Pune India
Located in the western state of Maharashtra, Pune is a significant educational, commercial and industrial centre. Set on the Sahyadri mountain range, the city once was the seat of the all powerful Peshwas of the Maratha suzerainty.
Pune History
Earlier called Punyenagari, Pune came under the rule of many dynasties.
Its strategic location on the trade routes between the kingdoms of the
Deccan Plateau and the Arabian Sea went a long way in making the place
prosperous and important during the historical period. Evidence suggests
that the area was ruled by the powerful Rashtrakutas of south India.
Pune came to the forefront of historical importance when it was made capital
of the Maratha kingdom by the great Maratha leader Shivaji who took the
might of the Mughal empire. The city was associated with his childhood
and formative years. After Shivaji’s death, his successors were
involved in internal quarrels. As a result, the rule of the Maratha kingdom
was passed into the hands of the Balaji Viswanath, the first of a long
line of professional administrators. Under the hereditary rule of the
Peshwas, Pune became a great political centre and its reputation as a
seat of learning and culture far and wide. The city remained the seat
of the Maratha supremacy till the British usurped them in 1817 after the
third Anglo – Maratha War. The British made Pune the summer headquarters
of the Bombay Presidency in 1820 to escape the pre-monsoon humidity, and
monsoon flooding in Bombay, the capital of the presidency. With the passage
of time, the city grew into a major industrial centre attracting manufacturing
giants to make the place their base. Present day Pune retains a measure
of its colonial charm together with ebullience of growth and enterprise.
Places of interest
Thanks to a rich historical past together with the modern development
of the city, Pune brims with many interesting places which draw large
number of visitors.
Aga Khan Palace
Located on Nagar Road, this historic landmark was built in 1892 by Sultan
Mohammad Shah Aga Khan III. The place also known as Kasturba Gandhi Memorial
or Kasturba Samadhi thanks to Gandhi’s wife breathing her last at
this palace, the building was constructed to provide employment to the
Bund Garden
Located at a distance of 2 km from the Pune Railway Station, the Bund
garden lie on the right banks of the Mula-Mutha Rivers. Built by Sir Jamshedji
Jeejeebhoy, the garden is now known as Mahatma Gandhi Udyan and attracts
migratory birds during the winters. Immensely popular with the fitness
freaks, the Garden boasts boating facilities and well-designed jogging
tracks.
Chaturshringi Temple
Set amidst the picturesque beauty of Pune, the Chaturshringi Temple is
built on a small hillock dedicated to Durga, the Hindu goddesses of Shakti.
The Presiding deity is Goddess Ambreshwari. Tradition has it that a trader
found the idol of goddess Chatshrungee who appeared in his dream. The
reputation of the temple increased with the passage of time. Today the
temple attracts devotees across the country. There is an Annual Navratra
Festival, held in the Hindu month of Ashwin roughly corresponding to October.
Empress Garden
Occupying an area of fifty-nine acres, the Empress Garden, also known
as Soldier's Garden, is a botanical garden well known for its splendid
tropical trees, mangoes, tamarind and cut flowers. The garden also boasts
a small zoo. An ideal place for picnics, the park is close to Pune Race
Course.
Ganapati Temple
Dating back to more four hundred years, the Theur temple, one of the Ashtavinayakas
in Maharashtra, is dedicated to the Hindu god Ganesha. Located at a distance
of 26km from Pune is reputed to have been built by Shivaji’s mother
and is the lifeline of the people in and around Pune.
Katraj Snake Park
Located in Katraj, 8 kms from Pune, the Snake Park is home to more than
160 species of snakes and reptiles. This only one kind of conservation
park in the country has played an important role in eliminating the misgivings
about the snakes. Built in 1986 by Neelam Kumar Khaire, the park also
boasts a zoo.
Film and Television Institute of India
Located on the Law College Road, the Film and Television Institute of
India boasts a sprawling campus midst much greenery. The premier institute
imparts training in all branches of film making and produced professional
of national and international repute.
Culture of Pune
Pune Architecture
Pune Tourist Attractions
Hotels and Resorts Pune India