The Maratha Century

Dr Uday Kulkarnis Sixth publication”The Maratha Century” is another feather in his cap.It is an excellent addition to his versatile collection of writings on the glorious Maratha rule of our country in the 17th &18th century.True to his style, each narrative written over 37 chapters is succinct,crisp and factual having a distinct story about a personality, place or event, giving the feel of being present while the conversation/event/anecdote is unfolding before you. The cover painting truly depicts the fiery determination and confidence of the Maratha warrior he strides on a galloping horse to fight for the country.The hall mark of his writings of being non –judgemental or having any agenda to promote, is evident with supporting excerpts of original documents,maps and photographs,leaving it to the readers interpretation.The chapters on the unsung personalities of the Maratha rule with the likes of Chimaji appa,Sadashivrao Bhau,Queen Yesubai, Anandibai,Ghasiram Kotwal and others were specially interesting and an eye opener ,as not much is known about them and their contribution. For amateur historians and readers interested in the history of india the vignettes and anecdotes include cultural events, wars, personalities and even places like Kashi and Pune, to give a quick overview in the 175 odd years of Maratha rule.In competing with social media and internet it is a challenge to hold the readers attention for long and that is what the book has achieved very successfully with its short chapters , without compromising on the story. Overall the book is an excellent read (5/5)in all aspects of its writing, editing,with evidence based facts, apolitical in its presentation and written with a rare sincerity, to enlighten us on a glorious chapter of the history of our country under the Maratha rule.

A good travel read.

This book does a good job providing basic and some important insights about the Maratha Empire. Loved the book but the only problem with the piece I recieved was the printing error. Almost three topics were reprinted without any chronological order which can create confusion. Otherwise it's all good

It is a good first introduction to, or a refresher course on, Maratha History. This book focuses on the core premise of the eighteenth century being Maratha Century. From Shivaji Maharaj and the story of founding (1650s), to almost leaderless yet successful fight with Aurangzeb(1700s), to the Peshwa period, to the Holkar-Scindias, it traces an arc and presents cohesive narrative of that era, from the Maratha perspective. That includes several rulers, key battles, and some cultural vignettes. This book is unpretentious. Except for the last chapter, there is hardly any commentary by the author. It is mostly narration of facts. I personally like that in a book on history. The author, if anything, has only one agenda, and that is to bring the recognition of Maratha contributions in the history of the subcontinent. Something that the author essentially believes has been watered down or skipped over by successive historians under one guise or another. A key takeaway for me has been understanding of several common threads that underpinned the rule - religiosity, for one. Another takeaway has been recognition of contributions by several Sardars of the titular rules from time to time. From Moropant Pingle to Trimbakji Dengale the wide swath of valorous leaders of men were paid their due respects here, probably many getting their first mention in such a book for common readers' consumption. It is a well-produced book, with colour illustrations, black-and-white photos(most of which should have been colour reproductions) and maps. Befitting any history book, it has reference and index. Notably, the author has dedicated the book to historians working on Maratha history over the years. The author has already addressed some Maratha rulers and their times in much more depth, in his other books. This book provides a common fabric for that deeper investigation. We are eagerly awaiting next editions in that series.

"The Maratha Century: Vignettes & Anecdotes of the Maratha Empire" is a great compilation of essays on almost 170 years of Maratha rule. It takes the reader right from the first fort taken by Chhatrapati Shivaji to the Battle of Khadki in 1818 when finally British took over this country. This book rightfully highlights the fact that it was the Marathas from whom British took over this Nation and not the Mughals as is normally depicted in our history books. This book gives a clear understanding of the key statesman and how each of them played their part in making a eighteenth century a Maratha century. Book is very well researched and presented , which makes it a readers delight. If there was one power which British had to fight to take over this country- It was the Marathas. Dr. Uday Kulkarni brings out this story with his distinct style of writing and i personally think he has done a yeoman service to the field of Indian History , particularly Maratha history with this book alongwith his earlier books such as "Solstice at Panipat", "The Era of Bajirao", "The Extraordinary Epoch of Nanasaheb Peshwa". Please do buy and read this book to understand the Maratha History and the Eighteenth Century which they dominated.