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Challenging Destiny

A Biography of Chhatrapati Shivaji

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Challenging Destiny

Written by: Medha Deshmukh Bhaskaran
Narrated by: Avinash Kumar Singh
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About this listen

When destiny stood between him and his destination.

Darkness engulfs the Indian subcontinent. The 17th century is destined to be an era of brutal wars, incessant oppression and physical and spiritual carnage in the name of religion. Shivaji, a warrior and thinker far ahead of his times, rises and renders a rousing dream - respect and dignity for human life, economic equity and empowerment. Destiny does not favour him; he faces terribile odds - a fallen and defeated populace, the might of the Mughal Empire, and naval supremacy of the Western powers. Thus begins a battle of conflicting ideologies, contrasting belief systems, and sharply different visions of India - a stake is the future of most ancient civilization. Witness the beginnings of the momentous events that will send thunderbolts across centuries, the echoes of which still haunt the subcontinent.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2016 Medha Deshmukh Bhaskaran (P)2018 Audible, Inc. Historical

Critic Reviews

"A concise yet comprehensive account of the enigma we call Shivaji. Imperative reading for history buffs." (Ashwin Sanghi, best-selling author of Chanakya's Chant, The Krishna Key, and The Sialkot Saga)
"[The book has] captured Shivaji’s glorious tryst with destiny for the layman." (Vinita Deshmukh, Former Senior Editor, The Indian Express)
All stars
Most relevant
Story of an exceptional leader, presented in an easy to understand form.
Would like to see more of Indian history books presented in Audible.

Must for every Indian

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About the book: It is well known that historical accounts are among the hardest to narrate. Normally what one observes is that a biographer ends up veering too much towards bland facts, leaving the reader to choose the sense of the narrative by oneself for oneself. The consequence of this would be to lose much of the sense of 'destiny' or 'purpose' in the life of the central character, especially when the character actually deserves it. Alternatively a historian might show blatant ideological leanings in the narrative, which often ends up smudging facts to water the ideological 'tree'. This book maintains a fine balance of maintaining credibility about the historical research behind the narrative, and not losing the sense of destiny in the life of the character. I have enjoyed this book very much and also feel entitled to expect a part 2 and even part 3 of this narrative, leading to the life of the next generations of the Maratha Empire, upto the last days of the empire.
About the audio narration: The narration is commendable with the apt speed and carry. However I feel some of the pronunciations of Indian names of places need to be improved upon. Nonetheless a very good audio experience of the book. However , you might consider increasing the volume possibility a little.
Many thanks for this book.

Good balance of facts with purpose and vision

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Excellent book: Journey of the legend well explained. Voice over artist has truly done justice to the experience

Outstanding experience

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story is a chronological events during shivaji's time and it not a biography of shivaji only. More information about shivaji is expected, like his personal life, military strategies, his administration would have been highly appreciated.

Chronological sequence of shivaji maharaj's time

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Came to know about so many interesting facts which I hadn't been taught in school. An engaging book.

A real opener on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji

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