Murarirao Ghorpade

Murarirao independently built a strong and highly efficient military force. He established his reputation on being able to break the dreaded war tactic employed by the French Army―the French Hollow Square. His support was sought by the Peshwas, neighbouring kingdoms, the French and the British. In fact, it so happened that he came to save Robert Clive from a crushing defeat at the hands of the French at Arcot. This war was a turning point in India’s history. That he has been denied attention could well be because much of documented Maratha history faces north. Murarirao’s story faces south. And it was his actions on behalf of the Marathas that drew the ire of his nemesis, Haider Ali Khan.