Shaniwar Wada Pune Maharashtra History and Interesting Facts

Shaniwar Wada Quick Facts

Shaniwar Wada Overview

India is the birthplace of many great warriors and people, including Veer Shivaji Rao and Peshwa Bajirao, the founder of the Maratha Empire. The Maratha Empire was one of the most powerful and vast empires in India which extended its expansion almost all over central India. Shaniwar Wada, located in Pune in the Indian state of Maharashtra, is famous all over the world for its mysteries, history, and artwork.

Shaniwar Wada History

Shaniwar Wada was originally a prominent building containing the capital of Peshwa Bajirao of the Maratha Empire. This famous Fort was built in the year 1732 AD. Initially this fort was to be built entirely of stone but after its base was built it was made of brick. The history of many brave Maratha warriors is associated with this palace, in which Peshwa Bajirao I and Peshawar Bajrao II were prominent.

Shaniwar Wada Interesting Facts

1. The foundation for the construction of this famous fort was laid by Peshwa Baji Rao I, Prime Minister of Chhatrapati Shahu in January, 1730, which was completed after 3 years in the year 1732.
2. This grand fort was built by the contractor Kumahar Kshatriya, when he completed its construction later he was given the name "Naik" by the Peshwa.
3. This Fort is about 7 storeys high. The base of this fort was built with stones but the entire fort has been built with bricks.
4. The Junnar forests were painstakingly cleared to build this grand Shaniwar Wada Fort, and the stones were brought in from the quarries near Chinchwad, located a short distance away.
5. Shaniwarwada was one of the most expensive forts built in 1732 which cost about Rs 16,110 at that time to build.
6. There are many small and big gates in Shaniwarwada, but its main gate is the "Delhi Gate" which opens towards Delhi towards the north.
7. At least a thousand people lived in this great fort till the year 1758, including the Peshwa and his family and a collection of slaves and slaves.
8. It is believed that 17 km from Shaniwarwada. The Shikhar of Alandi Dnyaneshwar Temple, situated at a distance of 2 km, was clearly visible from the top floor of Shaniwarwada.
9. The fort was originally a seven-storey high capital building of the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire, which was ruled by the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire till the year 1818.
10. In the year 1818, the British East India Company had established its control over this fort as Peshwa Bajirao II immersed himself in political exile of Bithoor by handing over his throne to Sir John Malcolm of the British East India Company.
11. In the year 1828, a huge fire broke out inside the palace complex which continued to burn for seven days, causing heavy damage to this magnificent palace and after which it turned almost completely into ruins.
12. Rumors are covered about this fort by the local people that the spirit of Narayanrao Peshwa still resides in the fort. Narayanrao was the fifth and ruling Peshwa to be assassinated in the fort itself in 1773 on the orders of his uncle Raghunathrao and aunt Anandbi.
13. This world famous fort was featured in a 2015 historical Hindi film "Bajirao Mastani".