Bakhar
Topic: The Marathas · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
A bakhar is a historical story written in Marathi prose, which means ordinary written language rather than poetry. Bakhars tell the deeds of Maratha rulers such as Shivaji, his successors and the Peshwas. They began to be written in the late 17th century. Historians use them as a source, but carefully, because they mix facts with praise and legend.
Example
The Sabhasad Bakhar was written by Krishnaji Anant Sabhasad around c. 1697, at the court of Rajaram at Gingee. It is one of the earliest bakhars and tells the life of Shivaji.
Don't confuse with
- Adnyapatra: this is a Marathi treatise from 1715 on how to run a state, written by Ramachandrapant Amatya. It gives advice on governing. A bakhar tells a story of past events.