Murarirao Ghorpade (The Accidental Catalyst Behind Robert Clive's March Over India)

So many of India’s heroes remain unsung, and Murarirao Ghorpade is one of them. A valiant warrior, an articulate statesman, and a proud descendant of the Maratha clan, he was deeply committed to the ideal of Hindavi Swaraj.

Murarirao built a powerful and highly efficient military force of his own and earned a formidable reputation by defeating the dreaded French Hollow Square tactic. His strength and influence drew the attention of the Peshwas, neighboring kingdoms, the French, and the British alike. In a dramatic turn, he even came to the aid of Robert Clive, saving him from a crushing defeat at the hands of the French in Arcot—a pivotal moment in India’s history.

Yet, Murarirao’s remarkable story has been largely overlooked, perhaps because much of documented Maratha history focuses on the north, while his legacy lies in the south. His loyalty to the Maratha cause earned him powerful allies but also dangerous enemies, chief among them Haider Ali Khan.

This book brings to life an extraordinary saga of military conquests, espionage, forbidden love, and unyielding loyalty in the turbulent 18th-century Deccan. It captures how Murarirao Ghorpade survived more than seventy years in an era marked by treachery and shifting allegiances—relying on his instinct, valor, statesmanship, and unwavering dedication.