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Indian Express
3 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
Hidden Stories: How wada architecture united art and science, community and conquest
In Pune, where the soundscape is an endless loop of construction, and jagged high-rises pierce the sky, it is evident that the city is fascinated with buildings. Even as new homes take over the landscape, however, the historic ones are crumbling. The number of wadas, a type of climate-friendly residential structures that are postcards from the past, has been reducing over the years. This is, both, a sign and an outcome of a disappearing way of life. We delve into some of the salient features of wada architecture: A Peshwa-era legacy Wadas have not been a part of the Pune landscape from the beginning. 'The wadas are not known at the time of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj or Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Lal Mahal, Shivneri fort, Raigad Fort, Pratapgad Fort and Raigad are the names that are more familiar,' writes Kiran Kalamdani, a Pune-based architect, urban designer and conservation expert, in the essay, The Wada (Manor House) of Maharashtra: A Unique Legacy. It is only in the beginning of the 18th century, that wadas became popular status symbols. Noblemen at the time of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj lived in houses made of stone, mud and lime mortar. The architectural typology of wadas that came in with the Peshwas was based on a grid system that was repeated across the entire area. 'The entire structure was load bearing. There used to be a high plinth built in stone and thick walls. The superstructure was mainly in brick and lime mortar, with a lime wash or lime plaster on top of it,' says Shreeamey Phadnis, Co-founder and Partner at Studio Gestalt. The beams and columns were in cinder or solid teak wood that was, normally, brought from forests or imported from regions that had good quality teak wood. 'The timber was grown like a kind of a crop. The grandson would use the timber that the grandfather had planted 60 to 70 years back,' says Kalamdani, whose firm, Kimaya: The Alchemy, has worked on conserving a number of wadas in and around the city. Kalamdani adds that the tradition of adding a timber frame to the masonry of buildings had travelled from Central Asia where timber was found to offer resistance to earthquakes. A home with a view A courtyard was a fundamental part of a wada, its number depending on the social status, wealth and the requirement of the owner. The simplest wada had a single courtyard, which was open to the sky and where various activities would take place. If the wada was built by an aristocrat, there would be three or more courtyards. The outer courtyard would be for the public, i.e. officials and members of the community who were visiting. 'It was accessible to the public and rooms were built accordingly,' says Phadnis. The middle courtyard would be a transitional space, where some private and some public activities and meetings were held. The furthest courtyard would be private, used only by family members to install the family deities or carrry out special activities. 'Similarly, depending on the wealth and status of the family, a wada owner would increase the number of floors or the stories. The simple wadas would be one or two storeys, but Rajwadas, which belonged to aristocrats, would be three, four, five and, sometimes, like Shaniwar Wada, seven stories,' he adds. Why the wada fulfilled a need for the joint family system, it also became places of diplomacy and meetings for the community. There would be a darbar hall and a diwan khana. When Ganeshotsav began to be celebrated in the late 1800s, the wada became the space to host the city's earliest celebrations. The Muzumdar wada, for instance, would have their Ganpati celebration in their darbar hall because it could accommodate 80 to 100 people at the same time. 'Many times this would be called the Ganesh hall also,' says Phadnis. Ultimately, a wada reflected the family's social status and economic background. 'In case, there is a wada in Ravivar Peth, a bazaar area, we have wadas that have shops in front and the wada at the back. In this case, it was easier to have your work right next to your house. If it is a group of wadas on a street, we would have a tree that was an informal space for people to sit under and socialise. The architecture and planning was very socially oriented,' says Archana Deshmukh of the architecture firm Nasadeeya that has been working on various types of wadas for the last 15 years. A magnet for artisans The wada architecture, which peaked during the tenure of Nanasaheb Peshwa, between 1740 and 1760, attracted a lot of artisans, craftsmen and masons from all over India. A lot of them, from Rajasthan, Gujarat and other parts of North India, belonged to generations of craftsmen who had inherited the skills working in mansions. Wada architecture featured a lot of art in the columns and beams, among others. 'The brackets would be very ornamental, typically with banana flowers. The columns would be shaped like fluted cypress tree trunks,' says Phadnis. There was gold gilding, silver gilding, and false ceiling work. The ornamentation plays an important functional role. The embellishments of peacocks, parrots and stylized floral patterns are related to the longevity of the timbers. 'The unprotected and unornamented edges of beams dry out faster with the wetting and drying cycles and lose their oils at a faster rate. Covering with ornamentation not only prevents such deterioration but gives it a cultural meaning and functional role. The bell shaped stone pedestals (talkhada) that support the timber shafts of columns protect them from termite attacks that are common in tropical situations,' writes Kalamdani. A fixed address As the Maratha power increased and spread, from Delhi or Attock, Afghanistan, in the north to Tanjore in the south, the footprint of Maratha architecture kept pace. Wadas rose outside Maharashtra, many of which can be seen to this day. Phadnis, who has worked in Ahilyabai Holkar's wada in Madhya Pradesh, says that, even after the British crown and the East India company came into India, there were princely states and the Maratha confederacy. 'We had the Holkars in Indore, the Puars in Devas and the Gaekwads in Baroda, among others. All of them had their own Rajwadas. They took certain local elements, materials and artisans but the inspiration or blends was clear,' says Phadnis. He adds that, in the 1800s, a lot of western influence came in with the British. Wadas began to incorporate elements of palace architecture. 'We have been working on a wada in Dewas in Madhya Pradesh, called the Zuna Rajwada. You can see a clear gradation and timeline in the Wada style. The oldest section is from the early 1700s, and is a very typical Maratha style-wada that one can see in Pune. Then, we see the transition spaces. Finally, the last part of the wada is more a palace than a wada,' says Phadnis. While Shaniwar Wada no longer houses a family, Pune has many wadas where people still live. They face issues of plumbing and wiring. Very often, they will see a crack or leakage. In certain, very serious cases, there would be a wall collapse or the floor caves in. 'It takes a lot of upkeep to maintain a wada,' says Phadnis
Time Business News
18-07-2025
- Time Business News
Places to Visit in Pune: A Cultural and Historical Journey
Pune, often called the 'Oxford of the East' for its prestigious educational institutions, is a city that beautifully blends rich history, vibrant culture, and modern urban life and Places to Visit in Pune. Once the seat of the mighty Maratha Empire, Pune boasts grand forts, serene temples, lush gardens, and colonial-era landmarks. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or a nature lover, Pune has something for everyone. You can vsit during Pune darshan One day tour From the majestic Shaniwar Wada, a remnant of Peshwa grandeur, to the tranquil Aga Khan Palace, a symbol of India's freedom struggle, every corner of Pune tells a story. The city also offers spiritual retreats like Parvati Hill and Chaturshringi Temple, where devotees and tourists alike soak in divine energy. For art lovers, the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is a treasure trove of ancient artifacts, while Saras Baug provides a peaceful escape amidst nature. You can read Nearest Tourist Places of Pune Best 20 Places To Visit in Pune Pune's pleasant climate, especially during monsoons and winters, makes it an ideal year-round destination. With excellent connectivity, delicious Maharashtrian cuisine, and a mix of old-world charm and contemporary attractions, Pune promises an unforgettable travel experience. Overview: A historic fort-palace built in 1732, Shaniwar Wada was the seat of the Peshwas. Its majestic gates and ruins reflect Maratha grandeur. How to Reach: Located in central Pune, accessible by auto, taxi, or bus. Significance: A symbol of Maratha power, known for its architectural brilliance. Best Time to Visit: October to February (pleasant weather). Things to Do: Explore the ruins, light and sound show. Travel Tips: Visit in the evening for the best experience. Best 10 One Day Trips from Pune Overview: Built in 1892, this palace is a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, housing his ashes and a museum. How to Reach: 7 km from Pune station; taxis available. One Day Pune Local Sightseeing Tour By Cab Significance: Linked to India's freedom struggle. Best Time to Visit: Monsoon and winter. Things to Do: Visit the museum, stroll in the garden. Travel Tips: Carry water; photography allowed. Overview: A scenic hill with ancient temples offering panoramic city views. One day Pune Local sightseeing By Private cab. How to Reach: Auto or taxi from Swargate. Significance: Religious and historical importance. Best Time to Visit: Early morning or sunset. Things to Do: Temple visit, photography. Travel Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for climbing. Overview: Houses over 20,000 artifacts showcasing Indian heritage. How to Reach: Near Bajirao Road; easily accessible. Significance: Preserves India's cultural legacy. Best Time to Visit: Weekdays (less crowded). Things to Do: Explore sculptures, musical instruments. Travel Tips: Allocate 1-2 hours for the visit. Overview: A memorial dedicated to Mahadji Shinde, with stunning architecture. How to Reach: 6 km from Pune station; auto available. Significance: Honors the Maratha military leader. Best Time to Visit: Morning hours. Things to Do: Admire the intricate carvings. Travel Tips: Check opening hours in advance. Overview: A serene garden with a Ganesh temple and lake. How to Reach: Near Swargate; well-connected. Significance: Popular for religious and leisure visits. Best Time to Visit: Evenings for cool breeze. Things to Do: Boating, temple visit. Travel Tips: Ideal for family outings. Overview: A hilltop temple dedicated to Goddess Chaturshringi. How to Reach: 7 km from Pune station; taxis available. Significance: A major pilgrimage site. Best Time to Visit: Navratri for special festivities. Things to Do: Seek blessings, enjoy the view. Travel Tips: Avoid weekends for a peaceful visit. Use local transport like buses and autos. Carry water and wear comfortable footwear. Visit historical sites early to avoid crowds. Pune's mix of history, spirituality, and nature makes it a must-visit destination! Shaniwar Wada, Aga Khan Palace, and Shinde Chhatri are must-visit historical sites. Pune is well-connected by air (Pune International Airport), rail (Pune Railway Station), and road (via Mumbai-Bangalore Highway). October to February offers pleasant weather, while monsoon (June-September) adds lush greenery. Yes, Sinhagad Fort, Lohagad Fort, and Tikona Fort are popular trekking destinations. Saras Baug, Rajiv Gandhi Zoo, and Empress Garden are great for families. Yes, Pune is generally safe, but standard precautions should be taken. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Indian Express
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Decode Politics: How a statue on NDA campus has split open cracks in Peshwa-Shivaji legacy
As Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled a statue of Peshwa Bajirao I at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla on July 4, conspicuous by his absence was Nawab Shadab Ali Bahadur, who claims to be a descendant of the Peshwa through Mastani and Shamsher Bahadur. Shadab Ali Bahadur said he was 'boycotting' the event as he got the invitation at the last minute and was told that he would not be allowed to share the stage with Shah. Bahadur's remarks and subsequent social media posts on the issue have again triggered a debate on the Peshwas' legacy, and the effect that it has had on the politics of Maharashtra and India. What is the lineage of Shadab Ali Bahadur? Shadab Ali comes from the family of Mastani and Peshwa Bajirao I. According to the head of the Maratha Research Centre at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), Pandurang Balkawade, Mastani was the daughter of Maharaja Chhatrasal of Bundelkhand and his Muslim wife Ruhani Begum. Shamsher Bahadur was Mastani and Bajirao's child. 'Both Ruhani and Mastani were Kabirpanthis. When Shamsher Bahadur was born to Mastani, he was not accepted as a Hindu… Hence, Shamsher Bahadur was not taken into the orthodox Brahmin fold,' Balkawade said. However, Balkawade's research shows, even as Shamsher Bahadur was raised a Muslim, his relations with Bajirao's side of the family were amicable. 'In his letters to his uncle and Bajirao's younger brother, Chimaji Appa, Shamsher Bahadur referred to him as 'Tirthrup', a title reserved for fathers and father-like figures. In return, Appa referred to his nephew as 'chiranjeev', usually used by fathers to address their sons,' Balkawade said. Though not 'allowed' to be a Hindu, Shamsher Bahadur was very much a representative of the Peshwas in North India, and played a valiant role in the third battle of Panipat in 1761, in which he was killed. Later, Shamsher Bahadur's great grandson Ali Bahadur played a key role during the 1857 Mutiny, considered the first war of Independence. Ali Bahadur sided with Tatya Tope (the commander of the Peshwa army) and Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi in their battle against the British. Who were the Peshwas? After the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji and the killing of his son Sambhaji, the Maratha empire stared at the risk of being obliterated. A group of Maratha warriors managed to save Shivaji's second son, Chhatrapati Rajaram, to keep the Maratha empire from crumbling. Peshwas were Brahmins and part of the 'Ashta Pradhans' or eight-member councils established by Shivaji to assist in the administration of his Maratha kingdom. Bajirao inherited the Peshwa title from his father Balaji Vishwanath, who was appointed Peshwa by Shahu I. While the Marathas and Peshwas had a close association initially, relations between the Brahmins and Marathas deteriorated over time, and often flared up in public. The latest row comes at a time when the Marathas, the most dominant community in Maharashtra, have carried out successful protests to secure a quota from the government. Where are Peshwas placed in today's political discourse? Shivaji has gradually been co-opted by right-wing groups as a Hindutva icon, particularly due to his frequent clashes with the Mughal Empire led by Aurangzeb. They project him as the fighter for Hindus against Muslims. In 2020, when Chhatrapati Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Shivaji, jumped ship to the BJP and became a Rajya Sabha MP, NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar, a Maratha himself, took a jibe that 'the Peshwas (Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP is a Brahmin) were now nominating Chhatrapatis'. Last year, Udayanraje won the Lok Sabha polls from the Satara Lok Sabha seat on a BJP ticket. The Brahmin versus Maratha tussle for dominance also came up a few weeks ago when BJP Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni demanded that the Pune Railway Station be named after Bajirao. Maratha organisations immediately protested, citing Brahminical hegemony; in turn provoking Brahmin organisations to lodge complaints against Maratha bodies over 'hate speech'. What lies at the bottom of the statue row? Balkawade feels the row over the statue inaugurated by Shah at NDA is being staged, and that there is no deliberate omission of Shadab Ali Bahadur allegedly on grounds of being Muslim. 'When I held a special function at Raverkhedi (in Madhya Pradesh), where the samadhi of Bajirao is located, Ayaz Bahadur and Mahendra Peshwa – descendants of Shamsher Bahadur and Bajirao I respectively – sat together in the puja,' Balkawade said, adding that the VHP was also a part of the ceremony. He believes the invite may not have gone out to Shadab Bahadur for another reason. 'Many so-called descendants are unable to prove their links to dynasties as they do not have any documents,' Balkawade said.
Hindustan Times
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Amit Shah unveils Bajirao Peshwa's statue at NDA, tells cadets to emulate the warrior
Union home minister Amit Shah unveiled a statue of Bajirao Peshwa I at the National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasla on Friday, highlighting the legendary warrior's unmatched military achievements and timeless legacy in Indian history. The 13.5-foot-tall, 4,000-kg bronze statue has been donated to the prestigious defence institute by the Shreemath Thorle Bajirao Peshwa Pratishthan. Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveils the Thorle Bajirao Peshwe's statue at NDA on Friday. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, deputy CMs Ajit Pawar, Eknath Shinde, Union MoS Murlidhar Mohol, minister Chandrakant Patil, and others were also present. (HT) Speaking at the unveiling ceremony held at Trishakti gate, Shah said, 'No military commander in the world can match the record of Bajirao Peshwa, who fought and won 41 battles in just 20 years. He fought every war for his motherland, religion, and 'swaraj' (self-rule), creating an immortal history that remains unparalleled even centuries later.' Calling NDA the most 'fitting place' for a memorial of a brave warrior like Bajirao Peshwa who never allowed defeat to come near him throughout his life, Shah said that although many statues of him have been installed across the country, the defence academy is the most appropriate place as the future leaders of India's three armed forces are trained here. He said that if our future soldiers draw inspiration from Bajirao Peshwa and learn from his life, no one would dare to challenge India's borders for ages to come. 'This statue will continue to inspire the brave cadets of the academy to remain devoted and dedicated to their motherland,' he added. Highlighting the historical significance of the Peshwa legacy, the union home minister said, 'Had the battle for Independence started by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj not been carried forward by the Peshwas for over 100 years, India's original cultural and national identity would not have survived till today.' Also present at the ceremony were chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, higher and technical education minister Chandrakant Patil, and union minister of state for civil aviation Murlidhar Mohol. 'Bajirao Peshwa's life is a symbol of valour, diplomacy and vision. In his 40 years of life, he wrote a chapter of history that no one has been able to replicate,' Shah said, adding that the legacy of the great warrior will live on not just in history books but also in the spirit and determination of future military leaders trained at the NDA. During his visit, Shah also engaged in an interactive session with cadets, emphasising the importance of national security, ethical leadership, and dedication to nation-building. He urged the cadets to embrace the values of discipline, strategic foresight, and unwavering service to the country.
Economic Times
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
Operation Sindoor was 'finest example' of commitment to defend 'Swaraj': Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said India's armed forces and the leadership are committed to defend 'Swaraj' or sovereignty of the country, and it was demonstrated very well during Operation Sindoor. Speaking after the unveiling of an equestrian statue of Maratha statesman and general Peshwa Bajirao I at the National Defence Academy (NDA) here, the BJP leader also said whenever he is plagued by negative thoughts, he thinks of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Bajirao. The NDA was the most appropriate place for Bajirao's memorial as it is an institution where military leadership is trained, Shah said."Whenever negative thoughts come to my mind, I usually think about 'Bal' (young) Shivaji and Peshwa Bajirao, thinking that they were able to establish a 'Swaraj' (self-rule or sovereign state) amid adverse conditions," he responsibility to defend the Swaraj now lies with 140 crore Indians, Shah added. "When it was time to put up a fight to establish a Swaraj, we did it. When fighting will be required to defend the Swaraj, our forces and leadership will definitely demonstrate it, and Operation Sindoor was its finest example," he tributes to Bajirao I (1700 to 1740), Shah said if the battle for independence started by Shivaji Maharaj and taken forward by the Peshwas for 100 years not been fought, "India's basic structure would have ceased to exist." "In his life of 40 years, Peshwa Bajirao scripted immortal history which no other person could write," he added. Bajirao, who became 'Peshwa' or prime minister of the Maratha state at the age of 19, is credited with the expansion of the Maratha rule in central and northern India. After the event, Shah also interacted with NDA cadets.
