The RSS in order to inspire Marathi youth eulogized and glorified the Marathas. That Shivaji fought against Aurangazeb and other Muslim kingdoms gave them all the more reason to hail him as the greatest king. But, history shows the Marathas were none of what these guys portray .

They joined forces with Nizams and British to defeat Mysore. Would you call them anti-Muslims? They had Muslim mercenaries in their armies. They fought Hindu kingdoms too like that of malamma. Keladi Chennamma had to help provide a safe passage for Shivaji’s son Rajaram to Ginji.

The Marathas may have been a great kingdom in recent times, but they were not the greatest nor did they wage religious wars. Hindutva brigade have painted Marathas to a picture they like .

The Marathas have at times faced defeat at the hands of smaller kingdoms and have had to take help of other kingdoms.

We kannadigas have had a glorious past and we don’t need Shivaji or Marathas to draw inspiration from. Let’s honor and respect our own legends and icons