Shinde Chhatri
Encyclopedia
Shinde Chhatri located in Wanowrie, a well known place in Pune
, India
, is a memorial dedicated to the 18th century military leader Mahadji Shinde who served as the commander-in-chief of the Maratha
army under the Peshwas
from 1760 to 1780. It is one of the most significant landmarks in the city and is reminiscent of the Maratha rule. It is a hall that marks the spot of Mahadji Shinde's cremation on 12 February 1794. The three storied memorial bestows a daunting look of past splendour, representing the rich heritage of that era beautifully. The regal entrance gate made out of iron shines till date. The exterior is captivating and has intricate and detailed carvings.
In 1794, the complex of the memorial only had a temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva
, which was built by Mahadji Shinde himself. He died the same year and his last rites were performed in the premises.
In 1965, a samadhi (memorial) was constructed outside the sanctum of the Shiva temple, in memory of Mahadji Shinde, exactly where he was cremated. Madhavrao Scindia
was responsible for the building of the complex, along with the memorial of Mahadji Shinde.
The Scindia family of Gwalior are the descendants of Mahadji Shinde. It is maintained by Sindhia Devasthan Trust, Gwalior.
, India. The Anglo-Rajasthani style of construction exhibits a fine blending of two different cultures. The architectural grandeur of the building is appreciable with beautiful carvings and the building is the lively specimen of a structure constructed following the Vaastu Hara rules. The memorial retains its architectural design and beauty till date.
The fine carvings and idols of saints on the steeple of the Shiva temple are made of yellow stone and the base and the sanctum sanctorum are constructed in black stone. The Chhatri (hall) not only has carvings and painting, but also houses a gallery in it. Coloured window-panes used for the windows are of English style. The hall is beautifully adorned with paintings and photographs of members of Scindia (Shinde) family.
The beautiful structure is now getting restored to its original looks. The moss from the delicate and porous yellow stones was cleaned using pressure machines.
The building's supporting terrace is completely restored now. Water repellent roof was reconstructed to ensure that water does not seep inside, in future.
The first phase of the restoration is over.
In second phase, it has been planned to replace the old English styled window panes, with newer ones. Second phase will resume after the monsoon season.
. As a sign of respect to the great warrior, visitors are required to close their umbrellas inside the premises, even if it is raining.
Pune
Pune , is the eighth largest metropolis in India, the second largest in the state of Maharashtra after Mumbai, and the largest city in the Western Ghats. Once the centre of power of the Maratha Empire, it is situated 560 metres above sea level on the Deccan plateau at the confluence of the Mula ...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, is a memorial dedicated to the 18th century military leader Mahadji Shinde who served as the commander-in-chief of the Maratha
Maratha Empire
The Maratha Empire or the Maratha Confederacy was an Indian imperial power that existed from 1674 to 1818. At its peak, the empire covered much of South Asia, encompassing a territory of over 2.8 million km²....
army under the Peshwas
Peshwa
A Peshwa is the titular equivalent of a modern Prime Minister. Emporer Shivaji created the Peshwa designation in order to more effectively delegate administrative duties during the growth of the Maratha Empire. Prior to 1749, Peshwas held office for 8-9 years and controlled the Maratha army...
from 1760 to 1780. It is one of the most significant landmarks in the city and is reminiscent of the Maratha rule. It is a hall that marks the spot of Mahadji Shinde's cremation on 12 February 1794. The three storied memorial bestows a daunting look of past splendour, representing the rich heritage of that era beautifully. The regal entrance gate made out of iron shines till date. The exterior is captivating and has intricate and detailed carvings.
In 1794, the complex of the memorial only had a temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva
Shiva
Shiva is a major Hindu deity, and is the destroyer god or transformer among the Trimurti, the Hindu Trinity of the primary aspects of the divine. God Shiva is a yogi who has notice of everything that happens in the world and is the main aspect of life. Yet one with great power lives a life of a...
, which was built by Mahadji Shinde himself. He died the same year and his last rites were performed in the premises.
In 1965, a samadhi (memorial) was constructed outside the sanctum of the Shiva temple, in memory of Mahadji Shinde, exactly where he was cremated. Madhavrao Scindia
Madhavrao Scindia
Madhavrao Scindia was a prominent Indian politician and minister from the Congress Party. He was born into the Scindia family, who formerly ruled Gwalior...
was responsible for the building of the complex, along with the memorial of Mahadji Shinde.
The Scindia family of Gwalior are the descendants of Mahadji Shinde. It is maintained by Sindhia Devasthan Trust, Gwalior.
Architecture
The major attraction of the Shinde Chhatri of Pune is its exquisite architecture, reflecting the style used in RajasthanRajasthan
Rājasthān the land of Rajasthanis, , is the largest state of the Republic of India by area. It is located in the northwest of India. It encompasses most of the area of the large, inhospitable Great Indian Desert , which has an edge paralleling the Sutlej-Indus river valley along its border with...
, India. The Anglo-Rajasthani style of construction exhibits a fine blending of two different cultures. The architectural grandeur of the building is appreciable with beautiful carvings and the building is the lively specimen of a structure constructed following the Vaastu Hara rules. The memorial retains its architectural design and beauty till date.
The fine carvings and idols of saints on the steeple of the Shiva temple are made of yellow stone and the base and the sanctum sanctorum are constructed in black stone. The Chhatri (hall) not only has carvings and painting, but also houses a gallery in it. Coloured window-panes used for the windows are of English style. The hall is beautifully adorned with paintings and photographs of members of Scindia (Shinde) family.
Renovations
Unfortunately, this memorial was overlooked for several years and was in a bad condition. The structure had gathered moss on the hall, due to the seepage of rain water. Rain and moisture had damaged the upper storey of the building, constructed in yellow stone, which had acquired a grayish look. The roof was also damaged, allowing the rain water to seep into the hall, damaging the carvings.The beautiful structure is now getting restored to its original looks. The moss from the delicate and porous yellow stones was cleaned using pressure machines.
The building's supporting terrace is completely restored now. Water repellent roof was reconstructed to ensure that water does not seep inside, in future.
The first phase of the restoration is over.
In second phase, it has been planned to replace the old English styled window panes, with newer ones. Second phase will resume after the monsoon season.
Future Plans
There is also a tentative plan by the Scindia Devasthan Trust to come up with a small museum in the gallery of the hall at Shinde Chatri, after the restoration work is completed.Etiquette
Chhatri means umbrella in MarathiMarathi language
Marathi is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by the Marathi people of western and central India. It is the official language of the state of Maharashtra. There are over 68 million fluent speakers worldwide. Marathi has the fourth largest number of native speakers in India and is the fifteenth most...
. As a sign of respect to the great warrior, visitors are required to close their umbrellas inside the premises, even if it is raining.