Eminent historian and author Gajanan Bhaskar Mehendale, known for his monumental works on Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, passed away in Pune following a heart attack on Wednesday evening. He was 77.
Known for his meticulous research and deep understanding of military history, Mehendale made significant contributions to Maharashtra’s historiography.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, in a post on X, said, Gajananrao began his historical journey with the Bharat Itihas Sanshodhak Mandal in Pune, where he developed an early interest in military science. By the age of 18, he was already immersed in the study of military strategy, and at just 24, he served as a war correspondent during the 1971 Bangladesh War. This rare combination of witnessing history firsthand and studying it in archives shaped his unique perspective on historical truth.
ज्येष्ठ इतिहास संशोधक आणि शिवचरित्रकार गजानन मेहेंदळे यांचं काल पुण्यात निधन झालं. गजाननरावांनी पुण्याच्या भारत इतिहास संशोधक मंडळात पाऊल ठेवले आणि अभ्यासाला सुरुवात करताच त्यांना युद्धशास्त्रात रुची निर्माण झाली.
अठराव्या वर्षापासून त्यांनी युद्धशास्त्राचे वाचन आणि अभ्यास सुरू… pic.twitter.com/CAMESS9SdP
— Raj Thackeray (@RajThackeray) September 18, 2025
MNS chief Raj Thackeray, paying tribute to Mehendale on X, highlighted his impartial approach to history. “A historian must possess complete impartiality, which Gajananrao had,” he said, noting that Mehendale never indulged in romanticising or vilifying historical figures. Thackeray added that Mehendale’s dedication to uncovering the narratives of the defeated, alongside those of the victors, marked him as a historian of exceptional insight.
To ensure accuracy in his work, Mehendale mastered multiple languages, including Modi, Persian, and English, allowing him to study documents written by diverse sources. Raj Thackeray recalled his personal experiences with the historian, noting his readiness to provide precise references and his lifelong devotion to research.
Gajananrao drew inspiration from legendary historian Babasaheb Purandare and belonged to a proud lineage of Maharashtra historians, including Vishwanath Kashinath Rajwade, V. C. Bendre, R. C. Dhere, and Sardesai. Raj Thackeray emphasised the urgent need for future generations to cultivate such dedication to history, lamenting the growing scarcity of scholars with Mehendale’s depth of knowledge.
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief offered his heartfelt tribute to Gajananrao Mehendale, hoping that his extensive collection of works continues to inspire the next generation of historians, particularly in Maharashtra.
Mehendale, who was unmarried, had devoted over five decades to historical research, earning recognition as an authority on Maratha history, particularly on the life and military campaigns of the 17th century warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Author of several acclaimed works in Marathi and English, Mehendale`s publications included `Shivaji: His Life and Times`, `Shivacharitra`, `Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Zale Nasate Tar`, `Marathyanche Armar` (The Maratha Navy) and `Tipu as a Warrior. His writings, referencing thousands of archival sources, continue to be widely cited in academic circles.
