Murarirao Ghorpade

The Accidental Catalyst Behind Robert Clive’s March Over India

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So many of our country’s 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 Army—the 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 India’s history. That he has been denied attention could well be because much of documented Maratha history faces north. Murarirao’s 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.