Discover the spooky history behind Pune's Shaniwar Wada
Shaniwar Wada is one of the most significant historical landmarks of Pune, standing tall in one of the busiest locations of the city. This monument, an architectural masterpiece in Pune, once served as the seat of the reigning Peshwa governance in the western state of Maharashtra. With close to 286 years of history, this mansion was built by Bajirao Peshwa in the 18th century. However, this Wada was believed to have been destroyed in a fire accident in the year 1826. The remains, however, still narrate the spooky tale behind this monument. Read on to know more about it.
Why is the Shaniwar Wada considered to be haunted?
Almost everyone living in Pune is familiar with the rumours that this historical monument being haunted. It is believed that on the night of every new moon, paranormal activities occur within the walls of this fort. One of the most significant markers of this is the claim that the sentence “Kaka mala vachva” can be heard. This, in English, translates to “Uncle, save me!” The voice behind this scream is believed to be that of Narayanrao’s, the youngest son of Peshwa Nanasaheb who was brutally killed here.
How was Narayanrao murdered?
Anandibai, the wife of Raghunathrao, the uncle of Narayanrao, was spiteful towards Narayanrao for all the power he had. At this point, Narayanrao was limiting his uncle’s power too, which angered Anandibai. Plotting a plan to be the queen of the state with her vicious thirst for power, she subtly made changes in a letter that her husband wrote to a chief, Sumer Singh, demanding the young Peshwa’s capture. This made the chief believe that Narayanrao had to be murdered. So, Singh, along with a few others, went to carry on their task which Narayanrao became aware of. He fled to save himself, but in vain. The assassins finally managed to kill him. While this was happening, Narayanrao shouted. “Kaka mala vachva!,” imploring his uncle to come and save him. Since then, it is believed that his ghost still haunts the Shaniwar Wada.
The family tree of the Peshwas
Peshwa Nanasaheb, who resided at the Shaniwar Wada with his family, had three sons- Madhavrao, Vishwasrao and Narayanrao. Peshwa Nanasaheb lost his life in the famous battle of Panipat, and thus, the eldest son Madhavrao was heir to the throne. Here is where the story gets interesting- Madhavrao and the middle son Vishwasrao, both ended up losing their lives due to some unexplained circumstance. As a result of this unfortunate incident, the youngest son, Narayanrao, succeeded his older brother to the throne at the age of 16. His uncle, Raghunathrao, was the executive in charge of the state as Narayanrao was still inexperienced for his position.