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Journalism of Courage
Within the winding lanes of Budhwar Peth’s Tapkir Galli, one of Pune’s oldest neighbourhoods, stands Nagarkar Wada, a beautiful house built more than a hundred years ago. A stunning stone structure with massive windows, arches, and delicate carvings, this Wada was built by blending Maratha, Venetian, and Gothic architectural styles.
A board outside the Wada, also known as ‘Raghunath Daji Nivas’, proclaims that it was built in 1890 by social reformer Raghunath Nagarkar. After Raghunath’s death, his son Hari Nagarkar maintained the Wada. After Hari’s demise, it was declared a heritage site.
Describing the architecture of the Wada, the board mentions, “Spread approximately across 4,000 square feet, the construction of the Wada is unique, featuring arches, triple-arched columns, intricately connected pillars, a Victorian-style arch for the main door, along with columns and cornices, a finely crafted wooden door that ties to Indian traditions, and lotus-pattern carvings on the top right and left corners of the door.”
It further adds, “On the left side of the main door, there are English-style triple-arched windows, with carvings of animal figures like lions, bears, and leopards, intricate latticework, and depictions of Yaksha heads or Kirti-Mukh on the columns.”
Inside is a devadi (foyer) and a staircase leading to a living room. The interior includes lime plaster bands with carvings of leaves, flowers, parrots, and monkeys. The Wada has two courtyards and 47 rooms. The 32 x 16-foot diwan khana (living room) is remarkable.
This Wada has been graced by the footsteps of personalities such as Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade, Lokmanya Tilak, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Sonopant Dandekar. It has been awarded a Grade-1 heritage classification by the Archaeological Survey of India and the Pune Municipal Corporation.
However, speaking with The Indian Express, Chandrashekhar Kulkarni, one of the oldest residents of the Wada, shared a different story. “I have been living here for almost 70 years, and I am actually the fourth generation of my family living here. The upper floor of the Wada is in very poor condition and almost non-functional. Water drips from the ceiling, which is in a dilapidated state,” Kulkarni said. “There is nothing left in this Wada,” he lamented. “Despite its Grade-1 heritage status, I have yet to see any constructive efforts from the PMC to preserve it,” he added.
The inner part of the Wada is in poor condition and could pose a danger to visitors, leading to warnings being scribbled on the Wada’s doors in Marathi. “Savdhaan! Pudhe dhoka aahe! (Beware! There is danger ahead!),” they read.
Kulkarni recalled how many years ago, 17-18 families used to live in the Wada, which would come alive with every festival marked by grand celebrations. Now, only two renters stay here.
“It is unbearable to live here during the monsoon. The backside of the Wada has almost turned into debris,” he said. “Many visitors come to see and capture the facade, which still maintains its rustic charm, but my genuine wish is to preserve this Wada for generations to come. I have spent my entire life here, and it pains me to see it falling apart. All I want is for this place, which holds so much history, is that it stand strong for the future, so others can witness its beautiful architecture and history,” Kulkarni added.
