Skip to main content

The Legend of Bahirji-Naik: Siege of Panhala by Shreyas Bhave | Book review

Book review:

"The Legend of Bahirji-Naik" is an enthralling historical rollercoaster, replete with characters as vibrant as a carnival parade. In the second instalment of this series, titled "Siege of Panhala," the author guides readers on a captivating voyage into the heart of Maratha Swarajya in the year 1665.

This compelling narrative revolves around the besieged Maratha nation, grappling with dire circumstances as the formidable Mughal army, under the command of Dilerkhan, and the Rajput Commander Mirza Raje Jaysingh, lay siege to the impregnable Fort of Purandar. Within these pages, readers will discover the profound wisdom of Raje Shivaji and his audacious plan to break free from this encirclement, echoing an earlier daring escape from the Panhalgad Fort.

As the gripping tale unfolds, the novel transports readers to a pivotal moment in history, where the Mughal and Adilshahi forces had once trapped the Swarajya, leaving the indomitable Maratha leader, Raje Shivaji, stranded on the Panhalgad Fort. A bold and daring escape strategy is devised, resulting in a riveting narrative that chronicles Shivaji's legendary flight to Vishalgad and the ensuing Battle of Umberkhind. This episode serves as a shining testament to the art of guerrilla warfare, demonstrating how resourceful individuals can outmaneuver even the most formidable adversaries.

The author's mastery lies in the art of character development, as historical figures come to life with unparalleled depth and authenticity. Of particular note is the portrayal of Shivaji Raje and the Guptachars, characters rendered with such nuance that they become relatable and multi-dimensional. This commitment to historical accuracy, coupled with a keen attention to the intricate details of the era's events and customs, enriches the narrative with a profound sense of depth.

The Guptachars' audacity and unwavering devotion to the Maratha cause are vividly brought to the forefront by the author. His unique depiction of guerrilla warfare, the complexities of diplomatic negotiations, and the formidable challenges of safeguarding a nation's leader create an engaging and enlightening reading experience.

In summary, "Siege of Panhala" is an absolute must-read for history aficionados, effortlessly blending history, fiction, suspense, and action into a gripping tapestry. It serves as a captivating prelude to the eagerly anticipated conclusion in "Escape from Agra." The book offers a seamless fusion of action, strategy, and diplomacy against the tumultuous backdrop of a pivotal period in India's past. It comes highly recommended for those seeking a riveting journey through history's corridors.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Taming the Turbulent Mind: Yogic Meditation and Mindfulness by Deekay

 Taming the Turbulent Mind: Yogic Meditation and Mindfulness for Combating Overthinking, Achieving Stress Relief, and Attaining Absolute Peace  Deekay | Book Review What is turbulence? Any thoughts, or have you ever tried to tame any animal? I remember watching circus shows organised once a year in the city's open area for all the locals to enjoy. There I used to cherish the person who tamed the elephants or the lion (if any). But today I thought of taming my mind. Every second our thoughts are randomly moving and giving us goosebumps. Nowadays people have so many threads of work looming in their minds that they feel like completing but fail to prioritise. To dive into a river is not easy. But only a few people have the calibre to do that. The same is true with diving in your mind. This practice needs calmness of mind and anxiety levels to be very low. I had heard about meditation and its techniques to apply in your daily routine, but when I stumbled upon this book, my myths w...

New Year RESOLUTIONS | Mistakes One should Not Repeat

 NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS: Introduction: Every year begins with a loving note full of excitement, energy, and plans to fulfil that year. A new year imparts lots of opportunities to reflect on the past and set our intentions for the future. Many of us, including me, are just promising ourselves to complete these resolutions but fail to take time for ourselves in our busy schedules. Is 2025 any different? Let's see. What are Resolutions? Resolutions  are more than fleeting promises—they are a chance to realign with our values, pursue personal growth, and create meaningful change. Whether we focus on health, improve relationships, or achieve   long-term dreams, resolutions help us stay purposeful throughout the year.  As we enter 2025, let’s take a moment to set realistic and inspiring goals that will guide us toward a fulfilling and balanced life. New Year Resolutions for 2025 Prioritize Health: Make Healthier Food Choices:  When it comes to food, our tongue is...

The Health And Wealth Paradox: How to Use First Principles Thinking to Achieve Both Ankush Datar , Mihir Patki

 The Health And Wealth Paradox: How to Use First Principles Thinking to Achieve Both  Ankush Datar ,  Mihir Patki | Book Review Investing is known as an interdisciplinary practice, but we would say so is health. In fact, the principles of health and wealth are so deeply intertwined that no one can learn from either discipline and apply the lessons across both. This book dives deep into the timeless link between smart investing and healthy eating. The book improves on complex subjects like smart dieting, wellness schedules, and monetary preparation. The creators draw matches between wellness and money, showing how standards like compounding apply to both. Their recommendations are commonsense, feasible, and grounded in private insight, making them simple to connect with and follow. This book is a straightforward, simple way to deal with setting your well-being and funds up. It's a very fun read stacked with significant counsel. The writers work hard at building trust by sh...