When Shrimant Bajirao Peshwa, feared by even the mighty Mughals, hears the exquisite Mastani sing, the passion that sparks between them grows quickly into a raging fire.

The Peshwa defies his orthodox Brahmin heritage, declaring his love openly for the half-Muslim dancer, in the face of fierce opposition. A man way ahead of his time, Bajirao causes outrage when he marries Mastani, bringing her into his home as his second wife.

N.S. Inamdar’s timeless tale, that has inspired both film and television, brings alive the romance, intrigue and valour of the eighteenth-century Maratha empire. This irresistible novel is one of India’s favourite love stories.

Born in a village in Maharashtra’s Satara district, N.S. Inamdar (1923–2002) was one of India’s foremost Marathi novelists, with a writing career spanning over five decades. He is the author of sixteen historical novels and an autobiography.

Vikrant Pande has translated Ranjit Desai’s Raja Ravi Varma, Milind Bokil’s Shala and N.S. Inamdar’s Shahenshah. He has worked for over twenty-five years with various multinational companies and is currently heading TeamLease Skills University at Vadodara.

After having watched the movie more than a dozen times till now it was a but obvious thing for me to choose this book for review. Little did I know the surprises it held for me.First of all just to clarify I loved the movie. Every inch of it, the detailing of camera work, the powerful dialogues, the gorgeous dresses, the heart touching songs, the poignancy of emotions – every single thing. And I wanted to read the book solely to capture its magic once again and let it engulf me. Till now I felt the movie is a masterpiece but after reading the book I feel this masterpiece deserved more.

Rather what I experienced was something much more than the movie. This book is a much detailed version of the whole story and the movie is just a minuscule part of it with more fiction and substance added to it than the original. The book is one huge package of action, thrill, adventure, romance, emotions and most importantly magic. Yes this book has magic in it. This book has the answer to a lot of questions which came to my mind when I watched the movie.

There is lot more to Bajirao and Mastani both than just their love for each other. This book puts that all for display making you feel for them more emphatically than you felt after watching the movie. The roles of Chimaji Appa, Radhabai and many other prominent characters are clearly defined in the book making more sense at the larger picture. Till I read this book I didn’t know how important this book was considered in the Marthi Literature but now that I have read it,  I feel privileged.

The translator has done a superb job in ensuring that none of the words and their meanings are lost in translation. The language with its swiftness intact is what makes this book a roller coaster read. You want to reach the end and yet you don’t want the ride to end. You are enjoying it so much that you have tears of joy flowing out of your eyes.That is the magic of the book. The characters are so brightly painted that you will fall in love, again with both Bajirao and Mastani albeit a bit more than what you did in the movie.

Strongly recommended for one and all – lovers of romance, people who enjoyed movie, history lovers and ofcourse people who enjoy a good well researched read! This one promises to be all.

“Rau – The Great Love Story of Bajirao Mastani” by N.S. Inamdar, translated into English by Vikrant Pande, is an epic historical novel that brings to life one of the most legendary love stories in Indian history – the love between Bajirao I, the Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, and Mastani, a warrior princess of mixed heritage. The book is a rich and detailed retelling of the romance, struggles, and triumphs of this iconic couple, set against the backdrop of 18th-century India.

About the Author:

• N.S. Inamdar was a well-respected Marathi author known for his historical novels. He wrote extensively on themes related to Maratha history, particularly focusing on the lives of prominent figures like Bajirao I and Shivaji Maharaj.

• Inamdar’s works are celebrated for their depth, historical accuracy, and vivid storytelling, making them popular among readers interested in the history of the Maratha Empire and Indian royalty.

Overview of the Book:

“Rau – The Great Love Story of Bajirao Mastani” is a fictionalized account of the relationship between Bajirao I, one of the most valiant and influential Peshwas of the Maratha Empire, and Mastani, the daughter of a Rajput king and a Muslim woman. The novel takes the reader through the court intrigues, political challenges, and personal sacrifices that defined their relationship, which was marked by controversy, opposition, and intense passion.

Plot Highlights:

1. Bajirao I is portrayed as a brilliant military commander, a visionary leader, and a man of honor who is deeply committed to the Maratha cause. His love for Mastani, however, is both his greatest joy and a source of great turmoil. Mastani, the daughter of Chhatrasal, a Rajput king, and his Muslim consort, faces opposition from Bajirao’s family and the conservative elements of Maratha society.

2. The book delves into the complexities of Bajirao and Mastani’s relationship, showing how their love defies the social norms and the intense opposition from Bajirao’s mother and brother, who object to Mastani’s Rajput Muslim heritage.

3. Mastani is portrayed as a woman of strength and resilience, fighting for her love despite being alienated and rejected by the Maratha nobility. Her sacrifice, love, and determination to remain by Bajirao’s side amidst all odds is a central theme in the novel.

4. The novel also presents historical events surrounding Bajirao’s military campaigns, including his conflict with the Mughals, his strategy to strengthen the Maratha Empire, and the eventual decline of the Maratha power.

5. It also covers the emotional turmoil and sacrifices faced by Bajirao as he struggles to balance his duties as a ruler with his love for Mastani. The book beautifully captures the conflicting emotions that come with a love that is not accepted by society, yet survives through the strength of the bond between the lovers.

6. The book is not only a love story but also an account of political intrigue, warfare, and betrayals that were part of the life of Bajirao and his era. The backdrop of the growing Maratha Empire adds depth to the narrative, making it not just a tale of romance but also a vivid portrayal of historical India.

Themes:

• Love and Sacrifice: The central theme of the book is the intense love between Bajirao and Mastani, a relationship that defies societal norms, familial expectations, and religious divides.

• Honor and Loyalty: Both characters are portrayed as loyal to their duties, whether to their people, family, or their love for each other.

• Political Intrigue and Conflict: The novel also provides insight into the political struggles of the Maratha Empire and the courtly politics that often interfered with Bajirao’s personal life.

• Identity and Acceptance: Mastani’s struggle to be accepted by Bajirao’s family and the Maratha nobility highlights issues of identity and the challenges of cross-cultural relationships.

Writing Style and Translation:

• N.S. Inamdar’s writing is known for its historical depth and narrative richness. The story is filled with emotional and political intricacies, with the characters’ inner conflicts and outer battles intricately detailed.

• The book was originally written in Marathi, and the English translation by Vikrant Pande captures the essence of Inamdar’s writing style while making the historical narrative accessible to a global audience. The translation is praised for maintaining the emotional intensity of the original Marathi text while adapting it smoothly into English.

Reception:

• “Rau – The Great Love Story of Bajirao Mastani” has been well-received by readers who are interested in Indian history, particularly the Maratha Empire. The book has also attracted attention for its portrayal of one of India’s most tragic and beautiful love stories.

• The book was appreciated for bringing to light the emotional depth of the historical figures involved, while also providing insight into the political dynamics of the time.

• Fans of the Bajirao Mastani story (which was also adapted into a Bollywood film) may find the novel a more detailed and nuanced exploration of the historical and personal struggles of these iconic figures.

Conclusion:

“Rau – The Great Love Story of Bajirao Mastani” is a beautifully written, engaging historical novel that takes readers into the heart of one of the most passionate and tumultuous love stories in Indian history. Through Inamdar’s rich storytelling and Pande’s translation, readers are offered a deeper understanding of the personal sacrifices, emotional conflicts, and historical events that shaped the lives of Bajirao and Mastani. The book is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, romance, and Indian history, offering a unique look at the life of one of India’s greatest warriors and his legendary love story.