Fire Damages Historic Narayan Darwaja at Pune's Shaniwarwada Fort
A significant fire broke out on Thursday afternoon at the historic Shaniwarwada fort in Pune, damaging the Narayan Darwaja, a protected monument of national importance. The blaze was triggered by accumulated dry leaves and tree branches that caught fire on the rear side of the fort, which once served as the seat of the Peshwas.
Fire Incident Details
The Pune Municipal Corporation's Kasba Peth fire station received an emergency call around 12:30 PM. Fire officer Kamlesh Chaudhari reported that their team responded promptly to the scene. After extinguishing the flames, they discovered that the front side of the Narayan Darwaja had been burnt and damaged. The exact cause of ignition remains under investigation.
Pradeep Avhad, ward officer of the PMC's Kasba-Vishrambaug office, stated that the area is regularly cleaned, and authorities will investigate how garbage was dumped and subsequently caught fire. Once the investigation report is complete, a decision regarding filing an official offense will be made.
Historical Significance of Narayan Darwaja
The teak wood door with heavy stone framework, known as Narayan Darwaja, holds deep historical significance. It was named in memory of Narayanrao Peshwa, who was assassinated in 1773 by the Gardis at the behest of his uncle Raghunathrao and aunt Anandibai.
History scholar Guruprasad Kanitkar explained, "Narayanrao's assassination sent shock waves and triggered tension across Pune. His body was taken out from the fort through this rear door for the final rites. Since then, the door has been known as Narayan Darwaja."
Shaniwarwada: A Fortified Palace with Rich Heritage
Built by Bajirao Peshwa I in 1732, Shaniwarwada stands as a fortified palace that witnessed numerous chapters of Peshwa history. The complex tells stories not only of brave and influential administrators but also of gruesome deaths and the eventual fall of the Peshwa dynasty.
Today, Shaniwarwada remains one of Pune's most popular tourist attractions, featuring the ruins of the palace and five distinctive doorways:
- Delhi Darwaja
- Khidki Darwaja
- Ganesh Darwaja
- Narayan Darwaja
- Mastani Darwaja
Local Concerns About Monument Management
Local residents have raised concerns about long-pending garbage mismanagement issues near the monument. Suraj Gadhve, a resident of Kasba Peth, emphasized, "A number of monuments and historic spots are in the vicinity of Shaniwarwada and attract a lot of tourists. There should be adequate focus on cleanliness drives in the area."
The fire incident has highlighted the need for improved maintenance and protection measures at this important cultural heritage site, which continues to draw visitors from across the country and beyond.
