CASE STUDY :
1 “ SHANIWAR
WADA ”
“ The structure showcases a blend of
Maratha architecture and design,
making it an important subject for
architectural studies ”
The requirements for constructing
shaniwar wada Included
- The site needed to be strategically positioned
for defense and visibility, overlooking
important trade routes.
- In order to avoid possible attacks, the fort
needed to have defensive features including
strong walls, bastions, and gates.
- The Peshwas sought a grand architectural design that
reflected their power and status. This included
elaborate carvings, multiple entrances, and spacious
courtyards.
Place
‘Shaniwar’ means ‘Saturday’ in Marathi language,
and ‘Wada’ means Home, hence, this grand
residence was named ‘Shaniwar Wada’
Location
Shaniwar Wada stands next to
Kasba Peth – the oldest part of Pune
,The exact coordinates
Maharashtra , India. are around
.latitude 18.5194° N and longitude
73.8567° E.
Being a major historical monument in Pune, it is
easily accessible, located in the center of the city,
and surrounded by important roads and landmarks
Position of
structure
Shaniwar Wada primarily faces
east.
Central Location: Situated in the heart
of Pune, Maharashtra .
surrounding Areas: surrounded by
neighborhood , both residential and
commercial .
View : Offers views of the surrounding
landscape, enhancing its historical
significance
Structure
Shaniwar wada built in the
yearelaborate
The 1732 design and construction
highlighted the popular 18th-century Indian
architectural style, which was a blend of Hindu
and Islamic elements .
Material
-Teak: Imported from the Junnar
jungles from the Chinchwad quarries , bricks for structural support
-Stone: Brought
-Lime: Brought from the Jejuri lime belts , marble
These components enhanced the structure's
durability and aesthetic appeal.
Accommodation
The Shaniwar Wada provided
Peshwas with a range of
accommodation, including
Peshwa's Quarters, Family
Living Spaces, Administrative
Rooms, Audience Halls,
Servers' Quarters, and Security
and Guard Rooms. These
accommodations were
designed to reflect the
Peshwa's status and facilitate
personal and administrative
activities, reflecting the
Maratha society's hierarchical
structure.
Fort
complex
Shaniwar Wada has total of five gates
- DELHI DARWAZA
The Delhi Darwaza is the main gate of the complex, and faces
north towards Delhi.
- MASTANI DARWAZA
(Mastani's Gate) or Aliibahadur Darwaja, facing north
-KHIDKI DARWAZA (Window Gate)
The Khidki Darwaja is named for an armoured window
it contains.
-AMBHUL DARWAZA or Narayan Darwaja
(Narayan's Gate), facing south . This gate was used by concubines to
enter and leave the fort.
- GANESH DARWAZA (Ganesh Gate), facing south-east
Named for the Ganesh Rang Mahal, which used to stand near this door.
fountain, the Hazari Karanje
Gardens of Shaniwar WadaWater Storage Space
Jharokhas at the
walls of the Shaniwar Wada Pointed main gates
Shaniwar wada
Elevation
This building is 21 feet in a height and surrounded by 950
feet long wall.
Plan
General Layout Plan of Shaniwar Wada
This is a conjectural restoration of what the
entire might have looked like before it was
burnt in 1829.
Positive aspects
Shaniwar wada is a landmark that not
only served as a political center but also
as a symbol of the Maratha Empire's
might.
With its magnificent constructions and elaborate
carvings, the fort is a prime example of a distinctive
fusion of Islamic and
Hindu architectural styles, drawing the attention of
architecture lovers
Symbol of Resilience , Despite facing damage over
the years, Shaniwar Wada stands as a testament to
the resilience and strength of the Maratha legacy.
Negative aspects
Shaniwar Wada originally had five stories. However, after the fire in
1828 and subsequent deterioration, only a few of the lower levels
remain intact today , only description of the living areas of the fort
are available
Urbanization around the site has resulted in pollution and
encroachment, affecting the fort's aesthetic and historical
context.
The commercialization of the site can detract from
its historical significance, prioritizing profit over
preservation and cultural value.
Efforts to restore the wada have faced difficulties due
to the extent of the damage and the need for careful
conservation practices.
Conclusion
A major symbol of the area's rich historical legacy,
Shaniwar Wada's architecture perfectly captures the
grandeur of the Maratha Empire by fusing creative
expression with practicality .
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ASSIGNED PROJECT – GROUP 1
FIRST YEAR – B
2024048 - RINCE LOPES 2024053 - SHYAMALA MIRIYALA
2024049 - SHRIYA MAHADIK 2024054 - AANCHAL MISHRA
2024050 - GARVIT MAHESWARI 2024055 - SOHAM MODKALE
2024051 - ADITI MALI 2024056 - SARTHAK MUTADAK
2024052 - SHREYASH MAHESHWARI
