Published On : Wed, Jul 11th, 2018

Belittling text on Shivaji Maharaj in Class 5 book sparks row

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Nagpur: Contents in a book ‘denigrating’ Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has triggered a major controversy. The text, which is historically untrue and defaming the Maratha Warrior, has been published in a text-cum-workbook titled ‘Vyakaran Vatika 5’ of Class 5 course. The author of the book is Dr Anuradha and published by Uttar Pradesh-based ‘Madhuban Prakashan.’

The book mentions “Shivaji he shur hote, pan buddhiman navhate” (Shivaji was brave, but not intelligent). Taking the contents as defamatory, Maratha organisations have demanded filing of FIR against the publisher and author.

In the ‘Vyakaran Vatika 5’ book, ‘belittling’ text about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has been mentioned in paragraphs four and five in lesson titled ‘Rachanatmak Gatividhiya.’ “The publisher and the author have hurt the sentiments of Hindus,” claimed Jijau Brigade and Sambhaji Brigade in their complaint to the Amravati District Collector. The complaint further said, “The book is available in open market as well as online. The text is historically untrue and defaming the Maratha Warrior. It could create negative image of Shivaji Maharaj in the minds of students.”

“The author has written the text with biased and revengeful mentality. Shivaji Maharaj was known as warrior, brave, and intelligent ruler. But the author deliberately defamed the Maratha King with her such writing. This could be a conspiracy to denigrate the warrior. The book should immediately be withdrawn from market and internet and directions be issued to initiate criminal action against the publisher and author. This book should not be included in the school syllabus and should be banned,” demanded Jijau Brigade and Sambhaji Brigade in their complaint.