Babasaheb Purandare – The Writer Whose Work Transports Us to the Times of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

97-year-old Balwant Moreshwar Pundare, popularly known as Babasaheb Purandare is a renowned writer and theatre personality from Maharashtra who has made an unparalleled contribution to the history of Maharashtra. Purandare has written numerous books and plays on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the great Maratha warrior and 17th-century founder of the Maratha Empire. His book - Raja Shivchatrapati - based on the life and times of Chhatrapati Shivaji is widely read. He is best known for his play Janata Raja which is also based on the life of Shivaji. Ever since Janata Raja was first staged in 1985, the drama has been staged over 864 times in 16 districts of Maharashtra, Agra, Delhi, Bhopal, and the United States. The play was later translated to Hindi for wider reach.  Purundare started writing stories about Shivaji at a very young age. He compiled these stories into a book called ‘Thingya’ which means ‘Sparks’. He is also the author of Raja Shiva-Chatrapati and Kesari. He has also written a book on the life of Narayanrao Peshwa. Purundare’s work is largely based on the events related to Shivaji Maharaj’s life due to which he has earned the title ‘Shiv Shahir’ (Shivaji’s Bard). He is also the recipient of Maharashtra Bhushan Award, Maharashtra’s highest civilian award. For the last three-quarters of the century, Purandare has presented the romanticized life and times of Shivaji through his works and speeches. For his outstanding work, Purandare has been awarded the Padma Vibhushan this year. Image Source: HappyAging.in