The importance of the book is neither because its first of its kind, nor the content Kuber has written. Since its first of its kind dealing with history of making of Maharashtra in English language with a pen of seasoned journalist who is currently editor of Loksatta, a leading Marathi daily in Maharashtra.
The name 'Renaissance' takes back us to Europe and its medieval ages. The arrival of individualism and rationality are its hallmarks. In Kuber's book, renaissance takes place in specific context of Maharashtra. Starting from Satvahanas to Chalukyas culminating in Rashtrakutas, Kuber starts with how the idea of Maharashtra gradually came into being. He points to decline of Yadavas, the first explicitly Marathi rulers because of invasion of Allauddin Khilji from the north.
In chapters like 'Darkness in the Noon', Kuber sets background to Chhatrapati Shivaji's arrival on the scene of Maharashtra. In the midst of Chaos of Bahaman Shahi rulers and their feudal power struggle with onslaught of Mughal invasions, Marathi people suffered a great loss. In 'O King Shivaji', the chapter in the beginning itself underlies the reason for- why does the name of King Shivaji have such huge reverence in common man? Kuber writes that probably because he was the first to accomplish setting up his own kingdom in an atmosphere where Watandars and Jahagirdars used to be power dealers.
In three chapters dedicated to King Shivaji, the book not only highlights his deeds for setting up Hindavi Swaraj, but also tells 'Why Shivaji matters?' First, Kuber argues, that Shivaji never considered himself the king of Marathi region alone. His was the first state of Hindavis- native,indigenous and born of the soil. Kuber also highlights the fact that Shivaji's swarajya often in mainstream is seen around Pune and around region. However, his endeavors went on to Jinji in the South, the largest kingdom maharashtra saw after Satvahanas.
Secondly, Shivaji's rule and administration also has rudiments of welfare state. Be it land reforms or improving agrarian production by directing state towards Rayat or Poor peasants, Shivaji sets precedent to rule for people, not for himself.
Further, Kuber also takes panoramic view of Marathas after Shivaji and Peshwa rulers as well. He has described Maratha adventures in Delhi politics from Bajirao I to defeat of Panipat to the defeat of Peshwas at the hands of British.
Further, In 'Renaissance State', he sets out notorious examples of social reformers in Maharashtra from Lokhitwadi Gopal Hari Deshmukh to Justice Ranade and Maharshi Karve and Pandita Ramabai. Along with reformers, the distinct aspect Kuber has dealt with is listing out stars of Maharashtra in renaissance stage in fields of science and technology (Dr.Shanakar Abaji Bhise), film making (Dadasaheb Phalke- the father of Indian Cinema), aeronautics (Shivkar Talpade). Usually this part is ingored in the mainstream narrative on Maharashtra.
In 'Many Poles One Centre', Kuber has pointed out to ideological catharsis Maharashtra has offered in freedom movement and afterwards. Its origin of saffron on right (Savarkar and Hedgewar), radical humanists (Pandurang Khankhoje), Communists (Sripad Dange), Labour leaders(Narayan Meghaji Lokhandey) and most importantly, the Dalit movements through works of Rajarshi Shahu, Mahatma Phule and Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. Noting contributions of all these, the book sets Maharashtra into unique position of what was Germany in eighteenth century Europe who gave world Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche and Kant .
In the last chapters of book, Kuber goes on to note post independence developments in Maharashtra. In the 'best Prime Minister India never had', he categorically focuses on contribution of Yashwantrao Chavan to national politics, the first Chief Minister of Maharashtra and known as 'Maker of Modern Maharashtra.' After Chavan, Maharashtra haven't seen any stalwart to reach such high positions with the exception of Sharad Pawar who also have a missed chances to Prime Minister-ship in his records.
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| Girish Kuber delivering a talk in Fergusson College, Pune |
Throughout the whole book, however interesting story is, the work has mentioned castes of almost all noteworthy personalities. The purpose of doing so is confusing and unclear. Also, bibliography Kuber has given appears to be very limited given the time frame he has dealt with. Another limitation which Kuber himself mentions is that of missing out some notorious names and developments given the vastness of book is trying to encompass.
Overall, the Renaissance State provokes you to read it in one go such is the style of presentation and continuity of flow. Kuber concludes with question of "Gadya Apla Gaon bara" (Its better to be home) mentality having origins in the defeat of Marathas in Panipat. The post panipat Maharashtra have not been able to capture Delhi but it has continued its old tradition of not bowing before the throne of Delhi either. The post Panipat Maharashtra have to solve this quest for ruling Delhi by organizing all energies to create a Renaissance again .
