A grand Marathi play on Bajirao I to be staged soon

"Ajinkya Yodha", a Marathi play highlighting the courage and valour of Peshwa Bajirao I will be staged soon.

The stage for the show would be 112 feet long, 92 feet wide, and 29 feet tall, the show's producer Sanjay Pande told a press conference here.

Cast of "Ajinkya Yodha", directed by Varuna Madanlal Rana and written by Pratap Gangavne, comprises 130 actors.

Pande said the play was in the making for the last two years.

"The play would highlight Bajirao's war strategies, his valour, courage and bravery," he said.

Gangavne said writers of the history and literature focussed only on his relationship with Bundelkhand princess Mastani and not much on his war exploits.

"Bajirao became Peshwa (prime minister of Maratha kingdom) at the age of 20 and died at 40. During this period, he fought more than 300 wars," Gangavane said.

Bajirao I, born in August 1700, served as Peshwa to the fifth Maratha Chhatrapati (Emperor) Shahu from 1720 until his death.

Maharashtra Culture Minister Vinod Tawde said the history should be taught to students to inspire them.

"We have introduced a new chapter in history (syllabus) on how Shivaji Maharaj was a management guru. The chapter highlights Shivaji's administrative skills along with his bravery," he said.