|
The release of the film 'Chhava,' based on the life of Sambhaji, the successor to Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha kingdom, has ignited a multifaceted controversy in Maharashtra. While right-wing elements are attempting to exploit the film to further their anti-Muslim agenda by highlighting Sambhaji's resistance against the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, the film has sparked a broader public debate encompassing religion, caste, the very essence of Maharashtra's identity, and the complex interpretation of its history. The film's narrative is rooted in the Marathi novel 'Chhava' by Shivaji Sawant, a work celebrated for its accurate depiction of the political dynamics surrounding King Sambhaji and the historical struggle for Maharashtrian supremacy. However, 'Chhava' is not the first work on Sambhaji's life; numerous other books, plays, and novels have explored his reign before. What distinguishes 'Chhava' is its resonance with contemporary socio-political tensions. The film has become a flashpoint for long-standing debates about historical accuracy, caste representation, and the appropriation of historical figures for political gain. The controversy surrounding 'Chhava' underscores the enduring power of historical narratives to shape contemporary identity and political discourse. The story of Sambhaji is not simply a historical account; it is a contested terrain where different interpretations of the past collide with present-day political agendas. The film, therefore, serves as a catalyst for re-examining the complex relationship between history, memory, and political power in Maharashtra. The debate extends beyond the film's artistic merit and delves into the fundamental questions about who gets to tell the story of the past and whose voices are marginalized or silenced in the process. The film's depiction of Sambhaji's challenges to the Ashta Pradhan Mandal, his father's cabinet of ministers, has reignited discussions about caste dynamics within the Maratha kingdom. The fact that some ministers who opposed Sambhaji were Brahmins and that the Bakhar writers who portrayed Sambhaji negatively were also Brahmins has fueled the Brahmin versus Maratha debate in Maharashtra's politics. This historical tension is further amplified by recent claims made by historian Indrajit Sawant, who alleges that Sambhaji's capture was facilitated by a Brahmin clerk, citing the diary of French governor Francis Martin. These claims, while contested by some, have further inflamed the debate and led to threats against Sawant. The controversy surrounding 'Chhava' is not an isolated incident. It is part of a broader trend of historical revisionism and the politicization of history in India. Right-wing groups have increasingly sought to reinterpret historical narratives to promote their nationalist agenda, often at the expense of historical accuracy and inclusivity. In this context, the film 'Chhava' becomes a battleground for competing interpretations of the past, with different groups vying to control the narrative and shape public opinion. The response to the film also reveals the deep divisions within Maharashtrian society, with caste and religious identities playing a significant role in shaping people's perceptions of Sambhaji and his legacy. The film has inadvertently exposed the fault lines that continue to run through Maharashtra's social fabric. The controversy surrounding 'Chhava' serves as a reminder of the importance of critical engagement with history and the need to challenge dominant narratives. It highlights the dangers of using history to justify political agendas or to perpetuate social divisions. A nuanced and inclusive understanding of the past is essential for building a more just and equitable future.
The historical narrative surrounding Sambhaji is complex and has evolved significantly over time. Initially, accounts like the 'Bakhar' written by Malhar Ram Rao Chitnis, a Brahmin clerk, portrayed Sambhaji as an incompetent ruler and a drunkard. This portrayal, though challenged by historians like Jadunath Sarkar, heavily influenced Marathi literature in the early 20th century. However, the rise of education among lower castes during British colonial rule led to a re-evaluation of these narratives. Reformist thinkers like Mahatma Phule, who coined the term 'Bahujan' to represent non-Brahmin communities, played a crucial role in challenging Brahminical dominance in historical writing. Phule's discovery of Shivaji's cremation site and his advocacy for Shivaji as a 'Bahujan Pratipalak' (protector of the Bahujans) marked a turning point in the understanding of Maratha history. The Satya Shodhak Samaj, founded by Phule, evolved into the Bramhan Bramhanetar movement, which directly challenged the supremacy of Brahmins and called for a rewriting of history from a more inclusive perspective. This movement paved the way for a more accurate and nuanced understanding of Sambhaji's life and reign. In 1956, Maharashtra Chief Minister Yashwantrao Chavan commissioned historian Va Si Bendrey to write an authoritative history of Sambhaji based on contemporary records. Bendrey's research, supported by government funding, led to the publication of 'Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj' in 1960, which revolutionized historical writing and had a profound impact on Maharashtra's socio-political landscape. Bendrey's work portrayed Sambhaji as a warrior, poet, author, and polyglot, challenging the earlier negative portrayals. This revised historical narrative provided the foundation for Shivaji Sawant's novel 'Chhava,' which further popularized Sambhaji's story. The evolution of Sambhaji's historical image reflects the broader socio-political changes in Maharashtra, particularly the rise of non-Brahmin movements and the challenge to Brahminical hegemony. The controversy surrounding 'Chhava' is a continuation of this historical struggle for control over the narrative of the past. The film has inadvertently reopened old wounds and reignited debates about caste, power, and historical representation. The competing interpretations of Sambhaji's life and legacy highlight the enduring importance of historical accuracy and inclusivity in shaping public opinion and promoting social harmony. The film serves as a reminder that history is not a fixed and immutable truth but rather a dynamic and contested terrain where different perspectives and interests collide. A critical and nuanced understanding of the past is essential for navigating the complexities of the present and building a more just and equitable future.
The success of 'Chhava' at the box office underscores the enduring interest in Maratha history and the ongoing debates about its interpretation. The film's depiction of Sambhaji's confrontations with ministers from his father's cabinet, some of whom conspired against him, has further fueled the Brahmin versus Maratha debate. The recent claims by historian Indrajit Sawant, alleging that a Brahmin clerk leaked Sambhaji's whereabouts to the Mughal army, have added another layer of complexity to the controversy. These claims, while contested by some, have sparked outrage among certain Brahmin organizations and led to threats against Sawant. The controversy has also drawn attention to the role of right-wing groups in promoting a communal narrative of Sambhaji's life and reign. These groups often portray Sambhaji's fight against Aurangzeb as a Hindu-Muslim battle, emphasizing his sacrifice for his religion. In contrast, progressive thinkers have challenged this narrative by highlighting the criticisms of Sambhaji by Hindutva icons like V.D. Savarkar and M.S. Golwalkar, who portrayed him as an incompetent and immoral ruler. The competing interpretations of Sambhaji's life and legacy reflect the broader ideological struggles within Indian society. The right-wing's attempt to appropriate Sambhaji for its communal agenda is countered by progressive efforts to promote a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of his historical significance. The controversy surrounding 'Chhava' serves as a reminder of the importance of resisting attempts to distort or manipulate history for political gain. A critical and informed public discourse is essential for ensuring that history is used to promote understanding and reconciliation rather than division and conflict. The film's success has reopened old battles around history and highlighted the enduring relevance of the past in shaping the present. The controversy surrounding 'Chhava' underscores the need for a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of Maratha history, one that acknowledges the contributions of all communities and avoids perpetuating harmful stereotypes or historical distortions. The ongoing debates about Sambhaji's life and legacy reflect the complex and contested nature of Indian history and the enduring power of the past to shape the present.