The Nana Wada of Poona, MH: Testament to the architectural vision of its builder, Nana Phadnavis.

Navrang India September 29, 2025
Nana Wada,Pune, MH  maharashtratimes.com

Nana Wada,Pune,MH.hindustantimes.com

 Above image: Nana Wada, built in 1780 in  Gothic style  was the home of Nanasaheb Phadnavis, influential minister and statesman of the Maratha empire during Peshwa administration. It is still revered as one of the most popular heritage sites in Pune.  Pune Municipal Corporation renovated the Nana wada and built a museum in 2020 that showcases the story of freedom fighters at the historic edifice........

Nana Wada, Budhwar Peth, Pune so.city

Nana Wada,Pune, kevinstandagephotography.wordpress.com

The Nana Wada of Poona stands as a profound testament to the power and architectural vision of its builder, Nana Phadnavis. Born Balaji Janardan Bhanu (1742? – March 13, 1800), Nana Phadnavis was far more than a simple administrator; he served as the Peshwa’s chief administrative officer and an immensely influential minister during the Maratha Empire. His political acumen was such that Europeans famously dubbed him "the Maratha Machiavelli." This minister saw through four successive rulers and, despite the death of Madhavrao Peshwa, his able leadership was instrumental in sustaining the Maratha Empire’s glory and stature. His passing in 1800, just prior to Peshwa Baji Rao II's submission to the British, is a historically significant event that is cited as preceding the Second Anglo-Maratha War, which tolled the death knell for the Maratha confederacy.

Gothic styled structure Nana Wada
Pune x.com
 
The Nana Wada in Poona, built in 1780, is one of the key structures, along with the regal Wada at Menavali near Wai, that continues to extol the glory of its patron. Situated close to the famous Shaniwar Wada, the Poona Wada represents the era of Maratha dominance. The architecture exemplified by Nana Phadnavis's constructions showcases a highly detailed and opulent style. His regal wadas were typically large, six-quadrangle, perimeter-protected structures. For instance, the original architectural features include a first-floor Diwan-Khana (living room), and verandas often adorned with paintings. Visitors today would be captivated by the amazingly carved wooden ceilings, graceful arches, Cypress-shaped pillars, and motifs of banana-flowers. The intricate wooden features and workmanship, such as the dome-shaped ceiling called ‘meghdambari’ in the balcony, highlight the regal status of Nana Phadnavis. The corridors on the upper floor were historically lined with teak-wood lattice work, and the strategic inclusion of features like a concealed escape stairway leading out of the wada in case of emergency further underscores the planning of these monumental buildings.

Beyond architecture,   Nana Wada in Poona has, over two centuries, adapted to the changing face of the city. Though built in distinctive style, Nana Phadnavis was a keen administrator. For example, in his Menavali wada, the famous "Menavli Daptar," which preserved the Peshwas' records of accounts and administrative letters transcribed in the ancient "Modi" script, was maintained.

The Nana Wada residence, was repurposed by the Deccan Education Society, one of the earliest promoters of modern education in the area, to house the New English School starting in 1907. For expansion, an extension building, or annex, was later constructed, whose colonial architectural style adds an intriguing historical contrast to the original structure. Presently, this wada, a true piece of living heritage, continues to serve the public by housing a municipal school and a municipal office of old records. Restoration work is currently being undertaken to preserve and safeguard the historical integrity and architectural glory of this old and pivotal building.

https://timescontent.timesofindia.com/photo/feature/Nana-Wada/335873