"History of Deceptions" is an English translation of 'Prati-itihas'. Originally published in Marathi, Prati-itihas is recipient of the Mahatma Gandhi Peace Award - 2009, by Maharashtra State Government's Minority Commission for 'propagating Communal Harmony by presenting true history'. It is an attempt to expose distortions introduced in the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and it's socio-political impact on the state of Maharashtra as well as the Indian subcontinent.
These distortions are creation of an organised syndicate to deceive the masses and cause communal disharmony, to sustain caste supremacy and to gain political mileage. Over the last two centuries they have successfully confined Chhatrapati Shivaji's enormity to the boundaries of particular religion, caste, language and region. Furthermore his glorious era has been reduced to a few popular events, mainly wartime feats. The extent of distortions spans from crediting individuals belonging to a particular caste for his glorious achievements to the contemptuous character assignation of Chhatrapati Sambhaji. A radicalised fragmented society, polarised socio-political environment and communal discord that we witness today are the outcome such relentless deceiving propaganda.
"History of Deceptions" examines the fringe elements for their iniquitous role of introducing distortions in history, selective misrepresentations, false propaganda and causing socio-political disruptions. It questions the motivation of such exercises and the authenticity of their version of history. The loop is later closed with a authentic version of history presented with coeval historical facts and references.
This authentic version of history should cross the boundaries of the Marathi audience and reach curious minds across the world. The objective is to counter the deceptions and eliminate the communal discord, caste supremacy, social inequality by propagating ideologies of the prudent king, Chhatrapati Shivaji.
Hopefully, this attempt will succeed in its objective.
About the Author: Chandrashekhar Shikhare retired as Executive Engineer in Public Works Department (PWD), Maharashtra. He is a civil engineer by profession but an avid student of history, philosophy and psychology. In an award-winning career of 37 years, he has closely witnessed the socio-political fabric, beliefs, customs and awareness of history across the state.
His 'Prati-itihas' published in 2004, was awarded the Mahatma Gandhi Peace Award in 2009. He has also authored several books including 'Swarajyache Prerna Stotra' and 'Chhatrapati Sambhajirajanchi Sangarshgatha'.
Shikhare was member a committee of historians, setup by State Government of Maharashtra to adjudge whether Dadoji Konddeo was mentor, coach or tutor to Shivaji at any point in the history. He is member of the governing body of Shivdharm and is closely associated with several progressive movements including Maratha Seva Sangh.
Khushwant Pawar is a professional with over 2 decades of corporate experience and that has nothing in common with history. Yet, a non-fiction reader within him has been following history in his quest for truth. He has an intense curiosity about historical incidents and how they could have transpired, to the extent that he questioned contents of 'Prati-itihas' as well. Over 7-8 years of efforts, he built understanding on the same and only then included those topics in the translation.
He firmly believes in a progressive society where one has the right to ask questions and express dissent. In this maiden attempt at translation, he aims to convey the author's views in an unadulterated manner, with the hope that 'The History of Deceptions' will propagate truth beyond the lingual boundary.