Wed Jan 07 07:15:24 UTC 2026: # Oxford University Press Apologizes for Controversial Shivaji Maharaj Book

The Story: Oxford University Press (OUP) India has issued a public apology to Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, regarding “unverified statements” in the book “Shivaji: Hindu King in Islamic India” published in 2003 by James Laine. The apology comes after the book sparked controversy, including a violent incident at the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI) in January 2004, where activists ransacked the institute believing it aided the author. The apology seeks to address the “distress and anguish caused” by the publication.

Key Points:

  • OUP India apologized for “unverified statements” on pages 31, 33, 34, and 93 of the book “Shivaji: Hindu King in Islamic India.”
  • The book was written by James Laine, an American author.
  • The apology was issued to Udayanraje Bhosale, a 13th descendant of Shivaji Maharaj, and the public at large.
  • The controversy surrounding the book previously led to an attack on the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI) in 2004.
  • The apology was issued on behalf of OUP’s former Managing Director, Sayeed Manzar Khan.

Key Takeaways:

  • Historical interpretations, particularly those dealing with revered figures, can be highly sensitive and trigger significant public reaction, even decades after initial publication.
  • Publishers bear a responsibility to ensure factual accuracy and consider the potential impact of their publications on cultural and social sensitivities.
  • The apology highlights the enduring legacy and importance of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Indian society.
  • Even in 2026, the legacy of events from the early 2000s still holds significant weight and requires addressing.

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