News for 'Maratha Empire'

Rajasthan under Maratha Empire? NCERT book sparks row

Rajasthan under Maratha Empire? NCERT book sparks row

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

A controversy has erupted after an NCERT Class 8 textbook depicted present-day Rajasthan as part of the Maratha Empire, drawing criticism from royal families and political leaders who call the depiction factually incorrect and misleading.

Raja Shivaji Teaser: Riteish Deshmukh's Ambitious Bet Falls Short

Raja Shivaji Teaser: Riteish Deshmukh's Ambitious Bet Falls Short

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Riteish Deshmukh brings earnestness to the role, but the gravitas of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj calls for a towering presence, resonant voice and sharp, piercing gaze, which are somewhat missing in Raja Shivaji, notes Mayur Sanap.

Raja Shivaji Review: Riteish Deshmukh Fares Better As Director Than Actor

Raja Shivaji Review: Riteish Deshmukh Fares Better As Director Than Actor

Rediff.com4 days ago

Riteish Deshmukh's Shivaji may not be a flawless portrayal, but still remains engaging throughout, applauds Mayur Sanap.

Riteish Deshmukh Visits Shivneri Fort on Shivaji Jayanti

Riteish Deshmukh Visits Shivneri Fort on Shivaji Jayanti

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

Riteish Deshmukh commemorates Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti with a visit to Shivneri Fort, honouring Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and promoting awareness of his historical significance.

Why Jarange Patil Wants OBC Status For Marathas

Why Jarange Patil Wants OBC Status For Marathas

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

'These Marathas are farmers and they only do farming. They have no other business other than farming. Now, they want reservations because farming is no longer a profitable business.'In this interview, veteran farmers' rights advocate and founding member of the Shetkari Sanghatna, Vijay Jawandhia, with Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff unpacks the historical and structural roots of the agitation.

AR Rahman Blames 'Communal Thing' For Lesser Work

AR Rahman Blames 'Communal Thing' For Lesser Work

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

A R Rahman feels a power shift may have happened in the past eight years, as 'people who are not creative have the power now to decide things.'

History In 3 Minutes: Battle of Vasai

History In 3 Minutes: Battle of Vasai

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Chimaji Appaji remains one of the foremost military generals of the Maratha Empire who inflicted a crushing defeat on the Portuguese.

Cong to 'welcome' alliance between Uddhav and Raj

Cong to 'welcome' alliance between Uddhav and Raj

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

The Maharashtra Congress on Friday said it will welcome an alliance between the Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) if it is in the interest of the state and to keep the 'communal' Bharatiya Janata Party away.

Bhikaji Cama, The Lady Who Survived Plague And Defied An Empire

Bhikaji Cama, The Lady Who Survived Plague And Defied An Empire

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

Bhikaji Cama, a hero of India's freedom, was the first to unfurl the Indian tricolour on foreign soil.

Ranveer Singh's Top 10 Films

Ranveer Singh's Top 10 Films

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

Ranveer has shown the right instincts in his choice of roles, which he has played with seeming effortlessness, backed with preparation and understanding.

Wikipedia editors booked for 'objectionable' content on Sambhaji Maharaj

Wikipedia editors booked for 'objectionable' content on Sambhaji Maharaj

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

Maharashtra Cyber has registered a case against at least four editors of Wikipedia for not taking down 'objectionable' content on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj from the open source encyclopedia, officials said on Friday.

Maha to build memorials of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Sambhaji in other states

Maha to build memorials of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Sambhaji in other states

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Maharashtra Finance Minister Ajit Pawar presented the state budget, announcing the construction of numerous memorials dedicated to historical figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and others. These memorials aim to preserve and celebrate the legacy of these prominent figures, contributing to the state's cultural and historical landscape.

Missing Thackerays And A Bulldozer At Marathi School

Missing Thackerays And A Bulldozer At Marathi School

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

If the Thackerays don't save a Marathi school in their backyard, who will, wonders Syed Firdaus Ashraf.

Looking out of the Maratha Empire's two crown jewels

Looking out of the Maratha Empire's two crown jewels

Rediff.com25 Sep 2014

Rediff reader Rashmi Parab trekked to the twin forts of Lohgad and Visapur this monsoon. Here's an account of her trek in breathtaking photographs!

The Best Hindi 25 Films In 25 Years

The Best Hindi 25 Films In 25 Years

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Over 25 years, societies evolve and tastes change. Cinema absorbs and reflects this transformation. Picking only 25 films from the first quarter of the century is tough.

Chhaava Review: Big Thumbs Up!

Chhaava Review: Big Thumbs Up!

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Chhaava deserves 2 stars for the historically half-baked film that it is, but 4 stars just for its attempt on making a film on Sambhaji, observes Prasanna D Zore.

Fabricator of collapsed Shivaji statue arrested in UP

Fabricator of collapsed Shivaji statue arrested in UP

Rediff.com18 Oct 2024

Police said the fabricator used inferior material to form the structure and did not join the parts properly through welding.

Wikipedia told to delete 'objectionable' info on Sambhaji Maharaj

Wikipedia told to delete 'objectionable' info on Sambhaji Maharaj

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

The Maharashtra Cyber division has issued a notice to the Wikimedia Foundation, the organization behind Wikipedia, demanding the removal of "objectionable" content related to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj from the online encyclopedia. The notice, issued under the Information Technology Act, claims the content is inaccurate and lacks proper references, potentially inciting communal hatred. The move follows recent claims by various organizations about the existence of defamatory information regarding Sambhaji Maharaj on Wikipedia, particularly in the wake of the Hindi film "Chhava", based on his life. The Maharashtra Cyber has directed the Wikimedia Foundation to remove the content promptly and prevent its re-uploading.

Baahubali: The Epic: What A Spectacle!

Baahubali: The Epic: What A Spectacle!

Rediff.com31 Oct 2025

Prabhas never looked more heroic and magnetic than he did in the dual role of Amarendra and Mahendra Baahubali, applauds Mayur Sanap after watching the nearly four hour-long Baahubali: The Epic.

Why Chhaava Has Become Controversial

Why Chhaava Has Become Controversial

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

Loud music, bombastic action scenes, over-the-top dialogues that don't have any ring of truth to it followed by scenes of blood-oozing bodies floating in a river definitely don't make for a magnum opus!' exclaims Prasanna D Zore after watching the Chhaava trailer.

Shivaji Maharaj statue collapse: Navy issues statement

Shivaji Maharaj statue collapse: Navy issues statement

Rediff.com29 Aug 2024

The Indian Navy said it conceptualised and steered the project of installing the Shivaji statue, which collapsed in Maharashtra's Malvan this week, in coordination with the state government which also provided funding for it.

Maratha quota: Jarange to start hunger strike from Jan 20

Maratha quota: Jarange to start hunger strike from Jan 20

Rediff.com24 Dec 2023

Quota activist Manoj Jarange has announced that he will start an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Mumbai from January 20 to intensify his demand of reservation for the Maratha community.

Fadnavis Slams MVA For Jayant Patil's Remark

Fadnavis Slams MVA For Jayant Patil's Remark

Rediff.com8 Sep 2024

'Maharaj was never a plunderer. He never bothered a common man.'

UNESCO Nominated: 12 Amazing Forts

UNESCO Nominated: 12 Amazing Forts

Rediff.com7 Feb 2024

Know the forts India has nominated to the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Maha govt floats tender for new Shivaji Maharaj statue in Sindhudurg

Maha govt floats tender for new Shivaji Maharaj statue in Sindhudurg

Rediff.com25 Sep 2024

In the wake of collapse of the Shivaji Maharaj statue in Sindhudurg, the Maharashtra government has issued a tender for the construction of a new 60-foot-tall statue there, nearly twice the size of the previous one, officials said on Wednesday.

Shivaji Maharaj statue collapse: Sculptor came to surrender, says counsel

Shivaji Maharaj statue collapse: Sculptor came to surrender, says counsel

Rediff.com5 Sep 2024

Sculptor Jaydeep Apte, who has been arrested in connection with the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue, came to meet his family at Kalyan in Thane district as he wanted to surrender before the police, his counsel has claimed.

'Shivaji, Sambhaji Were Secular, Visionary Kings'

'Shivaji, Sambhaji Were Secular, Visionary Kings'

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

'Shivaji and Sambhaji followed the gospel of humanity. 'They did not discriminate based on religion, caste, or colour.' 'That is the beauty of Shivaji and Sambhaji's Hindvi Swaraj.'

It reignited...: Fadnavis links Nagpur violence to 'Chhaava'

It reignited...: Fadnavis links Nagpur violence to 'Chhaava'

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has called the violence in Nagpur a premeditated conspiracy and said the mob had targeted specific houses and establishments. The violence erupted on Monday after a protest against Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb, resulting in several houses and vehicles being vandalised. At least 12 police personnel, including three deputy commissioners of police, were injured in the violence, which erupted in central Nagpur. Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, said those who attacked police personnel will not be spared.

Shivaji statue collapse: Maha govt sets up 2 panels

Shivaji statue collapse: Maha govt sets up 2 panels

Rediff.com29 Aug 2024

Meanwhile, a structural engineer named in the case registered in connection with the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue claimed that he was not the structural consultant for the project.

Chhaava: Why Vicky Was 'Scared'

Chhaava: Why Vicky Was 'Scared'

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

'There are certain characters that, when you get the opportunity to play them, you feel scared, wondering if you will be able to do justice to them.' 'That fear comes from knowing how deeply sentiments and faith are attached to such roles.'

Maha to issue Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Marathas

Maha to issue Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Marathas

Rediff.com31 Oct 2023

The decision comes a day after Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said a government-appointed committee scrutinised 1.72 crore old documents (including those of Nizam-era) and among them, 11,530 records were found where Kunbi caste was mentioned.

Sena-UBT, Rane supporters clash as Aaditya visits Shivaji statue collapse site

Sena-UBT, Rane supporters clash as Aaditya visits Shivaji statue collapse site

Rediff.com28 Aug 2024

Sena-UBT leader and former Maharashtra minister Aaditya Thackeray visited the Rajkot fort on Wednesday to take stock of the situation post the statue collapse.

Itachuna: Regal, Rich, And A Bit Spooky

Itachuna: Regal, Rich, And A Bit Spooky

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

Rajbaris are a link to Bengal's rich past, of grand mansions, classical fine dining, and allow guests to be pretend zamindars for those few hours or days that they stay.

Kolhapur: Violence after right-wing outfit protests during demolition drive

Kolhapur: Violence after right-wing outfit protests during demolition drive

Rediff.com16 Jul 2024

The anti-encroachment drive at Vishalgad Fort in Maharashtra's Kolhapur district turned violent as a mob hurled stones at police personnel and damaged properties, leading to the registration of cases against 500 people and the arrest of 21 others, police said on Monday.

Shivaji's tiger claw brought to Mumbai, to go on display in Satara

Shivaji's tiger claw brought to Mumbai, to go on display in Satara

Rediff.com17 Jul 2024

The 'wagh nakh' or tiger claw-shaped weapon used by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was brought to Mumbai from a London museum on Wednesday, state Culture Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar said.

When Raj And Uddhav Met Each Other

When Raj And Uddhav Met Each Other

Rediff.com5 Jul 2025

'If Uddhav bhau and Raj bhau come together, who can stop us?' Prasanna D Zore reports on the fervour and hope set off by the Thackeray cousins coming together.

Chhaava Review: Vicky Is Terrific!

Chhaava Review: Vicky Is Terrific!

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

After a character and film like this, at least for a while, everything else Vicky Kaushal does will look bland, asserts Deepa Gahlot.

'Wagh nakh' used by Shivaji to kill Afzal Khan to be brought back from UK

'Wagh nakh' used by Shivaji to kill Afzal Khan to be brought back from UK

Rediff.com8 Sep 2023

The wagh nakh is likely to be housed in the Chhatrapati Shivaji Sanghralaya (museum) in south Mumbai.

Row over Shivaji's 'wagh nakh'; Maha minister clarifies

Row over Shivaji's 'wagh nakh'; Maha minister clarifies

Rediff.com11 Jul 2024

Nobody has claimed that the wagh nakh being brought to the state from London was used by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Maharashtra minister Sudhir Mungantiwar told the legislative assembly.

See These Stunning Frames Before You Watch Heeramandi

See These Stunning Frames Before You Watch Heeramandi

Rediff.com30 Apr 2024

As Heeramandi, set in 1920s Lahore, drops on Netflix on May 1, Sukanya Verma marvels at Bhansali's magnificent slices of history in 25 resplendent frames.