"The Peshwa: War of the deceivers" by Ram Sivasankaran - Fight with scorpions!
This book is published by Westland in 2018 and has 496 pages. This is Book 2 of "The Peshwa" series.
Book 2 starts 6 years after the end of first book. Now Bajirao is established as Peshwa. Emperor Muhammad Shah of Delhi has hatched a grand plan with Nizam Ul Mulk and Maharana Ram Singh to finish Bajirao Peshwe and Maratha confederacy once and for all. Scorpions, the silent assassins of Mughal empire are unleashed. A man claiming to be dead Chimajiappa, younger brother of Bajirao, is accepted in Shaniwar wada. Anamik, basterd son of traitor Trimbakrao Dabhade, has gained Peshwa's confidence but many in Maratha confederacy distrust him. Anamik is also working for Nizam.
Is Anamik on Bajirao's side or on Nizam's side? What is the grand plan of Mohammad Shah? Who will Bajirao lose? Will the Scorpions succeed? Will Bajirao meet Mastani?
This book takes the story forward. Bajirao has plans to conquer Delhi. But there is a truce between Mughal Badshah and Chatrapati Shahu of Satara. Both parties want to throw it in the dustbin. Who will do it first? Although Bajirao has established his reign, he is losing a number of men to the Mughal secret order of assassins, now reporting to Nizam. The die is cast. Nizam plays a very devious game. A game that will destroy Bajirao's reputation and then kill him and install Nizam's agent masquerading as Chimajiappa.
The story is interesting. It slows down on occasions but manages to keep reader interested. In this book, Anamik is the one who moves all the pieces. He is the double agent. He is the real deal. He is trusted by Bajirao despite contrary advise by his close ones. Anamik is the key. Bajirao, on the other hand doesn't appear decisive. He does not appear the supremely confident, brave and decisive like in Book 1. Why Nizam confirms allegiance to Mohammad Shah, rather than remaining independent, remains unclear. Rasool, the Narban (eunuch) scorpion, is an interesting character, but it's exit is abrupt. Mastani appears in the story along with Chatrasal, but doesn't meet Bajirao yet. Apparently it's for next book. Author doesn't say how many books make this series. There is a big twist towards end of the book, but one can guess as it comes closer.
Author's lack of knowledge about Peshwe customs is apparent. (I had made this remark while reviewing Book 1 as well). Fir example, author shows that Peshwe women take pallu over their head. They never did. Bajirao is called Rao, whereas he was really called Rau. Kashibai wears vermilion in parting of her hair, which is not a Maharashtra custom.
In review of first book I wondered the relevance of 'The lion and the Stallion'. It becomes clear in this book. Lion is Mughal empire and Stallion is Maratha confederacy. All in all author had strung together a nice fiction on historical character. Look forward to next book.
Why did I read this book? Book 1 was good.
What I didn't like? Confrontation with scorpions.
What did I like? Last twist.
Recommend reading.
