script) -->

Shaniwar Wada


Shaniwar Wada is one of the most popular monuments in Pune. In 1729 Peshwa Baji Rao commissioned the building of Shaniwar Wada. Shaniwar Wada has great fountains, courtyards, fruits, trees, offices audience halls and substantial residential areas as its attractions.

The architecture of Shaniwar Wada was influenced by Moghul design and the hallmark of the Maratha craftsmanship. Shaniwar Wada was established by Bajirao Peshwa-I. The main door is about twenty one feet tall. The door located in the north of the palace was named `Mastani Darwaza`.

The security of Shaniwar Wada acquired a new dimension. Two hundred and seventy-five towers with fifteen to twenty soldiers were deployed there to guard the palace of Shaniwar Wada. All about, three thousand one hundred and forty-four guards were there to protect the monument from the enemies. The present feature of Shaniwar Wada is not the actual one. Seven Peshwas later restructured the monument.

In the year 1827 Shaniwar Wada caught fire. But the fire mysteriously remained undetected. The fire completely absorbed itself to all the artifacts and beauty of the monument. Before the monument caught fire there were impressive stone walls and City Center. The residential quarters were designed with suru wood. The evening was full of entertainment and enjoyed by the family lived there on that time. Shaniwar Wada is a good illustration of efficient town planning maintained during the rule of Peshwas.

People can enjoy the light and sound effect show at the monument while visiting the Shaniwar Wada.