Shaniwar Wada is a famous palace and one of the greatest attractions of Pune. In 1730 Bajiroa 1 constructed this wonderful castle to serve the accommodation purposes of the Peshwas. Two years later in the year 1732 its construction work was completed. It is located at the city center and its exact location is Shaniwar, Peth, Pune-411 011.
It was with a small amount of mud taken from Lal Mahal, with which Bajirao Peshwa 1 laid the foundation stone of this palace. Teaks brought from the Junnar jungles, lime from the Jejuri lime belts and stones from Chinchwad were used to make this 13-storeyed monument. According to a report, Rs. 16,120 was invested to build this grand structure. With the course of time, several new things were also added to the palace. Fortification walls, court halls and gates were some such things.
The palace of Shaniwar Wada reflects the Moghul and Maratha architectural design. Presently, much of its parts are ruined after a devastating fire broke out in the monument complex. The things that still can be seen are 5 gates, fortification walls and 9 bastions. Dilli Darwaja (around 21 feet high) is the name of its main gate, whereas, Alibahadur Darwaja ( Mastani), Ganesh Darwaja, Khidki Darwaja and Narayan Darwaja are
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the names of the other gates of Shaniwar Wada in Pune.
Pictures from Mahabharata and Ramayana are engraved on the palace walls. Here a fountain can also be seen. Pune Municipal Corporation now maintains this ancient structure. In the past, near about 1,000 people used to reside at this venue.
The things that can be seen inside the castle complex include statue of 1st Bajijrao, Rang Mahal, Ganesh Mahal, Hasti Dant Mahal, Aarsa Mahal, Diwan Khana and nagarkhana. From 8 A.M to 5 P.M people are allowed to enter here.
Greatest Attraction at Shaniwar Wada
Now-a-days, in the palace complex, light and sound shows are held. It is considered to be the greatest attractions of this palace. Every day, from 7.15 P.M to 8.10 P.M Marathi shows are held, whereas, English shows are held from 8.15 P.M to 9.10 P.M. For each person a fee of 25 rupees is charged. The tickets for the show have to be booked between 6.30 P.M to 8.30 P.M. No advance booking facilities are offered here. At a time, around 310 people can watch this show. Often public functions and political meetings are also organized over here.
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