Click it and Unblock the Notifications
"A big fort right in the middle of a busy city stands to remind a glorious past. A movie is made which relates to an age old lover story that once painted this weathered fort in red"! Shaniwar Wada, like any other heritage, holds many untold stories which are now stashed in the history books.
Shaniwar Wada Entrance
Photo Courtesy: Ashok Bagade
Pune has grown into a cosmopoliton, it is now one of the prominent places in India. Once a hot seat of Peshwa rulers, the city now only has the remnants of the past. Shaniwar Wada is one such remnant that has played a major role in this region. It is from this majestic fort that the Peshwas ruled and defeated many enemies.
The recent movie 'Bajirao Mastani' was like an eye-opener which brought back Shaniwar Wada to its former glory. The first Peshwa Bajirao Ballal and Bundelkhand's princess Mastani's love story was re-enacted which created quite a controversy.
Remains of Palace
Photo Courtesy: Clayton Tang
Shaniwar Wada fort gets mentioned quite a lot of times in this film. However, some years ago a massive fire destroyed the 13-storeyed palace. Today, only some parts of the original structure remains. Though, it has been years, the fort has a huge significance in Pune.
One look at the big entrance is enough to feel blown away; big wooden door with iron spears sticking to the door grabs the attention. Any enenmy who tries to enter should first cross this gigantic door to barge inside. A small door in that big entrance take us inside the fortress.
Narayan's Gate
Photo Courtesy: Clayton Tang
A nominal entrance fee should be paid to enter. A wooden cart with a cannon placed in a corner comes into picture as you enter the fort. Unfortunately, nothing much remains inside the fort. A musical fountain and some parts of the old building can only be seen. Still, a trip to Shaniwar Wada is nothing less than a wonder.
The information boards and many other elements of the original fort doesn't stop us from feeling curious about this place.
On your visit to Pune, don't miss out on this place which was a hot seat of Maratha Empire. Make a visit to this ancient fort and feel the presence of Bajirao and Mastani! Oh, it is said that Shaniwar Wada is also haunted. A few workers have heard someone scream 'Kaka, mala bachav' in one of the dark nights. However, not sure whether it is really haunted but the memories of an era will definitely haunt us!
