A review of the book 'Challenging Destiny: A Biography of Chhatrapati Shivaji' written by Medha Deshmukh Bhaskaran.
Darkness engulfs the Indian subcontinent. The 17th century is destined to be an era of brutal wars, incessant oppression, and physical and spiritual carnage in the name of religion. Shivaji, a warrior and thinker far ahead of his times, rises and renders a rousing dream - respect and dignity for human life, economic equity, and empowerment.
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Coming up: A review of the book 'Challenging Destiny: A Biography of Chhatrapati Shivaji' written by Medha Deshmukh Bhaskaran.
Namaste Friends. My name is 'Shinil Subramanian Payamal' and you are listening to the Historylogy podcast.
Before I proceed, a full disclosure: This book was bought with my own money and not been provided to me by the author or publisher.
Little bit about the author:
Medha Deshmukh Bhaskaran’s passion for Mughal Maratha history began when she started writing a historical novel. The first part of this trilogy, Frontiers of Karma - the Counterstrike, set against the backdrop of the war between Shivaji and Aurangzeb was published in August 2014. The second book in her trilogy, The Stratagem, will soon be out. A microbiologist by profession, she has worked extensively for the pharmaceutical industry in India, Europe and the Middle East. For several years, she was also a health columnist for Khaleej Times, in Dubai. Now relocated to India, she is a full-time writer.
Let me read a brief description of the book:
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Darkness engulfs the Indian subcontinent. The 17th century is destined to be an era of brutal wars, incessant oppression, and physical and spiritual carnage in the name of religion. Shivaji, a warrior and thinker far ahead of his times, rises and renders a rousing dream - respect and dignity for human life, economic equity, and empowerment. Destiny does not favour him; he faces terribile odds - a fallen and defeated populace, the might of the Mughal Empire, and naval supremacy of the Western powers. Thus begins a battle of conflicting ideologies, contrasting belief systems, and sharply different visions of India - at stake is the future of the most ancient civilization. Witness the beginnings of the momentous events that will send thunderbolts across centuries, the echoes of which still haunt the subcontinent.
UNQUOTE
Medha Deshmukh Bhaskaran’s Challenging Destiny offers a comprehensive and engaging portrayal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, presenting him not merely as a historical figure but as a visionary who reshaped the course of Indian history. Published in 2016, this non-fiction work stands out for its engaging narrative, historical depth, and nuanced portrayal of Shivaji who laid the foundation for the Maratha Empire in the 17th century.
The author’s extensive research is evident throughout the book. Drawing from various sources, including Mehendale’s biography, Bhaskaran provides a detailed account of Shivaji’s life, battles, and governance. The inclusion of maps, family trees, and battle formations enhances the reader's understanding and immersion into the 17th-century period of India.
The biography excels in contextualizing Shivaji’s challenges—whether navigating the treacherous politics of the Deccan sultanates or confronting the might of the Mughal Empire under Aurangzeb.
Bhaskaran highlights pivotal moments, such as the daring raid on Shaista Khan’s camp and the strategic escape from Agra, with a storyteller’s flair, making these episodes gripping without sacrificing historical accuracy.
Conclusion:
Challenging Destiny: A Biography of Chhatrapati Shivaji is a must-read for anyone interested in Indian history and is an invaluable resource for those seeking to understand the multifaceted personality of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Medha Deshmukh Bhaskaran delivers a well-crafted, inspiring, and informative biography that captures Shivaji’s indomitable spirit and enduring legacy. While it may occasionally overwhelm with historical detail, its strengths—rigorous research, vivid storytelling, and a balanced portrayal of a complex figure—make it a standout work.
I recommend this book to history buffs, students, and anyone seeking to understand the man who challenged destiny to carve out a legacy of resilience and self-rule. However, if you are looking for something much more detailed, please pick up a copy of Gajanan Bhaskar Mehendale’s Shivaji: His Life and Times or Babasaheb Purandare’s Raja Shivchhatrapati.
I give this book 4/5.
Before I finish this review, I would like to mention what Sir Jadunath Sarkar had to say about Chhatrapati Shivaji:
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‘Shivaji was not only the maker of the Maratha nation but also the greatest constructive genius of medieval India. States fall, empires break up, dynasties become extinct but the memory of a true “hero as king” like Shivaji remains an imperishable historical legacy for the entire human race!’
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The book is available in Paperback, Kindle and Audible formats. I have given the respective buy links in the show notes. Please check them out for the latest prices.
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