Descendants Of Mastani Boycott Bajirao Peshwa Statue Unveiling In Pune
Descendants Of Mastani Boycott Bajirao Peshwa Statue Unveiling In Pune
Pune, July 3, 2025: The grand unveiling of Shreemant Thorle Bajirao Peshwa’s equestrian statue at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune has sparked controversy after Nawab Shadab Ali Bahadur Peshwa, Nawab of Banda and a descendant of Mastani, announced a boycott of the event.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to unveil the 13.5-foot bronze statue on Thursday. However, Nawab Shadab Ali Bahadur expressed displeasure over receiving a last-minute invitation and being denied a seat on the main dais. Terming it a “grave insult” to Mastani’s lineage, he said, “We were informed that we would not be seated on the dais while other descendants in Pune have been given that honor. This is unacceptable.”
He further challenged the organizers, claiming, “The current Peshwa descendants in Pune are adopted heirs. I am the true blood descendant of Bajirao Peshwa and Mastani. My ancestors made great sacrifices, including Shamsher Bahadur, who fought in the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761, and Nawab Ali Bahadur, who supported Rani Laxmibai in 1857. Our glorious history cannot be ignored.”
Bahadur alleged that the event organizers, led by Kundan Kumar Sathe of the Bajirao Peshwa Pratishthan, overlooked Mastani’s lineage while honoring adopted heirs. He asserted, “We are ready to undergo a DNA test to prove our lineage. This deliberate exclusion is an insult to our legacy, and we will not tolerate it.”
The Nawab also accused organizers of trying to “bury historical truths” and mislead history enthusiasts like Amit Shah, who is known for his interest in history.
