Post by : Badri Ariffin

Oxford University Press (OUP) India has issued a formal apology regarding unverified claims about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj present in a book published over twenty years ago, stirring memories of a notable controversy in Maharashtra.

In a public notice featured in a newspaper, OUP India admitted that certain statements from the book “Shivaji: Hindu King in Islamic India,” written by American author James Laine and released in 2003, had not been adequately verified. The disputed remarks can be found on pages 31, 33, 34, and 93 of the book.

The apology was directed towards Chhatrapati Udayanraje Bhosale, the 13th descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, as well as the general public. OUP India conveyed its regret for the publication of the statements and expressed sorrow for the resulting “distress and anguish.”

The book incited significant outrage shortly after its launch. By January 2004, the controversy intensified when over 150 individuals associated with the Sambhaji Brigade vandalized the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI) in Pune. The demonstrators accused the institute of aiding the author and strongly protested against what they labeled as disrespectful references to the revered figure Shivaji Maharaj.

This incident ignited intense debates about academic freedom, historical interpretation, and the respect owed to cultural and historical figures. Although the book was ultimately withdrawn from circulation in India, the episode remains a notable flashpoint between scholars and activist groups.

As per the notice, the apology has been made on behalf of OUP India’s former Managing Director, Sayeed Manzar Khan. By taking this step, the publisher seems to acknowledge lapses in editorial oversight regarding the controversial content.

This development has reignited discussions surrounding the delicate nature of historical narratives and their potential to affect public sentiment, particularly relating to individuals held in high esteem.

#Global News