Raau is a story of Bajirao Peshawe, the prime minister of the Maratha empire in the 18th century (1720-1740). The book revolves around the lives of Bajirao, Radhabai (his mother), Chimaji Appa (brother), Kashibai (wife), Nanasaheb (son), and Mastani (second wife) along with other important characters in his Bajirao Peshawe’s cabinet and family.
At the heart of this book is the love story of Bajirao and Mastani.
The book does great justice to characters who oppose the unfolding of the love story as well. You understand their pain and point of view within the confines of their environment and times. Bajirao is painted as a flawed figure for his time despite his stellar achievements, but when he says that people enjoyed all the good that came from his actions but none gave him the latitude to lead his life as per his wishes, you totally understand the great tragedy that befell this great Maratha warrior.