About the Book: Murarirao Ghorpade was a fearless Maratha warrior, skilled statesman, and a key yet overlooked figure in 18th-century Deccan history. Renowned for defeating the French Army’s infamous Hollow Square formation, he played a pivotal role in saving Robert Clive at the Battle of Arcot—an event that reshaped India’s colonial future. Operating independently, Murarirao built a powerful military force and gained the attention of Peshwas, the French, the British, and neighboring kingdoms. His untold story blends military strategy, espionage, forbidden love, and loyalty against the backdrop of Maratha resistance in southern India. This riveting biography shines a long-overdue light on a forgotten hero whose legacy was overshadowed by northern-centric historical narratives.