Murarirao Ghorpade: The Accidental Catalyst Behind Robert Clive’s March Over India

So many of our countrys heroes from the past remain unsung. Murarirao Ghorpade is one such. He was a valiant warrior an articulate statesman and a descendant of the Maratha clan committed to Hindavi Swaraj. Murarirao independently built a strong and highly efficient military force. He established his reputation on being able to break the dreaded war tactic employed by the French Armythe French Hollow Square. His support was sought by the Peshwas neighbouring kingdoms the French and the British. In fact it so happened that he came to save Robert Clive from a crushing defeat at the hands of the French at Arcot. This war was a turning point in Indias history. That he has been denied attention could well be because much of documented Maratha history faces north. Murariraos story faces south. And it was his actions on behalf of the Marathas that drew the ire of his nemesis Haider Ali Khan. This is an exciting tale of military conquests espionage forbidden love and loyalty in eighteenth-century Deccan and a record of how in an era marred by treachery and expediency Murarirao Ghorpade survived seventy-plus years by instinct bravery statesmanship valour and loyalty.