Oxford University Press Issues Apology Over Controversial Book on Shivaji Maharaj
Apology from Oxford University Press India
On Tuesday, Oxford University Press India publicly apologized for publishing “unverified” claims regarding the 17th-century ruler Shivaji in a book that was released over twenty years ago. This apology came after objections raised by Udayanraje Bhosale, a Member of Parliament from Satara and a direct descendant of Shivaji.
Bhosale is recognized as the 13th-generation descendant of the legendary king.
Two decades ago, James Laine’s book “Chh.Shivaji: Hindu King in Islamic India” triggered massive outrage in Maharashtra for casting aspersions on Jijau Maa Saheb’s character. Today, the publisher Oxford University Press has officially issued an apology. pic.twitter.com/bPtSU2OfYM
— Mahesh Patil - Benadikar (@MaheshPatil_B) January 6, 2026
The apology pertains to the book Shivaji: Hindu King in Islamic India, authored by American historian James Laine and published by Oxford University Press India in 2003.
This publication became contentious after certain groups raised concerns about a statement regarding Shivaji’s lineage.
The remarks led to widespread protests, and in January 2004, the situation escalated in Maharashtra, especially in Pune, where over 150 demonstrators vandalized the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, accusing it of aiding the author in making the controversial statements about Shivaji.
The Maharashtra government subsequently imposed a ban on the book.
In a public notice released on Tuesday, Oxford University Press India acknowledged that certain statements on pages 31, 33, 34, and 93 of the book had not been verified and expressed regret over its publication.
The publishing house extended its apologies to Bhosale and “the public at large, for any distress and anguish” caused.
This apology was prompted by a directive from the Kolhapur bench of the Bombay High Court, stemming from a complaint filed by Bhosale, which initiated criminal defamation proceedings against the former Managing Director of Oxford University Press India, Sayeed Manzar Khan, and others in 2005.
During a hearing on December 17, the publisher’s legal representative indicated their willingness to issue a nationwide apology, leading the court to quash the proceedings.
A spokesperson for the publishing house informed The Times of India on Wednesday that the book had been in circulation for a brief period over two decades ago, and that measures were taken at that time to recall and withdraw it from circulation due to concerns regarding its content.
Oxford University Press India aims to “consider cultural sensitivities and context carefully to ensure that our products can be read and enjoyed by as many people worldwide as possible,” the publishing house stated.