Son of Bollywood actor Waheeda Rehman and businessman Shashi Rekhy, Sohail Rekhy grew up hearing tales of heroes, epics and legends of western and southern India. Armed with a degree in literature from the University of Toronto, this is his debut novel.
For most of us, heroes are made on the silver screen. But heroes are people who have walked on Earth and their tales of courage and valour, contribution to a better society, have stayed alive centuries after their passing.
Kanhoji Angre is one such hero, who lived in the times of the great Maratha ruler, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He was born to Tukoji Sankhpal, keeper of Suvarnadurg Fort for Shivaji and in-charge of 200 posts. ‘A child of the seas, Kanhoji is as much at home in the turbulent waters of the Konkan as in the forts and forests of the Desha mainland.’
Like many, I was unfamiliar with the maritime history of India. I knew even less about the western parts of the country. It is only in the last one year that I have travelled to the interiors of Maharashtra and understood the emotional connect to the emperor of the Marathas. My suggestion is that you, the reader, begin with a quick read on Shivaji Maharaj and Kanhoji Angre before you start reading this novel.
Kanhoji Angre was born to Ambabai and Tukoji in August 1669, after 14 years of marriage. Unlike the men of his times, Tukoji remained loyal to his wife and undertook an arduous journey to a saint who gave the couple a prasad of burning embers, blessing them with a child. Hence, Kanhoji got the name Angria. The ember of greatness burning bright, he proved his mettle over his 60-year lifespan.
The stars predicted an emperor, and he became the emperor of the seas. A mischievous and energetic child, he was given a gun by his father at a young age. As per the custom, the precocious child was married off during childhood to Mathura, a head taller than him. He later gets married again, and eventually has children out of wedlock too. Rekhy gives an expansive view of his childhood, teenage sexual escapades, life in the gurukul, friends, betrayals and loyalty to the Maratha empire.
A fearless and strategic warrior, he attacked and captured European merchant ships, collected jakat aka taxes. Thus, the British, Dutch and Portuguese labelled him a pirate. Despite their attempts to dismantle his fleet, Angre successfully kept the foreign invaders at bay until his death in 1729. Indian historians appraise him as ‘most skilled Indian navy chief in the maritime history of India’.
Rekhy’s research is extensive as he spent hours at Asiatic Society Library, interviewed Angre’s descendants living in Alibag, near Mumbai, even saw Kanhoji’s seals and other material he could lay hands on. Unlike most historical fiction novels, in which the authors like to hold fort with current language trends, Rekhy stays true to the times Angre lived in. All the chapters open with Kanhoji’s seal.
Kanhoji lived through the changes of the Maratha empire. His dream of meeting the great Shivaji Maharaj was not fulfilled, as the great emperor died when he was just a child. Kanhoji was supported by sensible friends, was loyal and a good strategist besides being courageous. He understood the value of political alliances, and always looked for solutions. He built forts, ports, even the modern-glam town of Alibag is his creation. It is the also the place of his samadhi (entombment). He launched the Alibaug rupee, seals, knew how to make good gunpowder or barud. He understood self-reliance. Kanhoji was a man with a mission, a vision and a winner—all the qualities that inspire confidence and positivity.
Rekhy covers the societal norms, the culture, the people well. It’s a complex history, with many characters such as Mughals, Siddis (Abyssinians), Dutch, English, Portugese, traders, warriors, multiple castes of people in the Konkan and their ways. The seas were the routes to trading and capturing colonies, and the Konkan’s easy approach seems to have attracted many invaders and power grabbers. Besides, India’s silk, spices and salt were attractive trading commodities, along with native labour.
Rekhy has explored many aspects in the book; each chapter has multiple references to multiple people and many locations. The complexity does leave the 21st century reader a tad bit confused. It takes time to assimilate the terms, the geography, the era. A glossary of terms would have been good, though there are footnotes.
The book is a slow read. It’s probably easier for people familiar with the region, but for the other readers, it’s a new world. The language is colloquial and the terminology regional, but informative. The narrative is more suited to a movie than literature, as I found the transitions difficult to grapple with. There are many sequences, which are interlinked in later chapters, but initially confusing. With the material Rekhy has, a longer book would have worked better or perhaps divided into two parts.
With vivid scenes of Kanhoji’s life in my head, I recalled my trip to Ratnagiri Fort, where I had gazed at the vast expanse of water with wonder. I felt a sense of pride that I had touched the land where this hero lived and thrived.
Book Details
Publisher: Ebury Press (Penguin)
Language: English
Paperback: 445 pages
Price: INR 599 (kindle edition available)
This book review is part of the reviewer outreach programme by Penguin Random House. The views expressed are my own.
Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Mads’ Cookhouse.
Queen of Treasures 
Your review is really interesting. Have heard about the book from a fellow book blogger. Really wanted to read though. Thanks for the links, shall check it out
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I had been aware of some Maratha warriors but Kanhoji’s tale is new to me. Despite its slow pace, I may want to pick this one up to enrich my knowledge of history and the prevalent culture. It seems a good pedigree and a degree in literature cannot always guarantee a good read.
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Correction – Kanhoji and Angria’s tale
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awwww… loved the last paragraph of your review Ambica… so sweet😊.
I don’t know if I have told u before that I love reading history… I hated it when I was in school but as I grew up, I enjoyed reading books on history. I loved reading your review as well.
And, I didn’t know Waheeda Rehman had a son who is a budding author… wow!
Looks like I will break my ‘no reading’ impasse with this one cuz it seems my type.
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go ahead and break the reading impasse!
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👍
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I have an affinity towards history and I’ve read some literature on kanhoji but never found something that is so detailed. Thank you for sharing.
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Your detailed analysis of the book’s strengths and weaknesses provides valuable insight. Although I’m not typically drawn to historical reads and prefer faster-paced books, I appreciate the way you’ve reviewed the book, sparking my interest despite my usual preferences.
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We’re always on the lookout for new books as my son’s love history, and your posts have been a tremendous help in guiding our choices. Thanks for consistently providing valuable recommendations!
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I am glad that the posts have been helpful Anjali. Happy reading.
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It’s fascinating how your explorations have enriched your understanding and appreciation of this historical narrative. Your suggestion for readers to acquaint themselves with Shivaji Maharaj and Kanhoji Angre before diving into “Angria: A Historical Odyssey” talks volumes about your thoughtful approach to engaging with the book.
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I haven’t had the chance to dive into the pages of this book, but your summary paints a vivid picture of its contents. It’s always intriguing to learn about lesser-known historical figures and their contributions, especially when they have such a profound impact on the region’s history and culture. Thanks Ambika, for sharing your thoughts on it!
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Wow wahida rehaman’s son is an author is a news to me…reading and knowing more about historical facts and figures is always inspiring. India has such a vast history and coming from an author who has done indepth research is always a pleasure to read.
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What an absolutely riveting review!!! As someone who is always on the lookout for captivating historical fiction, I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this book. Thank you for sharing your insightful review and for shedding light on this lesser-known but incredibly fascinating chapter of Indian history!
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Wow, the first few lines itself was like revelation to me to know that Waheedaji has a son and that an author at that. She’s one helluva actress. Coming to your book review, I’m a history buff and the bit about Murud Janjira got me all nostalgic as I’ve visited the fort quite recently. A book about Kanhoji Angre, an unsung hero is amazing to learn about. Will surely try reading it.
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Our country is so rich in its history and traditions. I find myself wondering why we don’t promote it or don’t talk proudly about it like the Europeans and the English. Your review just strengthened my belief that we need more such authors/creators and books to shed on the people and regions that would educate us. Glad to have found one recommendation from you already. Will be checking out the book for sure, because I’m also a guilty party here, as we, as Indians, are so ignorant about our history. Reading such books would bring us one step closer to letting the world know about our people.
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This is interesting and I am wondering if I can interest my 14 year old to read this book. He is a history buff but knows more about world history than Indian history. This seems interesting – let’s see.
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I do know regarding Maratha and Maharaj Shivaji because our home is filled with this historical books. But I didn’t read about Kanoji. And it is surprising that Wahida Rahmans Son is author. Surely it will be in my home library.
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Your in depth review presents the complete overview of the book highlighting insightful perspectives. Despite my usual inclination for thrillers/mythology over historical ones, your review somehow managed to grab my attention, giving me a kick below belt to read this book. By the way I was not aware that Waheeda Raman was married , that’s something new I got to know for sure from this review. Thanks for correcting my GK
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The book sounds like a must-read. There are so many unsung heroes in history we barely know anything about. As always enjoyed reading your review, Ambica. Thank you for sharing about the book. Adding it to my TBR.
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Your detailed analysis of the book provides additional insights that intrigues the reader to dive into the book. I had not heard about the book but after reading your blog I am eager to read this book.
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This book looks so interesting! I love reading historical fiction. Now this is on my next reading list.
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History has been one of my favourite genres and I love the brief that you’ve mentioned here. Though shivaji is the only Marathi ruler that I’ve known of Kanoji sounds ti be an interesting personality
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I like how nowadays we have more people researching and writing about stories from our region, and it is so good to see more people wanting to learn about and read such books as well. An interesting review, I like books that are fairly accurate and share an insight into times past.
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I have a lot to know about history and historical characters. Angaria is one of the books I wanted to read for a long . Thanks for such an amazing review. Now I am going to buy this book at the earliest.
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I’m a huge fan of historical fiction. This sounds like it would be right up my alley. Thanks for sharing!
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😛
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