Shivaji and the Mystery of Bhawani Sword

25th July 2026

The story opens at Raigad Fort in 1674, just days before Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's historic coronation. The fortress is buzzing with celebration, music, and royal preparation—until a silent crisis strikes. The precious gemstones studded into Shivaji Maharaj's legendary, sacred Bhavani Sword go missing.

Without the consecrated sword intact, the royal coronation cannot proceed. If news leaks outside the fort walls, rival powers—from Aurangzeb and the Adil Shahi Sultanate to British traders—stand ready to turn the omen into political chaos.

To avoid widespread panic, the Queen Mother (Jijabai) turns to an unlikely team: four observant local children—Prajakta, Sarjya, Sopan, and Ganya. What starts as a simple search for missing gems quickly turns into a maze of royal intrigue, suspicious aides, an English-made duplicate sword, and the sudden illness of young Sambhaji Raje.

Shraddha Sahi does a wonderful job weaving authentic details of Maratha history, fort geography, and period politics into the story without overwhelming young readers. Historical figures like Shivaji Maharaj, Jijabai, and Sambhaji are portrayed with warmth, making the era feel alive rather than like a textbook lesson.



Instead of relying on seasoned guards or ministers, the plot gives center stage to everyday kids who use observation, teamwork, and local knowledge to outsmart adult schemers. Each of the four young protagonists brings a distinct personality to the table, creating a strong group dynamic.

At under 170 pages, the narrative moves briskly. The mystery features classic detective tropes adapted to a historical setting—red herrings, secret notes, coded clues, and hidden motives. The presence of an English replica sword adds an intriguing layer of geopolitical tension that mirrors the actual historical rivalry along the Konkan coast.

Shivaji and the Mystery of the Bhavani Sword is a delightful entry point into Indian historical fiction. It successfully blends historical reverence with the energetic fun of a classic mystery adventure, making it an excellent pick for young readers, school libraries, and anyone who enjoys stories where children step up to save the day.