How small Shivaji was... - Page 4

Originally posted by: appynehra

Hi all!!

This is my second post on the forum!

I am predominantly from Rajasthan and a lover of historical fiction/shows. Thanks a lot MaddyO for sharing this beautiful piece of excerpt from the book.

I always feel that the cbse course (where i studied) from doesn't teach us much about the Maratha or south Indian history which is much more rich and I am always curious about.

Honestly, it was Sanjay Leela Bhansali and then this series because of which I tried reading up about all this on google. I would love if someone could share nice historical fiction books which also speak about the personal lives of these rulers.

Appy

Originally posted by: MaddyO

Hey Marathi Mulagi 😊 You are welcome
I have read Swami too. I think after Bajirao Peshwa, it was Madhavrao who was the most accomplished and achieved a lot. He died of Rajyakshma (or TB) quite young.

I have not read Rau. My 3 most favorite historical books are Shriman Yogi, Mrutyunjay and Swami in that order. I have read Babasaheb Purandare's book on Shivaji Maharaj too.

If you liked Swami, I am sure you will love reading Shriman Yogi. I watched that serial too I used to love its title song done by Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar.

Originally posted by: MaddyO

You are welcome Diksha 😊 I am sure you have read it many times before.

I don't even remember how many times I have read Shriman Yogi, from start to finish or just random chapters as per mood.

You are a fast reader 😃
Eagerly waiting for your post after reading the book again.

Originally posted by: history_geek

I am responding to you as i feel i can understand where you are coming from. I too, have followed Rajasthan history for a long time. And felt the same as you when i tried to delve into South Indian history. In the starting, the most problematic thing for me was to understand the complex relations and the politics of dynasties. Its almost 2 years now and i am at ease with it.

Most of the books about these rulers are present from a political point of view. We have to pick up the anecdotes about their personal lives from these political narratives. Very rarely a book deals with the personal life.

About Shivaji there is a Marathi book called Shriman Yogi (as mentioned earlier in this thread). But its English translation is out of stock. You can check the address given on Page 2 / 3 of this thread.

But about Bajirao there is a fantastic book called - "Rauu" . The author calls it historical fiction but even then it is regarded as a great book. He has researched before writing this "novel". It is related to Bajirao and Mastani and i feel this should be read. Till now, this was available in Marathi only, but now this has been translated in English too, just few months back. Search on Amazon with keywords - " Rau : translated by Vikrant Pande " . You can also read some sample pages there.

Whoever starts to read about Bajirao is recommended this book only ( i was also recommended and many members here too, have mentioned this. ) Rest of the books which i have read are mostly political narratives. Wars. Battles. etc. "Rau" comes most close to describing his personal life, i feel. :)


@Maddy
I have posted my views about Shivaji on your thread made for the purpose. Great to read this post. :)

Originally posted by: MaddyO

Hi Appynehra, welcome to Peshwa Bajirao forum 😃
I am glad you enjoyed reading the excerpt. The book Shriman Yogi is very famous and well loved and read. There are so many editions of this book, I think most Maharashtrians homes would have copy of this book.

Shriman Yogi, Rauu, Swami though historical books also contain lot of information about personal lives.

There are so many Marathi books on historical characters, some of them are translated into English and/or Hindi.
Abhay has already shared names of some books available in English.

Apart from books Abhay has suggested you might want to read "Swami" by Ranjit Desai. This book is on Madhavrao Peshwe, grandson of Bajirao Peshwe. He was also very capable ruler and Hindi version of this book is available on Amazon.

Originally posted by: appynehra

Hi history geek,

I came across Rauu when I googled about Bajirao the movie but I didn't know that they came up with a English translation! That would be so great to read!

That is what makes me more curious- we never know what their real story is.

If you people have watched themovie-would love to hear your thoughts on the same..