Hello, friends, travelers, and community greetings! I hope you are all doing well and enjoying your time. Lets we explore Historical Pune in Maharashtra, India.
During our stay in India, we had a lot to organize. One of my important work meetings had been postponed several times, but this time, I needed to ensure it happened. The meeting was in Pune, a major hub for the IT sector today. Pune is a historical city where the foundation of the Maratha Empire was established. It has witnessed numerous consultations against foreign invasions, as well as battles fought with swords and daggers. This is where Maratha history began.
During the British occupation, Pune became a center for literature, education, and art, which has become a point of pride for all of India. The city is home to many educational institutions across various fields, including art, science, commerce, engineering, medicine, research, and, of course, the international IT sector. As a result, Pune has become a bustling city in Maharashtra.
Several years ago, I had an extended stay related to my education, but now everything has changed. After my work was complete, I wanted to visit the older part of Pune, known as Shaniwar Peth, which is rich in history. This area includes notable sites such as Shaniwar Wada, Lal Mahal, the Peshwa temples, Kasaba Ganpati, Dagdushet Ganapati, and many old buildings, along with a very crowded business street called Mandai.
In contrast to this historical area, the IT centers are more organized, neat, and well-planned, featuring modern roads, infrastructure, and transport systems. We were in the IT area and began our trip from Hinjawadi, an IT hub in modern Pune.
This is the modern side of Pune, featuring nice, clean roads, well-designed metro stations, and efficient metro transport—perfect for IT professionals.
As soon as we reach Mandai, the second-to-last metro station located near the old historical town, we encounter a crowded kiosk as we make our way to Shaniwar Peth. We continue walking through the area, which is surrounded by many Hindu temples. The main section is associated with Maratha history and culture, giving the place significant religious importance.
Peshawe Ganesh Mandir.
Famous Dagadushet Halwai Ganesh Temple.
Vittal Mandir. People's faith and beliefs have been devoted to these places for centuries. Some places are new, some are old.
Here we entered the old part called Kasaba Peth, the heart of old Pune. Having many old Wadas(buildings), a narrow street, but pleasant to walk. Kasba Peth is the historical residential center where several traditional occupations operated.
This wall sculpture in the Kasaba Ganapati temple shows that time period how people were occupied with their works.
Nice old buildings
See the nice old-style bus stop.
combined with modern buildings.
Kasaba Ganapati is an old temple built by Maharani Jijabai, the mother of the Maratha Empire's Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji, in the 17th century, with significant contributions, and it was later developed by the Peshwas.
The local newlywed couple first comes here to get blessings from Ganesh.
The place is always crowded from Devotee, but more crowded on Tuesday and during the Ganesh festival.
Just around the corner is Lal Mahal, a historic site where Shri Shivaji Maharaj spent his childhood and envisioned the establishment of the Maratha Empire. The original buildings fell into ruin after centuries of warfare. The current red-brick structure was reconstructed by the Pune Municipal Corporation, which also created a children's park in the backyard. Over the years, Lal Mahal has witnessed numerous historical events and significant changes in Pune.
The main attraction in Pune is Shaniwar Wada, a stunning architectural and historical heritage site that served as the former residence of the Peshwa rulers. It covers an area of approximately 625 acres. This significant building was constructed by Bajirao Peshwa I in the 18th century and acted as the primary residential and administrative center for the Peshwas until 1818. Unfortunately, it was burned down in 1828, which led to the destruction of its interior. Today, visitors can still see the fortification's stone walls, the main gate, the foundation of the structure, bastions, and some garden fountains. Thousands of tourists visit Shaniwar Wada every day. In school history lessons, we learned many fascinating stories—both positive and negative—about the Marathas and the Peshwas related to Shaniwar Wada.
After it got dark, we decided to head back to the metro station, which is near the Mutha River. The sunset lights illuminated the bridge, creating a dramatic scene. However, I know that it won't look the same during the daytime.
This is about old Pune. Thank you for stopping by.
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