders & East India Company and immerses the readers into their world of plotting and scheming. The plot further branches out into subplots that details the story of individual characters that play a crucial role in the overall plot.
The characters are very well written by the author, especially Shashidhwaj. He is young and often feels conflicted about his mission. But his mentors very wisely put him out of his emotional and moral dilemmas.
Reading this book made one thing absolutely clear that the author has done solid research before writing this book. The way he has described the city of Surat and it's people is not possible without meticulous research. The same goes for the guptchars Bahirji and Naik. There is no proof of their existence but they find their identity in folktales and songs. Some of the exploits of Shivaji Raje are so unnatural that it points towards an elaborate spy network. But then, a spy is deemed successful when no trace of his existence is found!
This is another story that needs to be told to the masses and that we are unaware of. We should be proud that we have such powerful personalities that often outwitted the Mughal invaders. This story also shows how the Britishers first realised that they can take advantage of India's internal conflicts and rule over it. It's something we can learn from to salvage our present and future.
Must read! Eagerly waiting for part 2.
If your answer to any of the questions is yes, then you must read this book.
The book is based on a real incident. When Pune is under severe threat, Shivaji Raje gives his guptchars (spies) the near impossible task of infiltrating the rich city of Surat, which is under Mughal control, and looting it to strengthen the Maratha army. The entire story is about how the guptchars carry out this daring feat.
Let's talk about the narration and the plot first. It is pitch-perfect. It alternates between the guptchars and the Mughal invaders & East India Company and immerses the readers into their world of plotting and scheming. The plot further branches out into subplots that details the story of individual characters that play a crucial role in the overall plot.
The characters are very well written by the author, especially Shashidhwaj. He is young and often feels conflicted about his mission. But his mentors very wisely put him out of his emotional and moral dilemmas.
Reading this book made one thing absolutely clear that the author has done solid research before writing this book. The way he has described the city of Surat and it's people is not possible without meticulous research. The same goes for the guptchars Bahirji and Naik. There is no proof of their existence but they find their identity in folktales and songs. Some of the exploits of Shivaji Raje are so unnatural that it points towards an elaborate spy network. But then, a spy is deemed successful when no trace of his existence is found!
This is another story that needs to be told to the masses and that we are unaware of. We should be proud that we have such powerful personalities that often outwitted the Mughal invaders. This story also shows how the Britishers first realised that they can take advantage of India's internal conflicts and rule over it. It's something we can learn from to salvage our present and future.
Must read! Eagerly waiting for part 2.
June 15, 2022
Known as the founder of the Maratha Kingdom, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is touted to be one of the bravest, most progressive and sensible rulers of India and his reign is almost unparalleled.
However, to bring his dream of Swarajya to fruition and for his successful rule to continue, his soldiers or Maavle as they were called, who were not afraid of anything, proved to play a very crucial role.
And while tracing these dashing personalities, there is one such individual by the name Bahirji Naik, about whom not much is known. Of course, his name is something that has been heard numerous times, but there is a little understanding about his actual deeds.
In this regard, the book, ‘The Legend of Bahirji Naik: Raiders of Surat’ by author Shreyas Bhave proves to be a wealth of information about this unsung hero, who was not only fierce, but his dedication to his king was something noteworthy.
Being the head of the intelligence department, Bahirji Naik was the 'secret' pillar of Maharaj's power as without his help, it would have been almost impossible to carry out operations in enemy territory.
Always working behind the scenes and executing secret missions successfully at times where there was not a single iota of technology, yet finding techniques to transport the necessary information to his king was a tough job, yet Bahirji Naik did it so effortlessly and efficiently.
This book was a good start to a series that had tons of information about a dauntless, valarous, fearless, daring and heroic individual.
It was also great for the author to include the listing about cast of characters at the beginning as there were some times when whilst reading, I simply went back and got a quick glimpse at them. Hence I am going to give this FIVE STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
However, to bring his dream of Swarajya to fruition and for his successful rule to continue, his soldiers or Maavle as they were called, who were not afraid of anything, proved to play a very crucial role.
And while tracing these dashing personalities, there is one such individual by the name Bahirji Naik, about whom not much is known. Of course, his name is something that has been heard numerous times, but there is a little understanding about his actual deeds.
In this regard, the book, ‘The Legend of Bahirji Naik: Raiders of Surat’ by author Shreyas Bhave proves to be a wealth of information about this unsung hero, who was not only fierce, but his dedication to his king was something noteworthy.
Being the head of the intelligence department, Bahirji Naik was the 'secret' pillar of Maharaj's power as without his help, it would have been almost impossible to carry out operations in enemy territory.
Always working behind the scenes and executing secret missions successfully at times where there was not a single iota of technology, yet finding techniques to transport the necessary information to his king was a tough job, yet Bahirji Naik did it so effortlessly and efficiently.
This book was a good start to a series that had tons of information about a dauntless, valarous, fearless, daring and heroic individual.
It was also great for the author to include the listing about cast of characters at the beginning as there were some times when whilst reading, I simply went back and got a quick glimpse at them. Hence I am going to give this FIVE STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 28, 2022
"𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡." -𝐂𝐡𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐣𝐢 𝐌𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐣.
1663, the time when Chhatrapati Shivaji ruled. The Maratha's were in power, fighting against the odds and battling with the army of Mughal Subhedar Shaistekhan who is residing over Pune – the Maratha’s ancestral city.
This novel narrates the history of the legend Bahirji Naik mainly titled as Naik who was one of the important person under Chhatrapati's rule and victories. To drive away Shaistekhan's attention, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj plans his attack at Surat but dropping any sort of shell at Surat becomes next to impossible as it's under Mughal Rule.
This novel is well researched and is written in a captivating manner. Being a history lover, I solely have loved reading this book and I definitely recommend it to readers to know the real legends and their sacrifices they made for our country.
1663, the time when Chhatrapati Shivaji ruled. The Maratha's were in power, fighting against the odds and battling with the army of Mughal Subhedar Shaistekhan who is residing over Pune – the Maratha’s ancestral city.
This novel narrates the history of the legend Bahirji Naik mainly titled as Naik who was one of the important person under Chhatrapati's rule and victories. To drive away Shaistekhan's attention, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj plans his attack at Surat but dropping any sort of shell at Surat becomes next to impossible as it's under Mughal Rule.
This novel is well researched and is written in a captivating manner. Being a history lover, I solely have loved reading this book and I definitely recommend it to readers to know the real legends and their sacrifices they made for our country.
June 1, 2022
The title of the book and the cover page is very distinctive. This book is all about the story of the city of Surat and corruption and guile.
The story frame of this book is exceptionally good. The plot of this novel brings you back to the year 1663 Maratha Swarajya. The author competently assembled the consequences of the Mughal's attack.
The narration of this novel clutches the reader's mind and literally brings the readers to the Surat circumstances. The attack and the resolutions are striking.
The characters strongly develop their characteristics. The intro of new, new characters throughout the novel is hard to understand the sequence. Even without those minor characters, the story will not be effective.
Overall, I recommend this book to all the historical novel lovers. This is book 1. The sequels are put under considerable expectations.
The story frame of this book is exceptionally good. The plot of this novel brings you back to the year 1663 Maratha Swarajya. The author competently assembled the consequences of the Mughal's attack.
The narration of this novel clutches the reader's mind and literally brings the readers to the Surat circumstances. The attack and the resolutions are striking.
The characters strongly develop their characteristics. The intro of new, new characters throughout the novel is hard to understand the sequence. Even without those minor characters, the story will not be effective.
Overall, I recommend this book to all the historical novel lovers. This is book 1. The sequels are put under considerable expectations.
June 7, 2022
Book: The Legend Of Bahiriji-Naik: Raiders of Surat
Author: Shreyas Bhave
Genre: Historical fiction
Pages: 343
Rating: 4.8/5
The Legend Of Bahiriji-Naik: Raiders of Surat is the first book in the series by author Shreyas Bhave. It is historical fiction of around 343 pages. It is a story of Bahirji-Naik, the Guptachars(spies) of the Shri Shivaji Raje empire, who lead the Guptachar corps and now have their new apprentice, Shashidhwaj! The Swarajya is in danger, there are enemies everywhere, and the treasures of the empire are insufficient. And there is a way to get out of these problems: attack on Surat! But would be it that easy, when Surat comes under Mughal territory and is defended by Mughal Subedar Inayat Khan, with the trained troop of five thousand? To get to know, read the book! (I won't talk here much about the story as what it was about because I want to talk about how beautifully the author wrote it and so adding the synopsis in the end for you to get to know better what the story is about)
The author has selected a topic that is close and dear to many people and a lot of sentiments, emotions, values, and beliefs have been attached to that. Shri Shivaji Raje is ideal for many and so picking up the story of that era is a courageous step itself and doing justice to it was something for which the author should be acclaimed and appreciated. I love the way the author has done justice to it, and make it a delight to read for the one who already follow the era and journey of Shri Shivaji Raje or to the ones who want to follow or in interested in knowing about it.
The writing style of the author is very captivating, gripping, insightful, and intriguing which makes it a complete delight to read. The way the author introduced each character, followed by the great character development makes it a very engrossing and engaging book.
At the start of the story itself, the author has introduced each important character with the name and their position so that while reading, there would be no confusion, and it helped me a lot because I am someone who forgets the name of characters easily, so every time, when I am little confused, I just have had to visit that page only rather than going through the story again which helped me personally a lot while reading.
Written in easy language, turning a historical event into words with such ease, the book becomes beginner-friendly as well and will be cherished by the fan of historical fiction as well. Well, it would be classified as fiction because the author has used his imagination in filling up the loose pieces of the story and completing it, about which he already talked in the starting itself, making it clear as well as engaging for the readers from starting itself.
Although I would love to see more of Bahirji – Naik in the story, about how they work, who their confides are, the way they approach the things and keep it a secret along with the Shashidhwaj story, I know as well that the author cannot disclose everything in the first book of the series only, and so I am very excited to read the next book in the series as well.
As a person who follows Shri Shivaji Raje but has not read any literature or fiction around that era, it was a complete delight and pleasure to read this!
Synopsis:
Maratha Swarajya, 1663: The dream of a kingdom of the people envisioned by Raje Shivaji, is crumbling. There are enemies to the North, and to the South. The constant attacks have ravaged the Swarajya’s armies and depleted its treasury. The Mughal Subhedar Shaistekhan, sits encamped with his occupying army in the Maratha’s ancestral city – Pune. All hope seems lost.
Merely driving Shaistekhan out of Pune is not going to be enough. To survive, Raje must replenish the Swarajya’s treasuries and rebuild its armies. A hundred kos to the North lies the city of Surat, a hell-hole of corruption and guile, but rich with gold. An attack on Surat would solve all Raje’s problems. But Surat lies deep in Mughal territory, defended by Mughal Subhedar Inayat Khan, with a garrison of five thousand trained troops.
The Swarajya’s hope of survival now depends on a seemingly impossible mission. The brunt will be borne by the Guptachar corps, led by Bahirji-Naik, and their new apprentice, Shashidhwaj, a mere boy of sixteen, using everything they know, to achieve fatteh. Can the Guptachars lead Raje’s army to Surat, negotiating such a vast stretche of hostile Mughal territory? Can they devise a way to beat the defenders of the city? Above all, can the Maratha Swarajya prevail? Or will it be destroyed like the hundreds of others who dared stand against the mighty Mughal Empire?
Author: Shreyas Bhave
Genre: Historical fiction
Pages: 343
Rating: 4.8/5
The Legend Of Bahiriji-Naik: Raiders of Surat is the first book in the series by author Shreyas Bhave. It is historical fiction of around 343 pages. It is a story of Bahirji-Naik, the Guptachars(spies) of the Shri Shivaji Raje empire, who lead the Guptachar corps and now have their new apprentice, Shashidhwaj! The Swarajya is in danger, there are enemies everywhere, and the treasures of the empire are insufficient. And there is a way to get out of these problems: attack on Surat! But would be it that easy, when Surat comes under Mughal territory and is defended by Mughal Subedar Inayat Khan, with the trained troop of five thousand? To get to know, read the book! (I won't talk here much about the story as what it was about because I want to talk about how beautifully the author wrote it and so adding the synopsis in the end for you to get to know better what the story is about)
The author has selected a topic that is close and dear to many people and a lot of sentiments, emotions, values, and beliefs have been attached to that. Shri Shivaji Raje is ideal for many and so picking up the story of that era is a courageous step itself and doing justice to it was something for which the author should be acclaimed and appreciated. I love the way the author has done justice to it, and make it a delight to read for the one who already follow the era and journey of Shri Shivaji Raje or to the ones who want to follow or in interested in knowing about it.
The writing style of the author is very captivating, gripping, insightful, and intriguing which makes it a complete delight to read. The way the author introduced each character, followed by the great character development makes it a very engrossing and engaging book.
At the start of the story itself, the author has introduced each important character with the name and their position so that while reading, there would be no confusion, and it helped me a lot because I am someone who forgets the name of characters easily, so every time, when I am little confused, I just have had to visit that page only rather than going through the story again which helped me personally a lot while reading.
Written in easy language, turning a historical event into words with such ease, the book becomes beginner-friendly as well and will be cherished by the fan of historical fiction as well. Well, it would be classified as fiction because the author has used his imagination in filling up the loose pieces of the story and completing it, about which he already talked in the starting itself, making it clear as well as engaging for the readers from starting itself.
Although I would love to see more of Bahirji – Naik in the story, about how they work, who their confides are, the way they approach the things and keep it a secret along with the Shashidhwaj story, I know as well that the author cannot disclose everything in the first book of the series only, and so I am very excited to read the next book in the series as well.
As a person who follows Shri Shivaji Raje but has not read any literature or fiction around that era, it was a complete delight and pleasure to read this!
Synopsis:
Maratha Swarajya, 1663: The dream of a kingdom of the people envisioned by Raje Shivaji, is crumbling. There are enemies to the North, and to the South. The constant attacks have ravaged the Swarajya’s armies and depleted its treasury. The Mughal Subhedar Shaistekhan, sits encamped with his occupying army in the Maratha’s ancestral city – Pune. All hope seems lost.
Merely driving Shaistekhan out of Pune is not going to be enough. To survive, Raje must replenish the Swarajya’s treasuries and rebuild its armies. A hundred kos to the North lies the city of Surat, a hell-hole of corruption and guile, but rich with gold. An attack on Surat would solve all Raje’s problems. But Surat lies deep in Mughal territory, defended by Mughal Subhedar Inayat Khan, with a garrison of five thousand trained troops.
The Swarajya’s hope of survival now depends on a seemingly impossible mission. The brunt will be borne by the Guptachar corps, led by Bahirji-Naik, and their new apprentice, Shashidhwaj, a mere boy of sixteen, using everything they know, to achieve fatteh. Can the Guptachars lead Raje’s army to Surat, negotiating such a vast stretche of hostile Mughal territory? Can they devise a way to beat the defenders of the city? Above all, can the Maratha Swarajya prevail? Or will it be destroyed like the hundreds of others who dared stand against the mighty Mughal Empire?
August 3, 2022
Book Name -: The Legend of Bahirji-Naik
Writer -: Shreyas Bhave
Genre -: Historical Fiction
Sypnosis -: The book is set in the 17th century Surat and it share the story of two powerful spy and military commander of Raje Shivaji - 'Bahirji Bandal ' and 'Sadashiv Naik' simply known as 'Bahirji-Naik'.
It was the time of chaos in the empire of Shivaji as he was targeted from all sides. Their main enemy was the Mughal Subhedar 'Shaistekhan' who has attached and captured the rich city of Surat. And now he has become a great threat to the Marathas. Emperor Shivaji assigned a secret task of infiltrating the city of Surat to strengthen the Maratha army but it was not an easy job to do as the city was guarded by Mughal Subhedar 'Inayat Khan' with his powerful army containing more than 5000 soldiers. But Bahirji-Naik accepted the task.
Will they be able to do it or not?
Read to know the story of unsung Maratha heroes!
Things I liked -:
1. The story -: The historical setting of the story was perfectly done as it's based on real incident author has tried to add his creativity to the story too which make it more interesting . Also the story shed a light on the unsung Maratha heroes which actually we never knew about but author has shared an indepth story about the Marathas kingdom and also it shows how Marathas were constantly trying to fight off the threats from the country.
2. The Characters - Although the characters are based on classic folktails and they never existed in real life yet the author has tried to build up a powerful story around them. It never felt like the book was presenting frictional character as it was neatly blended with the on going story and also the author has tried to show the connection & affection of a true soldier towards his king and nation through them not only that the character are also described in a very powerful way and a lot of time they are going to give you chills. The book shows the ancient era in a perfect manner because of such well described characters specially the character of Shashidhwaj. I seriously loved his story and connection with the storyline.
3. Narration -: In most of the case i found books related to the history confusing or tough but not this one. At the starting it was a bit confusing but at i got deep into the story the narration become fluid. Also the author has described about each character at the starting so that their story don't make the story confusing.
4. The language used in the book was also easy to read and understand. Although there were some hard words but i think most of the History lover are going to love this.
Things I Didn't like -:
1. The book was quite lengthy and sometimes in between the pages it loses its pace and started to get mix up with the brain. And because of this i was able to finish this in three sitting.
My Thoughts -: Overall this was a enjoyable read for me as i find books related to history very fascinating and amazing to me thats why i loved this book too and if you're someone who love reading about our past then you are going to love this too and why's that because this book has showcased history is a very simple & realistic way with a combination of author's own creativity which also make this a easy to read book.
I definitely recommend this.
Rating -: 4/5 🌟
Writer -: Shreyas Bhave
Genre -: Historical Fiction
Sypnosis -: The book is set in the 17th century Surat and it share the story of two powerful spy and military commander of Raje Shivaji - 'Bahirji Bandal ' and 'Sadashiv Naik' simply known as 'Bahirji-Naik'.
It was the time of chaos in the empire of Shivaji as he was targeted from all sides. Their main enemy was the Mughal Subhedar 'Shaistekhan' who has attached and captured the rich city of Surat. And now he has become a great threat to the Marathas. Emperor Shivaji assigned a secret task of infiltrating the city of Surat to strengthen the Maratha army but it was not an easy job to do as the city was guarded by Mughal Subhedar 'Inayat Khan' with his powerful army containing more than 5000 soldiers. But Bahirji-Naik accepted the task.
Will they be able to do it or not?
Read to know the story of unsung Maratha heroes!
Things I liked -:
1. The story -: The historical setting of the story was perfectly done as it's based on real incident author has tried to add his creativity to the story too which make it more interesting . Also the story shed a light on the unsung Maratha heroes which actually we never knew about but author has shared an indepth story about the Marathas kingdom and also it shows how Marathas were constantly trying to fight off the threats from the country.
2. The Characters - Although the characters are based on classic folktails and they never existed in real life yet the author has tried to build up a powerful story around them. It never felt like the book was presenting frictional character as it was neatly blended with the on going story and also the author has tried to show the connection & affection of a true soldier towards his king and nation through them not only that the character are also described in a very powerful way and a lot of time they are going to give you chills. The book shows the ancient era in a perfect manner because of such well described characters specially the character of Shashidhwaj. I seriously loved his story and connection with the storyline.
3. Narration -: In most of the case i found books related to the history confusing or tough but not this one. At the starting it was a bit confusing but at i got deep into the story the narration become fluid. Also the author has described about each character at the starting so that their story don't make the story confusing.
4. The language used in the book was also easy to read and understand. Although there were some hard words but i think most of the History lover are going to love this.
Things I Didn't like -:
1. The book was quite lengthy and sometimes in between the pages it loses its pace and started to get mix up with the brain. And because of this i was able to finish this in three sitting.
My Thoughts -: Overall this was a enjoyable read for me as i find books related to history very fascinating and amazing to me thats why i loved this book too and if you're someone who love reading about our past then you are going to love this too and why's that because this book has showcased history is a very simple & realistic way with a combination of author's own creativity which also make this a easy to read book.
I definitely recommend this.
Rating -: 4/5 🌟
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2022
Rating- 5 stars
The Legend of Bahir ji- Naik : Raiders of Surat by Shreyas Bhave captures the rise of Shivaji Raje with the raid of Surat, directed by Raje's parmukh guptachar Bahir Naik in 1664, years before his coronation as Mahraja Shivaji took place.
This is the first ever historical fiction I have read and I have to admit, it probably is one of the best works in this genre, at least for me, opinions may vary. The book very beautifully captures the essence of Surat in the 17th century and it flows with the narration. The best thing about the narration part for me is that it is not just from the point of view of one person, and the writer uses that fantastically.
The one hazard of writing a historical fiction is all the historians out there who know the facts. So it is important to choose an even from history about which there isn't much details available. And the legend of Bahir Naik is one such example, as the writer has mentioned it in his Author's Note. Bhave took this event and used it to his benefit so perfectly, it is commendable. Even though when there isn't much to go on for in history regarding this legendary figure, Bhave does the job of giving this character a life in his book in a very splendid manner, it all just fits in and not one part of it will feel like it's forced, and that's something very important I feel when it comes to historical fiction.
I would rather not talk about anything from the plot, because that would lead to a spoiler and it's best not to spoil this one, you should just read this book.
Coming to other characters in this book, though it consists of a whole lot of real characters which we know existed, thanks to vastly documented accounts of history, there are some which are fictional. While I was reading the parts with the fictional characters, I couldn't help but wonder if they are really based on some figure which existed back then or is it all just the writers imagination. The reason for this question in my mind is that, how properly these fictional characters fit in the story, it's marvellous really and that again is a commendable job. The plot develops at a nice and fine pace and leads to the development of characters in a really nice manner regarding which I am just pleasantly happy.
Coming to what did not work for me, was sometimes how many characters were there to follow, as it was my first time reading a historical fiction, that was a bit troublesome for me. But thanks to a list of characters with a small intro given at the very beginning of the story, I didn't have to look it up on the web all the time which just made this an over-all very enjoyable process.
I am eagerly waiting for the next part in this trilogy. Will recommend it to everyone who is interested in knowing more about Maratha history and is looking to start in this genre of historical fiction or generally loves to read books of this genre. It is a very great one and I assure you, you won't be disappointed.
The Legend of Bahir ji- Naik : Raiders of Surat by Shreyas Bhave captures the rise of Shivaji Raje with the raid of Surat, directed by Raje's parmukh guptachar Bahir Naik in 1664, years before his coronation as Mahraja Shivaji took place.
This is the first ever historical fiction I have read and I have to admit, it probably is one of the best works in this genre, at least for me, opinions may vary. The book very beautifully captures the essence of Surat in the 17th century and it flows with the narration. The best thing about the narration part for me is that it is not just from the point of view of one person, and the writer uses that fantastically.
The one hazard of writing a historical fiction is all the historians out there who know the facts. So it is important to choose an even from history about which there isn't much details available. And the legend of Bahir Naik is one such example, as the writer has mentioned it in his Author's Note. Bhave took this event and used it to his benefit so perfectly, it is commendable. Even though when there isn't much to go on for in history regarding this legendary figure, Bhave does the job of giving this character a life in his book in a very splendid manner, it all just fits in and not one part of it will feel like it's forced, and that's something very important I feel when it comes to historical fiction.
I would rather not talk about anything from the plot, because that would lead to a spoiler and it's best not to spoil this one, you should just read this book.
Coming to other characters in this book, though it consists of a whole lot of real characters which we know existed, thanks to vastly documented accounts of history, there are some which are fictional. While I was reading the parts with the fictional characters, I couldn't help but wonder if they are really based on some figure which existed back then or is it all just the writers imagination. The reason for this question in my mind is that, how properly these fictional characters fit in the story, it's marvellous really and that again is a commendable job. The plot develops at a nice and fine pace and leads to the development of characters in a really nice manner regarding which I am just pleasantly happy.
Coming to what did not work for me, was sometimes how many characters were there to follow, as it was my first time reading a historical fiction, that was a bit troublesome for me. But thanks to a list of characters with a small intro given at the very beginning of the story, I didn't have to look it up on the web all the time which just made this an over-all very enjoyable process.
I am eagerly waiting for the next part in this trilogy. Will recommend it to everyone who is interested in knowing more about Maratha history and is looking to start in this genre of historical fiction or generally loves to read books of this genre. It is a very great one and I assure you, you won't be disappointed.
November 3, 2023
“The life of spies is to know, not be known.” – George Herbert
History may be written by the victors, but it’s high time some of history’s quieter contributors got the attention they deserve. History is replete with examples of unsung heroes who sacrificed everything including their lives. ‘The Legend of Bahirji-Naik: Raiders of Surat’ takes us back to the 17th Century India where the newly established Maratha and how spies like Bahirji Naik helped achieve the biggest military upheaval of their times.
The story is set in the Maratha Empire in the 17th Century India. Constant warfare with the Mughals and other enemies has weakened the kingdom and drastic steps are needed to replenish the treasury. The solution lies in a daring raid on the rich enemy city of Surat, deep inside the enemy territory and guarded by a strong enemy contingent. A seemingly suicide mission rests on the intelligence by the formidable spy network of the Marathas; lead by the Bahirji-Naik and their protegee Shashidhwaj. Can the spies come up with a plan to overpower the city's formidable defences?
The book is a historical fiction so it takes the liberty to present the Bahirji Naik, as mentioned in historical texts, as two persons Bahirji Bandal and Sadashiv Naik. From the first chapter itself, the story immerses you in the 17th Century India where Maratha empire is battling for survival against the mighty Mughal Empire. The book captures the politics, military strategies, the guerrilla warfare and secret raids planned. The story also explores the clandestine way in which spies operate. The story starts with the second night of the raid on Surat and then we trace the story backwards that let up to this point. Narrated over 26 chapters, the story gives enough space to introduce the different characters. There are different subplots featuring a character and the story seamless shifts between these narratives.
The writing is excellent and the historical research; right to the last-minute detail is top notch. The story maintains it’s intrigue, from the start to the end, and there are twists and turns along the way to keep you hooked. The characters are well crafted. The biggest challenge according to me was that very little of these characters incl Bahirji Naik is documented and the writer has to use his own skill to create some authentic characters like Shashidwaj's to advance the narrative. The portrayal of the central characters has been realistic and the story captures their feelings, motives and emotional conflict really well. The story is the first part of a multi series book and it will be interesting to read the next book in the series.
Overall, ‘The Legend of Bahirji-Naik: Raiders of Surat’ is an engrossing read combining historical narrative with a plot full of adventure and valour. If you are a fan of historical fiction, you will enjoy this book.
History may be written by the victors, but it’s high time some of history’s quieter contributors got the attention they deserve. History is replete with examples of unsung heroes who sacrificed everything including their lives. ‘The Legend of Bahirji-Naik: Raiders of Surat’ takes us back to the 17th Century India where the newly established Maratha and how spies like Bahirji Naik helped achieve the biggest military upheaval of their times.
The story is set in the Maratha Empire in the 17th Century India. Constant warfare with the Mughals and other enemies has weakened the kingdom and drastic steps are needed to replenish the treasury. The solution lies in a daring raid on the rich enemy city of Surat, deep inside the enemy territory and guarded by a strong enemy contingent. A seemingly suicide mission rests on the intelligence by the formidable spy network of the Marathas; lead by the Bahirji-Naik and their protegee Shashidhwaj. Can the spies come up with a plan to overpower the city's formidable defences?
The book is a historical fiction so it takes the liberty to present the Bahirji Naik, as mentioned in historical texts, as two persons Bahirji Bandal and Sadashiv Naik. From the first chapter itself, the story immerses you in the 17th Century India where Maratha empire is battling for survival against the mighty Mughal Empire. The book captures the politics, military strategies, the guerrilla warfare and secret raids planned. The story also explores the clandestine way in which spies operate. The story starts with the second night of the raid on Surat and then we trace the story backwards that let up to this point. Narrated over 26 chapters, the story gives enough space to introduce the different characters. There are different subplots featuring a character and the story seamless shifts between these narratives.
The writing is excellent and the historical research; right to the last-minute detail is top notch. The story maintains it’s intrigue, from the start to the end, and there are twists and turns along the way to keep you hooked. The characters are well crafted. The biggest challenge according to me was that very little of these characters incl Bahirji Naik is documented and the writer has to use his own skill to create some authentic characters like Shashidwaj's to advance the narrative. The portrayal of the central characters has been realistic and the story captures their feelings, motives and emotional conflict really well. The story is the first part of a multi series book and it will be interesting to read the next book in the series.
Overall, ‘The Legend of Bahirji-Naik: Raiders of Surat’ is an engrossing read combining historical narrative with a plot full of adventure and valour. If you are a fan of historical fiction, you will enjoy this book.
May 19, 2022
Rating- 4.8
'The Legend of Bahirji-Naik: Raiders of Surat' is the first book in the series of 'The Legend of Bahirji-Naik'. It is a tale that centers two pramukh guptachar(Head of Intelligence) of Raje Shivaji's, who took adventurous and risky paths to keep the nation safe and in balance. When the Maratha Empire was in a dire need of money to keep the healthy administration going on under Raje Shivaji and also to protect the borders from foreign intruders, these two intelligent agents of Raje came up with the plan to raid Surat. Surat was indeed a lavish place flowing with currencies because of a rich trading business. The location of Surat was a perfect destination for foreigners to unload their products and indulge in business with the rich businessmen (like Haji Kasim, Virji Vora etc.) in the land of Surat. This place was not less than a depository of Gold, Silver, ornaments and Coins. The Mughal Subhedar Inayat Khan, a lousy and foolish person who failed to properly guard Surat and his failings did became an easy invitation for the Marathas to enter this place, loot it and take them back to Rajgad.
Wow! That was my first reaction after I finished reading this book. This book takes into detail an account of the events that happened in the Surat raid, starting from preparation of the plan for executing it into a successful one. Definitely there were many characters in the book that did confused me at the start, and I was almost on the verge of quitting to read this book. But what kept me going was that I never knew anything about Bahirji Bandal and Sadashiv Naik, so in curiosity I kept finding the right page to keep me hook to the story and it did. After going through a dozen of pages when the spies actually started to take their task into action, I founded the intriguing part in the book. And definitely after completing it, I have to admit it was a gem of a book.
There was drama, there was action and there was suspense. And all of these elements are what make a book intriguing according to me. The author at the start of this book has mentioned that there are no historical accounts of the two mystical figures, but stories of them have existed through oral bards. That's the reason why the author has created some fictional characters and events to make the story even more engrossing and fascinating. And for sure the author has accomplished his goal in bringing forward the story of these two mystical figures to the readers beautifully through his right choice of words and lucid writing.
A must read!
'The Legend of Bahirji-Naik: Raiders of Surat' is the first book in the series of 'The Legend of Bahirji-Naik'. It is a tale that centers two pramukh guptachar(Head of Intelligence) of Raje Shivaji's, who took adventurous and risky paths to keep the nation safe and in balance. When the Maratha Empire was in a dire need of money to keep the healthy administration going on under Raje Shivaji and also to protect the borders from foreign intruders, these two intelligent agents of Raje came up with the plan to raid Surat. Surat was indeed a lavish place flowing with currencies because of a rich trading business. The location of Surat was a perfect destination for foreigners to unload their products and indulge in business with the rich businessmen (like Haji Kasim, Virji Vora etc.) in the land of Surat. This place was not less than a depository of Gold, Silver, ornaments and Coins. The Mughal Subhedar Inayat Khan, a lousy and foolish person who failed to properly guard Surat and his failings did became an easy invitation for the Marathas to enter this place, loot it and take them back to Rajgad.
Wow! That was my first reaction after I finished reading this book. This book takes into detail an account of the events that happened in the Surat raid, starting from preparation of the plan for executing it into a successful one. Definitely there were many characters in the book that did confused me at the start, and I was almost on the verge of quitting to read this book. But what kept me going was that I never knew anything about Bahirji Bandal and Sadashiv Naik, so in curiosity I kept finding the right page to keep me hook to the story and it did. After going through a dozen of pages when the spies actually started to take their task into action, I founded the intriguing part in the book. And definitely after completing it, I have to admit it was a gem of a book.
There was drama, there was action and there was suspense. And all of these elements are what make a book intriguing according to me. The author at the start of this book has mentioned that there are no historical accounts of the two mystical figures, but stories of them have existed through oral bards. That's the reason why the author has created some fictional characters and events to make the story even more engrossing and fascinating. And for sure the author has accomplished his goal in bringing forward the story of these two mystical figures to the readers beautifully through his right choice of words and lucid writing.
A must read!
October 10, 2023
When I saw the title and found out on whom the book is written my mind raised a question in a moment, "Why Fiction?"
Then as I flipped the cover and saw the quote written by Anon and Kautilya I got my answer. When you don't have any records available for someone, how do you write a Nonfiction like documented version of Book. Now as I continued reading, the story made me realise how difficult it is to create fiction.
In the world of nonfiction, we rely on the foundation of documented facts, but when crafting historical fiction, the author's task is akin to an archaeologist, unearthing stories from the whispers of the past, and then weaving them into a rich tapestry of imagination. This journey of storytelling is not for the faint of heart; it demands meticulous attention to detail, a profound understanding of the subject, and a boundless well of creativity.
It's a process I'd only heard of before, during a literary festival where the renowned Ashwin Sanghi shared insights, but I truly comprehended its complexities through the pages of this book.
As I ventured further, I was entranced by the vibrant settings, brought to life by the words. Characters, gracefully introduced, well before the start of the story, became beacons guiding me through this historical voyage. The landscapes they traversed and the experiences they shared etched themselves into my mind.
The dialogue, a symphony of words echoing the ethos of the era, added depth to the narrative. It wasn't just a story; it was an experience, a vivid immersion into a bygone time.
While the ultimate destination of the plot may have been clear from the outset, the true allure lay in the journey itself. The covert games, the audacious adventures, the palpable thrill that coursed through each chapter — these elements transformed the predictable into a gripping tale.
Intrigue and espionage, courage and guile – the tale unfolded like an intricate ballet, and the detailed narration ensured that every step was both thrilling and enlightening.In the grand tapestry of historical fiction, this creation stands as a masterful testament.
With its meticulously constructed world and characters, it doesn't merely serve as a novel; it immerses you within its world. The enigma propelling the narrative, the tension that lingers, and the exhilaration coursing through each page — these are the hallmarks of a well-spun yarn. As for the destiny of the depicted realm, it remains a tantalizing query, beckoning you to delve further into the pages and lose yourself in history's enigmatic embrace.
Then as I flipped the cover and saw the quote written by Anon and Kautilya I got my answer. When you don't have any records available for someone, how do you write a Nonfiction like documented version of Book. Now as I continued reading, the story made me realise how difficult it is to create fiction.
In the world of nonfiction, we rely on the foundation of documented facts, but when crafting historical fiction, the author's task is akin to an archaeologist, unearthing stories from the whispers of the past, and then weaving them into a rich tapestry of imagination. This journey of storytelling is not for the faint of heart; it demands meticulous attention to detail, a profound understanding of the subject, and a boundless well of creativity.
It's a process I'd only heard of before, during a literary festival where the renowned Ashwin Sanghi shared insights, but I truly comprehended its complexities through the pages of this book.
As I ventured further, I was entranced by the vibrant settings, brought to life by the words. Characters, gracefully introduced, well before the start of the story, became beacons guiding me through this historical voyage. The landscapes they traversed and the experiences they shared etched themselves into my mind.
The dialogue, a symphony of words echoing the ethos of the era, added depth to the narrative. It wasn't just a story; it was an experience, a vivid immersion into a bygone time.
While the ultimate destination of the plot may have been clear from the outset, the true allure lay in the journey itself. The covert games, the audacious adventures, the palpable thrill that coursed through each chapter — these elements transformed the predictable into a gripping tale.
Intrigue and espionage, courage and guile – the tale unfolded like an intricate ballet, and the detailed narration ensured that every step was both thrilling and enlightening.In the grand tapestry of historical fiction, this creation stands as a masterful testament.
With its meticulously constructed world and characters, it doesn't merely serve as a novel; it immerses you within its world. The enigma propelling the narrative, the tension that lingers, and the exhilaration coursing through each page — these are the hallmarks of a well-spun yarn. As for the destiny of the depicted realm, it remains a tantalizing query, beckoning you to delve further into the pages and lose yourself in history's enigmatic embrace.
November 18, 2023
The Legend of Bahirji-Naik: Siege of Panhala (Book II) is a gripping historical fiction novel that delves into the tumultuous period of Maratha history during the siege of Purandar. The narrative unfolds with the Fort of Purandar under siege by a formidable Mughal army, led by Afghan leader Dilerkhan and Rajput Commander Mirza Raje Jaysingh. The Maratha nation faces dire circumstances, surrounded on all sides, and Raje Shivaji must strategize with his advisors to navigate the perilous situation.
The book intricately combines together historical events with the thrilling escapades of Shivaji Raje's intelligence team, the Guptachars led by Bahirji-Naik. The author masterfully recounts the daring escape from Panhalgad Fort, the Battle of Umberkhind, and the subsequent challenges faced by the Guptachars as they prepare to outmaneuver the Mughal Army against impossible odds.
The narrative also skillfully incorporates elements of guerilla warfare, diplomatic negotiations, and the Treaty of Purandar, showcasing the multifaceted challenges Shivaji Raje and his kingdom faced. The characters, particularly Bahirji Banda and Sadashiv Naik, are fleshed out with human failings and complementary virtues, adding depth and believability to their roles in the unfolding events.
The author's meticulous research is evident in the historical accuracy and vivid descriptions of the forts, landscapes, and the political intricacies of the time. The inclusion of notable historical figures like Mirza Raje Jaisingh, Dilirkhan, and others enriches the narrative, providing a well-rounded view of the complex historical context.
The storytelling is engaging, maintaining a perfect balance between action-packed sequences and strategic decision-making. The inclusion of the author's note provides insight into the creative process and historical considerations, enhancing the reader's understanding and appreciation for the narrative choices made.
The dual persona of Bahirji-Naik, split into two characters, adds an interesting dimension to the story, addressing skepticism about the historical figure's seemingly impossible achievements. This creative decision contributes to the novel's overall credibility and relatability.
This is a compelling historical fiction novel that transports readers to a critical juncture in Maratha history. With a well-crafted narrative, rich historical detail, and intriguing characters, the book is a must-read for those fascinated by the dynamic tales of Shivaji Raje and the Maratha Swarajya.
The book intricately combines together historical events with the thrilling escapades of Shivaji Raje's intelligence team, the Guptachars led by Bahirji-Naik. The author masterfully recounts the daring escape from Panhalgad Fort, the Battle of Umberkhind, and the subsequent challenges faced by the Guptachars as they prepare to outmaneuver the Mughal Army against impossible odds.
The narrative also skillfully incorporates elements of guerilla warfare, diplomatic negotiations, and the Treaty of Purandar, showcasing the multifaceted challenges Shivaji Raje and his kingdom faced. The characters, particularly Bahirji Banda and Sadashiv Naik, are fleshed out with human failings and complementary virtues, adding depth and believability to their roles in the unfolding events.
The author's meticulous research is evident in the historical accuracy and vivid descriptions of the forts, landscapes, and the political intricacies of the time. The inclusion of notable historical figures like Mirza Raje Jaisingh, Dilirkhan, and others enriches the narrative, providing a well-rounded view of the complex historical context.
The storytelling is engaging, maintaining a perfect balance between action-packed sequences and strategic decision-making. The inclusion of the author's note provides insight into the creative process and historical considerations, enhancing the reader's understanding and appreciation for the narrative choices made.
The dual persona of Bahirji-Naik, split into two characters, adds an interesting dimension to the story, addressing skepticism about the historical figure's seemingly impossible achievements. This creative decision contributes to the novel's overall credibility and relatability.
This is a compelling historical fiction novel that transports readers to a critical juncture in Maratha history. With a well-crafted narrative, rich historical detail, and intriguing characters, the book is a must-read for those fascinated by the dynamic tales of Shivaji Raje and the Maratha Swarajya.
September 16, 2023
"The Legend of Bahirji-Naik: Raiders of Surat (Book I)" transports readers back to the tumultuous era of Maratha Swarajya in 1663, where the dream of a kingdom of the people, as envisioned by Raje Shivaji, is on the verge of collapse. The story begins with an empire under siege, beset by enemies from the North and South, its armies decimated, and its treasury drained. Pune, the heart of Maratha heritage, lies occupied by the Mughal Subhedar Shaistekhan, casting a shadow of despair over the land. In this dire situation, the survival of Maratha Swarajya hinges on a seemingly insurmountable mission, setting the stage for a thrilling tale of courage and resilience.
At the heart of the story is Bahirji-Naik, a charismatic leader of the Guptachar corps, who, along with his young apprentice Shashidhwaj, takes on the formidable task of leading Raje's army to Surat, a city shrouded in corruption and guarded by a formidable Mughal force. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each carrying their own burdens and ambitions that add depth to the plot. Bahirji-Naik's charisma and determination shine through, making him a captivating protagonist who embodies the spirit of the Maratha resistance.
The narrative is rich in action, intrigue, and strategic planning. As Bahirji-Naik and his team navigate the treacherous Mughal territory on their quest to conquer Surat, readers are treated to a rollercoaster of suspense and excitement. The book effectively captures the tension of each encounter and the thrill of every strategical move.
While "Raiders of Surat" offers an engrossing story with well-drawn characters and meticulous historical detail, some readers may find the pacing a bit uneven, with certain sections requiring patience as the plot unfolds. Additionally, a glossary or a brief historical context section might be helpful for readers less familiar with the historical backdrop.
"The Legend of Bahirji-Naik: Raiders of Surat (Book I)" is a captivating historical fiction novel that brings to life a pivotal moment in Indian history. It offers a compelling blend of action, strategy, and heroism, making it a must-read for fans of historical fiction and those interested in the epic struggles of the Marathas against the Mughal Empire. With its strong character development and vivid storytelling, it promises an exciting start to what is likely to be an enthralling series.
At the heart of the story is Bahirji-Naik, a charismatic leader of the Guptachar corps, who, along with his young apprentice Shashidhwaj, takes on the formidable task of leading Raje's army to Surat, a city shrouded in corruption and guarded by a formidable Mughal force. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each carrying their own burdens and ambitions that add depth to the plot. Bahirji-Naik's charisma and determination shine through, making him a captivating protagonist who embodies the spirit of the Maratha resistance.
The narrative is rich in action, intrigue, and strategic planning. As Bahirji-Naik and his team navigate the treacherous Mughal territory on their quest to conquer Surat, readers are treated to a rollercoaster of suspense and excitement. The book effectively captures the tension of each encounter and the thrill of every strategical move.
While "Raiders of Surat" offers an engrossing story with well-drawn characters and meticulous historical detail, some readers may find the pacing a bit uneven, with certain sections requiring patience as the plot unfolds. Additionally, a glossary or a brief historical context section might be helpful for readers less familiar with the historical backdrop.
"The Legend of Bahirji-Naik: Raiders of Surat (Book I)" is a captivating historical fiction novel that brings to life a pivotal moment in Indian history. It offers a compelling blend of action, strategy, and heroism, making it a must-read for fans of historical fiction and those interested in the epic struggles of the Marathas against the Mughal Empire. With its strong character development and vivid storytelling, it promises an exciting start to what is likely to be an enthralling series.
May 12, 2022
Bahirji - Naik
Who was 'He' / were 'They'? Historians and folklore narrators say he was the Spy who played the classified roles to attain Swarajya for Maratha Chieftain Shivaji. The espionage and sacking of Mughal territory and the East Indian Company came under his influence. But was that a single person? Book 1 of this historical spy series differs from that fact. Bahirji Bandal and Sadashiv Naik; popularly known as the Bahirji-Naik poke another missing link. While the research and notes say Bahirji-Naik's real name was Bhairavnath Jadav, the information on Bahirji Bandal and Sadashiv Naik is nowhere to be found. Just like a phantom, their identity can be evaporated in the fine air. Book 1 follows the espionage, sabotage, heist, and sacking of Surat while giving birth to an unknown spy Shashidhwaj.
If you have read this far, one of the biggest 'What If' you may already point out, is the identity of Shashidhwaj. According to the book, he was an orphaned cowherd who was recruited and trained as a spy under the guidance of the Bahirji-Naik duo, who was key to the sacking of Surat. Can it be possible that he took over the identity of Bandal-Sadaahiv and transformed himself into the phantom, the legend Bahirji-Naik? Only time and future sequels will answer the 'What If'.
As for now, wanna learn about the art of espionage? A great storyline directly influenced by our own history constitutes the concept of spies, the covert operations, the training, the sabotaging of the enemy army, and espionage plans while maintaining the focus on human behaviour, emotions and every aspect of life thoroughly. If you love reading Spy fiction why not give this legend a try, as the epilogue has mentioned from the CIA to Mossad everyone follows the art of espionage in their training and their covert operations. More than Five major POV and numerous other POVs are all that needs to explore the 17th Century's vision of Maratha Swarajya, Surat, its phenomena, people, rogues, Britishers and the phantoms. As far as the ending is concerned it's an open-end and directly points out that it will follow the legend of Bahirji-Naik and Shashidhwaj in the sequels of this trilogy. Will follow with the unfolding of the 'What If' with the sequel - 'The Seize of Panhala'.
Until then, learn the art of espionage with 'The legend of Bahirji-Naik - Raiders of Surat'.
Happy reading.
Who was 'He' / were 'They'? Historians and folklore narrators say he was the Spy who played the classified roles to attain Swarajya for Maratha Chieftain Shivaji. The espionage and sacking of Mughal territory and the East Indian Company came under his influence. But was that a single person? Book 1 of this historical spy series differs from that fact. Bahirji Bandal and Sadashiv Naik; popularly known as the Bahirji-Naik poke another missing link. While the research and notes say Bahirji-Naik's real name was Bhairavnath Jadav, the information on Bahirji Bandal and Sadashiv Naik is nowhere to be found. Just like a phantom, their identity can be evaporated in the fine air. Book 1 follows the espionage, sabotage, heist, and sacking of Surat while giving birth to an unknown spy Shashidhwaj.
If you have read this far, one of the biggest 'What If' you may already point out, is the identity of Shashidhwaj. According to the book, he was an orphaned cowherd who was recruited and trained as a spy under the guidance of the Bahirji-Naik duo, who was key to the sacking of Surat. Can it be possible that he took over the identity of Bandal-Sadaahiv and transformed himself into the phantom, the legend Bahirji-Naik? Only time and future sequels will answer the 'What If'.
As for now, wanna learn about the art of espionage? A great storyline directly influenced by our own history constitutes the concept of spies, the covert operations, the training, the sabotaging of the enemy army, and espionage plans while maintaining the focus on human behaviour, emotions and every aspect of life thoroughly. If you love reading Spy fiction why not give this legend a try, as the epilogue has mentioned from the CIA to Mossad everyone follows the art of espionage in their training and their covert operations. More than Five major POV and numerous other POVs are all that needs to explore the 17th Century's vision of Maratha Swarajya, Surat, its phenomena, people, rogues, Britishers and the phantoms. As far as the ending is concerned it's an open-end and directly points out that it will follow the legend of Bahirji-Naik and Shashidhwaj in the sequels of this trilogy. Will follow with the unfolding of the 'What If' with the sequel - 'The Seize of Panhala'.
Until then, learn the art of espionage with 'The legend of Bahirji-Naik - Raiders of Surat'.
Happy reading.
June 3, 2022
I certainly have a long term enmity with the Marxist Historians and their distortion towards the Bharat’s itihaas, and her culture. Indian’s these days merely care about the itihaas we shared, the young minds are rotten of west-appeasement to the peak extent and are yet decolonized intellectually. We neither want to learn nor recognize the people who blatantly fought the death but were enraged to attain Swaraj. Our books never did justice to those Unsung Warrior’s nor did the so-called intellectual society, who rather chose to endorse leftist cultural genocide.
Mughals are given a special privilege into the books and glorified as if they never were invaders, but they were the Indian Kings who by far with no so-called war’s captivated India’s major territorial area. This is what I say as an absurd idea of History, some set of morons want to force us into the narrative of invaders, the narrative of colonizers and the purpose behind that is to whitewash the atrocities done by the invaders. It is utter shame that we can’t tribute the Hero’s but rather ended up glorifying the invaders. I pity this set of nincompoop History.
I'm sure the majority of reader’s won’t have heard the name of Bahirji-Naik post this read, as we barely get an account of Unsung Warriors. The plot is about the Mughal times, how their expansionist idea was resisted by the great, Chatrapati Shivaji Raje and his fierce man. One such character, whom this story pays tribute to, is Bahirji Naik. He was a spy and Military Commander in the Maratha force at the time the Mughals was at war with Marathas. His wit and gallantry were renowned those days and that certainly made Raje to honor him with the
title “Naik”
The plot is utterly engrossing, and has a rich character of nationalism within. Well, it would have been obvious even if I had not mentioned, it depicts the Maratha Army, which was led by the Raje, one of the greatest son’s to Bharat Mata. The author must be appreciated for penning down the story of an Unsung Warrior, whose History was craving for a subtle space in the society. The book gave me some instances of goosebumps; I was completely soaked within the read. The read is an example of flawless, smooth and intriguing essence. It hardly took three days for me to complete the book, amid my exams ongoing.
Overall, I loved the read and would recommand everyone to give it a try.
Mughals are given a special privilege into the books and glorified as if they never were invaders, but they were the Indian Kings who by far with no so-called war’s captivated India’s major territorial area. This is what I say as an absurd idea of History, some set of morons want to force us into the narrative of invaders, the narrative of colonizers and the purpose behind that is to whitewash the atrocities done by the invaders. It is utter shame that we can’t tribute the Hero’s but rather ended up glorifying the invaders. I pity this set of nincompoop History.
I'm sure the majority of reader’s won’t have heard the name of Bahirji-Naik post this read, as we barely get an account of Unsung Warriors. The plot is about the Mughal times, how their expansionist idea was resisted by the great, Chatrapati Shivaji Raje and his fierce man. One such character, whom this story pays tribute to, is Bahirji Naik. He was a spy and Military Commander in the Maratha force at the time the Mughals was at war with Marathas. His wit and gallantry were renowned those days and that certainly made Raje to honor him with the
title “Naik”
The plot is utterly engrossing, and has a rich character of nationalism within. Well, it would have been obvious even if I had not mentioned, it depicts the Maratha Army, which was led by the Raje, one of the greatest son’s to Bharat Mata. The author must be appreciated for penning down the story of an Unsung Warrior, whose History was craving for a subtle space in the society. The book gave me some instances of goosebumps; I was completely soaked within the read. The read is an example of flawless, smooth and intriguing essence. It hardly took three days for me to complete the book, amid my exams ongoing.
Overall, I loved the read and would recommand everyone to give it a try.
February 7, 2023
First in the trilogy, Raiders of Surat, traces the events, particularly, the involvement of Guptachars in the revered sack of port city Surat in 1664. The Pramukh Guptachars of Shri Shivaji Raje, Bahirji Bandal and Sadashiv Naik stumble upon a cowherd named, Shashidhwaj, who is astonished by the aura of these spies. He is taken under their shed and taught spycraft under Nanaji Deshmukh Ji. The coffers of Swarajya are going dry and only one act can get Swarajya back on its feet: a raid on Surat, a city full of gold, money and corruption. Soon, Shashidhwaj finds himself in a dangerous adventure in Surat, working with Bahirji and Naik to get crucial information about the resources in the city. In Surat, forces of merchants, Mughals and Angrez clash, and sometimes work together, to get hold of barrels of gold.
First of all, the book cover is swoon-worthy. Its minimalist, quiet and yet loud enough. The page quality is amazing. And oh, did I tell you that the cover of the book is almost twice in thickness than a usual paperback book cover?!
The book does not shy away from getting fast. The author has done a simply brilliant job in writing about the 1664 Sack of Surat in a manner which does not try to rewrite history, but rather make its own place in the folklores and fiction regarding it. The author’s note was necessary and he definitely convinced me to read this in one go just with how crisp he did the prologue. The characters are well written: both who existed in history, as well as the ones which were a figment of his imagination. Bhave makes sure the story is about Swarajya first, and then about our young Shashidhwaj. The writing is neat, and a great number of conversations made me sit back and comprehend its gravity.
The only reason this is not a five star is because of the recurring amount of punctuational errors, and a couple of spelling errors here and there. It was an obstruction in my reading experience, and sincerely hope this is dealt with in the coming books.
Was the book fast? Yes. Was it rushed? Absolutely not! A great addition to the literature around the Maratha Swarajya, Raiders of Surat is a must read, a clever Historical Fiction that is here to stay in the genre.
HAR HAR MAHADEV!
First of all, the book cover is swoon-worthy. Its minimalist, quiet and yet loud enough. The page quality is amazing. And oh, did I tell you that the cover of the book is almost twice in thickness than a usual paperback book cover?!
The book does not shy away from getting fast. The author has done a simply brilliant job in writing about the 1664 Sack of Surat in a manner which does not try to rewrite history, but rather make its own place in the folklores and fiction regarding it. The author’s note was necessary and he definitely convinced me to read this in one go just with how crisp he did the prologue. The characters are well written: both who existed in history, as well as the ones which were a figment of his imagination. Bhave makes sure the story is about Swarajya first, and then about our young Shashidhwaj. The writing is neat, and a great number of conversations made me sit back and comprehend its gravity.
The only reason this is not a five star is because of the recurring amount of punctuational errors, and a couple of spelling errors here and there. It was an obstruction in my reading experience, and sincerely hope this is dealt with in the coming books.
Was the book fast? Yes. Was it rushed? Absolutely not! A great addition to the literature around the Maratha Swarajya, Raiders of Surat is a must read, a clever Historical Fiction that is here to stay in the genre.
HAR HAR MAHADEV!
June 3, 2022
Book 1 from the Trilogy.
...
To save the Swarajya, Raje Shivaji entrusts his Guptachars Bahirji Bandal and Sadashiv Naik. They plan to raid the city of Surat, to seize all the valuables like coins and gold from the enemy Mughal territory. This whole book lead upto that event predominantly with the main characters Bahirji-Naik along with their newly found cowherd boy named Shashidwaj. They train him to be the strongest Guptachar.
In an attempt to wipe out everything, Bahirji, Naik and Shashidwaj brings out their best spy work. Shasidhwaj is vividly a fictional creation by the author that echoes the qualities of incredible courage and resilience.
Since i have read many tamil historical novels about chera, chola and pandiya rulers, I must say i didn't know about this Bahirji-Naik, Guptachar (intelligence spy) of Chatrapati Shivaji, the greatest ruler of Maratha kingdom from history. Even his existence was oblivious to me until i read this book. The most interesting fact about Bahirji-Naik is they are not two people in real history but one single person. The author has impressively split the famous person into two and melded the history, characters and events to create an adventurous story.
The author's note given in the book is a must read. It is an added bonus. You will be clearly guided by the author explaining the main characters and their roles in the story. This taught me the perfect amount of things that almost i didn't know anything at all.
I would like to highlight the night discussions on their hut by the river, talks about what they did throughout the day and relaxing on their hut are one of my favorites. I know there are many scenes and actions took place to be praised for but i somehow liked these specific parts.
The author has meticulously researched and expertly woven the story with this little known character, some essential characters along with some fictional characters.
Those who like to read and dig into more historical fiction. Grab this book. You will enjoy reading it. All around this book was enjoyable. I highly recommend❤
...
To save the Swarajya, Raje Shivaji entrusts his Guptachars Bahirji Bandal and Sadashiv Naik. They plan to raid the city of Surat, to seize all the valuables like coins and gold from the enemy Mughal territory. This whole book lead upto that event predominantly with the main characters Bahirji-Naik along with their newly found cowherd boy named Shashidwaj. They train him to be the strongest Guptachar.
In an attempt to wipe out everything, Bahirji, Naik and Shashidwaj brings out their best spy work. Shasidhwaj is vividly a fictional creation by the author that echoes the qualities of incredible courage and resilience.
Since i have read many tamil historical novels about chera, chola and pandiya rulers, I must say i didn't know about this Bahirji-Naik, Guptachar (intelligence spy) of Chatrapati Shivaji, the greatest ruler of Maratha kingdom from history. Even his existence was oblivious to me until i read this book. The most interesting fact about Bahirji-Naik is they are not two people in real history but one single person. The author has impressively split the famous person into two and melded the history, characters and events to create an adventurous story.
The author's note given in the book is a must read. It is an added bonus. You will be clearly guided by the author explaining the main characters and their roles in the story. This taught me the perfect amount of things that almost i didn't know anything at all.
I would like to highlight the night discussions on their hut by the river, talks about what they did throughout the day and relaxing on their hut are one of my favorites. I know there are many scenes and actions took place to be praised for but i somehow liked these specific parts.
The author has meticulously researched and expertly woven the story with this little known character, some essential characters along with some fictional characters.
Those who like to read and dig into more historical fiction. Grab this book. You will enjoy reading it. All around this book was enjoyable. I highly recommend❤
May 17, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK - " THE KEGEND OF BAHIRJI -NAIK : RAIDERS OF SURAT "
AUTHOR - " SHREYAS BHAVE "
GENRE- " HISTORICAL FICTION "
Having spent the past few days immersed in Indian history books where I'm getting to read about the medival period which starts with the establishment of the Mughal empire in 1526. Having had a strong hold for several centuries, the only formidable empire which could establish a pan Indian empire like Mughals was the Maratha empire. Chatrapati Shivaji was an ambitious king who wanted to expand his empire throughout India and having known the treacherous devices of the Mughals, wanting to overthrow them has been their constant effort. But the dream is under threat. With constant battles with the hyderabad empire and the mysore in the south and the britishers who are ever ready to shift alliances and their involvement in the internal affairs, Maratha swarajya seems to be a far dream.
Constant wars have depleted their resources and only way to replenish them is the rich port town of Surat. But Surat is garrisoned heavily by the Mughal empire and have fortied the town to protect the trade.
The protagonist of this book is Bahirji Naik who is a spy. He is set on a mission to find a safe passage for the Raje's army to infiltrate into the fortied town of Surat and launch a surprise attack.
But the path leading to Surat is filled with Mughal soldiers. Bahirji - Naik is accompanied by Shashidhwaj who is a amateur to the guptachar corps.
Will Bahirji- Naik and Shashihwaj be able to smuggle the gorilla soldiers of the Maratha empire ?
Will Raje Shivaji's dream of establishing a strong Maratha empire become true ?
The war sequences are vividly explained which is a delight to the reader. It also gives a rare glimpse of the lifestyle and the various conditions prevalent during the eighteenth century. It's a treat to the reader who loves Indian history and historical fiction. The language is lucid and fast paced. Moreover, it's only the first book of the series and I'm excited to read more.
Do check it out. 😊
BOOK - " THE KEGEND OF BAHIRJI -NAIK : RAIDERS OF SURAT "
AUTHOR - " SHREYAS BHAVE "
GENRE- " HISTORICAL FICTION "
Having spent the past few days immersed in Indian history books where I'm getting to read about the medival period which starts with the establishment of the Mughal empire in 1526. Having had a strong hold for several centuries, the only formidable empire which could establish a pan Indian empire like Mughals was the Maratha empire. Chatrapati Shivaji was an ambitious king who wanted to expand his empire throughout India and having known the treacherous devices of the Mughals, wanting to overthrow them has been their constant effort. But the dream is under threat. With constant battles with the hyderabad empire and the mysore in the south and the britishers who are ever ready to shift alliances and their involvement in the internal affairs, Maratha swarajya seems to be a far dream.
Constant wars have depleted their resources and only way to replenish them is the rich port town of Surat. But Surat is garrisoned heavily by the Mughal empire and have fortied the town to protect the trade.
The protagonist of this book is Bahirji Naik who is a spy. He is set on a mission to find a safe passage for the Raje's army to infiltrate into the fortied town of Surat and launch a surprise attack.
But the path leading to Surat is filled with Mughal soldiers. Bahirji - Naik is accompanied by Shashidhwaj who is a amateur to the guptachar corps.
Will Bahirji- Naik and Shashihwaj be able to smuggle the gorilla soldiers of the Maratha empire ?
Will Raje Shivaji's dream of establishing a strong Maratha empire become true ?
The war sequences are vividly explained which is a delight to the reader. It also gives a rare glimpse of the lifestyle and the various conditions prevalent during the eighteenth century. It's a treat to the reader who loves Indian history and historical fiction. The language is lucid and fast paced. Moreover, it's only the first book of the series and I'm excited to read more.
Do check it out. 😊
May 23, 2022
👉𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊:-
📚ⓉⒾⓉⓁⒺ:- The Legends of Bahirji-Naik
🖋️ⒶⓊⓉⒽⓄⓇ:- Shreyas Bhave
🗞️ⓅⓊⒷⓁⒾⓈⒽⒺⓇ:- Leadstart Publication
🔤ⓁⒶⓃⒼⓊⒶⒼⒺ:- English
📖ⒻⓄⓇⓂⒶⓉ:- Paperback
👉𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐎𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐒:-
This book is all set in 1660s during Shivaji Maharaj's ruling time & his dynasty is under the eyes of enemies all around. Starting from Mughals to Britishers everyone has a keen eye on the Maratha Empire to capture it & rule it.
.
Shaiste Khan along with his trooped encamped the ancestral city Pune to fight with Martha's & occupying it.
.
This made the Maratha dynasty to think about their war strategy as this war going to create a void in their treasuries & also going to be a tough work to rebuild their army again.
.
During this peculiar they came of an idea to attack Surat. Surat is rich in gold & going to solve all their issues in one go. But the main obstacle in front of them is Inayat Khan who is the Mughal Subedar of Surat along with his troop of 5000 soldiers.
.
Here comes the main protagonists of the book Bahirji-Naik who is the spy of Marathas & expert in Changing
.
To know more about it grab the book & give it a try.
👉𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒 :-
🙂 Cover of the book is nice. It is designed in a preety well with a dark theme.
🙂 Writing style of the book wonderful. Here author focused on each details of that peculiar time & the decisive role of Bahirji-Naik in it.
🙂 Language used in the book is simple & easily understandable. You can read it without any sort of difficulties.
🙂 The way author developed all other characters in the book & give a new shape to the book.
🙂 The peculiar situations the detailing of maratha's empire in a quite effective way.
🙂 There are many legends who are not mentioned in the history but they deserve more recognization which they didn't get it just like Bahirji-Naik who is just not a name but one of the most important person in Mughal & Maratha's war.
🙂 Book is nicely paced. Author synchronised each scene in a quite perfect manner keeping an eye to the reader's experience.
𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑:-🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
📚ⓉⒾⓉⓁⒺ:- The Legends of Bahirji-Naik
🖋️ⒶⓊⓉⒽⓄⓇ:- Shreyas Bhave
🗞️ⓅⓊⒷⓁⒾⓈⒽⒺⓇ:- Leadstart Publication
🔤ⓁⒶⓃⒼⓊⒶⒼⒺ:- English
📖ⒻⓄⓇⓂⒶⓉ:- Paperback
👉𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐎𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐒:-
This book is all set in 1660s during Shivaji Maharaj's ruling time & his dynasty is under the eyes of enemies all around. Starting from Mughals to Britishers everyone has a keen eye on the Maratha Empire to capture it & rule it.
.
Shaiste Khan along with his trooped encamped the ancestral city Pune to fight with Martha's & occupying it.
.
This made the Maratha dynasty to think about their war strategy as this war going to create a void in their treasuries & also going to be a tough work to rebuild their army again.
.
During this peculiar they came of an idea to attack Surat. Surat is rich in gold & going to solve all their issues in one go. But the main obstacle in front of them is Inayat Khan who is the Mughal Subedar of Surat along with his troop of 5000 soldiers.
.
Here comes the main protagonists of the book Bahirji-Naik who is the spy of Marathas & expert in Changing
.
To know more about it grab the book & give it a try.
👉𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒 :-
🙂 Cover of the book is nice. It is designed in a preety well with a dark theme.
🙂 Writing style of the book wonderful. Here author focused on each details of that peculiar time & the decisive role of Bahirji-Naik in it.
🙂 Language used in the book is simple & easily understandable. You can read it without any sort of difficulties.
🙂 The way author developed all other characters in the book & give a new shape to the book.
🙂 The peculiar situations the detailing of maratha's empire in a quite effective way.
🙂 There are many legends who are not mentioned in the history but they deserve more recognization which they didn't get it just like Bahirji-Naik who is just not a name but one of the most important person in Mughal & Maratha's war.
🙂 Book is nicely paced. Author synchronised each scene in a quite perfect manner keeping an eye to the reader's experience.
𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑:-🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
October 23, 2023
"The Legend of Bahirji-Naik: Raiders of Surat" by Shreyas Bhave offers a compelling and action-packed narrative set in the tumultuous era of 17th-century India. The story provides a detailed and well-researched account of a critical moment in Indian history, where the Maratha empire faced dire circumstances under the Mughal threat. Bhave's storytelling shines as it transports readers back in time to a world of bravery, intrigue, and resilience.
Bahirji Naik, originally known as Bhairavnath Jadhav, was a 17th-century Indian spy and military commander in the army of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during the turbulent period of the Maratha Empire's conflict with the Mughal Empire. His exceptional contributions to intelligence and military operations earned him the honorific title of "Naik" from Shivaji Maharaj. As a Maratha warrior, Bahirji Naik and his comrades were celebrated for their resilience and formidable fighting abilities. Serving as Shivaji Maharaj's Chief of Intelligence, Bahirji Naik proved highly successful in his methods, leaving an indelible mark on Indian history.
One of the book's standout features is the meticulous research Legend of Bahirji-Naik" not only captures the essence of the Maratha-Mughal conflict but also sheds light on the interactions between various Indian communities and the Dutch and English in the backdrop of the early British presence in India. This makes the book an even more valuable resource for history enthusiasts.
In conclusion, "The Legend of Bahirji-Naik: Raiders of Surat" is an engaging and action-packed historical fiction novel that vividly portrays a pivotal moment in Indian history. With its well-developed characters, meticulous attention to detail, and compelling storytelling, this book promises an exciting start to what is likely to be an enthralling series. For anyone interested in the epic struggles of the Marathas against the Mughal Empire, this book is a must-read. Looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.
Bahirji Naik, originally known as Bhairavnath Jadhav, was a 17th-century Indian spy and military commander in the army of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during the turbulent period of the Maratha Empire's conflict with the Mughal Empire. His exceptional contributions to intelligence and military operations earned him the honorific title of "Naik" from Shivaji Maharaj. As a Maratha warrior, Bahirji Naik and his comrades were celebrated for their resilience and formidable fighting abilities. Serving as Shivaji Maharaj's Chief of Intelligence, Bahirji Naik proved highly successful in his methods, leaving an indelible mark on Indian history.
One of the book's standout features is the meticulous research Legend of Bahirji-Naik" not only captures the essence of the Maratha-Mughal conflict but also sheds light on the interactions between various Indian communities and the Dutch and English in the backdrop of the early British presence in India. This makes the book an even more valuable resource for history enthusiasts.
In conclusion, "The Legend of Bahirji-Naik: Raiders of Surat" is an engaging and action-packed historical fiction novel that vividly portrays a pivotal moment in Indian history. With its well-developed characters, meticulous attention to detail, and compelling storytelling, this book promises an exciting start to what is likely to be an enthralling series. For anyone interested in the epic struggles of the Marathas against the Mughal Empire, this book is a must-read. Looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews