The Marathas Part 2: Framing the Maratha Identity

Canberra, 21 May 2021 By late 13th century, the Hindu revolt in Peninsular India against the invading Muslim forces was bitter and widespread. Even the learned heads of various Hindu ‘Maths’, monasteries, were involved in attempting to repel the Muslim invaders. Shankaracharya Madhav Vidyaranya, the head of the famous and powerful Sringeri Math, was one […]

Continue reading →

Indian History Part 67 The Nizam Shahis of Ahmadnagar Section VII: The End – Chand Bibi’s Finest Hour

Singapore, 6 October 2018 Akbar had offered military assistance to Burhan Nizam Shah in 1590-91 to claim what Burhan perceived as his right to the throne by deposing his minor son who had been placed on the throne. In return, Burhan had made a vague promise that once he was ensconced on the throne, the […]

Continue reading →

Indian History Part 66 The Adil Shahis of Bijapur Section II Entrenching the Dynasty

Canberra, 18 May 2018   When Yusuf Shah died, his son Ismail Shah was only 13 or 14 years old (some reports state his age as 9 years). On his deathbed, Yusuf appointed a trusted noble, Kamal Khan to be the guardian of the young prince and also the regent till Ismail achieved majority. He […]

Continue reading →