Pune’s iconic wadas lost in time

The wadas of Pune, which once were an epitome of the city’s rich culture and heritage are in a state of despair and coming to an end. Sadly, these iconic traditional dwellings are being replaced by high-rise buildings.

The culture of living in wadas started way back in 1700. Built in 1746, Shaniwar Wada was the seat of the Peshwa rulers during the Maratha Empire. This wada was surrounded by several smaller wadas where officers and commoners also lived. These wadas had large wooden doors and windows, and natural provisions for air ventilation.

Unfortunately, some of these wadas, today, cannot be repaired or renovated, according to the civic body. One such wada of the Tilak legacy, Kesari Wada, has been majorly reconstructed as it had become unfit for living.

Speaking with iamin, Rohit Tilak, the great grandson of Lokmanya Tilak, who lived in the Tilak Wada during his childhood sharing his memories said, “Our wada was always filled with people who would come to meet my father and grandfather. It was a sad feeling when we had to see it getting demolished and replaced with cement and bricks. However, my grandfather’s room and library is still preserved.”

Also read: Civic body razes Pune’s iconic wadas

Most of the life-threatening portions of these wadas are either razed by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) or reconstructed entirely, in massive demolition drives conducted each year. Tenants living in these wadas for generations now find it difficult to move out and search for a new place. “My father, grandfather and great grandfather have been living in this wada. We know everyone in this wada and we are like a big family celebrating festivals together, participating enthusiastically in all weddings and supporting each other selflessly in every problem for generations now. It gets difficult to move out from your root place so easily. All these wadas can be brought to life again, just a little maintenance is needed," said Suhas Otari, 55, resident of Kumbhar Wada. This wada is over 200-years-old and is based in Kasba Peth.

Another iconic wada on Thorale Bajirao Road continues to remain in a dilapidated condition. “Vishrambaug Wada has three courtyards, out of which one is given on rent to the government and others have offices such as post office, etc. The PMC has not cleaned the wada for nearly a year now and there are some minor repairs to be done too. A structure like this should be preserved, the ignorance results in low footfall of tourists in this place,” said Chanda Chavan, a local resident.

Most of these iconic wadas are in Kasba Peth, Tilak Road, Vishrambaug, Nana Peth, Narayan Peth and Budhwar Peth.

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