About Shaniwar Wada

 Shaniwar Wada, is it really Haunted?

Shaniwar wada, is a historical fortification located in Pune, Maharashtra, India. 

1. History:

Shaniwar Wada was originally built as a palace-fortress by the Peshwa rulers of the Maratha Empire. It was commissioned by Baji Rao I, the second Peshwa of the empire, and construction began in 1730. The fort served as the seat of political power for the Peshwas until 1818 when the British East India Company defeated the Marathas and took control of the region.

2. Architecture:

The architecture of Shaniwar Wada is a blend of Maratha, Mughal, and Persian styles. The fort was constructed using teak wood, stone, and bricks. It featured several elaborate structures, gardens, fountains, and multiple entrances.

3. Tragic Fire:

One of the most unfortunate events in the history of Shaniwar Wada was the great fire that broke out on February 27, 1828. The fire gutted most of the fort, leaving only the stone base and some structures intact. As a result, Shaniwar Wada is now mostly in ruins.

4. Haunting Legend:

The fort is also famous for its haunting legend. It is said that the ghost of a young prince, Narayan Rao, who was brutally assassinated in a conspiracy, still roams the premises and calls out for help on full moon nights.

5. Tourist Attraction:

Despite being in ruins, Shaniwar Wada remains a popular tourist attraction in Pune. The government and local authorities have preserved the remaining structures and maintain the site for visitors. There is also an evening light and sound show that narrates the history of the fort.

6. Accessibility:

Shaniwar Wada is easily accessible within Pune city, and tourists can visit the site during regular visiting hours.

7. Other Attractions:

Nearby, there are several other places of interest in Pune, such as Aga Khan Palace, Sinhagad Fort, Dagadusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple, and Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, among others.