Shaniwar Wada – the seat of power of the Maratha Empire for over a century – is one of the most renowned and important forts of the Maratha era. Although only ruins remain now, it’s a great opportunity to touch the history of a bygone era. It is one of the most popular tourist places in Maharashtra, and in this blog, we will tell you the interesting facts about Shaniwar Wada, its history, and information along with travel guide.
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1. The name ‘Shaniwar Wada’ is derived from the Marathi word ‘shaniwar’ meaning ‘Saturday’. This was because the palace was built on a Saturday in order to honor King Shivaji.
2. The majestic gateway at the entrance of the palace is called Dilli Darwaza or the Delhi Door, which is engraved with symbols of Hindu gods.
3.Shaniwar Wada was said to be six-storeyed and housed around 1000 rooms.
4. The palace also contains a Durbar Hall where the king held his court and discussed judicial matters.
5. The palace grounds also contained a temple dedicated to the god Shiva, where regular poojas were conducted.
6. Inside the palace there also existed an underground chamber known as ‘Bhavani Bhav’ which was used as a safe haven for the royal family in times of danger.
7. The palace was the scene of a bitter rivalry between the Peshwas and the British, which ended in a fire in 1828 and completely destroyed the palace.
8. Although the palace was ruined in the fire, parts of it were reconstructed in the 19th century and it still stands today as one of Pune’s most iconic landmarks.
Shaniwar Wada is a larget fortification in the city of Pune, Maharashtra. The fort is located near the Mula-Mutha River and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. The fort was originally built by the Peshwa rulers of the Maratha Empire in 1732 as their residence. It is the most important historic building in Pune and is now a protected monument of national importance.
The fort was built in the Deccan style of Indian architecture and has five entrances, four of which are decorated with carvings. The fort has a complex of several buildings, many courtyards and gardens, and an underground passage. Since it was built in the 18th century, the fort has seen many changes, but most of the original structure still remains intact. The fort was destroyed by an unknown disaster in the 19th century and only the ruins can be seen today. The fort has been used by several rulers including the Shah of Persia, the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Kolhapur state.
In 2014, the fort was restored and the entire building is now open to the public. The fort is open throughout the year and visitors can explore and experience the grandeur of its architecture. In addition, there are a number of cultural and religious events held here including the Ganesh Festival, the Bhimayana Baili and the Shani Jatra. The Museum of Military History in the fort displays a collection of artifacts related to the Maratha Empire.
Shaniwar Wada is a historical fortification in the city of Pune, Maharashtra. It was built in 1732, and it was the seat of the Peshwa rulers of the Maratha Empire. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction with many interesting sites to explore including teak-wood door frames, stone-carved balconies, and beautifully designed courtyards. Here’s a detailed guide on visiting Shaniwar Wada in Pune.
How to Reach: Shaniwar Wada is easily accessible by road and is located in the center of Pune. You can take a bus, auto, or cab to get there. The closest railway station is Pune Junction, from where it’s a 10-minute drive.
Opening Hours: The fort operates from 8:00AM to 6:00PM throughout the year, and the ticket counter closes at 5:30PM.
Ticket Price: The entry ticket for adults costs ₹30; for children, it’s ₹15.
Must-See Attractions: The first thing to look out for is the stunning architecture of the fort. Then, there’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum which displays various artifacts related to the Maratha Empire. In addition, there’s a Watchtower which offers great views of the city. Also, don’t miss out on the nearby Nana Wada which was constructed by the first Peshwa Bajirao I.
Dining: The nearby Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is home to a restaurant where one can sample Indian delicacies. Also, Cascade Leveled Café nearby is a great place for some light snacks and refreshments.
Accommodations: Hotels near Shaniwar Wada are ideal for those who want to spend the night in the city. The Eastin Hotel, Hotel Sadanand, and Blue Diamond are some of the most significant ones.
Safety Measures: You must wear a face mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines while visiting the fort. Also, kindly register yourself at the entry gate for contact tracing before entering.
Q. What is Shaniwar Wada?
A. Shaniwar Wada is a historic fort located in the city of Pune, Maharashtra. It was the seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire from 1730 till 1818, when the group fell with the end of the Maratha Empire.
Q. Who built Shaniwar Wada?
A. Shaniwar Wada was originally built in 1730 by the Peshwa ruler, Bajirao I.
Q. What is the history behind Shaniwar Wada?
A. The fort was originally built as a residential palace and was the base of operations of the Peshwas for nearly a century. The fort was destroyed by an unexplained fire in 1828 and today the ruins of the fort still remain a major tourist attraction.
Q. How can I visit Shaniwar Wada?
A. Shaniwar Wada is open from sunrise until sunset and is a popular tourist destination for visitors to Pune. You can easily reach the fort by hiring a taxi.
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