A timeless beauty of narrative.
Pune; Oxford of the East, the Cultural Capital of Maharashtra, is full of historical and cultural landmarks. The city is home to several kings and peshwas of Maharashtra including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Bajirao Peshwa. Pune, famous for its culture, food and history, houses various places where one can visit and study and get to know and see the deep narratives embedded in every one of its structures. Along with such structures of beauty and tales like Lal Mahal, Shaniwar Wada, and Sinhagad Fort, Pune is also adorned by Mahadji Shinde Chhatri.
Located in Wanawadi, the south area of Pune, this masterpiece is a symbol of bravery and the sacrifices made by the valiant soldier Mahadji Shinde.
Mahadji Shinde Chhatri, ‘chhatri’ as in umbrella in Marathi protects and shades the ashes of Mahadji Shinde, a 18th century Maratha military leader, who served as the commander-in-chief of the Maratha army under the Peshwas from 1760 to 1780. It is an important hall that marks the spot of Mahadji’s cremation on 12th February 1794. It was commissioned by one of the descendants of Mahadji’ s in 1910. The architect of the monument was Shapurjee N. Chandabhoy of Bombay.
Architectural Style
Anglo Rajasthani Architecture style of architecture is seen intricately carved on the structure and the windows. The structure has followed all the rules of Vaastu Shastra while being constructed. All sides of the exterior have been carved out by skilled artists that depict the finesse of their work. The structure has two levels and each of them has several windows for maximum ventilation. The windows are tinted with bright, beautiful colors and are adorned by multifoil arches above them on the exterior. The arches are supported by a row of engaged columns. The arches and the columns, each having intricately carved designs on them. Atop the structure, there are idols of saints all in different poses looking over the property and ornamenting Chhatri. As mentioned before, the style of architecture is Anglo-Rajasthani, while Rajasthani art is seen in the intricate carvings, the European-style spiral staircase and the tinted glasses are just the perfect amounts of European-styled elements. A perfect harmony of the two is seen in the structure. Shinde Chhatri follows excellent symmetry with its columns and window placement striking a perfect balance and harmony for the viewers.
Interiors & Material
The interiors of Shinde Chhatri are just as captivating and interesting as the exteriors and are made of marble and stone. Upon entrance, the visitors are enchanted by the ornate pillars supported by multifoil arches. Hey too are adorned with carvings and painted in bright colors to even beautify them. The floors are made of cooling marble adding to the opulence of the interiors. The inner sanctum also houses a statue of Mahadji Shinde. The walls of the memorial are ornamented with several paintings of the Shinde dynasty giving a peek of history to the visitors.
A Shiva Temple was also built alongside the memorial just a century apart. Although it is adjacent to the pavilion, it is built in the Khajuraho Style of architecture due to the difference in time.
Current State and Future
The now majestic memorial was once overlooked to take care of and had undergone some weathering due to frequent contact with rain and had acquired moss on its sandstone and water seepage on the terrace. This was an issue of concern as it could be harmful to the integrity of the structure. Rain and moisture had covered the bright yellow sandstone in a dull greyish color and damaged the carvings, hiding the beauty as well.
But now, the memorial is being glorified to its original state. The walls and exterior of Chhatri are pressure washed to remove all the grime from the crevices of the intricate carvings without harming the delicate artwork. The roofing is also covered with water repellent to prevent water seepage and damage.
In the coming years, it is proposed to replace the older non-structural elements of the building with newer ones. An exhibition hall/museum is also planned to be set up in the halls of the Shinde Chhatri to provide a better insight into the great history of Marathas to visitors.
Shinde Chhatri being more than a memorial for Mahadji Shinde is a place of reminder of all the great wars fought and efforts taken by many such soldiers to protect the kingdom from invaders and to maintain prosperity, which should not be forgotten.
