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| Lal Mahal, Pune, MH punetourism.co |
In the busy part of of Pune, right across from Shaniwar Wada, there stands a striking red (lal) palace known as Lal Mahal, where Shivaji Maharaj had spent his childhood days at his home.
In the 16th century, Shahaji Bhosale, the father of Shivaji, sought to improve Pune's dismal state. Recognizing the necessity for a residence, Shahaji Maharaj started the construction of a palace, which would later become known as Lal Mahal. The Lal Mahal is one of the most famous monuments located in Pune city.
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Lal Mahal Pune new structure indianexpress.com
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Above image: Lal Palace Pune: The new structure came up in 1988 after demolishing the old palace where Shivaji Maharaj had spent his formative years. It became a subject of debate and controversy.
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| Lal Mahal, Pune, MH x.com/ |
Originally constructed in 1630 AD by Dadoji Kondadeo, the then Jagirdar of Pune and later mentor to Shivaji, the palace served to revitalize the razed city and nurture young Shivaji under the care of his mother, Jijabai. Shivaji resided here until he captured the Torna fort in 1645, and it was alsoas per records, the venue for his marriage to his first wife, Saibai, on May 16, 1640.
The Lal Mahal is also famously associated with a daring encounter between Shivaji and the Mogul rival general Shaista Khan. In a stealthy guerrilla attack, Shivaji surprised Shaista Khan, who had occupied the palace, cutting off four of his fingers as the general attempted to escape. This humiliating defeat for Shaista Khan, despite his superior forces, led to his transfer to Bengal by Emperor Aurangzeb.
Unfortunately, the original Lal Mahal was ruined and eventually razed to the ground by the late 17th century due to various attacks on Pune. It's believed that some of its soil and stones were incorporated into the construction of Shaniwarwada for good luck. The exact original location remains unknown, though it was very close to where the current reconstruction stands.
The present-day Lal Mahal is not an exact replica of the original but a memorial rebuilt by the Pune Municipal Corporation between 1984 and 1988. It now houses a collection of large oil paintings depicting pivotal moments in Shivaji's life, a statue of Jijabai, and a carving of Shivaji with a golden plow. The memorial also features a fiber model of Raigad Fort with horsemen and a comprehensive map of Maharashtra indicating Shivaji's forts. The popular Jijamata Garden, adjacent to the Mahal, serves as a recreational park for children.
A notable controversy surrounding the reconstructed Lal Mahal involved The removal of a statue of its original builder, Dadoji Kondadeo in 2010became a controversial matter,leading to protests and violence, primarily instigated by the Sambhaji Brigade, regarding his historical significance. As of today, no commemoration of Kondadeo exists on the site.
Notable reconstruction and restoration:
1984-1988 Reconstruction: The current Lal Mahal was built by the Pune Municipal Corporation, with construction beginning in 1984 and completed in 1988. This was a significant undertaking to commemorate Shivaji Maharaj's childhood home. However, it's crucial to understand that this new structure was built on a part of the original land and does not replicate the original palace's architecture due to the lack of detailed historical information. It serves primarily as a memorial and museum.
Purpose of the Reconstruction: The rebuilt Lal Mahal functions as a memorial, housing a collection of large oil paintings depicting key events from Shivaji's life, a statue of Jijabai, a carving of Shivaji with a golden plow, a fiber model of Raigad Fort, and a large map of Maharashtra highlighting Shivaji's forts. The popular Jijamata Garden adjacent to it was also developed as a recreational park.
2018 Renovation Project: In August 2018, the Indian Express reported that the PMC planned to spend ₹75 lakh on the renovation of Lal Mahal.In 2016, the Times of India reported a planned "50 lakh makeover" for the Lal Mahal
Delayed Reopening of Upper Floor (as of 2022): A Hindustan Times report from July 2022 mentioned delays in reopening the upper floor of Lal Mahal, which was intended to house a Darbar Hall and a weaponry museum. The PMC had sanctioned ₹75.54 lakh for this renovation. While the ground floor was open, efforts to acquire actual historical weapons did not materialize, leading to plans for creating replicas.
Ongoing Conservation (Latest Details - 2024/2025 context): While specific new large-scale "restoration" projects for 2024-2025 are not widely detailed beyond the general ongoing efforts, sources indicateThe Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), in partnership with conservation bodies, is diligently working to preserve the current structure. These efforts include restoring walls, reinforcing the building, and protecting original artwork and artifacts from environmental wear.
In summary, the "restoration" of Lal Mahal refers to its reconstruction in the 1980s, followed by periodic renovations and upgrades by the Pune Municipal Corporation to maintain the current memorial structure and enhance the visitor experience. While it's not the original palace, the PMC continues to invest in its upkeep and presentation as a vital historical landmark.
