Man behind discovery of real portrait of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Historian V. S. Bendrey is credited with uncovering the most accurate portrait of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj—a depiction originally drawn by a Dutch artist during the mid‑17th century. His deep knowledge of Maratha history earned him recognition from Lord Braybon, who recommended that Bendrey receive a historical research scholarship. This award allowed him to travel to England and Europe, where he meticulously examined centuries‑old documents and artifacts, even receiving special permission from the English Prime Minister to access rare archival materials.

At the time, the commonly accepted image of Shivaji was actually a misidentification; it was later shown to be a portrait of Ibrahim Khan, created by an artist named Manuchi. In 1919, while researching the history of Sambhaji Maharaj, Bendrey discovered a book by McKenzie containing a letter from Dutch Governor Valentine (who governed Surat in 1663–1664) along with a drawing depicting Governor Valentine alongside Shivaji. Instead of immediately publicizing his find, Bendrey waited until he could carefully study Valentine’s letter and the accompanying drawing.

Finally, in 1933 during a Shiv Jayanti celebration at Shivaji Mandir in Pune—an event organized by Sahityacharya N. C. Kelkar—Bendrey released the authentic portrait to the public. The discovery, along with Governor Valentine’s letter, was subsequently published in newspapers in several languages. It is due to his careful scholarship and insistence on verifying original evidence that the portrait of Shivaji Maharaj known today is widely accepted as accurate.