Oxford University Press (OUP) India has publicly apologized for certain unverified statements about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that appeared in the 2003 book "Shivaji: Hindu King in Islamic India," authored by American scholar James W. Laine. The apology, issued through a notice published in a newspaper, specifically addresses content on pages 31, 33, 34, and 93 of the book. It was directed to Udayanraje Bhosale, the 13th direct descendant of the legendary Maratha king, as well as to the public at large. The publisher expressed deep regret for the inclusion of those statements and acknowledged the distress and anguish they caused to individuals and communities who revere Shivaji Maharaj as a symbol of courage, resistance, and Hindu pride in Indian history.

The controversy surrounding the book dates back more than two decades. Shortly after its publication, the work sparked widespread outrage among sections of Maratha society, leading to a violent incident in January 2004 when over 150 activists from the Sambhaji Brigade stormed and ransacked the prestigious Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI) in Pune. The attackers accused the book of containing objectionable and disrespectful references to Shivaji Maharaj and his family. The episode resulted in significant damage to rare manuscripts and documents at the institute, drew national condemnation, and prompted legal actions as well as debates over academic freedom, historical interpretation, and cultural sensitivities in India.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj remains one of the most revered figures in Indian history, celebrated for establishing the Maratha Empire in the 17th century through his military genius, guerrilla warfare tactics, and vision of self-rule against Mughal dominance. His legacy is deeply intertwined with regional identity in Maharashtra, where he is honored as a champion of justice, religious tolerance, and indigenous governance. The 2003 book by Laine, which sought to examine Shivaji's life within the socio-political context of medieval India, became highly contentious due to interpretations and passages that many considered inaccurate or offensive. The recent apology reflects an effort by the publisher to address long-standing grievances related to the portrayal of this iconic historical personality.

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The public notice from OUP India was issued on behalf of the organization's former Managing Director, Sayeed Manzar Khan. It represents a formal acknowledgment of responsibility for the unverified content that appeared under its imprint more than twenty years ago. While the book itself was published by Oxford University Press, the statement underscores the publisher's recognition of the emotional and cultural impact of the disputed passages. The apology arrives at a time when historical narratives, scholarly works, and their reception continue to generate intense discussion across India, particularly concerning figures of national and regional importance.

This development highlights the enduring significance of Shivaji Maharaj in contemporary Indian society and the ongoing dialogue between academic publishing, historical accuracy, and public sentiment. The publisher's regret and apology aim to foster reconciliation and respect for the sentiments of those who hold the Maratha warrior king in highest esteem. Community leaders and descendants have welcomed the gesture as a positive step toward acknowledging past oversights, even as discussions about freedom of expression and responsible scholarship persist in academic and public spheres.

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