Penguin Random House India is delighted to announce the acquisition of Murarirao Ghorpade by Reeta Ramamurthy Gupta and Indrajeet Ghorpade. The book, scheduled for release in June 2025 under the Ebury Press imprint, unearths the untold story of a forgotten Maratha warrior whose courage and conviction shaped history.
Murarirao Ghorpade traces the life of a fierce soldier born in 1704, who played a crucial role in the Maratha campaigns of the Deccan. Navigating the turbulence of succession wars, political betrayals, and shifting alliances, Murarirao stood firm in his commitment to Hindavi Swaraj, forging his own path amidst the dominance of the Nawabs, the Nizam, and the British. He is remembered not only for his military brilliance—saving Robert Clive from a pivotal defeat—but also for his tumultuous personal life, including his legendary romance with the Nizam’s daughter, Saheba.
Reflecting on her journey uncovering this lost history, Reeta Ramamurthy Gupta shares, ‘Till I spoke to the locals living around the Gooty Fort in present day Anantapur district, I hadn’t taken Murarirao Ghorpade’s story seriously, despite much persuasion and seven cartons of material judiciously preserved by my co-author Indrajeet Ghorpade. What followed over the course of four years was a ravenous expedition! From the secrets preserved in Thanjavur’s royal palace, the Persian archives of the Salar Jung Museum to the once-missing idol of Kolhapur’s Mahalakshmi temple, connectors to Murarirao Ghorpade were suddenly everywhere. A flawed protagonist, a fierce warrior and a believer in Hindavi Swaraj, he stood at the crossroads of British and French dominion over India in the 18th century, casting an unwitting vote. In the annals of Maratha history, what’s unique is that Murarirao’s story faces South; even though much of documented Maratha history faces north. This is an untold story,’
Deepthi Talwar, Executive Editor, Ebury Press, Penguin Random House India, adds, ‘Murarirao Ghorpade was a valiant soldier, committed to the Marathas and to Hindavi Swaraj. Unfortunately, his story remains largely unknown. We’re therefore delighted to be a part of this record of his bravery and his statesmanship, written by his descendant, Indrajeet Ghorpade, and Reeta Ramamurthy Gupta.’
Milee Ashwarya, Publisher, Adult Publishing Division, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘In her new book, Reeta Ramamurthy Gupta, brings to light the extraordinary story of Murarirao Ghorpade, a true warrior whose legacy has long been overshadowed by history. This book is a tribute to his courage, leadership, and unyielding spirit—a forgotten hero who deserves his place in the chronicles of India’s past. I hope readers are both inspired and moved by this remarkable account.’
With a compelling blend of history, politics, war, and intrigue, this book brings to light a remarkable figure whose legacy has long been overlooked. Murarirao Ghorpade is a tribute to an unsung hero who defied the odds and fought until his last breath.