Challenging Destiny A Biography of Chhatrapati Shivaji

The life of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Extremely well researched, the book is a delight to read as it provides detailed facts and insights into the life of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

One of the things which stands out while reading the book is the level of details the author has provided about the Civil and Military structure of Shivaji’s kingdom and also of Mughals comparing the merits and demerits of both the systems.

The book begins with the era of Shahaji Bhosale’s rise in the court of Adilshahi kingdom, the birth of Shivaji Bhosale and then takes the reader through the various life events of Shivaji Maharaj.

The really interesting part is that even though the author has stuck to the facts regarding the life events still they appear as if they have been extracted right out of some daredevil hero story, such was the life of the Legend Shivaji Maharaj.

In the book the author writes "In those times when soldiers fled from battlefield moments after their king fell, Shivaji's empowered warriors fought for 27 years after his death to keep his dream alive." which signifies the quality of a king who is not merely a ruler but also one who inspires and gives hope to his people for their future. In a time when Aurangzeb was on a rampage of religious persecution, Shivaji stood up to give hope of a nation which treated all with equal respect irrespective of their religion, caste or social status.

One surprise jewel of the book is a side by side comparison of one of the most daring and famous missions of Shivaji Maharaj and a recent military operation which demonstrates his military leadership in the way the mission was planned and executed. The reader is sure to get goose bumps as one reads about the operation.

The book also illustrates the farsightedness of Shivaji Maharaj in terms of military strategy and civil governance for his people. While reading the book one realizes how Swaraj or self-rule was conceptualized by him and how it still remains of relevance even today.

The book is really a good read for anyone who is looking to know about Shivaji Maharaj with its simple yet exciting writing style.

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