Shivaji
Book Description
In the hills of seventeenth-century western India, a warrior's defiance against imperial power would grow into something far greater than military conquest. James W. Laine explores how Shivaji, who challenged Mughal authority and established his own independent realm through orthodox Hindu coronation, became transformed from historical figure into legendary hero whose story resonates through centuries.
This scholarly examination traces how Shivaji's life evolved from documented events into an epic narrative that shapes cultural identity across western India today. Laine follows the legend's development from its earliest recorded versions through contemporary retellings, revealing how each generation has reshaped this story to reflect their own spiritual and political convictions.
For readers interested in understanding how sacred narratives emerge and evolve, this work offers profound insights into the intersection of history, faith, and collective memory. The author demonstrates how Shivaji's legend became central to Hindu nationalist thought, expressing fundamental beliefs about religious identity and the relationship between Hinduism and Islam.
Through careful analysis of source materials spanning centuries, Laine illuminates the process by which historical figures become mythic heroes. This exploration reveals how communities use legendary narratives to articulate their deepest convictions about spiritual identity, cultural belonging, and the meaning of faith in the face of opposition.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Short (< 200 pages) (~4 hours)
📄 Length: 127 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Relations
- ✓ Explore Muslims
- ✓ Explore Islam, relations
- ✓ Explore India, history
- ✓ Explore Staatsvorming
- ✓ Understand Hindu philosophy and traditions
- ✓ Explore History
- ✓ Strengthen your faith journey
