Shaniwarwada and the Real Story of Mastani: A Tale of Secrets and Royal Intrigue That Still Awaits Unveiling

Shaniwarwada History: A particular gate in the Shaniwarwada fort in Pune still echoes the rejection faced by Mastani, the beloved wife of Peshwa Bajirao, within the Peshwa household. In 1729, Peshwa Bajirao I married Mastani, the daughter of King Chhatrasal of Bundelkhand. After their marriage, Mastani resided in the Shaniwarwada palace for a few years. The area of the palace where she lived came to be known as the “Mastani Mahal.”

In recent years, after the release of the Hindi film Bajirao Mastani, which reached great heights of popularity, public curiosity about Mastani and her residence increased significantly. Tourists now flock to see the historical structure that once served as the political and administrative heart of the Maratha Empire.

Shaniwarwada remained the center of Maratha power for about 67 years. Today, visitors can see only its grand gateway, towering walls, and some foundational pillars, for on 21 February 1828, a massive fire engulfed the entire structure, reducing its grandeur to ashes.

Due to this devastation, it is extremely difficult to visualize how magnificent Shaniwarwada once was. Although historical evidence is now limited, the renowned historian Dattatraya Balwant Pagnis (1870–1926) extensively documented Shaniwarwada in his distinguished book Poona in Bygone Days (1921), which is still considered an authentic source for understanding that era.

The Construction of Shaniwarwada: A Historic Beginning of Grandeur

Peshwa Bajirao I and the Rise of a New Capital

Peshwa Bajirao I’s father, Balaji Vishwanath, was the Prime Minister (Peshwa) to Chhatrapati Shahu, the grandson of the great Maratha ruler Shivaji Maharaj and king of Satara. The family originally lived in a traditional wada (residence) in Saswad, around 32 kilometers from Pune.

After Balaji Vishwanath’s sudden death in 1720, 20-year-old Bajirao I was appointed the new Peshwa by Chhatrapati Shahu. This bold move proved to be a turning point in Maratha politics. Under Bajirao I, the Maratha Empire witnessed unprecedented military success, extending its borders through Malwa, Gujarat, and Bundelkhand, reaching almost to the gates of Delhi.

Foundation of Shaniwarwada in Pune

In 1730, Bajirao decided to shift his base from his ancestral residence in Saswad to Pune. He purchased about five acres of land from local fishermen and weavers and resettled them in the Mangalwar Peth area.

On Saturday, 10 January 1730, considered an auspicious day, Bajirao laid the foundation of his new mansion. The palace’s architectural design was based on two floors and three grand courtyards. It was completed in just two years at a cost of Rs. 16,110, a significant amount at the time.

On Saturday, 22 January 1732, the official inauguration was held following Hindu rituals. This auspicious coincidence led to the name Shaniwarwada (Shaniwar = Saturday, Wada = mansion).

Mastani and Shaniwarwada

A Love Story That Faced Rejection

In 1728, Bajirao married Mastani, daughter of King Chhatrasal Bundela of Bundelkhand. Although the marriage was one of love and respect, it was never fully accepted by the Peshwa family and the orthodox Brahmin society of Pune.

When Mastani came to reside in Shaniwarwada, a separate section of the palace was designated for her, known as the Mastani Mahal. The specific gate used for her entry is still known as the Mastani Darwaza, standing today as a witness to that era.

Due to growing conspiracies and internal opposition within the palace, Bajirao eventually built a separate residence for Mastani in the nearby Kothrud area. She spent her final years there and passed away in 1740.

Rise of Nanasaheb Peshwa and the Zenith of Shaniwarwada

After Bajirao’s death in 1740, his son Balaji Bajirao (popularly known as Nanasaheb) became the next Peshwa. Under his leadership, the Maratha Empire expanded dramatically—from Attock in the north to Thanjavur in the south.

Nanasaheb transformed Pune into not only the political capital but also a prosperous commercial hub. He utilized his resources and vision to enhance the grandeur of Shaniwarwada.

During his reign, many new constructions were added to the palace, enriching its architecture and opulence. Documents mention ten major palaces and five guest houses within the complex. Around twenty members of the Peshwa family lived there at the time. Nanasaheb’s contributions made Shaniwarwada not just a royal residence but a symbol of Maratha culture, governance, and architecture.

Tragic Episodes of Shaniwarwada: From Vishwasrao to Narayanrao

The Fall After Panipat

Once a symbol of Maratha glory, Shaniwarwada gradually became a site of sorrow and bloodshed. In January 1761, a terrible tragedy struck the palace and the Maratha Empire.

That year, during the Third Battle of Panipat, Nanasaheb’s eldest son Vishwasrao and cousin Sadashivrao Bhau were martyred fighting the forces of Ahmad Shah Abdali. This colossal loss shattered Nanasaheb emotionally. Grieving deeply, he passed away on 23 June 1761.

His second son, Madhavrao, then ascended the throne at the young age of 16. He had to confront both political challenges and the constant conspiracies of his uncle, Raghunathrao.

Despite his youth, Madhavrao showed remarkable maturity and administrative ability. Unfortunately, he suffered from tuberculosis and died in 1772.

The Shadow of Murder and Tragedy

After Madhavrao’s death, his younger brother Narayanrao was made the Peshwa while still very young. Soon, Shaniwarwada witnessed one of the bloodiest episodes in its history.

On 30 August 1773, during the sacred festival of Anant Chaturdashi, a conspiracy unfolded inside the palace. Armed men led by Sumer Singh Gardi, commander of the palace guards, broke in and brutally murdered Narayanrao.

It is said that Narayanrao, already wary of his uncle Raghunathrao, cried out in his final moments—“Kaka, mala vachva!” (Uncle, save me!)—but no help came. The massacre lasted for over 90 minutes, claiming the lives of more than ten palace servants as well.

Investigations revealed that Raghunathrao had altered a secret order. Instead of “Dharā” (arrest him), it was changed to “Mārā” (kill him), leading to Narayanrao’s assassination. This tragedy shook the very foundations of the Maratha Empire and tainted the legacy of Shaniwarwada forever.

Legacy of Ghosts and the Fall of Maratha Brilliance

At the time of Narayanrao’s murder, his wife Gangabai was pregnant. In the midst of that cruelty, a ray of hope was born. A few weeks later, she gave birth to a son who came to be known as Sawai Madhavrao.

Under the guidance of Nana Fadnavis, the Maratha council declared the 40-day-old infant as the new Peshwa. However, this joy was short-lived.

In October 1795, tragedy struck again when Sawai Madhavrao died under mysterious circumstances. He reportedly fell from the third-floor balcony onto a fountain below. While some say it was an accident, others suspect suicide—or even murder. The truth remains unsolved to this day.

After his death, his cousin Bajirao II, son of Raghunathrao, became Peshwa at the age of 18. Haunted by the ghost of Narayanrao, it is said Bajirao II became so terrified that he abandoned Shaniwarwada forever. He instead constructed new palaces like Friday Wada, Wednesday Wada, and Vishrambaug Palace, where he resided.

Thus, Shaniwarwada, once the pinnacle of Maratha power and cultural splendor, descended into abandonment and superstition.

Architectural Grandeur of Shaniwarwada: A Lost Masterpiece

Shaniwarwada, the political and cultural heart of the Maratha Empire, was a vast residential complex with magnificent halls and courtyards. Some of the most notable areas included:

• Ganpati Rang Mahal – The public court for political affairs and Ganesh festivities.

• Nachacha Diwan Khana – The royal hall for dance performances.

• Arse Mahal – The hall adorned with mirrors, symbolizing aristocracy.

• Juna Arse Mahal – The older version of the mirror hall.

• Dada Saheb Aanchaa Diwan Khana – The personal court of Raghunathrao.

• Thorlya Raya Aanchaa Diwan Khana – Built for the first Peshwa, Balaji Vishwanath.

• Narayan Rao Aanchaa Mahal – Residence and office of Peshwa Narayanrao.

• Hasti Daanti Mahal – Palace adorned with ivory, representing luxury and beauty.

The Five Gates of Shaniwarwada

• Delhi Darwaza – The main gate facing Delhi in the north.

• Ganesh Darwaza – Named after the nearby Ganesh temple.

• Mastani Darwaza – Dedicated to Mastani Bai.

• Khidki Darwaza – A narrow, window-like gate.

• Jambhul Darwaza – Named after a nearby Jamun tree.

Shaniwarwada included several amenities such as treasury rooms, storerooms, record offices, a library, jewel chambers, armories, and dispensaries. Nearly 500 security guards were posted around the clock, and each department had appointed officers to oversee daily operations.

From glory to grief, the rise and fall of Shaniwarwada reflect the turbulent saga of the Maratha Empire—an era marked by unmatched valor, intricate politics, and deep cultural richness.