Heritage Club Report
Legacy Keepers
Club Activity: 4
Date: Saturday, 23rd August 2025
Venue: Lal Mahal, Nana Wada, Pune
The Heritage Club organized an immersive afternoon walk through Pune’s historic heart on August 23, 2025. The journey began at the iconic Lal Mahal, built in 1630 by Dadoji Kondadeo and renowned as Shivaji Maharaj’s childhood home. The reconstructed structure (1984–1988) now houses evocative paintings, a statue of Jijabai, and a model of Raigad—transforming lore into living memory.
From there, members strolled through the narrow lanes of Kasba and Budhwar Peth toward Nana Wada, a Grade I heritage mansion. Though rebuilt in British times following a fire, the site still evokes its layered past and chronicles Pune’s architectural transitions. Nana Fadnis, one of the renowned figures during Peshwas times lived here. All the correspondence and decision making used to happen at Nanawada. It housed a nice museum highlighting the description of the freedom fighters who fought relentlessly with Mughals and Britishers.
Throughout the walk, students could uncover stories of Shivaji’s escapades from Lal Mahal and the cultural shifts marked in the architecture of Nana Wada. Enthusiastic engagement was evident—members paused for photos, sketched details, and exchanged reflections on Maratha legacy and colonial influence.
The walk concluded near Vishram Wada, as it was under renovation and entry was restricted. Due to the paucity of the time, the club members couldn’t go to the Pune Nagar Vachan Mandir, one of the oldest libraries. The outing fostered camaraderie and deepened appreciation for Pune’s rich historical tapestry. The Heritage Club looks forward to more such explorations that blend heritage, walking, and storytelling. ‘Walking on Pune’s road in order to know the historical significance of the old palaces and Wadas, which evoke pride and honour in our mind, was a unique experience’ said Radhika Joshi, a class XB student. All the members of the club enjoyed this activity thoroughly, as it is very much evident in Radhika’s comment.
