Magnificent Maratha Legacy : Mahadji Shinde Chhatri, Pune

       

Mahadji Shinde Chhatri

 Being local (Punekar😎), I visited the place long ago when I was a kid but it is always good to visit again and again because every time we learn new skills which improve our lifestyle. This short and MAGNIFICENT Blog about Mahadji Shinde Chhatri is a memorial to Military leader Mahadji Shinde from Maratha Empire under the Peshwas. The Shinde Chhatri complex comprises the Shiva Temple as well as a Samadhi of 18th-century military leader Mahadji Shinde.

        

 LOCATION... 

It is located in the Wanwadi area of Pune city. It is just 6.4 km from Swargate and 5.6 km from Pune Railway station and 26 km from Nigdi.

HISTORY...

I love historical places, so I think whenever we visit historical places if possible, we have to understand a little bit of history behind it because it's our past & culture. Now Shinde is a surname of a prominent royal family from Maharashtra and they come from the Satara district of the state. 

The Shindes also formed the Scindia Dynasty once they moved further up north to central India, in what is known as Madhya Pradesh(MP). The state of Gwalior Was Prominent and a powerful state even during the British era and Joined the Indian Union in 1947. The Scindia Dynasty members are very powerful in politics now.

Mahadji Shinde was a commander-in-chief of the Maratha army under the Peshwas, who has Pune as their seat of power., between 1768-1794. He was born on 3 December 1730 and he died on 12 February 1794.

Mahadji Shinde was appointed in North India post-Third battle of Panipat. He recovered from the loss post the third battle of Panipat and became one of the three pillars of the Maratha Resurrection. He was an important leader during the first Anglo-Maratha war between the British and the Maratha. British failed to win the war and were forced to settle in the treaty of Salbai in 1782. He was a mediator between Peshwa and the British. He also won the jodhpur and Jaipur through the battle of Patan and Merta. He brought Maratha Glory over the north post-Panipat war. Also, Mughal gave him the title of Head of Amir's (Amir-IL-Umara).

As a Shiva bhakt, in 1794 he decided to build a Shiva temple in Pune. However, unfortunately, he died the same year and he was also cremated in the same compound.

Mahadji Shinde Chhatri

 

Samadhi of Mahadji Shinde.

ARCHITECTURE...

The architecture of the building is amazing and unique because the influence of Anglo architecture is seen in the front section and a beautiful mixture of Rajasthani influence. 

yellow sandstone rectangular block-shaped mandapa

The yellow sandstone rectangular block-shaped mandapa with stained glass doors and windows stands in stark contrast to the temple shikhar right behind it. Usually, the Shikhar is prominently the tallest part of the temple. The interior work is done very beautifully. It stops your thinking power and takes you to that era and gives you a typical Rajasthani feeling. The floor has simple geometric designs that compliment the rich work on the walls, ceiling, and columns.

 Beautifully carved Columns

               

Ceiling 

Inside View: Mahadji Shinde Chhatri

 

 Mandapa Inside View: Mahadji Shinde Chhatri

Inside the madapa, there are also portraits, some photographs, and some paintings, of prominent kings from the Scindia dynasty. The stained glass windows look beautiful and they let the light fall inside in beautiful hues.

Madapa: Mahadji Shinde Chhatri

Shikhar: Mahadji Shinde Chhatri

TIMINGS...

9am to 7pm

ENTRY FEE...

Indians: Rs10,

Foreigners: Rs100.

POINT TO BE NOTED...

1. Avoid touching & scratching the walls & surfaces of the monument as these are heritage sites and need special care.

2. Take care of your trash properly.

3. Always carry a water bottle & stay hydrated.