Pune: Encyclopedia II - Pune - History

Pune - History

In Pune, the past meets the present. It is one of those rare cities with a twin image: that of a tradition-bound place — generally considered the quintessence of Maharashtrian culture — and that of a modern industrial metropolis. Pune today straddles both banks of the Mula and Mutha rivers (tributaries of the larger Bhima River). The confluence (sangam) of the these in the heart of the city forms a spectacular scenic landmark. The oldest extant structure in the city is the rock-cut temple of Pataleshwar, from the 8th century AD. The cave-temple complex is also called Panchaleshvara cave. This cave, once situated outside limits of the old town, is now squarely in the middle of the city off the Jungli Maharaj road.

Earliest references to the city are from the 11th century, when there was a walled settlement known as "Kasbe Pune". This ward is the oldest part of the city, and today is known as Kasba Peth. Pune's medieval roots are also evident in number of temples and mosques. The present name "Pune" is derived from Punya Nagari (literally city of virtuous deeds). The Rashtrakutas are believed to be the earliest rulers of the city.

Pune is inextricably linked to the life of the great Maratha hero and king, Chhatrapati Shivaji. The era of Pune's fame began when Chhatrapati Shivaji came to stay here with his mother Jijabai in 1635-36. Shivaji and his mother lived in a mansion known as "Lal Mahal," a replica of which still can be visited at its original location in the city. According to local lore, the Kasba Ganapati Mandir, regarded as the presiding deity of the city (gramadevata), was built by Jijabai. In the early 18th century, prime minister of Chhatrapati Shahu, Peshwe Baji Rao 1 wanted to make Pune his home, which was agreed to by the king. He built his palace on a slightly raised ground near the Mutha river which is now known as Shaniwar Peth. The fortified palace that came up is known as Shaniwar Wada. Shaniwar Wada is considered by many to be the focal point of the old city of Pune.

1817 saw a war breaking out beteween the Marathas and the British. A battle was fought in Kirkee (now "Khadki"), a town earlier outside the main Pune (though at present is considered to be well within the city limits). The Peshwas were defeated and the British forces took over the town. The British realized the importance of the city and built a large cantonment to the east of the city. Later, Pune was pronounced the Monsoon Capital of the Bombay Presidency.

During the struggle for Indian independence, Pune took its place as an important center for social and religious reform movements that were sweeping the country. Pune was the home to some reformers who were stalwarts of the national movement, such as Mahadev Govind Ranade, R.G Bhandarkar and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule. The presence of Bal Gangadhar Tilak dominated the political scene for three decades during this period. More infamously, Nathuram Godse, the man who assassinated Gandhi, was, in his own words, a thoroughbred "Puneri."

After Indian independence (1947), Pune's reputation as an educational and research node grew with the establishment of the University of Pune, the National Defence Academy (NDA), National Chemical Laboratory and other such institutes. However, certain schools and colleges, such as Fergusson College have exceeded the reputation of the city's far-known educational status from the late 1800s.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "History", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki