Shriman Yogi by Ranjeet Desai

This is a biographical novel on Shivaji Maharaj. This historical novel has created history in the world of literature and books. Shivaji Maharaj is the most worshipped person in Maharashtra. Every single household here knows Shivaji. He is the most respected and worshipped character. He was a dream come true. Shivaji was born as a Hindu but at such time when Hinduism was forgotten by the Hindus. In his novel Ranjit Desai pictures Shivaji from his birth rather he starts with the days prior to his birth. Before writing this novel Desai has searched history, he has not left any stone unturned while doing so. Writing on Shivaji was a very difficult task. Shivaji had many qualities and the last 34 centuries have changed people`s view about him. They have become more possessive about him adding unnecessarily, and untruthfully to his qualities considering him a god. On this background it was very difficult to portray Shivaji as perfect as possible Desai had realised his responsiblity. He has pictured Shivaji metaculously in this novel. Religious but not superstitious, strict but not wicked, adventurous but not impetuous, practical but not aimless, realistic, visionary but not dreamy. Graceful but not prodigal. Desai has succeeded in highlighting Shivaji`s human nature. His base was that of a human. He valued all, respected every religion. He was an expert commander. He awakened the love for motherland in the sleeping mind, of people. He ignited their confidence. While describing this, Desai has brought many of Shivaji`s qualities into limelight. Shivaji was a noble king but he was a nobleman. He also had his own suffereings. He lost many, but his first preference was his motherland. As we go on reading we get involved in the book so much that we live each moment and when Desai ends the novel we feel that "WE` have lost Shivaji.