Among the most famous monuments in Pune is Shaniwarwada. It
was commissioned by Peshwa Baji Rao in 1729. The palace is
remarkable architecture and an example of efficient town planning
observed during the rule of Peshwas. The sprawling palace had great
fountains, courtyards, fruits, trees, courtyards, offices and
audience halls and substantial portion to enable people reside.
Shaniwar wada burned down in 1827, in a fire that lasted for 15
days. It is still a mystery why the fire was not put down or noticed
by the people. The fire engulfed itself all the artifacts and beauty
of the palace. All that survived is the long gate with impressive
outer stone walls, bastions and small gates. Inside the massive wada
is the city center, which gives a line of what could have been the
face of the palace before the fire broke out.
The wada signifies the extinction of life once lived inside the
palace. Evenings at Shaniwada is given to families and children .
People sit and chat in the fortified parks and enjoy the evening in
the lapse of this cultural heritage received from the Peshwas.
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