Oxford University Press Issues Apology Over Shivaji Book Claims After 20 Years

Oxford University Press Issues Apology Over Shivaji Book Claims After 20 Years

Oxford University Press (OUP) India has formally issued an apology to Udayanraje Bhosale, the 13th descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, regarding unverified statements published in the book Shivaji: Hindu King in Islamic India over two decades ago.

The announcement follows a public notice published in newspapers, acknowledging that certain statements on pages 31, 33, 34, and 93 of the book, authored by American academic James Laine in 2003, had not been verified at the time of publication.

Controversy Surrounding the Book

Upon its release in 2003, the book sparked widespread controversy, drawing strong reactions from historians, activists, and members of the Maratha community.

• In January 2004, over 150 members of the Sambhaji Brigade protested the publication by ransacking the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI) in Pune, citing concerns about the institute’s involvement in Laine’s research.

• The incident drew national attention, highlighting the sensitivities involved in the portrayal of historical figures like Shivaji Maharaj.

OUP India’s Public Apology

In its recent public notice, OUP India expressed regret for the unverified content and offered a formal apology to:

• Udayanraje Bhosale

• The wider public impacted by the statements

The notice specifically stated that the publisher apologises “for any distress and anguish caused”.

The apology was issued on behalf of Sayeed Manzar Khan, who served as Managing Director of OUP India during the time of the book’s publication.

Acknowledgement of Historical Sensitivities

While the apology addresses the specific pages in question, it does not detail the precise statements considered unverified.

The step reflects OUP India’s recognition of historical and cultural sensitivities associated with the representation of prominent figures like Shivaji Maharaj.

Over 20 years after the initial controversy, this public acknowledgment is seen as a formal attempt to:

• Address longstanding concerns among the descendants of Shivaji Maharaj

• Recognize the impact on supporters and the community

• Reinforce responsibility in academic publishing

  
  

Community and Academic Response

OUP India clarified that the apology is intended as a public gesture, beyond direct communication with the descendants.

• Historians and community members have welcomed the apology as a sign of accountability in publishing sensitive historical content.

• The incident continues to serve as a reminder of the importance of verification and cultural sensitivity in academic research and publications.