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Kusum Chopra's novel is a very recent one and if I may it is heavily inspired by that Marathi novel called Rau on which the movie was based as well.
The part of Bundelkhand that was supposed to be handed over to Bajirao, did never come to him. And it is kind of warranted though. Chhatrasal had relations with multiple women and sons from them. It was natural for them revolt against the decision made by a dying man. Had the land been given to Bajirao then I would have been more suprised.
As far as Mastani is concerned then her supposed relation to the Mastan troupe is something I came to know from a documentary aired much before the movie or the novel came in existence. The letter of Deviki Nandan too has been mentioned. And it kind of make sense, the Mastan troupe frequented Patbal, Saswad and Pune and lot and Mastani's real name is not known. Many historians agree that the name Mastani was actually due to the rumoured association of hers with this said troupe.
This validation marriage I believe is root cause of all the fantastic legends that have come into being. The Brahmins of that age did practice polygamy but it was strictly among the Brahmin circle. Even in the 18th century Bengal and adjoining regions this was a prevelant norm. While initially there had been a lot of debates and discussion over Mastani's origin today it's a unanimously accepted belief that she was a Rajput princess though an illegitimate one.
I remember it was Dr. Anand's words that had my interest piqued in Mastani. She had said that the woman was a warrior and a political creature who earned her place among the common people of Pune. Unfortunately there has hardly been a series or adaptation that has shown her in the same light. The movie, the Marathi series, the novels and this series as well is a massive disappointment in every sense. Yes she had been married to Rau though it wasn't recognised. Yes she loved him and give versa but my question is was that only aspects of her? Why do historicals have to rest on live stories only? The socio-political scenario of the century makes no sense or what?
Rajputs towards the end of monarchy had began liberally imbibing the norms of Mughals. Having wives of different religions and faith, siring illegitimate children and what not. This is also one of the reasons why the historians now agree that Mastani was a Rajput though not of pure lineage. But even then she was a princess so she would have been brought up in luxury and would have had a happy life. Painting a sad picture of hers just to pique our sympathies is not done. This is not what I had signed up for while watching the series.
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