Curse on Shaniwar Wada

          Shaniwarwada is an 18th-century fortification in the city of Pune. Built in 1732 in the honor of Peshwa Bajirao Ballal Balaji Bhat for his great courage and triumphs towards the Maratha Empire. It was the seat of the Peshwa rulers of the Maratha Empire until 1818, when the Peshwas lost control to the East India Company after the third Anglo-Maratha War. Peshwa Bajirao himself laid the foundation of his soon-to-be residence on Saturday, January 10, 1730; hence the name ‘Shaniwar Wada’ which was an amalgamation of Marathi words, Shaniwar (Saturday) and Wada (residence). For the complex, Teak was imported from the jungles of Junnar, Stones were brought from Chinchwad and limestone from the belts of Jejuri. It was built with a total cost of Rs. 16,110 (an empire’s treasure of those times) and over two years later, it was completed and handover to the Peshwa Bajirao’s family. The structure which was once renowned for its architectural brilliance, is now dreaded for supernatural activities on the full-moon night. Locals believe that the fort is haunted by the ghost of Bajirao’s grandson Narayanrao, who was brutally killed on orders of his relatives.

Ill-fate :

          Even before the death of his father, Nanasaheb claimed his power on the Maratha throne and hold on Shaniwar Wada. Three of Bajirao's five sons who survived infancy death were, Vishwasrao, Madhavrao, and Narayanrao. After Nanasaheb’s death, Vishwasrao earned the power of throne, which angered former’s younger brother Raghunathrao (called Raghoba, son of Kashibai) and his wife Anandibai. During the third battle of Panipat, against a triumvirate of King Ahmad Shah Durrani of Afghanistan, the Rohilla Afghans of Doab and Shuja ud Daula, the Nawab of Awadh, Nanasaheb’s eldest son Vishwasrao led the Maratha Army, while his second son Madhavrao played the chief strategist. Some of his strategies backfired, which led to the killing of Vishwasrao. Holding himself responsible for his elder brother and Peshwa’s death, Madhavrao plunged into depression and later died due to deteriorating health. 

                          

          Following the death of both Vishwasrao and Madhavrao, their younger brother Narayanrao (only 16-year-old at that time) was appointed as the next Peshwa. Raghunathrao was assigned as the regent to take responsibilities of the throne till Narayanrao was minor.  This angered Anandibai even more. Narayanrao was aware of the bitterness of his uncle Raghoba and aunt Anandibai as well as their ugly fallout with his elder brother Vishwasrao. This hatred among them was fueled by their closest advisers, resulting in Narayanrao ordering Raghunathrao under house arrest. Anandibai turned furious after hearing the news of her husband’s house arrest and plotted revenge on Narayanrao. She planned out a vicious plot to free her husband and kill Narayanrao, simultaneously. She knew that Narayanrao had been having conflicts with the hunting tribe, Gardi. She convinced Raghunath to send a signed letter to Sumer Singh Gardi, leader of the tribe asking for help and capturing Narayanrao saying, “Narayanrao la dhara”, which meant ‘Capture Narayanrao’. Seeing this as an opportunity, Anandibai tweaked the letter, which now read, “Narayanrao la Mara” – ‘Kill Narayanrao’. On the night of the last of Ganesh Chaturthi, the highly trained and fiercest assassins were sent by the Gardi tribe to Shaniwar Wada. In the cover of night, the invaded the inner chambers of the palace and released Raghunath. They then headed for Narayanrao, who was sleeping unaware of what was happening. Hearing the commotion inside his room, he stood up and ran straight for his uncle, to seek his help. But, the Gardi assassins got hold of him and began brutal attacks on him, Narayanrao kept shouting, “Kaaka! Maala vaachva (Uncle save me)”, but no one came to his help. He kept wailing while the assassins tore him into pieces. Raghunath kept mute and witnessed the ordeal. Later Narayanrao’s body which was cut into numerable pieces was taken out in vessels and thrown into the river. Soon after Narayanrao’s death, Raghunathrao and Anandibai proclaimed their power. Later Peshwa administration prosecuted Raghunathrao, Anandibai and Sumer Singh Gardi.

          On February 27, 1828, a major fire broke out inside the palace complex which raged for nearly seven days, destroying everything that marked the legends of Peshwa household. Only the heavy teak gates and deep foundation of the fort survived. Till today, tourists and explorers are allowed to visit the outer chamber of fort during the day. At night, the place is deserted. Some locals and enthusiasts even lay out camps near the river bank to listen to the wailing cry of help of Narayanrao’s spirit shouting ‘Kaaka! Maala vaachva’ that continues to haunt ‘Shaniwar Wada’. Locals believe that because Narayanrao’s funeral rites never took place, his spirit till date moves in pain in the mortal world and his soul is trapped within the walls of Shaniwar Wada. It is also believed that once Kashibai’s best friend from childhood had cursed the prosperity of Shaniwar Wada, after her husband was killed by Bajirao on suspicion of being a traitor to the Maratha Empire.