Shaniwar Wada, Historic fortification in Shaniwar Peth, Pune, India.
Shaniwar Wada is a historic fortification in the Shaniwar Peth area of Pune, Maharashtra, that once served as the seat of power for the Peshwa rulers. Granite walls enclose sprawling palace foundations and garden layouts, with five massive gates providing access to the inner complex.
The complex was built starting in 1732 under Peshwa Baji Rao I as the administrative center of Maratha rule. It remained a political hub until 1818, when British forces took control of the region.
The name means Saturday residence in Marathi, chosen because the foundation stone was laid on a Saturday. Local guides often recount tales of court ceremonies that once filled the inner courtyards with music and processions.
Visits are possible daily, with main entrances clearly marked and some areas offering wheelchair ramps. Evening light and sound shows bring the fortress history to life, though pathways between ruins can be uneven.
A devastating fire in 1828 burned through the wooden structures for seven days straight, leaving only the stone outer walls standing. The ruins are inhabited by bats at night, which roost in the old niches and hollow spaces.
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