Coffee table book 'Gift of the Sahyadris' on Maharashtra's history released at BORI in Pune

A 280-page coffee table book on the history of Maharashtra, 'Gift of the Sahyadris: The Story and Glory of Maharashtra', was unveiled in Pune. Force Motors Limited chairman Dr Abhay Firodia released the book at the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI) on Saturday, October 31, 2026. Details of the event were issued from Shivajinagar on November 3, 2026.

The book is published by Heritage India Communications Private Limited. It traces Maharashtra's journey from prehistoric times and early civilisations to the formation of the state on May 1, 1960. It also covers the region's tribal communities, ancient caves, forts, the Maratha period, the Peshwa era, social reform movements and the Samyukta Maharashtra movement.

Dr G. B. Deglurkar, former vice-chancellor of Deccan College in Pune, and Dr A. P. Jamkhedkar, former chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research, attended the event. Both were guests of honour. Dr Firodia, who is also chairman of BORI's regulating council, was chief guest.

Journalist and author Kalyani Sardesai wrote the book and also did its creative layout. The research committee includes historian Dr Ajit Apte, Prof. P. K. Ghanekar and Dr Manjiri Bhalerao. The illustrations were drawn by Rahul Deshpande, Anant (surname unclear), Tejas Modak and Madhumita Shinde.

Speaking at the release, Sardesai said the aim of the book is to make Maharashtra's history easily understandable to general readers while preserving historical accuracy. She also stressed the region's distinct cultural identity and how it developed across different periods.

Dr Firodia spoke on the role trade has played in India's historical economic development. He said Maharashtra's prosperity today is linked to industrialisation, entrepreneurship and skill development.

The book examines the geographical significance of the Sahyadri range and describes how it shaped the region's river systems and biodiversity. It also presents the historical importance of the Sahyadris during the rise of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the founding of Swarajya.

The release follows the inclusion of the Maratha Military Landscapes in UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2025. Besides the forts of Maharashtra, the book covers other historical and cultural sites, including the Ajanta and Ellora caves.