New History of the Marathas, 3 Vols.

The New History of the Marathas treats in detail the events of two centuries and a half from AD 1600, i.e. the rise of the Marathas as a political power, the apogee of their fortunes in 1761, their misfortune after Panipat, the weakening of the Peshwa's authority, rise of splinter Maratha principalities, conflict with the British and their eclipse. The first volume discusses at length the careers of Shahji Bhosle, Shivaji, Sambhaji, short set back and revival under Raja Ram. The second volume takes up the rise of Peshwa, stupor after the Third Battle of Panipat, their attempts and failure to recapture their lost power and prestige. The third volume examines the relationship of the Maratha Central Authority with the Mughals, Maratha splinter kingdoms and the British in northern India on the one hand and the Nizam, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan of Mysore and the British in South India on the other. The author treats his theme with rare objectivity and warmth. He has relied on the Mughal, Maratha and British source material. This is the first authoritative book in English language on the history of the Marathas. A great work of a great historian and indispensable for those interested in Maratha history and India's struggle for freedom.