Book review
During the seventeenth century, the Mughals reigned supreme over the Northern and Central India. In the Deccan endless battles were fought between other kings like Adil Shah of Bijapur and chiefs like the Nawab of Janjira. The common man suffered at the hands of the officers as well as the marauding chieftains.

At such a period was Shivaji born. He was the son of a brave father and a wise and loving mother. These two and a teacher named Dadoji were the moulding influences on Shivaji’s character. The flame of freedom burnt in the little boy’s heart. He collected around him a band of devoted followers and as they grew up they swore to throw off the yoke of alien rule.

How Shivaji carried out his ambitious plans with success, is told in pictures in the pages of the first book in this special volume.

There are a number of tales about Shivaji and his contemporaries. Some, like Rani Mallamma of Belavadi’ are historical stories while others like the story of ‘Hira the Milkmaid’ are legends. Three such legends are given in the second Amar Chitra Katha of this volume.

The third Chitra Katha in this special issue is on Tanaji, one of the Maratha warriors who shone like a meteor on the horizon of early Maratha history.

Simhagad, near Pune, is a living monument to the memory of this great soldier.

His story in our third Chitra Katha of this volume is mainly based on, ‘Shivaji, the Maratha, his life and times,’ by H.G.Rawlinson and ‘Shivasamsmriti’ by G.S.Sardesai.

Contents
Shivaji
Tales of Shivaji
Tanaji