Books
Murarirao Ghorpade: The Accidental Catalyst Behind Robert Clive’s March Over India By Reeta Ramamurthy And Indrajeet Ghorpade
With unmatched insight and flair, the authors depict Murarirao as a fierce general, diplomatic statesman, and a complex man who stood tall in an era marked by betrayal and shifting alliances.
In a time when historical narratives are being re-examined and reclaimed, Murarirao Ghorpade: The Accidental Catalyst Behind Robert Clive’s March Over India sheds light on one of the most pivotal yet unsung heroes of 18th-century India. Co-authored by bestselling narrative non-fiction writer Reeta Ramamurthy and debut author Indrajeet Ghorpade, the book brings to life the extraordinary story of Murarirao Ghorpade—a Maratha warrior whose decisive role in the battle at Arcot would alter the trajectory of colonial power in India.
At once a thrilling military chronicle and a deep exploration of loyalty, love, and legacy, this riveting work challenges the traditional north-centric view of Maratha history by focusing on the Deccan heartland. With unmatched insight and flair, the authors depict Murarirao as a fierce general, diplomatic statesman, and a complex man who stood tall in an era marked by betrayal and shifting alliances.
At the heart of the narrative lies a little-known fact: it was Murarirao who turned the tide at the Battle of Arcot, coming to the aid of Robert Clive and inadvertently setting the stage for British dominance in India. His defeat of the French Hollow Square formation—a military tactic feared across Europe—earned him the respect and reliance of both French and British forces, and simultaneously, the wrath of Haider Ali Khan.
Spanning espionage, warfare, romance, and diplomacy, the book is as entertaining as it is illuminating. Readers will find themselves drawn into the rich tapestry of 18th-century Deccan, a world rarely captured in mainstream historical discourse.
About The Authors:
Reeta Ramamurthy Gupta is a six-time author best known for her work in narrative non-fiction. Her bestselling biographies and columns have made her one of India’s most widely read literary voices in popular history and culture. Her work regularly features on Network18 under the column #BookStrapping.
Indrajeet Ghorpade is a businessman from the Ghorpade Maratha lineage, and a passionate conservationist and wildlife photographer. This is his debut book, born of a personal commitment to tell the story of his forebear and correct a historical oversight.
The official release for the book is in August 2025