The Legend of Bahirji-Naik by Shreyas Bhave is an engrossing historical fiction built around the Maratha Swarajya. There have been many books in Marathi eulogizing Shivaji, when we talk about the Maratha history. So, this novel is a detour from the mainstream genre. Thus, we do not see here Shivaji as a protagonist. However, his influence runs underneath way enough to even cast other less-famous characters. Talking about the storyline, it’s a well-laid and well-thought out novel. The focus of the novel is the crumbling Maratha Swarajya in 1664 and how to revive it financially and morally. Raje Shivaji is stationed at Rajgad. The Mughals have tight grip over the regions around, with Pune as their base. Surat is a city that can change the fate of any struggling ruler. It’s bestowed with trade and gold. Rumours have that it has a lot of gold riches. In fact, the author kept Surat as the main backdrop of the novel. He has provided vivid and rich description of the streets, decks, traders...
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