Manuscripts and documents dating back to the reign of Peshwa Bajirao I, which bear testimony to the glory of the Peshwa empire, are gathering dust in Pune for want of experts who could translate them even as a film based on the life of the 18th century Maratha icon is set for release this week.

Noted Pune-based historian Mandar Lawate has lamented what he termed the government's 'apathy' when it comes to bringing to light the full glory and true history of the Peshwa empire that is recorded in manuscripts, letters and ancient documents written in the 'Modi Lipi' (ancient cursive form of Marathi script) that taken together run into about four crore pages.