Mastani by Kusum Choppra

"Mastani" by Kusum Choppra - Incest? 

This book is published by Rupa Publications India Pvt Ltd. in 2012 and has 274  pages. 

This is the story of Mastani, the great beauty, astute Politician, daughter of Maharaja Chatrasal and second wife of Peshwa Bajirao.

Who was Mastani? Was she a dancing girl? Was she a Muslim? Was she married to Bajirao? How did she die?

Although this book is written as a fiction it contains number of historical references and references of letters. Author also quotes numerous authentic references and experts.  

In the early part of the book author clarifies that Mastani was not a Muslim. She followed Pranami faith of Swami Prannathji which sought to integrate Muslim and Hindu practices. Casting her as a Muslim or a dancing girl was politics. 

Chatrasal offered Mastani as Upastri (a keep) but Bajirao married her. This decision made him Chatrasal's son in law and he got Jaagir and a lot of money in dowry. This was given to him personally rather than to Maratha kingdom. Marathas also got a share in Panna mines. The decision to marry Mastani was a political masterstroke. In one fell swoop Peshwa's became rich. Maratha empire received much needed money to fund all the battles of Bajirao. Moreover, Chatrasal's influence and intelligence towards Delhi was invaluable and Bajirao didn't have to depend on unreliable Rajput's for access to Delhi. It also helped the dissenting voices (Radhabai, Chimajiappa etc.) in Pune to remain muted. However the Pune establishment never accepted Mastani, the kshatrani bahu. 

Mastani is portrayed as beautiful, kind, astute diplomat, one who wants to merge with Peshwe family. Bajirao is in love with Mastani. But his love is not blind. He understands her importance personally as his wife and politically as Chatrasal's daughter. But he is miffed and hurt with his family for their deriding of Mastani and smear campaign against her. That has lead to his excessive drinking. Kashibai is portrayed as sore loser and one who resents Mastani (whereas history suggests that Kashibai did not object Mastani). Chimaji appa  is the leader of Mastani opposition. Nana (Bajirao's son) is the villain. 

Bajirao was a military general par excellence. He never lost a battle in his life. However, the book covers his battles as passing remarks. A battle as important as Bhopal gets only two lines. The narration is not gripping. It took me a long time to complete this book. 

Author claims that Bajirao's mother had put a condition that if he wants Mastani he has to give up drinking. Rather than giving it up gradually Bajirao gave up suddenly causing withdrawal symptoms leading to depression, difficulty in thinking clearly, hallucinations and consequent illness. Author also claims that it was this and not heat stroke, that led to his eventual death.

Towards the end author suggests that there was an incest. She gives two alternative endings to the story. One in which Nana goes to Mastani and she rebuffs him and one where incest happens and Mastani commits suicide by eating poison. Author contends that second version is more likely because there are references of Matrugaman (Incest) in documents. There is no record of how exactly Mastani died and there is no record of expenses of her funeral (which is available for all other Peshwe females).

Why did I read this book? Mastani's tale.

What I didn't like? Author suggests incest, mentions Matrugaman but doesn't give references or circumstantial evidence.  

What did I like? Analysis. 

Recommending reading.