Shaniwar Wada – Timings, Photos (5 Special Gates)

Shaniwar Wada, situated in Pune Maharashtra is one important symbol of the Maratha empires rich history. It is built-in 1732, it housed the Peshwas, the empire’s prime ministers, and functioned as their administrative center until 1818. The ruins of this stronghold, which survived a terrible fire in 1828, nevertheless draw tourists and provide a window into its colorful history.

‘Shaniwar’ (Saturday) and ‘Wada’ (dwelling) are derived from the fact that Peshwa Baji Rao I laid the foundation of Shaniwar Wada on Saturday, January 10, 1730. The building supplies, which included lime from Jejuri, stone from Chinchwad quarries, and teak from Junnar woods, were carefully sourced. For Rs. 16,110, the building was finished in 1732 and considered a marvel of architecture at the time.

Shaniwar Wada: Architecture

Shaniwar Wada was once a seven-story building, with the top floor being made of wood and the first six stories being made of stone. Five gateways made up the fort, and each had a special meaning:

1. Delhi Darwaza
Shaniwar Wada’s main entrance, facing north toward Delhi, is called the Delhi Darwaza. It was constructed that way for a reason. Bajirao intended the gate to face the Mughal imperial capital because he was so committed to eradicating the Mughal Empire’s influence from India. It would serve as a reminder of his court’s ultimate objective.

The Delhi Darwaza was tall enough to accommodate an elephant and his rider sitting on their canopies. However, the gates also feature spikes at the level of an average elephant’s head to prevent elephants from marching in during unplanned attacks. The elephants would be injured or rendered incapable of entering as a result.

The approaching troops should make a sharp right turn and then a left turn to get to the core complex from Delhi Darwaza. The Maratha army would have enough time to launch an attack and hold off the adversaries.

2. Khidki Darwaza
Because of its window-like opening, which allows visitors to look outside or see who is on the other end, the Khidki Darwaza got its name. The east is its direction.

3. Ganesh Darwaza
Ganesh Rang Mahal was accessible through this door facing southeast. The ladies of the Maratha palace would frequently pass through this Darwaza to enter the Kasba Ganapati Temple, which was also accessible through this door.

4. The Narayan Darwaza or Jambhul Darwaja
The concubines first utilized Jambhul Darwaza, entering the royal grounds through this door to meet their partners. Bypassing the queens and royal wives, they also used this door to exit the fort. Additionally, Narayanrao’s body was taken from the fort for cremation through this door. For this reason, it is also known as the “Narayan Darwaza.”

5. Mastani Darwaza
Mastani Sahiba, Peshwa Bajirao I’s second wife, was the only one who could enter and leave her palace, the Mastani Mahal, using the Mastani Darwaza. Another name for it was the Ali Bahadur Gate.

The history of Kalinjar Fort is far older and has its roots in Hindu mythology, whereas Shaniwar Wada’s history stretches back to the Marathas.

Shaniwar Wada Film Appearances

• Shaniwar Wada appeared on The Amazing Race Asia 3 in 2008. One player from each pair had to identify the right pheta (turban) among the 50 men in the Wada during the game show.
• Rama Madhav, a Marathi historical drama from 2014, included it.
• The 2015 Hindi historical drama Bajirao Mastani starred Shaniwar Wada.
• Panipat, a 2019 Hindi historical drama, starred Shaniwar Wada
• The huge set of Shaniwar Wada was built in Mumbai Film City for the 2019 Marathi TV series Swamini on Colors Marathi. source

The Fiery Tale

Under Peshwa Baji Rao II, the British won the Third Anglo-Maratha War handily, taking Puna and Shaniwar Wada in 1818. Following the annexation of all of the Peshwa’s lands, Shaniwar Wada was reduced to a hollow shell. It started to be used by the British East India Company as a hospital, a mental asylum, and even a prison. About ten years after this incident, on February 27, 1828, a massive fire that raged for seven days destroyed the entire palace. Only the massive ramparts, sturdy gateways, buried foundations, and ruins that still bear witness to the rise and fall of a powerful Empire remain of this magnificent structure, which was completely destroyed by a massive fire that raged for seven days on February 27, 1828, about ten years after this event. source

Shaniwar Wada Timings 

• Ticket booking timings for the light and sound show: Every day, 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm
• The timings for the Sound and Light Show are:
  Marathi- 7:15 pm to 8:10 pm
  English- 8:15 pm to 9:10 pm source 

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