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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.
Biographies & Memoirs 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)

What listeners say about Challenging Destiny

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not to be missed

A brief account of the greatest ruler India has ever seen. Informative as well as entertaining.

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Good balance of facts with purpose and vision

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.

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Well composed

Story telling was nice... the book is well researched... details are nice... I used 1.2X speed...

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Jai Shivaji Jai Bhavani

This audio book is a must read for Chatrapati Shivaji followers. Kudos to Medha Bhaskaran.

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Fantastic book to know about the great kings life.

Loved it. Couldn't stop listening to it at every opportunity. Want to know more and more about Shivaji and his life.

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Goosebumps

Really liked it. This book is a combination of the best excerpts of all Shivaji Maharaj books.

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A must read / listen for every Hindustani !!!

Great research done. Almost everything based on facts. It would have been better if it also had some content by Ninad Bedekar as well.
Great narration.

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Excellent Biography

Though I read about 'Sivaji', his heroic deeds, in tits & bits from my school text books, this Biography has made me to understand comprehensively about Sivaji, not only about him, his heroic acts but also the then prevailing conditions in India, before his birth, during his time, and also after his death. He proved that the Moghul kingdom was not invincible and can be defeated. Not only he demonstrated this, but inspired his people. His real worth relies notonly on his strength and valour, but also the motivation, he instilled in his followers. This was proven, even after ten years after his death, his army defeated Moghuls, thus effectively bringing the Moghul rule to an end, in India.
The Author could able to capture so many things in this small volume, is highly commendable.

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Inspiring and Empowering

Being Shivaji fan wanted to know more about his leadership. this book is a perfect answer

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Truly Challenging

Must Read for EVERY INDIAN.
Author has given references with page numbers.
A very good narrative on Shivaji - facts putup in a story. The central characters of Secular Shivaji and Fanatic Aurangzeb are very aptly described. Shivaji's achievements are rightly glorified. Loved the book.

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