Apology issued after two decades over objectionable content in a book by James Laine.
Is merely issuing an apology enough? Oxford University Press must clearly state what action will be taken against James Laine for writing objectionable material about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Rajmata Jijabai. — Editor, HJS
Mumbai — Oxford University Press has issued a public apology for publishing offensive and unverified remarks about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the book Shivaji: Hindu King in Islamic India, written by American historian James Laine.
The book was first published in 2003. In its apology, Oxford University Press expressed regret for the hurt caused to Member of Parliament Chhatrapati Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and to the people of Maharashtra.
Oxford University Press has formally apologised for publishing derogatory and unverified remarks about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the 2003 book Shivaji: Hindu King in Islamic India by US-based historian James Laine.#ChhatrapatiShivajiMaharaj #OxfordUniversityPress pic.twitter.com/6RBZKkXKkx
— DCN Pune (@PuneDcn) January 7, 2026
Oxford University Press stated that certain objectionable passages appearing on pages 31, 33, 34 and 93 of the book were published without proper verification. The publisher admitted this as an error and expressed sincere regret for it.
The Press further apologised for the emotional pain caused to devotees and admirers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and acknowledged the distress the publication had caused.
Earlier protests by Hindu Janajagruti Samiti
The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti had strongly opposed the book in 2010. At that time, protests were organised at several locations across India, and memoranda were submitted demanding action against the objectionable content.
July 11, 2010
James Laine issue : Agitation spreads all over the State
Mumbai: Agitation has spread all over Maharashtra against a book authored by James Lain insulting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The Supreme Court has lifted the ban imposed on the said book; yet people have not accepted the same. Mr. R. R. Patil, who had talked about taking action against James Lain, has been unsuccessful in his efforts. The workers of ‘Sambhaji Brigade’ therefore, ‘gheraoed’ him at Yeotmal protesting with black flags; while demonstrations were staged at ‘Shivaji Chowk’ in Solapur.
An effigy of James Lain was burnt in Beed. In Kolhapur, ‘Maharashtra Navanirman Sena’s workers burnt the books authored by Mr. Lain and published by Oxford University. At Sambhajinagar, BJP workers burnt the effigy of James Lain and various political parties and social organizations expressed their protest in the Chowk at Pimpri trying to block the Pune-Mumbai Highway so also they tried to set a bus on fire pelting stones at the bus.
The Government should ban the book by James Lain – Pujya Bhide Guruji
Sangli (Maharashtra): The book by James Lain, having objectionable matter about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj revered by Hindustan, should be banned by the Central Government by passing an Act. A memorandum will be submitted to the District Collector with the above demand on Monday on behalf of ‘Sree Shiva-Pratishthan (SSP)’, informed Pujya Sambhaji Bhide Guruji, the founder of the SSP in a press conference here. Shri. Hanmantrao Pawar of SSP was also present on the occasion.
Pujya Bhide Guruji said further, “All 48 MPs elected from Maharashtra should unite and render their resignations on the issue till ban is not imposed on the book; but unfortunately, it does not seem to happen. Till there are no rulers with the blood-group of Shivaji – Sambhaji, such problems will crop up. It is very unfortunate that many improper things are taking place under the name of ‘freedom of expression and contempt of the Court.”
Source: Daily Sanatan Prabhat
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