Restoration Campaign For Historic Shaniwar Wada Fort In Pune Gains Momentum With Efforts Of Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni

The mission for the restoration and conservation of historical Shaniwar Wada Fort in Pune has received new impetus with the efforts of Rajya Sabha member and educationist Dr Medha Kulkarni.

Recently, Kulkarni met Minister for Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and informed him about the cultural and emotional importance associated with the heritage monument and the need for its preservation and conservation. She also added that Shekhawat has assured her of a decision in this regard.

Regarding the meeting, Kulkarni, in a post on X stated, "I briefed him in detail about Shaniwar Wada, one of the most mighty centre of power in the Indian subcontinent for several decades in the 18th century, from the establishment of the Hindavi Empire by the Great Shivaji Raje in 1646 AD to the undefeated Maratha influence till 1818 AD."

The post further continued, "I urged him to preserve this heritage as a symbol of Maratha history. I shared my experiences and the factual thoughts and advice of the historians who had accompanied me to this great site."

Esteemed historian and fellow of Royal Asiatic Society, Dr Uday S Kulkarni, also expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Rajya Sabha MP and added that this is the best chance for Shaniwar Wada's proper restoration.

The Historian stated, "The late Smt @mukta_tilak had first taken up the matter in 2021. Pune’s earlier reps in Delhi had all given it a cold shoulder. It is therefore entirely to the credit of #Pune Rajya Sabha MP @Medha_kulkarni that it is going forward. After bringing it up in the Rajya sabha, the Hon. MP has now been taken up with the Culture Minister @gssjodhpur and one is hopeful that this will be taken up asap."

Kulkarni further added that eminent historians such as Pandurang Balkavade and Mandar Lavate have also lent their weight to the proposal.

Shaniwar Wada is a magnificent fort constructed in 1732 and served as the illustrious seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire until 1818.

After the meteoric rise of the Maratha Empire, the palace and the fort became the core of Indian politics in the eighteenth century.

However, many reports have indicated that a significant part of the fort now lies in shambles and is in need of immediate conservation efforts.