Udayanraje Bhosale : Oxford University Press India Apologizes Publicly to MP Udayanraje Bhosale

Oxford University Press (OUP) India has publicly apologized to Satara MP Udayanraje Bhosale, and the controversial book issue on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has finally been resolved after two decades. The book ‘Shivaji: Hindu King in Islamic India’ by American historian James Laine had sparked a major controversy due to some statements. These statements were alleged to be insulting, defamatory, and baseless regarding Shivaji Maharaj and Rajmata Jijabai.

This book was published around February 2003. Subsequently, there was widespread outrage in Maharashtra. Various organizations and Shivaji enthusiasts protested against this book. After the controversy escalated, Oxford University Press admitted through a public notice that some content in the book was published without verification. Specifically mentioning the content on pages 31, 33, 34, and 93, the press expressed regret about it. The book was then withdrawn from India.

Meanwhile, in 2005, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's descendant and current Member of Parliament Udayanraje Bhosale filed a defamation complaint against those associated with the publication of this book. After this complaint, a prolonged legal battle ensued. For nearly two decades, this case was pending at various stages. Finally, in December 2025, the Kolhapur bench of the Mumbai High Court delivered a verdict on this matter.

After the court's verdict, it was made mandatory for Oxford University Press India to publish a public apology in both English and Marathi newspapers. In this apology, OUP clearly stated that some statements in the book were published without proper verification. Therefore, as the publisher, they expressed regret and issued a public apology.

The apology also clarified that this book was available in India only for a very limited time and was immediately withdrawn after the controversy. This case has once again highlighted the importance of research, sensitivity, and responsibility when writing about historical figures. Even if it took two decades, the legal conclusion of this controversy is considered an important and satisfying milestone for Shivaji's admirers.