Lal Mahal

Located in Pune, India, is one of most famous monuments known as the Lal Mahal (Red Palace). The Lal Mahal was established by Shivaji's father Shahaji Bhonsle for his wife Jijabai and son in the year 1630 AD. The current Lal Mahal is a reconstructed replica of the original one as the original one was ruined. The idea behind building the original Lal Mahal was to rejuvenate the city of Pune which had been razed recently. It was built when Shivaji and his mother Jijabai came to the city along with Dadoji Kondev. The proper original site of Lal Mahal is unknown, but it is believed to be very near to the site of Shaniwarwada, which is approximately sited where the present rebuilding is constructed. Just a part of the land where the original Lal Mahal stood is where the new one was built. As there is not much information on the area and structure of the original Lal Mahal, the new one has not been constructed in the same design as the famous original.

History

Generally, the Lal Mahal is considered to be most famous for an event in which Shivaji cut off the fingers of Shaista Khan as he tried to escape from one of the windows of the Lal Mahal. This happened when Shivaji's army performed a secret guerrilla attack on the huge and deep rooted Mughal Army that had setup its hold in Pune and Shaista had occupied Shivaji's childhood home.

Shivaji remained here for numerous years until he seized his first fortress. It is believed that he spent most of his childhood here. Shivaji's wedding with his first spouse, Maharani Saibai, happened in Lal Mahal. Shivaji was raised here and remained in the Lal Mahal till he seized the Torna fort in 1645. Near the close of 17th Century, Lal Mahal demolished into wrecks and was ultimately demolished as a consequence of numerous assaults on the metropolis. In 1734-35, small number of households were built on the plot of the Lal Mahal and provided to Ranoji Shinde and Ramchandraji for their usage. The chronicles in the bureaus of the Peshwas remark that Lal Mahal was used for organizing banquets for the Brahmins for the duration of the thread-ceremony of Sadoba, son of Chimajiappa.

Architecture

The imposing red structure, in the heart of the city near other historic monuments at Shaniwarwada on Shivaji Road, Lal Mahal was originally made of wood. It was revamped by the Pune Municipal Corporation in the late 80s.

There are also four umbrellas on the terrace of the palace which is the prime attraction of the Mahal. It is here that Maharaj Shivaji chopped off the fingers of Shaista Khan when he tried to escape away from one of the windows of the Lal Mahal.

Best time to Visit

Pune has beautiful weather all year round. So anytime is suitable for a visit.

Visitor Information

The famed sculpture of Shivaji's mother Jijabai still decorates the Lal Mahal of Pune. A statue of the great Shivaji in his youth can also be seen over here. One of the statues shows Shivaji with a golden till while his mother Jijabai and Guru Dadoji Kondev are watching him. Pictographic depictions also echo the time of Maharaj Shivaji. The well-known Jijamata Garden is very popular as a recreational park for kids and family visits. The reputations of the Lal Mahal of Pune inspire several folks to holiday at the memorial.

How to Reach

Since Lal Mahal at Pune is located at the heart of the city, accessibility is not a problem. You can travel by local transport from any part of the city to get to the Lal Mahal.

Pune is well connected by air, rail and road with important places within and beyond the state.

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