The Great Maratha (1994)

The Great Maratha is an Indian historical drama that follows the life of Mahadji Scindia (played by Shabaz Khan). The series aired on Doordarshan in early 1994. It was produced by Numero Uno productions and was directed by Sanjay Khan of Tipu Sultan fame. The series starts with events in Delhi in the year 1759 and the rule of Shah Alam II and leads up to the Third Battle of Panipat between the Maratha empire and the forces of Ahmad Shah Abdali on 14 January 1761. It then follows the life of Mahadji Scindia, who was gravely wounded in the battle, his recovery and the establishment of the Maratha empire in northern India. The series ends with the passing away of Mahadji Scindia. Several famous TV actors of the time have played major parts. Some of the better known of them are Tom Alter, Bob Christo, Benjamin Gilani, Maya Alagh, Irrfan Khan, Farida Jalal and Mukesh Khanna. The series aired between February and December 1994 and consisted of 47 episodes of around 40 minutes each.