A love that was royal and eternal

Jun 23, 2012 - Age Correspondent

Today, the words Bajirao-Mastani are more likely to bring to mind a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film that’s long been in the pipeline. But beyond the Bollywood drama is a love story that is inspiring and eternal.

The daughter of the Maharaja of Bundelkhand, Mastani was said to be as brave as she was beautiful, and when her hand in marriage was offered to Peshwa Bajirao (in gratitude for the Peshwa’s help in defending Bundelkhand from Mughal invaders), he accepted gladly.
Mastani gave the Peshwa two sons; she accompanied him on all his war campaigns. Bajirao was also said to be in thrall of her prowess as a musician and dancer.
Bajirao built a separate palace for his wife in Kothrud, Pune, apparently because of his family’s intolerance of her. After his death in 1704, Mastani didn’t survive too long, and many accounts claim that she committed suicide. Her grave in Prabal is visited often by trekkers and history enthusiasts.

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