Archive · 8 Jan 2026
OUP India Apologizes for 2003 Book on Shivaji Maharaj
A book company in India called Oxford University Press said they are sorry for some things they wrote in a book about a famous king named Shivaji Maharaj.
The book was written by an American historian in 2003 and had some things that people found offensive.
The company took the book away from stores and said they are sorry for any upset it caused.
A court in India told them to say they are sorry, and they did.
The author also said he was sorry and that he loves India and did not mean to hurt anyone.
Some people think the book should be allowed because it is about history, but others think it should not be allowed because it hurts people's feelings.
Oxford University Press India apologized for unverified and offensive statements in a 2003 book on Shivaji Maharaj.
The apology was issued in compliance with a Bombay High Court directive following a 2005 legal case.
The book, written by James Laine, was withdrawn from circulation shortly after its publication due to public outrage.
The controversy involved vandalism at the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute and a national debate on academic freedom.
The publisher and author expressed regret for any distress caused and reiterated their respect for cultural sensitivities.
- Who
- Oxford University Press India and author James Laine
- What
- Apologized for unverified statements in a 2003 book on Shivaji Maharaj
- When
- Apology issued on January 6, 2026, following a 2005 legal case
- Where
- India, specifically Maharashtra
- Why
- Due to offensive and unverified content about Shivaji Maharaj's lineage and personal life
Academic Freedom
Cultural Sensitivity
Content of the Book
Academic Freedom
The book should be allowed as it represents a critical historical perspective.
Cultural Sensitivity
The book contains unverified and offensive statements about Shivaji Maharaj's lineage and personal life.
Publisher's Responsibility
Academic Freedom
Publishers should have the freedom to publish diverse viewpoints without censorship.
Cultural Sensitivity
Publishers must ensure cultural sensitivities and historical accuracy to avoid causing distress.
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press India
- Book Title
- Shivaji: Hindu King in Islamic India
- Author
- James Laine
- Publication Year
- 2003
- Apology Issued
- January 6, 2026
- Court Directive
- Bombay High Court, Kolhapur bench
- Recipient of Apology
- Udayanraje Bhosale
- Book Status
- Withdrawn from circulation
