CM Fadnavis says at the book release of ‘Marathyacha Darara’, tracing Bhosale expeditions in Bengal
Pune: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the return of the historic sword of Senasaheb Subha Shrimant Raje Raghuji Bhosale has reconnected the younger generation with the state’s illustrious past and enriched the collective memory of Maratha glory.
Speaking at a cultural programme organised by the state’s cultural affairs department to mark the arrival of the Bhosale sword, Fadnavis emphasised that the weapon will be showcased at various locations across the state, including Nagpur, to narrate the story of the Maratha Empire’s expansion. “The history of the Nagpur Bhosales is rich, valorous, and truly glorious. The return of Raghuji Bhosale’s sword has linked society more firmly with history. This legacy will inspire the younger generation and strengthen their pride in Hindavi Swarajya,” he said.
The event also saw the release of the book ‘Marathyacha Darara – Nagpurkar Bhosale’s Campaigns in Bengal’, authored by Yashodhan Joshi and based on the 1916 work of Vasudeo Govind Apte. The book has been published by Krishna Publications. Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, Shrimant Raje Mudhoji Bhosale (descendant of Raghuji Bhosale), MLAs Ranajagjitsinh Patil, Dr Sanjay Kute, Sanjay Upadhyay, Shrikant Bharatiya, Dr Kiran Kulkarni, Meenal Joglekar, publisher Chetan Koli, and others were present.
Fadnavis noted that several significant works on Maratha history have been published in recent times. “UNESCO-recognised forts, Shivaji Maharaj’s ‘wagh-nakh’ (tiger claws) and other such historic legacies are reconnecting us to our past. The cultural department’s efforts to conserve, recover, and showcase these priceless treasures are truly commendable. Our attempts to reclaim the symbols, objects, and heritage of the Maratha empire will continue with the same consistency,” he said.
Author Yashodhan Joshi recalled that his research began with Apte’s 1916 book, ‘Marathyacha Darara athava Marathyanchya Bengal Prantavar Swarya’. He also drew upon Maharashtra Purana, a Bengali poem translated into English in 1961 by Edward Dimock and Pratul Chandra Gupta. “While working on this project, news came in May 2025 that Raghuji Bhosale’s sword was to be auctioned in London. The state government intervened and reclaimed the sword for Maharashtra. Around the same time, the idea of republishing this forgotten work began to take shape. It was a rare and historic coincidence,” Joshi said.
Photo Caption: CM Devendra Fadnavis releasing the book ‘Marathyacha Darara’ authored by Yashodhan Joshi and published by Krishna Publications, in the presence of Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar and Shrimant Raje Mudhoji Bhosale.
