Pune: Heritage India Releases Coffee Table Book on Maharashtra’s History and Culture
Shivajinagar, 3rd November 2026: Dr Abhay Firodia, Chairman of Force Motors Ltd, unveiled Gift of the Sahyadris: The Story and Glory of Maharashtra, a 280-page coffee table book documenting the history of Maharashtra, at the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI) in Pune on Saturday, 31st October 2026.
Published by Heritage India Communications Pvt Ltd, the book traces Maharashtra’s history from prehistoric times and early civilisations to the formation of the state on May 1, 1960. It also covers the region’s Adivasi communities, ancient rock-cut caves, forts, the Maratha period, the Peshwai, social reform movements and the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement.
The launch was attended by Dr G.B. Deglurkar, former Chancellor of Deccan College, Pune, and Dr A.P. Jamkhedkar, former Chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research. Both were Guests of Honour at the event. Dr Firodia, who also chairs BORI’s Regulating Council, was the Chief Guest.
Journalist and author Kalyani Sardesai wrote and creatively visualised the book. Its research panel includes historians Dr Ajit Apte, Professor P.K. Ghanekar and Dr Manjiri Bhalerao. Illustrations in the publication are by Rahul Deshpande, Anant Dere, Tejas Modak and Madhumita Shinde.
Speaking at the launch, Sardesai said the book aims to make Maharashtra’s history accessible to general readers while retaining historical accuracy. She also highlighted the region’s distinct cultural identity and its evolution across different periods.
Dr Firodia spoke about the role of trade in India’s historical economic development and said Maharashtra’s present-day prosperity is linked to industrialisation, enterprise and skill development.
The book also examines the geographical significance of the Sahyadri mountain range, its role in shaping the region’s river systems and biodiversity, and its historical importance, particularly during the rise of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the establishment of Swarajya.
The launch comes after the Maratha Military Landscapes were inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2025. The book covers Maharashtra’s forts alongside other historical and cultural sites, including the Ajanta and Ellora caves.
