‘Sambhaji’: This Marathi novel on the life of Shivaji’s son is now out in English translation
Vishwas Patil’s bestselling novel has been translated from the Marathi by Vikrant Pande. Sambhaji: A 17th century portrait. | British Library / Public Domain
Never before on the day of Holi in Raigad had one felt stained even before the colours were thrown. People everywhere gossiped. “How did Yuvraj dare to do such a thing? In broad daylight, he had the temerity to pick up a married woman, throw her on his horse and bring her here!”
“Well, nothing surprising about it. It is an age-old tradition for Maharajas, isn’t it? To pick up whomsoever they fancy and despoil her.”