What do you think?
Rate this book
नानासाहेब पेशवा: एक विलक्षण कालखंड
This book is the Marathi translation of 'The Extraordinary Epoch of Nanasaheb Peshwa'. The mid-eighteenth century began with the Marathas as the paramount power in India, and in the next two decades, they rose in power and prestige. In the Carnatic, Bengal, Rajputana, Malwa, Bundelkhand they were supreme, and in Delhi, the Marathas ruled while the Mughal king reigned. In this period when Nanasaheb Peshwa was at the helm, the Maratha power reached its zenith. But that was not the entire story. The events of the mid-eighteenth century are pivotal, and determined the course of the next five decades. The rise of the Europeans in the south and the east added a new dimension, so that this epoch eventually emerged as the crossroad of Indian history. This book narrates that engrossing story. The book is published in hardcover, with over 40 colour pictures on art plates and 27 maps and illustrations. The 500 page book is copiously annotated with over a thousand references and has a bibliography and a glossary along with an introduction to principal characters and important genealogies.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
496 pages, Paperback
First published September 27, 2020
9 people are currently reading
225 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 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 22, 2021
A very well researched book and that is what we expect from such a fabulous writer. Uday Kulkarni’s books are always a delight to read. Kulkarni has an amazing skill to tell the story in a mesmerizing way. This book resurrects the era of Supreme Maratha Power. The Extraordinary Epoch of Nanasaheb Peshwa describes how the Maratha Empire became powerful, and gives a detailed description of that era, aided with rare texts, letters and various sources.
This book is not a biography on Nanasaheb, it is more than that, and it is the story of that period or era. It covered everything that happened during that reign, and how did Nanasaheb managed to make Maratha kingdom to stand at its zenith. Baji Rao expanded the 'Swarajya' established by Shivaji Maharaj into a 'Samrajya'. And Nanasaheb Peshwa continued the legacy of Baji Rao by expanding it further. The reading is intriguing, moving in a lot of places and come across various personalities will surely make you engrossed. I love the way how writer have used Waqianavis as a narrator and a framing device which gives insight of an administration of Maratha. 18th century was truly tumultuous period with great upheavals in Indian political history; it was a cauldron of several competing powers. This book fascinatingly paints a vivid picture of that era.
I loved how so many backstories were mentioned in this book West Coast, French, Britishers, Delhi, Nizam, Carnatic, Mysore, Goa, Bengal, Odisha, Rajputana, Malwa, Gujarat and many other stories which help in developing narrative even stronger. This is how history should be written to make you understand what were scenarios during those times and it is easy to connect those dots. This make you understand how decisions were taken.
This book has photographs, maps, illustrations, genealogies, dramatis personae. This kinda book helps you in visualizing and understanding the narrative. For lucid account of one of the most important personality and period of Indian history, do read this book. The writer manages to create the era in front of your eyes with maps and so many other details. It is not an easy story to tell due to the number of events that occur and the numerous powers and ambitious personalities that appear in these years. He doesn't flinch from highlighting the faults of the players involved. Well referenced and yet not cluttered at all. The book filled a gap in our historiography and opens some doors for history lovers. The complex story of those times and the motives of the chief actors that gave direction to Indian History deserve to be read and understood. And another thing I have always liked about this book is that you feel all the characters are living by your side.
Sadly, our school textbooks have taught many generations that it was the time when the control of India passed from Mughal to Britishers. The correct history is by the time British emerged as a strong political power, India was ruled by Marathas, Rajputs, Jats, Sikhs, Carnatic, Mysore, Travancore, Awadh & Ahoms. Mughal empire was virtually dead. The fixation of historians to move from the Mughals to the British, with Marathas as a passing reference needs to revisited in today's multi polar world.
The 1750's were the heydays of Maratha imperialism under the Peshwas. From a small kingdom in Maharashtra in 1713, the Maratha empire had expanded to cover majority of the subcontinent by the 1750s. The Mughal emperor of Delhi became a Maratha protectorate and tribute was levied from regions as far apart as Bengal, Arcot and Mysore. The Maratha Flag flew over Peshawar in 1758 marking the high tide of Maratha expansion.
Every page, every battle, every armaments used all are detailed using a spectacular dramtised format as if you are part of the complete story. Uday Kulkarni's narrative gift draws the reader into events that are almost unbearable, but his account is so perceptive and so warmly humane that one is never tempted to break away. This epoch was full of extraordinary events that shaped the future course of Indian history, leading up to this day. The research work needs to be applauded again and again to the author and all his friends and family who have helped him with writing of this most essential script which I believe every Indian must know.
Along with this book, i also suggest you to read Solstice at Panipat and The Era of Baji Rao by the same author. Luckily this year, i read all these three books and all of them were amazing. Take your time. Read his books. There are tons of new information. It will give you lot of new perspectives.
Now I am waiting for Uday Kulkarni's next book Mastery of Hindustan: Triumphs and Travails of Madhav Rao Peshwa.
This book is not a biography on Nanasaheb, it is more than that, and it is the story of that period or era. It covered everything that happened during that reign, and how did Nanasaheb managed to make Maratha kingdom to stand at its zenith. Baji Rao expanded the 'Swarajya' established by Shivaji Maharaj into a 'Samrajya'. And Nanasaheb Peshwa continued the legacy of Baji Rao by expanding it further. The reading is intriguing, moving in a lot of places and come across various personalities will surely make you engrossed. I love the way how writer have used Waqianavis as a narrator and a framing device which gives insight of an administration of Maratha. 18th century was truly tumultuous period with great upheavals in Indian political history; it was a cauldron of several competing powers. This book fascinatingly paints a vivid picture of that era.
I loved how so many backstories were mentioned in this book West Coast, French, Britishers, Delhi, Nizam, Carnatic, Mysore, Goa, Bengal, Odisha, Rajputana, Malwa, Gujarat and many other stories which help in developing narrative even stronger. This is how history should be written to make you understand what were scenarios during those times and it is easy to connect those dots. This make you understand how decisions were taken.
This book has photographs, maps, illustrations, genealogies, dramatis personae. This kinda book helps you in visualizing and understanding the narrative. For lucid account of one of the most important personality and period of Indian history, do read this book. The writer manages to create the era in front of your eyes with maps and so many other details. It is not an easy story to tell due to the number of events that occur and the numerous powers and ambitious personalities that appear in these years. He doesn't flinch from highlighting the faults of the players involved. Well referenced and yet not cluttered at all. The book filled a gap in our historiography and opens some doors for history lovers. The complex story of those times and the motives of the chief actors that gave direction to Indian History deserve to be read and understood. And another thing I have always liked about this book is that you feel all the characters are living by your side.
Sadly, our school textbooks have taught many generations that it was the time when the control of India passed from Mughal to Britishers. The correct history is by the time British emerged as a strong political power, India was ruled by Marathas, Rajputs, Jats, Sikhs, Carnatic, Mysore, Travancore, Awadh & Ahoms. Mughal empire was virtually dead. The fixation of historians to move from the Mughals to the British, with Marathas as a passing reference needs to revisited in today's multi polar world.
The 1750's were the heydays of Maratha imperialism under the Peshwas. From a small kingdom in Maharashtra in 1713, the Maratha empire had expanded to cover majority of the subcontinent by the 1750s. The Mughal emperor of Delhi became a Maratha protectorate and tribute was levied from regions as far apart as Bengal, Arcot and Mysore. The Maratha Flag flew over Peshawar in 1758 marking the high tide of Maratha expansion.
Every page, every battle, every armaments used all are detailed using a spectacular dramtised format as if you are part of the complete story. Uday Kulkarni's narrative gift draws the reader into events that are almost unbearable, but his account is so perceptive and so warmly humane that one is never tempted to break away. This epoch was full of extraordinary events that shaped the future course of Indian history, leading up to this day. The research work needs to be applauded again and again to the author and all his friends and family who have helped him with writing of this most essential script which I believe every Indian must know.
Along with this book, i also suggest you to read Solstice at Panipat and The Era of Baji Rao by the same author. Luckily this year, i read all these three books and all of them were amazing. Take your time. Read his books. There are tons of new information. It will give you lot of new perspectives.
Now I am waiting for Uday Kulkarni's next book Mastery of Hindustan: Triumphs and Travails of Madhav Rao Peshwa.
December 31, 2020
An outstanding analysis of a fascinating epoch in Indian history. Like his other books, Dr. Kulkarni has weaved an intricate story based on comprehensive research & a flair for story-telling. A truly enjoyable book that any student of history would love!
January 10, 2022
Ujjwala Uvacha
This is my third book by Dr Uday Kulkarni, the first two being The Solstice at Panipat and the Era of Baji Rao. And with each book the author sets up a new benchmark for himself and other modern historians. This book is another well researched work on the Maratha and the Indian History. The author has painted the shades of the political and martial climate that was playing out on the landscape of Indian fabric during the two decades’ reign of Nanasaheb Peshwa.
This book is heavier compared to the previous two books; and has too many parallel stories running along the central theme. And that was intentional because one couldn’t appreciate the strategies and decision taken up by the Peshwa without knowing about the chess games being played in another place which may not seem to have any direct bearing on the Maratha Empire. And due to this, at times it felt overwhelming and confusing, but the author handled the multiple threads of his narration skillfully and seamlessly.
The book covers the history of the growing power and influence of the Maratha Empire, the dying star of the Mughal Empire. The trade and political manoeuvre of the Portuguese, the French and the British EIC. The brutal invasions and pillage by the Islamic invaders like the Abdalis. The changing political alliance of the Rajputs, the Nizams, and the houses of Golconda, Carnatic, Bengal, et al. Dr Kulkarni has shared references from multiple sources enriching the whole reading experience and backing the historicity of his narration.
After reading the book, the thought that occupied my mind was - had Baji Rao and Chimmaji Appa lived few more years, the history would have been far different. Imagine, the warrior Baji Rao with his fearless army, the anchor Chimmaji Appa, who was both a soldier and an administrator. And imagine a young Nanasaheb complimenting the strength of his father with his political acumen and administrative excellence.
This is my third book by Dr Uday Kulkarni, the first two being The Solstice at Panipat and the Era of Baji Rao. And with each book the author sets up a new benchmark for himself and other modern historians. This book is another well researched work on the Maratha and the Indian History. The author has painted the shades of the political and martial climate that was playing out on the landscape of Indian fabric during the two decades’ reign of Nanasaheb Peshwa.
This book is heavier compared to the previous two books; and has too many parallel stories running along the central theme. And that was intentional because one couldn’t appreciate the strategies and decision taken up by the Peshwa without knowing about the chess games being played in another place which may not seem to have any direct bearing on the Maratha Empire. And due to this, at times it felt overwhelming and confusing, but the author handled the multiple threads of his narration skillfully and seamlessly.
The book covers the history of the growing power and influence of the Maratha Empire, the dying star of the Mughal Empire. The trade and political manoeuvre of the Portuguese, the French and the British EIC. The brutal invasions and pillage by the Islamic invaders like the Abdalis. The changing political alliance of the Rajputs, the Nizams, and the houses of Golconda, Carnatic, Bengal, et al. Dr Kulkarni has shared references from multiple sources enriching the whole reading experience and backing the historicity of his narration.
After reading the book, the thought that occupied my mind was - had Baji Rao and Chimmaji Appa lived few more years, the history would have been far different. Imagine, the warrior Baji Rao with his fearless army, the anchor Chimmaji Appa, who was both a soldier and an administrator. And imagine a young Nanasaheb complimenting the strength of his father with his political acumen and administrative excellence.
May 4, 2022
I have been huge fan of Uday S. Kulkarni sir for writing unbiased history books. His books are full of photographs and sources too.
May 26, 2021
Dr. Kulkarni has put forth all the facts regarding Nanasaheb's Peshwa's reign with clear evidences. Most of the battles and politics were not known to me.
Nanasaheb's policies of dealing with both friend and foe have been articulated clearly as well as the weaknesses which the empire which at its zenith stretched from beyond the banks of the Godavari River till Attock beyond Lahore in present day Pakistan.
The failings as well as the strengths of Nanasaheb have been highlighted. Nanasaheb had to deal not only with external foes like the Mughals, Nizam, British, Dutch and the Portuguese but also internal enemies. How he dealt with all these and at the same time consolidated and strengthened the Maratha Empire is a good treatise to read. All this history was unknown to me and not present in the history text books taught in school.
Nanasaheb's policies of dealing with both friend and foe have been articulated clearly as well as the weaknesses which the empire which at its zenith stretched from beyond the banks of the Godavari River till Attock beyond Lahore in present day Pakistan.
The failings as well as the strengths of Nanasaheb have been highlighted. Nanasaheb had to deal not only with external foes like the Mughals, Nizam, British, Dutch and the Portuguese but also internal enemies. How he dealt with all these and at the same time consolidated and strengthened the Maratha Empire is a good treatise to read. All this history was unknown to me and not present in the history text books taught in school.
December 18, 2020
The extraordinary epoch of Nanasaheb Peshwa is an example of the detailed study done by author about the history of India during mid-eighteenth century. A interweave of multiple events happened with different empires like Maratha, Mughal, Nizam, French , Portuguese and English. It was written dispassionately unbiased as a true history book should be written. So, it wasn't biography of Shrimant Nanasaheb Peshwa but the details of all the events happened during hia tenure. A treat for history lovers.
October 7, 2020
This book talks about the era after the death of Peshwa Bajirao until the death of his son Balaji Bajirao, better known as Peshwa Nanasaheb. Even though this book is not only about Nanasaheb, he is the main protagonist in this story as he was the most powerful man in India during that period. Nanasaheb wasn't a warrior or a military genius like his father but he was certainly a great administrator, diplomat and a politician. After the death of Chhatrapati Shahu, he became the head of the huge Maratha empire and tried his best to keep it united and stable. He even had plans to expand the empire and he did succeed in it when his chiefs captured Lahore, Peshawar and Attock and the empire reached its zenith.
In this book, the author has explained all the events which happened in India in these twenty-one years from 1740 - 1761. There were no permanent enemies during that period and the Marathas had a love-hate relationship with the Mughals, Nizam of Hyderabad, the French and even their own navy admiral Angre brothers.
The book is around 500 pages and the story is written in detail in lucid English. The author has done thorough research like a true historian and presented the facts in this book without any prejudice or bias. This book is a must-read for any history enthusiast as it covers 2 important decades of the most interesting era (the 18th century) in the history of India.
In this book, the author has explained all the events which happened in India in these twenty-one years from 1740 - 1761. There were no permanent enemies during that period and the Marathas had a love-hate relationship with the Mughals, Nizam of Hyderabad, the French and even their own navy admiral Angre brothers.
The book is around 500 pages and the story is written in detail in lucid English. The author has done thorough research like a true historian and presented the facts in this book without any prejudice or bias. This book is a must-read for any history enthusiast as it covers 2 important decades of the most interesting era (the 18th century) in the history of India.
September 11, 2023
The book is less about Nanasaheb (Balaji Baji Rao) and and more about the times he lived in and the ways he impacted it. He became the Peshwa in 1720 at the age of 19 after his famous soldier father passed away. And it was during his reign as the chieftain that saw Marathas fully replacing the Mughals as the dominant power in India with their rule stretching from Attock in current day Afghanistan to Cauvery in the South of India. Within 50 years of Shivaji's coronation, the kingdom had become what Mughal empire was at its apogee. And Nanasaheb had a central role to play in it, though unlike his father, he did not personally take part in any of the battles on the field.
During much of his 20 years at the helm, Nanasaheb dueled mostly with the Nizam of Deccan who had become autonomous as Mughal empire disintegrated post Aurangzeb. After the depredations of Nadir Shah in 1739, Mughal authority fully evaporated and various ex vassals started jockeying for power and space during those chaotic years. Nawabs of Bengal & Audh, Nizam from Deccan, Marathas from western ghats, rajputs, rohillas, jats, English, and french. It was a deadly cocktail and from this melee emerged Mughals who for few decades became the masters of all after having defeated all other powers on the scene before being themselves eclipsed by the English.
One would immediately notice few things in the book. First was ideological fluidity. Friendship and enmity were all transactional. Two warring armies would sometimes go together as allies right from the battlefield to face their common enemy! Also the constant cycle of recruiting an army, feeding it and moving it required a lot of money. So it became a self feeding demon. Battles were continuously fought to extract money to pay for the same battle.
The book also highlights the key reason for lightning speed at which Maratha territories grew. Ironically it came about as the first Peshwa (grandfather of Nanasaheb) abandoned centralization of administration and professionalization of army sought by the founder. Instead he instituted a federal system in which non overlapping areas of influence were parceled out and hereditary land awards were given. These two decisions led to many enterprising soldierly chieftains fanning out across the land, subduing the decaying Mughal vassals and extracting their levies.
The story of all conquering Nanasaheb ironically ends in crushing defeat at the hands of the Afghan king Ahmed Shah on the plains of Panipat in January 1761. The battle also saw the death of Nanasaheb's eldest son and heir along with number of great chiefs. Although he was already ill by this time, I have a feeling that this shock had a role in his death just six months later at the age of 40.
During much of his 20 years at the helm, Nanasaheb dueled mostly with the Nizam of Deccan who had become autonomous as Mughal empire disintegrated post Aurangzeb. After the depredations of Nadir Shah in 1739, Mughal authority fully evaporated and various ex vassals started jockeying for power and space during those chaotic years. Nawabs of Bengal & Audh, Nizam from Deccan, Marathas from western ghats, rajputs, rohillas, jats, English, and french. It was a deadly cocktail and from this melee emerged Mughals who for few decades became the masters of all after having defeated all other powers on the scene before being themselves eclipsed by the English.
One would immediately notice few things in the book. First was ideological fluidity. Friendship and enmity were all transactional. Two warring armies would sometimes go together as allies right from the battlefield to face their common enemy! Also the constant cycle of recruiting an army, feeding it and moving it required a lot of money. So it became a self feeding demon. Battles were continuously fought to extract money to pay for the same battle.
The book also highlights the key reason for lightning speed at which Maratha territories grew. Ironically it came about as the first Peshwa (grandfather of Nanasaheb) abandoned centralization of administration and professionalization of army sought by the founder. Instead he instituted a federal system in which non overlapping areas of influence were parceled out and hereditary land awards were given. These two decisions led to many enterprising soldierly chieftains fanning out across the land, subduing the decaying Mughal vassals and extracting their levies.
The story of all conquering Nanasaheb ironically ends in crushing defeat at the hands of the Afghan king Ahmed Shah on the plains of Panipat in January 1761. The battle also saw the death of Nanasaheb's eldest son and heir along with number of great chiefs. Although he was already ill by this time, I have a feeling that this shock had a role in his death just six months later at the age of 40.
November 18, 2023
An extensively researched book on the Peshwa's life am excitedly awaiting the next in this series which shall be Madhav Rao Peshwa.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews