Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Oxford University Press (OUP) India has issued a formal apology regarding unverified claims about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj found in a book published two decades ago, reigniting discussions on a significant controversy in Maharashtra.
In a public announcement, OUP India conceded that certain remarks in the book “Shivaji: Hindu King in Islamic India,” written by the American scholar James Laine and published in 2003, lacked adequate verification. The publisher specified that the contentious statements were located on pages 31, 33, 34, and 93 of the book.
The apology was directed to Chhatrapati Udayanraje Bhosale, the 13th direct descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, as well as the broader public. OUP India conveyed remorse for the distress and pain caused by the statements.
The release of this book had incited considerable public backlash. In January 2004, the uproar escalated when over 150 members of the Sambhaji Brigade vandalized the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI) in Pune, claiming it facilitated the author and protested against what they termed offensive statements regarding Shivaji Maharaj, an iconic figure in Indian history.
This incident ignited a profound debate focused on academic liberties, interpretations of history, and reverence for cultural and historical icons. While the book was eventually retracted from circulation in India, the controversy remains a notable example of tension between academic inquiry and activist responses.
According to the announcement, the apology was issued by OUP India’s former Managing Director, Sayeed Manzar Khan. This act appears to signify the publisher’s acknowledgment of shortcomings in editorial oversight concerning the controversial material.
The situation has once again highlighted the enduring sensitivities around historical narratives and their influence on public feelings, particularly concerning individuals of great significance.
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