A morning at Shaniwar wada, Pune, Maharashtra, India. Took an auto from from hotel near main railway station to reach the building which was the center of power of Maratha empire post-Shivaji period. If Shivaji laid the foundation, designed the war strategy against all contemporary empires, Peshwas augmented the rule to almost all North India. The concept of “Hindvi- Hindu Kingdom” was coined by Shivaji. At the same time concept of “Muslim Rule” was prevailing in other contemporary Muslim kingdoms. “Hindvi” was missing since 12th century end and result was Prithviraj defeat and Muslim empire founded in India.
How to reach – Pune is a city located in Maharashtra state, India. It is well connected by flight from all major cities of India and is also well connected by trains and bus. Shaniwar wada is in middle of city and just 5 KM from main railway station.
Estimated time for visit – 2 hours
This trip is mainly designed to visit historical places.
I had booked Oyo in Singhgadh and experience was not good. Wile in Lonavala I had booked Sterling resort.
Aurangzeb had conquered all the parts of India upto 1700AD.The Marathas also faced setback. After his death Maratha rule again flourished under Peshwas. The dream of Shivaji, the Great to conquer Delhi was realised during Peshwas time. Pune acquired the unique distinction of being the unproclaimed capital of India.
Post-Shivaji period as it was the center of power of ruling Peshwas who relentlessly fought with British, Bijapur Sultanate and Moghuls and extended their rule up to Delhi. Also this wada (residence) is witness of downfall of Maratha empire after the ruthless murder of Peshwa Narayan Rao. They lost the face in public and British took advantage.
Just the parameter walls remain in 300 years. All residences inside are washed away..
Bajirao-I laid the foundation of Shanivar wada in 1728 AD and completed by 1740 AD. He deposited the sacred soil from Lal Mahal (just 300 meters from this place) where Shivaji was brought up.
A part of this residence was seven storied building but fire gutted all storeys and now remains only the plinth and fortification wall.
The principal gate is Delhi Gate, the other gates are Mastani Gate, Khidki Darwaja, Ganessh Darwaja and Narayan Darwaja.
Mastani gate has same historical importance as the Narayan Gate here. This gate is known as Mastani gate. It is very interesting story about Baji Rao Mastani. She was daughter of Bundela Ruler Chhatrasaal and his Muslim concubine. Once Peshwa Bajirao-I helped Chharasaal against Mogul invasion and in course Peshwa fell in love for Mastani. He married her and in turn Peshwa got enormous wealth. The family of Peshwa did not like and opposed the conversion of Mastani to Hindu and did not allow their son to be brought up like Hindu.
One of the buildings in Shaniwarwada was 7 storied. Among other important buildings were The Court Hall of Bajirao-I, Dancing Hall, Ganesh mahal, Juna Aarse Mahal (old mirror hall).
The beauty of 16 petal lotus fountain known as Hazari Karanje (Fountain with thousand fountain heads)
Synopsis
The importance of this once upon a time mammoth building to Maratha Red Fort to Moguls is same as was Red Fort to Moguls. This building is almost completely washed away but the aura of this exists in Indian history. I came here to pay my deep respect to Maratha Empire whose glory overshadowed all Empires of that time but faded due to its inner conflicts.
मैं जा रहा हूँ तेरी बज्म से खुदा हाफ़िज़
मैं जा रहा हूँ तेरी कुछ निशानियाँ लेकर
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