In the heart of Pune, amid the hum of scooters and the aroma of misal pav, stands a monument that has watched centuries unfold — Shaniwar Wada. It isn’t just a fort made of stone and walls; it’s a storyteller, quietly narrating tales of power, pride, love, and betrayal that shaped the Maratha Empire.

A Symbol of Maratha Grandeur

Built in 1732 by Bajirao I, the mighty Peshwa who expanded the Maratha rule across India, Shaniwar Wada was more than just his residence — it was the political heart of a rising empire. The name itself comes from “Shaniwar,” meaning Saturday — the day the foundation stone was laid.

In its prime, the Wada was an architectural masterpiece — with intricately carved teakwood doors, polished marble floors, fountains that danced to music, and halls echoing with courtly grandeur. Though much of it was destroyed in a fire in 1828, the remains still carry an unmistakable aura of glory.

Walking Through Time

As you step through the Delhi Darwaza, the main entrance, history greets you in silence. You can almost imagine the clatter of hooves as soldiers marched in, or the gentle sound of ghungroos from the Peshwa queens’ quarters.

The Nana Phadnavis Fountain, the Diwan Khana, and the remains of the mirror hall speak of a time when Shaniwar Wada was alive with politics, poetry, and celebration. Every corner seems to hum with the stories of the people who once called it home.

The Shadows of Betrayal

But behind its regal beauty lies a haunting tale — the tragic story of Narayanrao Peshwa, brutally murdered within these very walls in 1773. Legend says that on quiet nights, you can still hear his desperate cry — “Kaka mala vachva” (Uncle, save me) — echoing through the fort.

Whether you believe the ghost stories or not, standing inside Shaniwar Wada after sunset gives you chills — not from fear, but from the heavy weight of history that still lingers.

Cultural Pulse of Pune

Today, Shaniwar Wada is more than a monument; it’s part of Pune’s soul. Locals walk its grounds during the day, tourists listen to the light and sound show in the evening, and photographers wait for that golden-hour glow that touches the ancient stone walls.

It remains a reminder that Pune was once the seat of immense power, and that its identity — cultured, resilient, and proud — was born right here.

If You Visit

• 📍 Location: Shaniwar Peth, Pune
• 🕐 Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM (Light & Sound Show: 7:00 PM onwards)
• 🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹25 (Indian visitors), ₹300 (foreign visitors)
• 💡 Best Time to Visit: Early morning or evening to avoid the heat and experience the fort in its calmest mood.

Beyond the Walls

Every city has a landmark that defines its spirit — for Pune, that’s Shaniwar Wada. It’s where history meets legend, and where stone walls remind us that power, no matter how great, is fleeting — but legacy, when built with passion, endures forever.