Take A Trip Down Memory Lane To Understand The History Behind The Iconic Peths Of Pune!

Who is a real Punekar? Well, people who have been born and brought up in the Peth areas of Pune often claim to be the quintessential Punekars as opposed to the ones living in the suburbs. Pune has many Peths that form the heart of Pune. Many of them were formed back in the 18th century and have gravely contributed to the unique character of each Peth that we know of today. Do you know how all the Peths got their name? Well, it so happened that pre-17th century, weekly markets existed which gave rise to trading and sooner than later the traders were all bunched up together depending on the work and were allotted a particular day of the week. Which meant that on that main day, either they were bustling with activity or they remained shut. Fascinating right? So, let’s dive right in and look at how each Peth was formed and understand a little bit of history behind it.

Kasba Peth 

Considered to be the oldest Peths in Pune, Kasba Peth was initially inhabited by minor revenue officials, merchants and artisans. The Peth stayed important and relevant as it housed the residence of Shivaji Maharaj and Rajmata Jijabai, and other prominent nobles such as the Purandares, Mujumdars, Pethes and Shitoles. A handful of Brahmin families who learnt and taught Vedic learning also called Kasba Peth home. 

Shaniwar Peth 

Situated alongside the Mutha River, this is where the iconic Shaniwar Wada is located. The Peth was established by Murtaza Nizamshah in the early 17th century. Later, it was Peshwa Bajirao I who built Shaniwar Wada in 1730. Shaniwar Peth started from one corner of the Wada and extended till Omkareshwar Temple. The fortification of the fort was levelled to allow the construction of mansions for various dignitaries. People like Sonars (goldsmiths), Tapkirwale (snuff makers), Saraf (money changers) and other merchants were the main residents in Shaniwar Peth. 

Raviwar Peth 

Pic Credit: Shopping Lanes

Did you know that Raviwar Peth was initially called Malkapur? It was the settlement of the chief minister of Nizam Sultanate of Ahmednagar, Malik Ambar sometime before 1626. It was redeveloped by Nanasaheb Peshwa around 1740. It was home to notable Sardars and a large presence of the Bohra community. The Peth offered a large social spectrum of 63 different castes. According to the census from the British period offers an eclectic mix of Bohras, Brahmins, Marwadi traders, bankers, merchants, artisans, workers, bahujans, kalavantin (prostitutes) and hijras (eunuchs) belonging to different statuses, castes and religions.

Somwar Peth 

Pic Credit: Hindustan Times

Almost as old as Kasba Peth, Somwar Peth initially was a religious precinct. It was called Shahapura after Shahaji Raje in 1610. The Peth was renovated after Aba Shalukar gave a generous donation to the Nageshwar temple sometime in the late 18th century. The Peth was occupied by professionals engaged in cloth, dressmaking and weaving occupations such as Koshti and Shimpi. The Peth was also home to bankers, aristocrats and housed two main temple complexes and police stations. Interestingly, the census also showed a presence of Siddis (Abyyssinians) who were found nowhere else in the city. Fascinating right?

Budhwar Peth 

Currently, Budhwar Peth is infamously known for prostitutes and sex houses, but back in 1703, Aurangzeb settled here and called it Muhiyabad. This centrally located Peth was rebuilt by Madhavrao Peshwa after the Nizam’s attack destroyed 60 per cent of the housing. Notable people like Nana Phadnis, Morobadada Phadnis and many other eminent personalities lived here. Bajirao II built the ‘Budhwar Wada’ in 1803 that housed many temples. 

Shukrawar Peth 

Interestingly, Shukrawar Peth was initially called Peth Visapur and the place became a hub for many militaries, government establishments and mansions. All of the Peshwa’s foundry, infantry lines, elephant stables, Talimkhana (gym), Gadikhana (stables), headquarters of artillery and Peshwa’s Shukrawar Wada were located in this Peth. Here you could witness a major caste divide as the richest citizens as well as labourers, servants and factory workers also resided in the same areas. Another interesting fact is that Jivajipant Khajagiwale built apartments called ‘Bawankhani’ where sex workers and courtesans could live in one place and stayed under supervision.