I was always fascinated by history, especially the history of India. I loved reading about the glorious empires, the brave warriors, the rich culture, and the diverse religions that shaped the subcontinent. I dreamed of living in those times, experiencing the thrill of battles, the intrigue of politics, and the romance of royalty.
But I was born in the wrong era. I was a nerd, a geek, a bookworm. I had no friends, no hobbies, no skills. I was bullied at school, ignored at home, and lonely everywhere. I spent most of my time on the internet, browsing forums, reading novels, and playing games. I had no goals, no ambitions, no purpose.
I was a loser.
And then I died.
It was a stupid accident. I was crossing the road, looking at my phone, when a speeding truck hit me. I didn't even have time to scream. I felt a sharp pain, then everything went black.
I thought it was the end.
But it was not.
I woke up in a different body, in a different place, in a different time.
I was reborn as the crown prince of the Maratha Empire.
The Maratha Empire was one of the most powerful and influential states in Indian history. It was founded by Shivaji, a legendary hero who fought against the Mughal Empire and established a Hindu kingdom in the Deccan Plateau. It reached its peak under Peshwa Baji Rao I, who expanded the empire across most of India, from the Himalayas to the Narmada River, from Bengal to Gujarat. It was a golden age of culture, art, literature, and military prowess.
And I was the son of Baji Rao I, the heir to the throne, the future ruler of India.
I couldn't believe it. It was too good to be true. It was like a dream come true.
But it was also a nightmare.
Because I had no idea how to survive in this world.
I had no knowledge of the language, the customs, the etiquette, the politics, or the warfare of this era. I had no memory of my past life, my family, my friends, or my enemies. I had no clue about the current situation, the challenges, the threats, or the opportunities that faced the empire.
I was a stranger in a strange land.
And I had to act fast.
Because I was not the only one who wanted the throne.
There were many enemies, both internal and external, who coveted the power and wealth of the Maratha Empire. There were rival princes, ambitious nobles, scheming ministers, and rebellious generals who plotted against me. There were foreign invaders, such as the Mughals, the Afghans, the British, and the French, who sought to conquer and colonize India. There were also natural disasters, such as famines, droughts, epidemics, and earthquakes, that threatened to destroy the empire.
I had to face them all.
I had to prove myself worthy of the crown.
I had to protect the nation