Express Wanderlust: Pune’s Shaniwar Wada fort reopens; learn more about its history

Of the many interesting forts and palaces, the Shaniwar Wada fort in Pune draws tourists from all corners of the country. This historical fortification was built in the year 1736, when the Maratha Empire was teeming with victories. And, as is the case with many of India's forts and monuments, this one, too, faded with time. What remains now, are glimpses and remnants of a glorious past. As the fort reopened to tourists once again on January 6, 2021 -- after many months in pandemic-induced limbo -- we take a look at its history, as part of this week's Express Wanderlust. Scroll down.

The Shaniwar Wada was said to be the seat of the Peshwas, who were Prime Ministers to the Maratha kings. It was built as a landmark site in Pune, during the time of Peshwa Bajirao. The fort enjoyed political and cultural autonomy for many years, until it was lost to the British East India Company in 1818, after the third Anglo-Maratha War. While the fort has been largely destroyed -- an unexpected fire broke out in 1828 -- the surviving structures have been maintained, and it now serves as a tourist site. (Express Photo by Arul Horizon)

The fort was supposed to be built entirely of stone. Upon the completion of the base floor, however, the people of Satara (the capital), stated that a stone structure can be sanctioned and built only by a Shahu (king), and not a Peshwa. An official letter thus stated the remaining building be made of bricks. Today, visitors can clearly spot the difference in the walls, which are partly made of stone and partly of bricks. (Express Photo by Arul Horizon)

It is believed that in its prime, the fort housed at least a thousand people. History enthusiasts are naturally interested in learning more about it. After months of being shut, when the fort reopened and welcomed people, they came in flocks, following all social safety protocols, of course. (Express Photo by Arul Horizon)

Thermal checks and masks were an obvious prerequisite for visitors, who made a beeline for the fort. (Express Photo by Arul Horizon)

A local legend suggests that the fort could be haunted. In the year 1773, Narayanrao, who was ruling as the fifth Peshwa, was assassinated by his own guards on the orders of his uncle Raghunathrao and aunt Anandibai. Legend has it that Narayanrao's spirit cries for help on full moon nights. In fact, some people have also purportedly heard him cry, "Kaka mala vachava", or "uncle, save me". (Express Photo by Arul Horizon)

A tourist was photographed making a digital payment at the fort entrance. (Express Photo by Arul Horizon)

The fort has five entrances, and while the main gate is known as the ‘Dilli Darwaja’, others have names like Ganesh, Mastani, Jambhal, and Khidki. A light and sound show is organised here every day, which showcases the history of the Peshwas. (Express Photo by Arul Horizon)