University of Southern California Dissertations and Theses

The vanishing Wadas Of Pune, India

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The vanishing Wadas Of Pune, India

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Content Copyright 2016 Neha Chandrakiran Tambe
THE VANISHING WADAS OF PUNE, INDIA

By
Neha Chandrakiran Tambe

A Thesis Presented to the
FACULTY OF THE USC SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
In Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree
MASTER OF HERITAGE CONSERVATION

May 2016

ii

Acknowledgements:
I am grateful to the members of my graduate committee – Professors Trudi Sandmeier,
David Sloane, and Vinayak Bharne without whose patience, guidance, and support, this thesis
would not have been possible. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Architects C.V.
Apte and Pranav Bhat - for being mentors all through architecture school and beyond, and
introducing me to the beauty of traditional Indian Architecture; architect Abha Narain Lambah
for providing me my first opportunity to work within the field of historic preservation; and the
team at KPMG India working on the HRIDAY project, for pushing me to think out of the box. I
would finally like to thank my family for their constant and unwavering support for allowing me
to pursue my goals and dreams.

iii

Table of Contents
Acknowledgements………………………………………………………………….... ii
List of Figures…………………………………………………………………............ v
Abstract…………………………………………………………………...................... viii
Introduction…………………………………………………………………................ 1
Chapter 1
Introduction to Pune………………………………………………………….. 4
Introduction to the Maratha Empire………………………………………….. 9
Architecture of the Wadas……………………………………………………. 10
Neighborhood, Society, and Political Structure during the Peshwai Reign and
the British Raj………………………………………………………………….

14
Chapter 2
Pune Today…………………………………………………………………… 19
The Condition of the Wadas Today…………………………………………... 22
Neighborhood, Society, and the Political Structure Today………………….... 26
Chapter 3
Classification of the Wada Housing Type…………………....………………. 29
Anatomy of a typical Wada…………………....…………………................... 34
Chapter 4
Existing Case Studies – Wadas of Gujarat…………………............................ 37
Existing Case Studies – Havelis of Rajasthan…………………....................... 40
Existing Case Studies – Chawls of Mumbai………………….......................... 42
Chapter 5
A Need for Intervention………………….........................…………………… 46
The Curious Case of the Vanishing Wadas – Cause and Effect……………… 47
Key Players and the roles they play – Positive and Negative Stakeholders….. 47
Potential Scenario Analysis – From best case solutions to worst case
scenarios………………………………………………………………………

49
Key Beneficiaries of these Interventions (if any).…………………................. 51
Existing Best Practices………………….........................…………………...... 51
Local Level Policies and established framework…………………................... 52
iv

National Level Policies and established framework………………….............. 53
Conclusion………………….........................…………………..................................... 56
Bibliography……………….........................…………………...................................... 58
Appendix A – Chronological Timeline……………….........................………………. 68

v

List of Figures
Figure 1.1: Map of the British Indian Empire from Imperial Gazetteer of India (circa
1909), indicating the geographical location of Pune City in context to the whole of
India…...…………….........................…………………..............................................

5
Figure 1.2: Plan of Pune in the eighteenth century (circa 1896)…………………….. 6
Figure 1.3: Pune city tehsil in Pune district (2010)………………………………….. 7
Figure 1.4: Portrait of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj)…………………….………….. 8
Figure 1.5: The Indian subcontinent in 1760..…………………….………………… 9
Figure 1.6: The entrance to the Shaniwar Wada today.……………………………... 10
Figure 1.7: Exterior façade of the Vishrambaug Wada..…………………………….. 12
Figure 1.8: Interior facade of the Vishrambaug Wada. ……………………………... 12
Figure 1.9: Interior facade of the Vishrambaug Wada....……………………………. 12
Figure 1.10: Interior courtyard of the Vishrambaug Wada. ………………………..... 13
Figure 1.11: Trim details (wooden carving) at the Vishrambaug Wada..…………..... 13
Figure 1.12: Map indicating the various Peths within the historic core of Pune…….. 14
Figure 1.13: Table indicating the Census Data of Pune for 1881……………………. 16
Figure 1.14: Bar Graph indicating the Census Data of Pune for 1881………………. 17
Figure 2.1: Pune city today – an example of ad-hoc mixed use development…......... 19
Figure 2.2: Part of Pune’s historic core, as seen from the ramparts of Shaniwar Wada 20
Figure 2.3: Internal Streets between two traditional Wadas………………………….. 21
Figure 2.4: Conditions of Wadas today. …………………….………………………... 23
Figure 2.5: Street view of Vishrambaug Wada.…………………….………………… 24
Figure 2.6: Shaniwar Wada – epicenter of Pune’s Peshwai legacy.………………..… 25
Figure 2.7: Example of conversion of single-family residences into multi-family
residences.…………………….…………………….…………………………………

27
Figure 2.8: Example of conversion of single-family residences into multi-family
residences. …………………….…………………….………………………………...

27
Figure 2.9: Examples of mixed-use ad-hoc adaptive reuse, and the changing urban
fabric of the historic urban core of Pune. …………………….…………………….....

27
Figure 2.10: Examples of mixed-use ad-hoc adaptive reuse, and the changing urban
fabric of the historic urban core of Pune. ……………………………………………..

27
vi

Figure 3.1: Street view of Vishrambaug Wada – an example of a better-maintained
Wada.…………………….…………………….…………………….………………...

29
Figure 3.2: Shaniwar Wada – epicenter of Pune’s Peshwai legacy.………………...... 27
Figure 3.3: Traditional Havelis (exterior facades) near Udaipur (Rajasthan, India)...... 30
Figure 3.4: Lounge of the Samode Haveli heritage hotel, Jaipur……………………... 30
Figure 3.5: Outer courtyard at Thakur Bari, Jorasankho, at Calcutta/Kolkata – the
ancestral home of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.………………………….......

31
Figure 3.6: Entrance to the main building at Thakur Bari, Jorasankho, at
Calcutta/Kolkata – the ancestral home of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.…......

31
Figure 3.7: The central courtyard and surrounding verandahs/corridors at Yashwant
Chawl in Parel/Lower Parel at Mumbai…………………………....………………….

33
Figure 3.8: The central courtyard and surrounding verandahs/corridors at Yashwant
Chawl in Parel/Lower Parel at Mumbai..…………...…………………………………

33
Figure 3.9: The Vishrambaug Wada today (Exterior facade).……………………....... 35
Figure 3.10: The Vishrambaug Wada today (Interior facade).……………………...... 35
Figure 3.11: Traditional Wadas (exterior facades) in Pune, indicating the various
materials and techniques used..…………………….……………………………….....

36
Figure 3.12: Traditional Wadas (exterior facades) in Pune, indicating the various
materials and techniques used..…………………….……………………………….....

36
Figure 3.13: Traditional Wadas (exterior facades) in Pune, indicating the various
materials and techniques used..…………………….……………………………….....

36
Figure 3.14: Traditional Wadas (exterior facades) in Pune, indicating the various
materials and techniques used..…………………….………………………………….

36
Figure 4.1: Interior courtyard of the Mangaldas Haveli at Ahmedabad (Gujarat,
India) which has been converted into a Heritage Hotel.………………………………

39
Figure 4.2: Exterior façade of the Tambekar Wada at Vadodara (Gujarat, India)……. 39
Figure 4.3: Internal street network with Havelis on both sides at the Patwa Haveli
complex, Jaisalmer (Rajasthan, India). …………………….………………………….

41
Figure 4.4: Internal street network with Havelis on both sides at the Patwa Haveli
complex, Jaisalmer (Rajasthan, India).…………………….…………………………..

41
vii

Figure 4.5: External façade at the Patwa Haveli complex, Jaisalmer (Rajasthan,
India)..…………………….……………………………………………………………

42
Figure 4.6: Exterior façade of some of the oldest Chawls in Mumbai located at
Girgaum. (Maharashtra, India).…………………….………………………………….

44
Figure 4.7: Internal street network inside Khotachiwadi at Girgaum, Mumbai, and the
alley between two buildings indicating the current condition of the Chawls
today.…………………….…………………….………………………………………

45
Figure 4.8: Internal street network inside Khotachiwadi at Girgaum, Mumbai, and the
alley between two buildings indicating the current condition of the Chawls
today.………………………………………….……………………………………….

45

viii

Abstract
The aim of this thesis is to identify the key drivers that are the primary cause and/or need
for an urban renewal and revitalization in Pune, with respect to the Wadas. The thesis draws a
contrast and sketches the similarities with the Wadas of Gujarat based on relevance then and
now, usage, architectural style, materials used, and their political, social, and cultural
significance. It then creates a timeline tracing the Wadas of Pune from their inception to their
current stance, their role in city making and the need for their conservation. Finally, it draws
conclusions depicting various possible future scenarios for the Wadas and predicting the
success/failures of the possible solutions drawn.
1

Introduction:
When we think about India and associate it with cultural and architectural heritage, our
mind first diverts our attention towards the illustrious and yet tragic architectural marvel that is
synonymous with the emotion of love the world over, the Taj Mahal. Often considered to be a
part of the list of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World (pre 1900 A.D.), and a UNESCO
World Heritage Site since 1983, the Taj Mahal (Agra, India) is the greatest symbol of Mughal
Architecture in India. Other examples of important architectural and cultural heritage include the
architectural marvels of Delhi (pre – Mughal, Mughal, and post – Mughal/Colonial Architecture
from the British Raj), the temple architecture (both Dravidian style as well as Nagara style), the
forts and palaces of Rajasthan, and of course, the holy city of Banaras/Varanasi – the gateway to
heaven for Hindus all over the world. Some might even include the more modern examples of
religious architecture including the Harmandir Sahib or the Golden Temple at Amritsar, as well
as the Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu Cave Temples of Ajanta and Ellora (which are also UNESCO
designated World Heritage Sites).
1

India also has a vast treasury of regional and building typologies that unfortunately
remain significantly underappreciated – not only by tourists but also by the local populace. Pune
is an important city for both education and industry, and is a part of the Government of India’s
Smart Cities Mission. It is also the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji, one of the bravest warriors

1
The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica, ed., “Taj Mahal | Mausoleum, Agra, India,” Encyclopedia Britannica
(Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.), accessed November 15, 2015, http://www.britannica.com/topic/Taj-Mahal;
UNESCO World Heritage Centre, “Taj Mahal - UNESCO World Heritage Centre,” UNESCO World Heritage
Centre, 1983, http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/252; Gordon Hearn, Seven Cities of Delhi - a Description and History
(Calcutta and Simla: Thacker, Spink and Co., 1928); UNESCO, “Varanasi | Creative Cities Network,” accessed
March 24, 2016, http://en.unesco.org/creative-cities/varanasi; Martin Gray, “Banaras,” Sacred Sites, 2016 1982,
https://sacredsites.com/asia/india/banaras.html; UNESCO World Heritage Centre, “Hill Forts of Rajasthan -
UNESCO World Heritage Centre,” UNESCO World Heritage Centre, 2013, http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/247/;
Lonely Planet, “Golden Temple,” Lonely Planet, accessed March 24, 2016,
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/punjab-and-haryana/amritsar/sights/religious/golden-temple; Martin Gray, “The
Golden Temple, Amritsar,” Sacred Sites, 2016 1982,
https://sacredsites.com/asia/india/golden_temple_amritsar.html; The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica, ed.,
“Harmandir Sahib | Temple, Amritsar, India,” Encyclopedia Britannica (Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.), accessed
March 24, 2016, http://www.britannica.com/topic/Harmandir-Sahib; UNESCO World Heritage Centre, “Ajanta
Caves - UNESCO World Heritage Centre,” UNESCO World Heritage Centre, 1983,
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/242; The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica, “Ajanta Caves | Cave Temples, India,”
Encyclopedia Britannica (Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.), accessed March 24, 2016,
http://www.britannica.com/place/Ajanta-Caves; UNESCO World Heritage Centre, “Ellora Caves - UNESCO World
Heritage Centre,” UNESCO World Heritage Centre, 1983, http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/243; The Editors of
Encyclopædia Britannica, ed., “Ellora Caves | Temples, Ellora, India,” Encyclopedia Britannica (Encyclopædia
Britannica, Inc.), accessed March 24, 2016, http://www.britannica.com/place/Ellora-Caves.
2

in the world and scion of the Maratha Empire. The Marathas were a clan of guerilla warriors that
emerged from the Western part of India. They originally began as vassals to the various
Sultanates and Kingdoms that dotted the Deccan, and eventually asserted their independence and
began ruling independently. They were possibly the only other group of warriors apart from the
Rajputs of Rajasthan that threatened the Mughal Empire. Eventually they even managed to
defeat the Mughal Emperor and at one time occupied the throne at Delhi. Staunchly Hindu, they
were both well educated in the Hindu scriptures as well as were trained as fierce warriors, which
was unusual for that time, as they were predominantly either Kshatriyas or Brahmins, but
received education that was ordinarily specifically caste-based.
2

After the Chhatrapati Shivaji’s death, his successors divided the empire according to
region into multiple allied kingdoms for ease of administration. Pune was handed over to the
office of the Peshwas – or the Brahmin Ministers who were under the employment of the
Maratha Empire. As a part of Pune’s expansion and city making, they built temples, forts, and
street grids called Peths, most of which still exist today, hidden behind the various layers of
history.
3

My reasoning for doing this thesis was two-fold. Part of my mother’s family belongs to
Pune originally, and therefore I have a personal connection with the city. The other and vastly
more important reason being is that I have witnessed first-hand the neglect experienced by
certain monuments critical to India’s freedom struggle such as the fort at Jhansi, in Madhya
Pradesh, which was the seat of power for one of India’s greatest warrior queen’s – Rani
Lakshmibai of Jhansi. She fought the first battle of Independence in 1857 and died during the
same. Sadly, however not much remains of her fort or palace, and is now just a shell of its former
self. A similar situation is observed in Pune where a combination of successive fires in the
seventeenth and eighteenth centuries has caused severe structural damage to the wooden
structures within the mighty Shaniwar Wada, which was the home of the Peshwas of Pune. The
restoration of the Shaniwar Wada was possible thanks to the conservation efforts of architect

2
“Maratha Confederacy | Indian History,” Encyclopedia Britannica, accessed February 2, 2016,
http://www.britannica.com/topic/Maratha-confederacy; “Maratha Wars | British-Maratha History,” Encyclopedia
Britannica, accessed February 2, 2016, http://www.britannica.com/event/Maratha-Wars; “India - The Marathas |
History - Geography,” Encyclopedia Britannica, accessed February 2, 2016,
http://www.britannica.com/place/India/The-Marathas.
3
“Maratha Confederacy | Indian History”; “Maratha Wars | British-Maratha History”; “India - The Marathas |
History - Geography.”
3

Kiran Kalamdani and his firm Kimaya Architects. However, even after restoration, the Wada is
just a mere shadow of itself. This sentiment echoes over almost all the Wadas that surround the
Shaniwar Wada, within the historic core of Pune.
4

Today, the Shaniwar Wada and Pune during the Peshwa times is mentioned in popular
culture through film and television, including the upcoming Bollywood magnum opus – Bajirao
Mastani, and the Marathi film Rama Madhav, (both films dealing with the lives of the Peshwas
at different times in history).
5

All literature and reference to Wadas however is from a historic point of view. Very little
is written about the current reality of the Wadas. It is my hope to highlight the importance and
relevance of these Wadas today, and their place in the historic fabric of Pune. I also plan to
analyze the current and future government proposals concerning the heritage of Pune and the
Wadas in particular.

4
The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica, “Lakshmi Bai | Queen of Jhansi,” Encyclopedia Britannica
(Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.), accessed March 24, 2016, http://www.britannica.com/biography/Lakshmi-Bai;
Kimaya Architecture, “Revitalizing Environs of Shaniwar Wada, Pune (COPY),” Portfolio Hosting Website,
Behance, (April 5, 2012), http://www.behance.net/gallery/3564275/Revitalizing-Environs-of-ShaniwarWada-Pune-
(COPY).
5
Yogesh Pawar, “Rama Madhav: A New Movie That Captures Love in the Time of Peshwas,” DNA | Daily News
and Analysis, August 3, 2014, http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report-rama-madhav-a-new-movie-that-captures-
love-in-the-time-of-peshwas-2007610; British Board of Film Classification, “BAJIRAO MASTANI | British Board
of Film Classification,” December 8, 2015, http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/bajirao-mastani-film; V. G. Dighe,
Peshwa Bajirao I & Maratha Expansion (Bombay: Karnatak Pub. House, 1944).
4

Chapter 1:
Pune was a Maratha stronghold, a bastion of the strength of the Maratha warriors and the
seat of the Peshwas – one of the five ruling clans that composed the Maratha Empire. One of the
distinctive building typologies that were popular during the Maratha Empire was the Wadas – the
private residences of the Peshwas, their relatives and other upper echelons of society. The most
famous is Shaniwar Wada, the palace of the Peshwa rulers built by Bajirao Peshwa the First.
Similar Wadas can be found all over Pune city. Wada architecture and design is reflective of the
architecture of the neighboring kingdoms such as Rajasthan and Gujarat as it is an evolution of
the existing Haveli building typology as found in Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat. However, rapid
and somewhat haphazard urban development modern multi-story buildings have replaced the
original beautiful Wadas and/or their facades, while some Wadas are facing demolition by
neglect. Another key point to understand is that the societal structure during the initial inception
of these Wadas and the societal structure today, has changed significantly, and this factor also
plays a crucial role in the life history of the Wadas.

Introduction to Pune
Pune, also known as the queen of the Deccan, is a city located in the Western part of
India, within the state of Maharashtra. Located approximately 149 km or 92.58 miles from
Mumbai, the city was once the seat of the Brahmin Ministers of the Maratha Empire. (Figure 1.1,
Figure 1.2)
6

6
NIC - District Pune, “Collector Office, Pune,” Collector Office, Pune, January 25, 2016,
http://pune.gov.in/content/punecity/aboutpune.aspx.
5

Figure 1.1: Map of the British Indian Empire from Imperial Gazetteer of India (circa 1909), indicating the
geographical location of Pune City in context to the whole of India.
Photo courtesy of Edinburgh Geographical Institute; J. G. Bartholomew and Sons - Imperial Gazetteer of India
(Oxford University Press, 1909) ;( Wikimedia Commons)
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:British_Indian_Empire_1909_Imperial_Gazetteer_of_India.jpg.

6

Figure 1.2: Plan of Pune in the eighteenth century (circa 1896).
Map courtesy of the British Library - Image taken from page 14 of 'Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency. (Edited by
Sir James M. Campbell; General index, by R. E. Enthoven)
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Poona_1896.jpg.
7

Today, Pune is known as the Oxford of the east and a technology hub with its premier
educational institutes and the various multinational technology companies in and around the city.
(Figure 1.3) However, Pune’s origins go back to the thirteenth century. The springing point for
Pune’s illustrious history is Kasba Peth (whose origins date back to the thirteenth century) - from
where the city organically grew. It is here that a young Chhatrapati Shivaji (1627/1630 – 1680)
along with his mother settled and laid the foundations of the Maratha Empire. (Figure 1.4)
7

Figure 1.3: Pune city tehsil in Pune district (2010).
Map courtesy of Suresh Andhale (2010; Wikimedia Commons).
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pune_City_tehsil_in_Pune_district.png

After Chhatrapati Shivaji died, the city of Pune was under Mughal rule for seventeen
years. When Aurangzeb first camped in Pune during his Deccan campaign, much of the original
city was in a state of decay although there were now five peths (wards). Seventeen years later,
when Chhatrapati Shivaji’s grandson took control of the Maratha Empire, Pune regained its lost
glory. He shifted the capital of the empire to Satara and left Pune under the leadership of his
minister Balaji Vishwanath Bhatt who became the first Peshwa or minister. It was however

7
INTACH, “INTACH - Pune,” INTACH - Pune Chapter, accessed May 13, 2014, http://www.intach-
pune.org/html/mainhome_frameset.html; Pune Municipal Corporation, “Pune Municipal Corporation,” 2008,
http://www.punecorporation.org/; “Medieval History of India - Culture and Heritage - Know India: National Portal
of India,” accessed February 2, 2016, http://knowindia.gov.in/knowindia/culture_heritage.php?id=9.
8

Balaji Vishwanath Bhatt’s son, Bajirao the First, under whom Pune truly flourished and regained
its lost glory. One of the first things that Bajirao Peshwa the First did was the construction of
Shaniwar Wada, a vast palace /fort at the center of the city, which still serves as the symbol of
Pune.
8

Figure 1.4: Portrait of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, one of the founders of the Maratha Empire. (1680 – 7)
Photograph/Image courtesy of the British Library (], Spring 1680)
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shivaji_British_Museum.jpg.

8
INTACH, “INTACH - Pune”; “India - The Marathas | History - Geography”; “Medieval History of India - Culture
and Heritage - Know India: National Portal of India.”
9

Figure 1.5: The Indian subcontinent in 1760. The yellow portion highlights the extent of the Maratha Empire.
Map courtesy of the Public Schools Historical Atlas by Charles Colbeck (1905) (Longmans, Green; New York;
London; Bombay. 1905; University of Texas Libraries)
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:India1760_1905.jpg.

Introduction to the Maratha Empire
Divided into five parts for administrative reasons, the Maratha Empire consisted of the
Peshwas that represented Pune, the Holkars of Indore and Malwa, the Gaekwads of Baroda, the
Scindias of Gwalior and Ujjain and the Bhonsles of Nagpur. (Figure 1.5)
9

The Peshwas were the Brahmin ministers appointed by the Maratha king Shivaji. The
post was created in order to delegate administrative duties of the state. The seat of the Peshwa
Empire was Shaniwar Wada in Pune. (Figure 1.6) Shaniwar Wada is a palace/fort in the heart of
Pune. It was the primary residence of the Peshwa, and during the British occupation of Pune, it
was used for military purposes and to house mentally ill patients. Much of the original fort was

9
“Maratha Confederacy | Indian History”; “India - The Marathas | History - Geography.”
10

destroyed in a mysterious fire in the 1800s, though visitors to Pune during the occupation of the
Peshwas’ reign described the palace’s grandeur.
10

Figure 1.6: The Entrance to the Shaniwar Wada today. Photograph courtesy of Shreyas Gawande (2015).

Architecture of the Wadas
One of the most significant contributions to architecture of the Maratha Empire was the
construction of Wadas or courtyard houses of the royal family and the upper echelons of society.
Most Wadas during this period, including the Shaniwar Wada, feature a combination of wood,
brick, and stone with beautifully carved arches, jharoka like windows, ceilings, and columns.
Colorful murals decorated the interior walls of the Wada. They offered an interesting contrast
materially from texture to color. Usually the Wadas were two or three stories tall but in the case
of richer citizens, they were as high as five stories. While all Wadas are designed around a

10
Balkrishna Govind. Gokhale, Poona in the Eighteenth Century: An Urban History (Delhi: Oxford University
Press, 1988), http://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/001071212; “Shaniwar Wada - Shaniwar Wada Pune, Shaniwar
Wada Poona Maharashtra India,” accessed October 7, 2015,
http://www.maharashtratourism.net/monuments/shaniwar-wada.html.
11

courtyard, some of them also had multiple courtyards, gardens, and temples depending upon the
wealth of the owner. The Wada was divided into a series of rooms based on their functions. The
front of the house was usually for public purposes and the back of the house and the upper floors
for the family’s private use. Most of these elements have been destroyed in case of Shaniwar
Wada but can still be visible in case of some of the other Wadas that dot the skyline of Pune city
such as in the case of the recently restored Vishrambaug Wada. (Figures 1.7 – 1.11)
11

11
Kimaya Architecture, “Revitalizing Environs of Shaniwar Wada, Pune (COPY)”; “Shaniwar Wada - Shaniwar
Wada Pune, Shaniwar Wada Poona Maharashtra India”; “Shaniwar Wada India Tourist Information,” TouristLink,
accessed April 30, 2014, http://www.touristlink.com/india/shaniwar-Wada-pune/overview.html;
“MAHARASHTRA TOURISM, The Official Website of Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. -
PuneAttractions,” accessed April 30, 2014,
http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/mtdc/html/MaharashtraTourism/Default.aspx?strpage=../MaharashtraTouris
m/CitiestoVisits/Pune/PuneAttractions.html; INTACH, “INTACH - Pune”; “Vishrambag Wada - Vishram Bag
Wada Pune Maharashtra India,” accessed October 7, 2015,
http://www.maharashtratourism.net/monuments/vishrambag-Wada.html; “Vishrambaug Wada, Vishrambaug Wada
Plan, Historical Places in Pune,” accessed April 30, 2014, http://www.bharatestates.com/blog/vishrambaug-Wada-
lavish-residence-of-last-king-of-maratha/; Percy Brown and Percy Brown, Indian Architecture, 2d., rev. and enl. ed
(Bombay, D. B. Taraporevala [194, n.d.); Rupa Raje Gupta, “Wada of Maharashtra, an Indian Courtyard House
Form” (Ph.D., Cardiff University (United Kingdom), 2007),
http://search.proquest.com.libproxy1.usc.edu/docview/1368961541/abstract/4A8B5491202F4D3APQ/1.
12

Figure 1.7 – 1.11(below): The Vishrambaug Wada today (Exterior and interior photos).
Photographs courtesy of Shreyas Gawande (2015).

Figure 1.7: Exterior façade of the Vishrambaug Wada.

Figure 1.8 - 1.9: Interior facades of the Vishrambaug Wada.
13

Figure 1.10: Interior courtyard of the Vishrambaug Wada.

Figure 1.11: Trim details (wooden carving) at the Vishrambaug Wada.
14

Neighborhood, Society and Political structure during the Peshwai Reign and during the British
Raj
The historic core of Pune is divided into seventeen wards or Peths. Most of the Peths
were named after the days of the week because it was said that depending on the day of the
week, bazaars or markets were held on those streets. (Figure 1.12) Each of these Peths was lined
with beautifully constructed Wadas with carved balconies overlooking the streets below. Most
other houses lining the street were of a mixed-use variety with shops or offices on the ground
floor and residential quarters above. A majority of the Wadas, including the Shaniwar Wada are
located within the historic core of the city.
12

Figure 1.12: Map indicating the various Peths within the historic core of Pune.
Map created by author using data from Google Maps - https://maps.google.com/maps?q=PUNE&ie=UTF-8&ei=L-
ZfU_6ZGoOKyASZuILYBw&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ .
Each neighborhood had one or two large mansion-like courtyard houses (each called
Wada) surrounded by smaller houses and huts of the lower caste members of society. The society
of Pune was divided into the four traditional castes based of the Hindu Caste system. These
were:

12
INTACH, “INTACH - Pune”; Gupta, “Wada of Maharashtra, an Indian Courtyard House Form”; Gokhale, Poona
in the Eighteenth Century.
15

 The Brahmins – who were responsible for the Public Administration and ministerial
affairs of the state.
 The Kshatriyas – who were the warrior class and took care of the fortification and
security of the Empire.
 The Vaishyas – who were the business class and took part of the trade and business in
the Empire.
 The Shudras – the supposed servant caste of society doing menial labor.
13

Each of the Peths were almost self-sufficient in terms of administrative duties. Each had a
vast array of civic amenities from parks and gardens to temples. These Peths also had a well-
defined public utilities and infrastructure system. As such, there were no elaborate tree – lined
avenues and most of the street grid was simple, pedestrian, and animal-drawn cart friendly.
14

During the British Raj, the neighborhood of Pune changed. Though still predominantly
Hindu, the city now was significantly more diverse. As such from the census data documented
from between 1872-1881, we can see that there were other communities also settling in Pune,
such as the Parsees, the Muslims, and of course the Christians. (Figures 1.13 – 1.14) A reflection
of this influence is visible in the architectural style adopted during this era by the city – both in
the modifications made to the existing structures as well as to newer construction.
15

13
Gokhale, Poona in the Eighteenth Century.
14
INTACH, “INTACH - Pune”; Gokhale, Poona in the Eighteenth Century; Gupta, “Wada of Maharashtra, an
Indian Courtyard House Form.”
15
Kimaya Architecture, “Revitalizing Environs of Shaniwar Wada, Pune (COPY)”; INTACH, “INTACH - Pune.”
16

CENSUS DATA - 1881
AGE - IN YEARS
TOTAL
MALES FEMALES
11900 12067
1 - 4 47123 50700
5 - 9 66039 62295
10 - 14 56644 45889
15 - 19 32816 31337
20 - 24 34076 38307
25 - 29 42291 41726
30 - 34 39309 39838
35 - 39 30173 28016
40 - 49 43707 41015
50 - 54 20199 20968
55 - 59 9373 9364
Above 60 21466 23998
TOTAL 455116 445520
TOTAL POPULATION 900636
17

Figures 1.13 – 1.14 (above): Table and Bar Graph indicating the Census Data of Pune for 1881.
Table and Bar Graph created using data obtained from -
https://gazetteers.maharashtra.gov.in/cultural.maharashtra.gov.in/english/gazetteer/Poona%20District/Poona-
I/population_houses.html#
16

Unlike what was the usual norm in accordance to the various class hierarchy within the
Hindu class and caste system, where Brahmins were supposed to be the educated class and the
Kshatriyas were responsible for looking after the military aspects (as was the case with previous
dynasties), the Peshwas were also fierce warriors and led many battles for the Maratha empire.
17

Towards the latter half of the Peshwai rule (in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries)
though, an increasing British influence could be seen, as was the case through most of India.
These influences later on turned into dominance and eventually complete control. The British
first arrived on Indian soil during the fifteenth century as individual traders and eventually
consolidated as under the British East India Company. Eventually the British East India
Company ceded their stronghold on India to the British Empire, who ruled what is now India,
Pakistan and Bangladesh. During the British Raj, Pune and its Wadas witnessed a definite

16
“GAZETTEERS OF THE BOMBAY PRESIDENCY - POONA,” The Gazetteers Department - Maharashtra
Government, 1881,
https://gazetteers.maharashtra.gov.in/cultural.maharashtra.gov.in/english/gazetteer/Poona%20DISTrict/Poona-
I/population_houses.html#.; James M Campbell and Bombay (Presidency), Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency.
(Pune: Printed at the Govt. Photozinco Press, 1885).
17
Chinmay Datar, “Puneri Misal: A Structured and Chronological Study of the Development and Expansion of Pune
from A.D 1610 till the Decline of the Peshwa,” Puneri Misal, October 15, 2013, http://chinmay-
datar.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-structured-and-chronological-study-of.html; INTACH, “INTACH - Pune”; “India -
The Marathas | History - Geography”; “Maratha Confederacy | Indian History.”
0
10000
20000
30000
40000
50000
60000
70000
0 - 1 1 - 4 5 - 9 10 - 14 15 - 19 20 - 24 25 - 29 30 - 34 35 - 39 40 - 49 50 - 54 55 - 59 Above
60
Population
Age Groups (in years)
Census Data - 1881
MALES
FEMALES
18

change in the direction – the use of the Shaniwar Wada changed from being the seat of power
and primary residence for the Peshwai rulers to being used to house mentally ill people.
18

18
Datar, “Puneri Misal”; INTACH, “INTACH - Pune”; “India - The Marathas | History - Geography”; “Maratha
Confederacy | Indian History”; Gokhale, Poona in the Eighteenth Century.
19

Chapter 2:
Pune Today
Pune is known for its educational institutes and universities, as well as many technology
campuses and business parks, helped in part due to its close proximity to Mumbai. Pune has a
population of about 3,115,431. A large concentration of the population is concentrated around
the historic core, although there has been a considerable amount of fringe development. This is
due to the influx of population from other parts of the country for both educational as well as
work purposes.
19

The historic core of the city is chaotic, dotted with construction of various ad-hoc
structures haphazardly attached to the existing historic structures. Most of these structures have
varied purposes ranging from businesses to offices and residences. As observed from the original
uses of the existing historic structures, these new structures are vastly different and are not in
harmony with the historic fabric. (Figure 2.1, Figure 2.2)

Figure 2.1: Pune city today – an example of ad-hoc mixed use development. Photograph by Author (2014).

19
Pune Municipal Corporation, “Pune Municipal Corporation,” Pune Municipal Corporation, 2013 2008,
http://www.punecorporation.org/about_us.aspx.
20

Figure 2.2: Part of Pune’s historic core, as seen from the ramparts of Shaniwar Wada. The current fabric displays an
ad-hoc mixed use development. Photograph courtesy of Aditya Chandrakiran Tambe (2014).
The plan for traffic and transportation services in the city also has changed immensely.
As observed earlier, the streets were originally designed to carry only foot and animal traffic,
while the Peths today function differently. As Pune has progressed and entered into the twenty-
first century, modern transportation causes major traffic snarls during rush hours. Between
private vehicles, public transit in the form of buses and taxis, and the semi – public transit
options unique to the Asian sub-continent called Auto Rickshaws, there is very little space left on
the streets for pedestrians and cyclists. This is especially observed in case of pedestrians, since
most of these streets are ill-equipped in terms of sidewalks/footpaths and even in places where
these do happen to exist, they are usually predominantly taken over by illegal vendors/hawkers,
leaving very little space for the pedestrians to walk. (Figure 2.3)
Pune has a robust tree cover and experiences three different and distinct seasons, namely
summer, monsoons, and winter. Pune is situated inland and at a higher altitude than Mumbai.
21

Pune also has two rivers running through the city, the Mula and the Mutha Rivers. These rivers
are the primary water sources for Pune.
20

Figure 2.3: Internal Streets between two traditional Wadas. Originally, these streets were designed for pedestrian use
and/or horses only. Photograph by Author (2014).

20
“GAZETTEERS OF THE BOMBAY PRESIDENCY - POONA,” Gazetteers Department - Maharashtra, 2006,
https://gazetteers.maharashtra.gov.in/cultural.maharashtra.gov.in/english/gazetteer/Poona%20DISTrict/Poona-
I/gen_climate.html#.; “GAZETTEERS OF THE BOMBAY PRESIDENCY - POONA,” Gazetteers Department -
Maharashtra, 2006,
https://gazetteers.maharashtra.gov.in/cultural.maharashtra.gov.in/english/gazetteer/Poona%20DISTrict/Poona-
I/gen_hills.html#.
22

The Condition of Wadas Today
As mentioned earlier, a majority of the Wadas are concentrated in the historic core of
Pune city, located along the Peths, in the form of neighborhood clusters and identified primarily
by the vocation that was housed originally along that particular Peth or within that particular
neighborhood. Today, however, this situation has evolved, a particular profession is no longer
restricted to a particular family/group of families, and descendants of the original occupants have
possibly migrated out, in search of better work opportunities, lifestyle, or both.
Today, most of these Wadas are mere shadows of their illustrious and glorious past,
occupied by several families, not necessarily related to the original inhabitants, and are a form of
rent controlled tenement housing. (Figure 2.4) Primary issues plaguing these Wadas include
structural instability, ad-hoc and possibly illegal construction, subdivision of property, lack of
proper hygiene, general neglect, and demolition by neglect. Since most of the existing Wadas are
located at the heart of the city, they are sitting on what can be termed as prime real estate.
Unfortunately, most owners do not have the desire or the resources to update these Wadas, and
restore them. Most of the Wadas that are converted into tenement housing unfortunately come
under possible rent control measures that have been put in place by the local government. This
means that while rent control protects the tenants and prevents possible gentrification, it puts the
property in question, as well as the owner of the property in jeopardy, as it leaves very little
means for the owner to maintain the property, let alone restore it. Many times, owners just want
to sell off the land on which the property sits to builders/developers, who wish to tear down the
existing Wadas and instead build something more modern, with a larger footprint, and more
FSI/FAR. Unfortunately, most owners in this situation are unable to do so due to legal hassles
(since the Wadas have been deemed historic/having a heritage value), and therefore end up
neglecting the property’s upkeep, resulting in what is known as demolition by neglect. Once the
Wada falls down/burns down due to neglect, the land on which the Wada once stood, no longer
holds the same heritage value, and the owners are thus no longer liable towards maintaining the
heritage status. This also means that the owners are now free to sell the property to the
developers/builders.
21

21
“Maharashtra Rent Control Act: Solution Pending,” The Indian Express, February 6, 2016,
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/maharashtra-rent-control-act-solution-pending/; aidecworld,
“FAQs about the Rent Act,” AIDEC World, March 2, 2014, http://www.aidecworld.com/co-op-hsg-society/faqs-
rent-act/; “The Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999” (The Bombay High Court, 2000),
23

Figure 2.4: Conditions of Wadas today.
Photograph by the Author (2014).
As with every potentially bleak situation, there is a positive aspect – an exception to the
case. Some Wadas such as the Vishrambaug Wada, the Shaniwar Wada, the Majumdar Wada,

http://bombayhighcourt.nic.in/libweb/acts/2000.18.PDF; Krishna Kumar, “Maharashtra Government Decides to
Amend Rent Control Act,” The Economic Times, May 1, 2015, sec. Economy - Policy,
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com//articleshow/47116548.cms.
24

and the Nana Wada still stand strong against all odds, some better than others. (Figure 2.5,
Figure 2.6) Thanks to the conservation efforts by architects such as Kiran Kalamdani and his
firm Kimaya Architects Urban Designers Conservationists, and outreach efforts by the Pune
chapter of organizations such as the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage
(INTACH), these intricately carved structures have received new leases of life. While some of
these structures such as the Vishrambaug Wada and the Shaniwar Wada are open to tourists,
others like the Majumdar Wada are opened for public perusal only during the festival of
Ganapati (the festival celebrating the Indian Elephant headed god) during which they host a
music festival. This is because the Wada, which has many wooden elements, is in a fragile state,
and the descendants of the original family still live there, thereby making it difficult and intrusive
to allow tourist traffic to go through the Wada during the rest of the year.
22

Figure 2.5: Street view of Vishrambaug Wada – an example of a better-maintained Wada.
Photograph by the Author (2014).

22
INTACH, “INTACH - Pune”; “Mujumdar Wada | Wada,” Virasat Pune, March 13, 2014,
http://www.virasatpune.com/mujumdar-wada/; Supriya Shelar, “Explore Mujumdar Wada This Ganeshotsav | Sakal
Times,” e-Paper, Sakaal Times, (September 19, 2012),
http://www.sakaaltimes.com/NewsDetails.aspx?NewsId=5597202968856512261&SectionId=517156114206425809
9&SectionName=Pune&NewsDate=20120919&NewsTitle=Explore%20Mujumdar%20wada%20this%20Ganeshots
av; Abhijit Atre, “Legendary Wada Escapes PMC - Times of India,” e-Paper, The Times of India, (May 2, 2002),
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Legendary-Wada-escapes-PMC/articleshow/8612512.cms.
25

Figure 2.6: Shaniwar Wada – epicenter of Pune’s Peshwai legacy.
Photograph courtesy of Aditya Chandrakiran Tambe (2014).
While with most of the existing Wadas, the situation is not so extreme (as in the case of
the Majumdar Wada); they too face their own problems – from structural issues to overcrowding
and general neglect, and everything in between. Some Wadas have been relatively lucky, and
adaptively reused to house educational institutes, museums, and/or government offices. Others
have not been so lucky. One such example being the Kesari Wada, from where the Indian
freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak started his newspaper – the Kesari, during India’s freedom
struggle, today does not exist. The only part of the Wada that does exist is the entrance of the
Wada, which is a unique, beautifully carved example of wooden construction.
23

23
INTACH, “INTACH - Pune”; “Mujumdar Wada | Wada”; Shelar, “Explore Mujumdar Wada This Ganeshotsav |
Sakal Times”; Atre, “Legendary Wada Escapes PMC - Times of India”; J. Ramanand, “Pune | Houses of Lords and
Commons,” Livemint, March 22, 2014, sec. Leisure.
26

Neighborhood, Society, and the Political Structure Today
The societal classification and neighborhood structure today is reflective of the
cosmopolitan fabric of the city today. Also known as the Oxford of the East, Pune today is
famous for its world class educational institutes, and is also home to what can be deemed as a
mini silicon valley. The population of Pune is not restricted to the native Maharashtrians, as it
was in the time of the Peshwas, but is a reflection of globalization, with people from all over
India and even the world, calling Pune their home.
The population is largely divided into permanent residents – both new and old (people
whose families have lived in Pune for several generations), and transient residents – who have
come to either study or work (on a long term or short-term basis). People from both factions
occupy many of the old Wadas, either as owners or tenants. People of varied ages ranging from
infants to the very old live and occupy these Wadas in the historic core as well as all other parts
of Pune.
Transformation of these Wadas over a period has converted them from single-family
residences into multi-family tenement housing; the commercial activities in the neighborhoods
where these Wadas are located are also reflective of this. Therefore, the surrounding
neighborhoods contain shops ranging from small grocery stores, to restaurants, bakeries, and
other similar such commercial establishments, as well as some small and mid-sized offices and
government institutions such as post-offices. Housed on the ground and first floors of the Wadas
(US first and second floors) as well as buildings reflective of the Wada architecture but that were
built during the British Raj (reminiscent of the Chawls in Mumbai), are many of these
commercial establishments. Also present are street vendors or hawkers, that sit outside both the
Wadas as well as these commercial establishments, either directly on the pavement or on the
sidewalk, thereby leaving no space for the pedestrians to walk safely and instead making them
walk on the streets, making it highly dangerous for both pedestrians and motorists alike. (Figures
2.7 – 2.10)
27

Figure 2.7 (left) and figure 2.8 (right): Examples of conversion of single-family residences into multi-family
residences. Photographs by the Author (2014).

Figure 2.9 (left) and figure 2.10 (right): Examples of mixed-use ad-hoc adaptive reuse, and the changing urban
fabric of the historic urban core of Pune. Photographs by the Author (2014).
Like in the case of residential Wadas, no retrofitting or rehabilitation/appropriate adaptive
reuse(s) is reflective on Wadas used for commercial purposes to suit commercial needs. Instead,
ad-hoc construction and creation of temporary partitions is seen, that suit the functional aspect(s)
of the commercial establishment but match neither the architecture nor the aesthetic of the
original Wada. A lot of the signage for these commercial establishments also block architectural
features that otherwise would have highlighted the Wadas. The electricity and telecom cables
28

that attached on to the façades of the Wadas additionally not only ruin the appearance of the
Wadas but are also dangerous and could in an unforeseen circumstance cause fire which would
be hazardous to the predominantly wooden Wadas.
Urban chaos and traffic snarls seem to be a common sight within the historic core of
Pune, since the design of the original street network is not capable of supporting the
transportation load that it does today. What is worse is, as Pune’s population continues
increasing over the years, the traffic snarls shall also simultaneously continue to worsen. This
phenomenon shall not only be hazardous to the public, but shall also affect the historic structures
that line both sides of the streets – that is if they manage to survive demolition both through
neglect or intentionally.

29

Chapter 3:
The Classification of the Wada Housing Type
Primarily categorized by material and climate, location, and the income of the
occupants/occupation of the occupants, Wadas differ from place to place, both within Pune’ s
historic core as well as in the neighboring areas. In accordance to the above primary categories
identified, they are as follows:
 Material/Climate
o Wooden Wadas/Havelis – Havelis are Wadas found primarily in the Northern states of
India, most famous of which are located in Rajasthan.
o Wadas made in Stone/Brick and Mortar
 Location
o Wadas – Called Wadas primarily in the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. For example:
Shaniwar Wada (Pune, Maharashtra, India) and Vishrambaug Wada (Pune, Maharashtra,
India). Shaniwar Wada was the primary residence of the Peshwas of Pune. (Figure 3.1,
Figure 3.2)

Figure 3.1 (left): Street view of Vishrambaug Wada – an example of a better-maintained Wada. Photograph by the
Author (2014).
Figure 3.2 (right): Shaniwar Wada – epicenter of Pune’s Peshwai legacy.
Photographs courtesy of Aditya Chandrakiran Tambe (2014).
o Havelis – Called as Havelis in the Northern states of India, most famous of which are
located in Rajasthan. (Figure 3.3, Figure 3.4) For example: Patwa/Paton ki Haveli
30

(Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India). The Patwa Haveli in Rajasthan is one of the most visited
places in Jaisalmer. While addressed in singular, it is not a single Haveli, but a
group/neighborhood of Havelis, belonging to the Patwa or trading community of
Rajasthan. What is also unique is that apart from the ASI (Archaeological Survey of
India) protected Haveli, which also houses a small museum, the descendants of the
original occupants occupy almost all of the remaining dwellings, and most of the current
occupants still partake in trade as their ancestors did.
24

Figure 3.3 (left): Traditional Havelis (exterior facades) near Udaipur (Rajasthan, India).
Photograph by the Author (2013).
Figure 3.4 (right): Lounge of the Samode Haveli heritage hotel, Jaipur. Photograph courtesy of Meena Kadri (2006;
Wikimedia Commons). https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Haveli_Lounge.jpg.
o Baris – Called as Badis in the Eastern states of India, most famous of which are located in
West Bengal. For example: Thakur Bari at Jorasankho (Calcutta/Kolkata, West Bengal,
India. Probably the most famous yet best-known secret in Calcutta/Kolkata, the Thakur
Bari was the ancestral home of the Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, and the house
where he spent part of his childhood in. Today, the Bari houses a small museum
dedicated to the writings and crafts of Rabindranath Tagore as well as other priceless
possessions owned by the Tagore family, and a small library. (Figure 3.5, Figure 3.6)
25

24
“Kothari’s Patwa Haveli Heritage Jaisalmer Rajasthan | Historical Place | Hot Attraction Rajasthan | Tourist Place
Jaisalmer |,” tourist information website, Kothari’s Patwa Haveli, (2010 2009), http://patwahaveli.com/history.asp.
25
“Rabindranath Tagore’s House,” Kolkata City Tours, accessed November 17, 2015,
http://kolkatacitytours.com/rabindranath-tagore-house-jorasanko-thakur-bari/; “Rabindranath Tagore -
31

Figure 3.5: Outer courtyard at Thakur Bari, Jorasankho, at Calcutta/Kolkata – the ancestral home of Nobel laureate
Rabindranath Tagore.
Photograph by the Author (2010).

Figure 3.6: Entrance to the main building at Thakur Bari, Jorasankho, at Calcutta/Kolkata – the ancestral home of
Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
Photograph by the Author (2010).

Biographical,” Official Website for the Nobel Prize, Nobel Media, (2014),
http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/literature/laureates/1913/tagore-bio.html.
32

o Chawls – Called as Chawls, these multi-family dwelling units are primarily dotted
amongst the tall buildings that today occupy Mumbai’s landscape. Most of these Chawls
were located close to Mill lands, as they were primarily used to house mill workers.
Some of the most significant ones were located areas like Parel/Lower Parel, and Worli,
as most of the mills were located here. Most mills have been repurposed into Large
Commercial Parks for offices, Residential Complexes for expensive multi-story
residential towers, and Malls. The associated Chawls however, remain the same. The
older ones, made of wood, are a shadow of their formal self. The relatively newer Chawls
that are made of brick and mortar or concrete, are in a terrible shape due to overcrowding.
What has not been affected is the sense of community and belonging. To date, all
residents celebrate all festivals – from Holi to Christmas and New Years’ as one big joint
family. During Diwali, uniform paper lanterns hanging outside each door is still a
common sight. While Chawls were not built during the same era as the Wadas and
similar such examples, they would potentially still be classified under the same, as they
work on similar principles. A more accurate description would be saying that Chawls
were successors of the Wadas in terms of form and typology. It is interesting to note that
some of the older Chawls also used similar materials and had similar architectural details
like the Wadas. (Figure 3.7, Figure 3.8)
26

26
Seema Sinha, “Life in a Chawl,” e-Paper, The Times of India, (February 6, 2011),
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Life-in-a-chawl/articleshow/7435755.cms;
Neera Adarkar, “A Life in the Day of the Chawl,” e-Paper, DNA - Daily News & Analysis, (September 16, 2006),
http://www.DNAindia.com/mumbai/report-a-life-in-the-day-of-the-chawl-1053409; Vinati Singh, “India: What Is It
Like to Live in a Chawl?,” Slate, June 25, 2013,
http://www.slate.com/blogs/quora/2013/06/25/india_what_is_it_like_to_live_in_a_chawl.html; “Chawl,” Oxford
Dictionary (American English) (US) (Oxford University Press), accessed February 9, 2016,
http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/chawl; Neha Thirani, “Lost in Transformation,”
e-Paper, The Times of India - The Crest Edition, (July 30, 2011), http://www.timescrest.com/society/lost-in-
transformation-5938; Sourendu Gupta, “19th Century History of Mumbai: Mumbai/Bombay Pages,” February 4,
1999, http://theory.tifr.res.in/bombay/hISTory/c19.html.
33

Figures 3.7 (left) and 3.8(right): The central courtyard and surrounding verandahs/corridors at Yashwant Chawl in
Parel/Lower Parel at Mumbai. Chawls were an example of modified courtyard housing in a multi-family tenement
housing set up.
Photographs by the Author (2009).
Income/Occupation of Occupants
o The Royal Wadas – For example: The Shaniwar Wada and the Vishrambaug Wada in
Pune’s historic core are examples of the Royal Wadas or residences. At a given point in
Pune’s history, royalty occupied both these Wadas.
27

o The Wadas belonging to the upper class/caste citizens or Elite Wadas – For example: The
Raste Wada and the Majumdar Wada are both examples of Wadas belonging to families
that were at one point in Pune’s history considered as elite. The sizes of these Wadas was
not as grand as the royal residences, but were magnificent all the same.
28

27
Ramanand, “Pune | Houses of Lords and Commons”; “Shaniwar Wada - Shaniwar Wada Pune, Shaniwar Wada
Poona Maharashtra India”; Kimaya Architecture, “Revitalizing Environs of Shaniwar Wada, Pune (COPY).”
28
Ramanand, “Pune | Houses of Lords and Commons”; “Raste Wada | Wadas,” Virasat Pune, accessed October 7,
2015, http://www.virasatpune.com/raste-wada/; “Raste Wada - Raste Wada Pune Maharashtra India,” accessed
October 7, 2015, http://www.maharashtratourism.net/monuments/raste-wada.html; Shelar, “Explore Mujumdar
Wada This Ganeshotsav | Sakal Times”; “Mujumdar Wada | Wada.”
34

Anatomy of a typical Wada
A typical Wada, as mentioned before is a form of courtyard housing. The design of the
Wada, the spaces defined, and the materials used were all determined based on the users (in case
of the spaces) and the climatic conditions of the city. Predominantly, the houses were divided
into two parts – the public courtyard, where all the rooms were arranged in a manner such that
their uses were public in nature. The second courtyard was of a more private nature, where all
the rooms were arranged for the family’s use only. The kitchen and bathrooms were both located
in an annex, which was an extension of the private courtyard, but were not directly visible from
any of the rooms facing the private courtyard. Most Wadas were two story structures, and the
rooms and the courtyard were separated by a passage that was open on the ground floor and had
a railing on the first.
29

A unique feature in most of the older Wadas was the presence of woodcarving. Intricately
carved, the detailed components ranged from accent pieces in the form of supports, to entire
columns/pillars, balconies, railings, doors, windows and frames, reflecting the dominant
architectural style of that era. (Figure 3.9, Figure 3.10) Towards the end of the Peshwai rule, the
English influence was already visible in the modifying architectural style of Pune. Brick and
mortar replaced Wood as the primary construction materials, and the presence of wrought iron
details became more common – particularly as a part of the balcony/verandah railing details.
This wrought iron detailing is still visible in some of the existing Wadas surrounding the
Shaniwar Wada. Unfortunately, most of these details have been either poorly maintained and are
broken in several places, or are covered with hoardings, signage, and electrical wiring. Since
most of these Wadas are load bearing structures with very little attention being paid to structural
maintenance, most of these railings and similar such details have become weak and potentially
hazardous – both to the people walking on the streets and pavements below, as well as the user
of the structures itself. (Figures 3.11 – 3.14)
30

The roofs of these Wadas were hipped sloping roofs, with a central ridge and covered
with terracotta tiles. Even though Pune comes under the rain-shadow belt, and does not receive
as much rainfall as other places along the Western Coast of India, the construction of the roof

29
Gupta, “Wada of Maharashtra, an Indian Courtyard House Form”; Brown and Brown, Indian Architecture;
INTACH, “INTACH - Pune.”
30
Gupta, “Wada of Maharashtra, an Indian Courtyard House Form”; Brown and Brown, Indian Architecture;
INTACH, “INTACH - Pune.”
35

was in the form of sloping roofs rather than flat roofs. These roofs mimicked the architectural
style that was predominant along the coastal areas and Pune still received a decent amount of
rainfall for which these sloping roofs were the most practical solution.
31

Figure 3.9 (left) – 3.10 (right): The Vishrambaug Wada today (Exterior and interior photos).
Photographs courtesy of Shreyas Gawande (2015).

31
INTACH, “INTACH - Pune”; “Traditional Dwelling - Wada in Maharashtra, India | Archinomy,” accessed
October 7, 2015, http://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/684/traditional-dwelling-wada-in-maharashtra-india;
Gupta, “Wada of Maharashtra, an Indian Courtyard House Form”; Brown and Brown, Indian Architecture.
36

Figure 3.11 – 3.14 (previous page and above): Traditional Wadas (exterior facades) in Pune, indicating the various
materials and techniques used. These photographs also highlight how the Wadas have transitioned over the
centuries.
Photographs by the Author (2014).
37

Chapter 4:
A key component to understand before beginning to analyze potential solutions for the
Wadas of Pune and how these solutions could be tied with the existing proposals of the Pune
Municipal Corporation, is to examine case studies based on similar structures and gauging their
successes and/or failures. The following are examples of the same.
Existing Case Studies – Wadas of Gujarat
The designs of the Wadas of Gujarat are similar to the Wadas in Pune. Like with the case
of most traditional dwelling units in India, climatology played a big part in determining the range
of materials used, the design elements implanted, and the arrangement of spaces. The
requirements of the users and their lifestyle also played an equally important role.
Classified as the Bombay Presidency under the British Raj in India were most areas,
which come under Modern Day Gujarat and Maharashtra. Even prior to the advent and eventual
takeover of the British Empire, the architectural styles of Gujarat and Maharashtra showed a lot
of similarity. This was primarily because at one point between the seventeenth and eighteenth
centuries, the Maratha Empire conquered almost the entirety of India. Towards the end of the
Maratha Empire, when the various vassal states of the Maratha Empire declared their
independence, the influence of the Maratha Empire – from architecture, to culture, food, living
style etc., had already spread.
32

Today, Wadas are located across various parts of modern day Gujarat. The most famous
conservation success stories are of the Wadas of Vadodara, and the Wadas located inside the
walled city of Ahmedabad. (Figure 4.1, Figure 4.2) These Wadas used to be classified as
residential, and like with the case of the Wadas of Pune, were meant as residences for a joint
family setup. However, with changing times, the joint family setup has been replaced by the
nuclear family setup. As this nuclear family setup and rising costs of living became a common
phenomenon, these old houses became harder and expensive to maintain. While some of the
older families have managed to restore and maintain them, either many families have chosen

32
“India - The Marathas | History - Geography.”
38

instead to restore them and adaptively reuse them as bed and breakfasts/heritage hotels, or
homestays – depending upon how much of an adaptive reuse they wish to adopt.
33

With either case, a suitable conservation plan was prepared, with the help of an architect
and a structural engineer. In some cases, an interior design consultant may also be involved. The
idea behind involving an architect and structural engineer are because over a period most of
these houses have acquired a lot of structural wear and tear. Many of these houses have also had
alterations and upgrades made to the interiors, which may not be in harmony with the aesthetic
of the original dwelling. This is especially true about the addition of cabling for electricity and in
some cases even the location of bathrooms, as most of these houses were designed at a time
when electricity was not available or was extremely expensive to procure. Likewise, in case of
the bathrooms, dictated according to Vastu Shastra (traditional factors of planning based on the
Indian system of design) and local ways of living, bathrooms were placed outside the house
(similar to the original outhouses) for hygiene reasons. This arrangement is of course not
practical for a modern day set up and needs to be modified appropriately so as to be both
practical as well aesthetically appealing. They also have to be redesigned in such a way that there
are margins for making any future updates (depending on the technological advancement).
Most rehabilitated Wadas have been successful. One of the greatest advantages that the
Wadas of Gujarat have over those in Pune is funding. This is because, unlike with Pune, the
owners of these Wadas are traders and businesspersons by profession and as such have more
access to funding. They are also more willing to spend, as they stay on the premises either
themselves or they plan to convert it into a potential source of income. This is extremely
advantageous from a conservation/adaptive reuse point of view as it is easier to convince people
that already have an inkling towards adapting to change, versus convincing people who have no
inclination towards change or have no source of funding to do so.

33
Jaimil Joshi, English: Near Manek Chowk........... in Ahmedabad’s Pol a Beautiful Mangaldas’s Haveli Is Situated,
January 2, 2012, Own work,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mangaldas_ni_haveli.JPG#/media/File:Mangaldas_ni_haveli.JPG.
39

Figure 4.1: Interior courtyard of the Mangaldas Haveli at Ahmedabad (Gujarat, India) which has been converted into
a Heritage Hotel.
Photograph courtesy of Jaimil Joshi (2012; Wikimedia Commons).
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mangaldas_ni_haveli.JPG#/media/File:Mangaldas_ni_haveli.JPG

Figure 4.2: Exterior façade of the Tambekar Wada at Vadodara (Gujarat, India).
Photograph courtesy of Nirupama Chandrakiran Tambe (2016).
40

Existing Case Studies – Havelis of Rajasthan
As with the Wadas of Gujarat, most of the Havelis of Rajasthan also tell a similar story in
terms of adaptive reuse and conservation. An addition to the list of uses includes conversion of
the Havelis into museums, highlighting the rich culture and heritage of Rajasthan.
However, the Havelis of Rajasthan differ from the Wadas of Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Not only do they differ in terms of size, but they also differ in terms of materials used. The
predominant construction materials for the Wadas are wood and brick masonry. In case of the
Havelis however, the primary materials used are a combination of brick masonry and stone. The
idea was to use locally sourced materials, and thus the most commonly used type of stone is
sandstone as it is easily available and quarried. While the core layout of both remains the same –
both are examples of courtyard housing - the Havelis have more intricately carved details
(primarily in stone). The unique feature that differentiates Havelis from Wadas are the intricately
carved ‘Jalis’ – or lattices, that are attached to both the windows as well as corridors. The
presence of Jalis serves a twofold purpose of security and protection from extreme climatic
conditions. As Rajasthan has a predominantly desert habitat, sandstorms are common
occurrences – especially in areas/cities abutting the Thar Desert. These Jalis offered the perfect
climatic solution. Before electricity, they kept out the sand and heat, and let in the cool breeze.
From a security perspective, Jalis worked in a similar fashion to the Purdah – which was a
common feature in Islamic Architecture. Since most cities in Rajasthan began as feudal
kingdoms, there was always a chance of attack, especially from the Mughal invaders. The Jalis
also ensured protection for the women that occupied the palaces, Havelis, and forts, from these
invaders.
It is also fascinating to note is that in different parts of Rajasthan, the colors used to paint
the exterior surface of the Havelis are different. For example, the predominant color for Jaipur is
pink (giving it the moniker of the Pink city), for Udaipur is white, for Jodhpur is blue, for
Jaisalmer is yellow or gold, etc.
Today, most Havelis either still remain as ancestral properties and are occupied
descendants of the original families, are converted into bed and breakfasts/homestay
properties/heritage hotels, or are converted into museums. Many of the popular Havelis are
featured in books, documentaries, and television shows, as well as mainstream cinema. Some of
41

the more popular examples include the Patwa Havelis of Jaisalmer, which apart from being a
very popular tourist destination, is a spectacular example of a well-preserved living settlement.
Apart from one of the unused Havelis maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, (a part
of this Haveli that is converted into a museum displaying the Culture of the Patwa Community),
all the rest are occupied as residences. (Figures 4.3, 4.4, and 4.5) As such all through the state
similar such Havelis dot the local landscape and are often accompanied by other community
features such as step-wells, temples, and market places – all components of a typical feudal
hamlet.
34

Figure 4.3 – 4.4: Internal street network with Havelis on both sides at the Patwa Haveli complex, Jaisalmer
(Rajasthan, India).
Photographs courtesy of Sneha Verma (2015).

34
“Kothari’s Patwa Haveli Heritage Jaisalmer Rajasthan | Historical Place | Hot Attraction Rajasthan | Tourist Place
Jaisalmer |.”
42

Figure 4.5: External façade at the Patwa Haveli complex, Jaisalmer (Rajasthan, India). The image displays the
intricately carved Jharokhas and Jali windows that are predominantly carved in yellow sandstone.
Photograph courtesy of Sneha Verma (2015).
Existing Case Studies – Chawls of Mumbai, Maharashtra
The Chawls of Mumbai unlike the other examples featured above, are a recent
phenomenon. The development of Chawls was in symbiotic association with the development of
industry – predominantly cotton mills in Mumbai. Chawls were planned and designed as
multifamily community housing facilities based on the existing courtyard housing concept where
courtyards were both climatically as well as functionally efficient. The courtyards also acted as a
community space. The individual houses were designed similar to the modern day studio
apartments or bachelor pads. The only differences were that unlike studios/bachelor pads,
Chawls had a system of communal bathrooms – usually located within the courtyards or at the
far end of a corridor. Also, most dwellings were usually occupied by several people at the same
time i.e., a standard 10/12ft x 10/12ft room was occupied by 2-7 people at a time (minimum, this
number rose in some cases), and functioned as a kitchen, living, and sleeping space all at the
same time. Originally, these Chawls were load-bearing structures no more than 2-3 stories tall
43

and made of either wood or a combination of wood, brick and mortar. They reflected the locally
prevalent architectural styles and were adapted to suit the tropical climate of Mumbai.
35

Most Chawls were usually located within either the Mill compounds or somewhere close
by. These Chawls were constructed as a form of housing for the mill workers. When these mills
shut down, these Chawls also fell into disrepair. Like with the Wadas of Pune, most Chawls were
rental properties and came under the Rent Control Act. This meant that while the Chawls sat on
prime real estate, the inhabitants paid next to nothing in comparison to the going market rate.
This fact was and still is essentially visible, based on the current conditions of the Chawls. Some
Chawls like Khotachi Wadi (in Girgaum, South Mumbai) are stellar examples of preservation.
(Figures 4.6 – 4.8) Others Chawls however paint a very different picture. Most Chawls are
neglected, over-occupied, and in a general state of disrepair. Most Chawl owners do not have the
funds to make the necessary changes or are neglectful since they cannot increase the rent and
more often than not upkeep and preservation of older structures is an expensive procedure.
36

Today, most mills have been demolished to make way for large-scale office
complexes/campuses, Special Economic Zones, Malls, and high-rise residential complexes. Most
Chawl owners are also attempting to sell off the land on which these Chawls sit on, to developers
who will in turn build expensive residential or office complexes. Most residents living currently
living in these Chawls cannot afford such places and as such get pushed out of their
localities/suburbs (comfort zones) into places that are on the fringes of the city and are relatively
cheaper. This is a form of gentrification that has been going on for almost a decade (sometimes
even more). Unlike gentrification in the west, where a younger population ends up pushing out
the existing population, in Mumbai, this gentrification is purely determined by a person’s income
capacity and it does not matter what age group the person belongs to.

35
“Chawl”; Adarkar, “A Life in the Day of the Chawl.”
36
Adarkar, “A Life in the Day of the Chawl”; Vinati Singh, “India”; Thirani, “Lost in Transformation”; Gupta,
“19th Century History of Mumbai”; Poorva Joshi, “Insider’s Guide to Khotachiwadi,” e-Paper,
Http://www.hindustantimes.com/, (October 29, 2015), http://www.hindustantimes.com/travel/insider-s-guide-to-
khotachiwadi/story-o2kFGIpxosVur0fph8FyFN.html; Rama Arya, “A Walk through 175-Year-Old Khotachi Wadi,”
E - Magazine, The Alternative, (August 8, 2014), http://www.thealternative.in/lifestyle/walk-175-year-old-khotachi-
wadi/; “Introduction | Khotachiwadi,” Khotachiwadi, accessed February 11, 2016,
http://khotachiwadi.urbz.net/introduction/; Guillaume Folliot, “History | Khotachiwadi,” Khotachiwadi, accessed
February 11, 2016, http://khotachiwadi.urbz.net/hISTory/.
44

In terms of preservation, while some Chawls are historic or are have a Graded Historic
Status and therefore cannot be significantly altered, most Chawls are modern brick and mortar
modern structures. While the older Chawls definitely need a solid preservation plan and
community engagement plan in place, the newer structures do not warrant the same care. While I
agree that these Chawls are important cultural repositories for Mumbai, with the growing need
for real estate required to handle the growing population, I feel these Chawls can be sacrificed
for the greater good. In its place, a more sustainable mixed income development can instead be
built which shall ensure that the residents are not completely displaced, a sense of community is
still maintained, the development is more functional, and most importantly, the property does not
degrade into slums as is the case with many Chawls. It is essential however, to note that for such
a successful transition to take place, community engagement workshops need to take place to
educate the local community of the benefits of such an arrangement, engage a sense of
community pride, educate them on the benefits of cleanliness and hygiene, and most importantly
alleviate their fears of displacement and gentrification.
37

Figure 4.6: Exterior façade of some of the oldest Chawls in Mumbai located at Girgaum. (Maharashtra, India).
Photograph by the Author (2011).

37
Thirani, “Lost in Transformation”; Chandrahas Choudhury, “The Grand Galleries of Bombay,” e-Paper, Livemint,
(March 18, 2011), http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/I7pKpe3KjqZpf1lBbvEWnO/The-grand-galleries-of-
Bombay.html.
45

Figure 4.7 – 4.8: Internal street network inside Khotachiwadi at Girgaum, Mumbai (left), and the alley between two
buildings indicating the current condition of the Chawls today (right).
Photographs by the Author (2011).

46

Chapter 5:
A Need for Intervention
Based on the current scenario in Pune, as established in the previous chapters, it is seen
that there is a pressing need for both the conservation of these unique courtyard houses, as well
as make way for the growing housing need. The question remains as to how we can go about
doing so in a more economically feasible manner. Currently these Wadas sit on land that is both
centrally located as well as prime real estate. It is also a known fact that conservation of
properties is an expensive endeavor requiring regular attention and care, and most of the owners
find it hard to afford this care. It does not help both that most Wadas have been converted into
multi-family units, and they possibly come under rent control, meaning that the rent received by
the landowner barely covers general maintenance. Many of the Wadas also have shoddy and
possibly illegal additions made such as connections to electric poles/junction boxes that can
prove to be fire hazards in a situation of emergency. Many Wadas are also targets for demolition
by neglect – a tactical measure by unscrupulous property owners to get tenants to vacate the
property without actually having to adhere to any of the heritage commission rules and
regulations.
38

From the above we can thus attempt to identify and answer the following questions:
• Is there a need for an intervention? – Why are the Wadas vanishing? If so, why? So
What? Why is it a matter of concern?
• Who benefits from this intervention and who are the key stakeholders? – What are the
positive/negative effects post intervention.
• What are the various scenarios possible in terms of intervention and which is
potentially the ideal/optimal solution given the current condition of the city?

38
Uma Dongre, “Tilak’s Kesari Wada Razed to the Ground -Governance Now,” E - journal, (February 1, 2013),
http://www.governancenow.com/news/public-reporter/tilaks-kesari-wada-razed-ground; “Retracing the Legend of
Gangadhar Tilak at Kesari Wada,” India Heritage Sites, accessed October 7, 2015,
https://indiaheritagesites.wordpress.com/2013/09/11/retracing-the-legend-of-gangadhar-tilak-at-kesari-wada/; Prasad
Kulkarni, “Only 22 Old Structures Left to Be Razed, Says Pune Municipal Corporation,” e-Paper, The Times of
India, (September 28, 2013), http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Only-22-old-structures-left-to-be-razed-
says-Pune-Municipal-Corporation/articleshow/23181129.cms; Anvi Mehta, “Civic Body Razes Pune’s Iconic
Wadas,” e-Paper, DNA - Daily News & Analysis, (May 20, 2015), http://www.iamin.in/en/pune/news/civic-body-
razes-pune%E2%80%99s-iconic-wadas-60531.
47

• How can this intervention be carried out? – What are the proposed solutions – in
accordance to the existing/proposed development plans for the city and
recommendations based on my analysis of the situation?
The Curious Case of the Vanishing Wadas – Cause and Effect
As established in the previous chapters, the primary cause of deterioration of the Wadas
is negligence. This negligence is supported further with infrastructure growth, improper
planning, rent control, population expansion, automobile traffic, and general public indifference.
Currently only the Shaniwar Wada is classified as a national monument and has a 300M buffer
zone around it, of which the first 100M are a strictly no intervention zone and the balance 200M
require prior permission from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for any intervention
and/or controlled development. These regulations are in place to ensure that no harm is done to
the national monument and its surrounding area. However, in this situation due to the strict
enforcement of regulations, more harm has been done than good as most of the Wadas that need
immediate intervention are either within the first 100M or within the next 200M. A key part of
addressing this issue is to derive a possible solution that takes into consideration the regulations
that are already in place.
39

The Key Players and the roles they play – Positive and Negative Stakeholders
The Key Stakeholders are divided into three main categories/levels – the Neighborhood,
the City, and the Consultants. All these categories have components that are either positive or
negative and primary or secondary. The definition and roles of each of these categories is further
elaborated below:
 The Neighborhood: This category has been further subdivided as follows:
o Immediate Neighborhood – The immediate neighborhood consists of all the
properties surrounding the Wada and the ones that are within five-minute walking
distance from it. As such, this category can be classified as both a negative and
positive primary stakeholder. This is because, any changes enforced or interventions
carried out to the Wada, directly affect the occupants of the surrounding immediate
neighborhood. The immediate occupants of the Wada are classified under this

39
Tina Wik and Sharvey Dhongde, Inclusive India - Re: Pune (Pune, India: Kungl Konsthogskolan/Royal Institute
of Art, Stockholm, Sweden, 2012); Ramanand, “Pune | Houses of Lords and Commons.”
48

category. Since most Wadas have been converted into either rent – controlled multi-
family tenement housing or let out as commercial/office spaces, most of the
immediate occupants as well as the surrounding neighborhood may not react
favorably to restoration and/or change of use, as this would in turn affect their cost of
living and expenditure. However, there are some exceptions to this, such as the
Majumdar Wada, which is still owned and occupied by the descendants of the
original occupants and would definitely react favorably towards a more aggressive
restoration based approach as the current condition of the Wada makes it unsafe for
mass public use. This Wada is open to public during the Ganapati festival as it hosts a
music festival during this time.
40

o Adjacent Neighborhood – The adjacent neighborhood is defined as the area/zone
beyond the five-minute walking radius defined in the previous category. As such, this
category is classified as both a negative and positive secondary stakeholder. The
people belonging to this category are indirectly affected by the decisions taken and
interventions carried out as these could work either favorably or unfavorably for the
people, especially in terms of traffic/infrastructure and money – cost of living,
expenditure and value of real estate.
 The City: This category has been further subdivided as follows:
o The Municipal Corporation – The Pune Municipal Corporation is the primary local
point of governance for the city of Pune. Any decision with regards to the change in
policies, permissions etc., are mandated by this body, based on rules and regulations
set at the Centre (Ministry of Urban Development – Government of India,
Archaeological Survey of India, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture etc.). Based
on the decisions made by this body, the image of Pune and its central character is
defined. This body is also in-charge of the infrastructure and development of the city
of Pune and any policy change/intervention that has been approved has to weigh in
how it would affect the overall infrastructure and development of the city.
41

40
“Mujumdar Wada | Wada.”
41
Pune Municipal Corporation, “Pune Municipal Corporation,” 2013 2008.
49

o The City of Pune – The city of Pune can be classified as a secondary stakeholder.
While one individual Wada restoration/intervention shall not directly affect the
general population, any changes made in the policy(s) shall eventually affect the city
as a whole. In addition, any changes made to the historic core of the city shall directly
affect the image and branding of the city, and this along with the policy changes is
something that may not garner a favorable reaction from all factions of the city.
 The City: This category has been further subdivided as follows:
o The Consultants – The consultants are a set of individuals/organizations that are
directly or indirectly responsible for shaping the image of the city. They are
composed of Architects, Planners, Civil Engineers, Conservationists, Non-
Governmental Organizations (NGOs)/Non-Profits, the Contractors involved etc.
These consultants cannot be classified as primary or secondary and positive or
negative. They are usually hired/selected either by the local governing body (or in
some cases the Centre – Government of India) or individual property owners, in
either advisory capacity or as contractors implementing the policy changes on a case-
by-case basis. When these consultants are hired/selected by the local governing body
in advisory capacity, they usually form a panel that is composed of people from
multiple disciplines. They discuss and debate the pros and cons of the policy(s) in
question before determining whether a change needs to be made. They also discuss
how such changes shall affect the city as a whole, and finally what recommendations
can be made in terms of intervention – from advising on who should be an ideal
candidate to carry out such interventions to what steps should be followed while
carrying out the actual interventions.
Potential Scenario Analysis – From best case solutions to worst case scenarios
The level of intervention ranges across various scenarios – from best-case solutions, to
worst-case scenarios. These scenarios depend on multiple factors such as the ground/local
conditions, spending capacity of the property owner(s), the local neighborhood needs, and finally
existing policies. Based on the above, the following scenarios come to mind –
 Best Case Scenario – Complete Intervention: This includes the following:-
o Conservation and repairs of existing Wadas (in accordance to the appropriate steps
suggested by the consultants);
50

o Upgrading the existing and surrounding infrastructure (both public and private);
o Pedestrianisation of internal streets;
o Community engagement, outreach, and education through various programs to instill
a sense of community pride within the local residents and explaining to the
importance of conservation (and how they could contribute for the same);
o Potential adaptive reuse of the Wada(s) as either bed and breakfasts/heritage hotels,
housing facilities for the various educational institutes spread around Pune; and
o A complete policy overhaul (while adhering to the rules and regulations set out by the
Archaeological Survey of India and the Ministry of Urban Development, Government
of India at the Centre). This policy overhaul shall be tailor-made to suit the needs of
the historic core of Pune city, keeping in mind the image of the city as a whole.
42

 Compromise Scenario – Moderate Intervention: This includes the following:-
o Making appropriate changes to the existing framework, especially pertaining to the
Rent Control Act;
o Rehabilitating and upgrading the existing and surrounding infrastructure to improve
its efficiency;
o Community engagement, outreach, and education programs (to instill a sense of
community pride and the importance of conservation);
o Adopting a restrictive vehicular use policy and re-designating internal streets for
pedestrian use only.
43

42
Pune Municipal Corporation, “Pune Municipal Corporation”; Mar 19, 2014, and 10 17 Am IST, “PMC Finalizing
New Urban Street Design Guidelines for City - Pune Mirror -,” Pune Mirror, accessed October 7, 2015,
http://www.punemirror.in/pune/cover-story/PMC-Finalizing-new-urban-street-design-guidelines-for-
city/articleshow/32805144.cms; “Heritage Conservation of Pune City Core | Sustainability Initiatives,” accessed
April 1, 2015, http://www.sustainability-initiatives.org/site1/research-on-citys-heritage-conservation/; “Urban Street
Design Guidelines for Pune City,” VK:a Architecture, accessed October 7, 2015,
http://vkarch.com/site/specialisms/usdg/; “Revising/Updating the City Development Plan (CDP) of Pune City -
2041” (Pune Municipal Corporation, 2012), http://punecorporation.org/informpdf/CDP/Executive_Summary-
Revised%20CDP.pdf; Wik and Sharvey Dhongde, Inclusive India - Re: Pune; Kumar, “Maharashtra Government
Decides to Amend Rent Control Act”; “The Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999”; “Draft Development Control
Regulations for Development Plan Pune” (Pune Municipal Corporation, 2013),
http://www.punecorporation.org/Draft_Plan_Old_Village/SEC-26-DCRules-Final.pdf.
43
Pune Municipal Corporation, “Pune Municipal Corporation”; 19, 2014, and IST, “PMC Finalizing New Urban
Street Design Guidelines for City - Pune Mirror -”; “Heritage Conservation of Pune City Core | Sustainability
Initiatives”; “Urban Street Design Guidelines for Pune City”; “Revising/Updating the City Development Plan (CDP)
of Pune City - 2041”; Wik and Sharvey Dhongde, Inclusive India - Re: Pune; Kumar, “Maharashtra Government
Decides to Amend Rent Control Act”; “The Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999”; “Draft Development Control
Regulations for Development Plan Pune.”
51

 Worst Case Scenario – Little to No Intervention: This includes the following:
o Improving the surrounding infrastructure and bringing it at par with the rest of the
city (so that it functions more efficiently);
o Community engagement, outreach, and education through various programs to instill
a sense of community pride within the local residents and explaining to the
importance of conservation.
Key Beneficiaries of these Interventions (if any)
The key beneficiaries identified after the implementation of the suggested intervention
methods include the residents/occupants of the Wadas and their immediate neighbors, the local
business and institution owners, and the city of Pune as a whole. The immediate neighborhood
and the adjacent local business and institution owners have been identified as key beneficiaries
as they are directly benefitting from any intervention (or not benefitting – if they choose to
disagree with the planned intervention). The city as a whole is identified as well since any
changes made to the historic core of the city shall accordingly reflect on the overall image of the
city.
It is however important to note that the above suggestion is an almost utopian scenario. In
reality, not every resident and business/institution owner shall agree with the interventions
planned. Many might in fact oppose them vehemently as they would see it as anti-development
and more of a hindrance rather than as a benefit. Herein is where the Information, Education and
Communication aspect(s) of the intervention(s) planned come into play. It is only through
community engagement and outreach workshops that this fear that can be alleviated to a good
extent. As with all aspects of design and construction, these interventions are also oftentimes
subjective rather than objective. Some factions shall always disagree with the final decisions
taken and it shall be very hard to convince them otherwise.
Existing Best Practices
Currently, based on the case studies in Chapter 4, there exist several examples of best
appropriate practices adopted based on the actual condition of the building structure and their
end purposes. In the case of Wadas or havelis being converted into heritage
properties/homestays/hotels, a more aggressive approach has been undertaken, as authenticity is
the most important marketing feature for these properties. In case of building structures having
an ASI designation as a heritage structure, an approach tailored keeping the ASI prescribed
52

guidelines (depending on the heritage grading status) is adopted. Usually along with this
approach, a combination of Public Education policies and activities such as heritage walks,
community engagement and outreach exercises, and updating/implementation of Heritage
Linked Infrastructure are also undertaken. Finally, in situations where lack of funding and
private properties are involved, not much can be done except engaging the residents and local
community through outreach workshops and explain to them the importance of their dwelling
and how basic care/practices could be adopted so as to increase the longevity of the structure(s)
and improve the residents’ living conditions.
Local Level Policies and established framework
The Pune Municipal Commission has created a visioning document for the city of Pune,
updating and revising the current City Development Plan – 2041 (under the prescribed guidelines
of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission – JnNURM scheme issued out by the
Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India). Apart from the usual analysis of the
socio-economic profile of the city, urban infrastructure, and demographics of the city, a key
component mentioned in this report is the role that Pune plays in terms of Urban Heritage and
Tourism. The Municipal Commission rightfully recognizes the Urban Heritage of Pune city and
acknowledges that Pune city can maximize its tourist potential by ensuring that the Urban
Heritage - linked infrastructure is updated while ensuring that the Urban Heritage does not lose
its core essence and identity.
44

Under this proposed update, the document discusses the potential of developing Pune in
terms of its heritage and tourism. It also talks about how Urban Heritage and Tourism can also be
used as a means to generate both revenue as well as employment. As mentioned earlier, the
document seeks to tie in all other updates such as infrastructure improvements, transport and
traffic solutions etc., into one cohesive unit. To achieve optimum results, the Plan update
proposes to conduct a thorough stakeholder analysis through community meetings, surveys, and
existing demographic data. The final, detailed action plan shall be drafted based on the results of
this stakeholder analysis as well as a scenario analysis. Apart from plan enforcement on the Pune
Municipal Commission’s part, community engagement and education also plays a key role. This

44
“Revising/Updating the City Development Plan (CDP) of Pune City - 2041”; “Draft Development Control
Regulations for Development Plan Pune.”
53

fact too shall be addressed through a series of workshops on a wide variety of topics ranging
from the importance of conservation, how can an ordinary citizen contribute, and most
importantly the need for civic and mindset reform.
The Pune Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)
has also undertaken several activities in this regard. INTACH is India’s premier Non –
Governmental Organization (NGO) in the field of Art and Cultural Heritage, is headquartered in
New Delhi, and has over 140 chapter offices spread all over India. The Pune Chapter in
particular has undertaken several projects in heritage conservation. The chapter works in
collaboration with local experts based on the type of project and the funding is usually through
fundraising and sponsorships. Major projects include the conservation of the Shaniwar Wada in
collaboration with architect Kiran Kalamdani and organizing and conducting heritage linked
activities such as Heritage Walks. INTACH has two main/standard routes within the historic core
of Pune where these walks are conducted, but on request, these walks can be tailored to suit the
needs of the participant(s). Volunteers/members who work with INTACH and belong to a variety
of professions conduct these walks. Other activities that INTACH conducts includes livelihood
programs for people living in the various cultural quarters in and around the historic core,
assigning/grading historic buildings a heritage status set forth by the Urban Heritage Committee,
and civic awareness and cleanliness programs amongst other things.
45

National Level Policies and established framework
The Ministry of Urban Development at the National Level has introduced several key
schemes such as Swachh Bharat Mission, the Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT (Atal Mission for
Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation), and HRIDAY (National Heritage City Development
and Augmentation Yojana) Mission, amongst several others. The idea behind this move was that
the final product achieved ties in and incorporates all the values and lessons suggested by these
mission so that each city in modern day India functions as one cohesive unit, and is at par with
other first world cities. Each of the above missions has their own specific problem area and has
accordingly had solutions tailored to suit the goals and problems identified by the pilot study
conducted.
46

45
INTACH, “INTACH - Pune.”
46
Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India, “AMRUT.Gov.in,” ATAL MISSION FOR
REJUVENATION AND URBAN TRANSFORMATION(AMRUT), 2015, http://amrut.gov.in/; Ministry of Urban
54

Swachh Bharat deals with the hygiene and cleanliness problems. It not only identifies the
key causes and needs for implementation of such a scheme; it also provides incentivized
solutions for the same. Every city, town, and village therefore has an individual target that it
needs to achieve to be eligible for the incentive. Similarly, the Smart Cities Mission works on
similar lines to the Global Smart Cities parameters. The major idea behind this particular scheme
is to ensure that all major cities both small and big are equipped technologically and otherwise
with means to function more efficiently. AMRUT deals with providing key basic services in
cities and thereby establishing the required infrastructure framework for more efficient
functioning.
47

The scheme most relevant to this thesis is the HRIDAY scheme. Under this scheme,
twelve key second tier cities and towns have been selected that have high architectural and
cultural heritage significance. These cities are spread all over India. Under the first round of
implementation, the cities selected include Ajmer, Amaravati, Amritsar, Badami, Dwarka, Gaya,
Kanchipuram, Mathura, Puri, Varanasi, Velankanni, and Warangal. Each city has been allotted a
specific budget and a specific timeline has been assigned. Each city also has an individual or an
organization appointed as a point of contact or specialist that shall work with the individual
cities/towns as well as report regularly to the committee at the center. The specialists selected
have some experience in the field of preservation and conservation, and have been provided with
the initial springing point data for their respective cities. These specialists have to then identify
the relevant heritage linked infrastructure problems, and then come up with relevant solutions for
the same. Apart from this, they have to come up with community engagement activities, and

Development, Government of India and National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), “Heritage City Development
and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY),” Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY), 2015,
http://hridayindia.in/; Pune Municipal Corporation, “Smart Cities Mission India - Pune’s Proposal” (Ministry of
Urban Development, Government of India, 2015),
http://smartcities.gov.in/writereaddata/winningcity/PuneProposal.pdf; Ministry of Urban Development, Government
of India, “Swachh Bharat #MyCleanIndia,” Swachh Bharat Mission, 2015 2014, https://swachhbharat.mygov.in/;
Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India, “Smart Cities Mission - Government of India,” Smart Cities
Mission, 2015, http://smartcities.gov.in/; Pune Municipal Corporation, “Pune Smart City,” Maza Swapna, Smart
Pune | Pune Smart City Proposal, 2016 2015, http://punesmartcity.in/pmc/index.html.
47
Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India, “AMRUT”; Ministry of Urban Development, Government
of India, “SBM”; Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India, “Smart Cities Mission.”
55

possible revenue generation activities that shall help sustain the heritage sites and cities post the
implementation of the scheme.
48

48
Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India and National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA),
“HRIDAY”; V. Venkatasubramanian, “Heritage Experts Look Forward to HRIDAY Project,” The Hindu, July 11,
2014, http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chen-society/heritage-experts-look-forward-to-hriday-
project/article6198132.ece.
56

Conclusion:
While Pune has not been identified in the first round as a potential target city for the
implementation of the scheme, it has however been selected as one of the final twenty cities for
the implementation of the Smart Cities Mission as well as the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Considering that it has been sufficiently established that Pune has a lot of tangible as well as
intangible heritage, it would be imprudent not to take into consideration the common problems
identified by the HRIDAY scheme. It is also key to take into consideration both common
solutions as well as other information, education and communication strategies proposed, and see
if these can be modified and adopted while drafting out the development plan for the historic
core of Pune. Doing so would ensure that when infrastructure updates as well as other
community engagement activities are proposed and implemented, it could be done in a seamless
or more efficient and economic manner.
49

In the end, Pune as a city has a bright future ahead, both as an educational hub as well as
a multi-industry center. It is also holds a significant place in India’s glorious past. It now remains
to be seen as to whether the city is able to work around this heritage and develop as a whole
without losing its character or whether this heritage shall eventually be a thing of the past.
I end my analysis by drawing the conclusion that there needs to be a more streamlined,
inclusive approach that amalgamates all possible development goals that have been identified for
Pune as a city and include and modify the objectives and goals of the various national level
programs that are already in place. The overall idea is to treat the Wadas as a part of the history
and culture of Pune, and yet include and update them in a manner that they transition smoothly
into the twenty-first century.
There also needs to be established proper guidelines both from design control and
conservation point of view such as height and floor restrictions, elevation design control, and
FAR/FSI control and restrictions that would be used as the base for each conservation effort in

49
Pune Municipal Corporation, “Smart Cities Mission India - Pune’s Proposal”; “Can’t Have Smart Cities with
Dumb Administrators: Christopher Benninger,” The Indian Express, accessed June 18, 2015,
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/cant-have-smart-cities-with-dumb-adminISTrators-chrISTopher-
benninger/; Express News Service, “Lack of Vision Has Landed City Planning in Disarray: Benninger,” The Indian
Express, January 14, 2012, sec. Cities - Pune, http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/lack-of-vision-has-landed-
city-planning-in-disarray-benninger/; Kishore Pate, “Pune: What Makes It Ideal for Modis Smart City?,” Financial
Portal, CNBC TV18: Money Control.com, accessed February 12, 2016, http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/real-
estate/pune-what-makes-it-ideal-for-modis-smart-city_1146310.html; Pune Municipal Corporation, “Pune Smart
City.”
57

the city. Interesting incentives such as tax incentives, transferable development rights,
improvement in civic infrastructure should also be provided to the citizens that shall encourage
them to adhere to these guidelines. Traffic guidelines also need to be established to free up the
narrow streets and reduce the traffic flow in these already heavily congested areas. There also
needs to be an agency established that shall be independent of the Pune Municipal Corporation
and that shall be both responsible and answerable to the Pune Municipal Corporation and the
citizens of the city. Apart from this, the people of the city need to be encouraged and educated
about the values of these monuments as without proper care these monuments shall vanish from
Pune’s skyline forever.

58

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“Vishrambaug Wada, Vishrambaug Wada Plan, Historical Places in Pune.” Accessed April 30,
2014. http://www.bharatestates.com/blog/vishrambaug-wada-lavish-residence-of-last-
king-of-maratha/.
67

Wik, Tina, and Sharvey Dhongde. Inclusive India - Re: Pune. Pune, India: Kungl
Konsthogskolan/Royal Institute of Art, Stockholm, Sweden, 2012.

68

APPENDIX A: Chronological Timeline
Date
(Year/Century)
Event/Title
General Events with regards to Pune
Thirteenth Century Origin of Pune at Kasba Peth
2015 – 2016 Pune selected as a SMART CITIES contender as a part of the SMART
CITIES MISSION (Ministry of Urban Development, India)
Key Maratha Rulers
1627/1630 Birth of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
1657 Birth of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Bhonsle (heir to the Maratha Empire)
1680 Death of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
1682 Birth of Chhatrapati Shahuji I (grandson of Chhatrapati Shivaji
Maharaj)
1689 Death of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Bhonsle
1749 Death of Chhatrapati Shahuji I (grandson of Chhatrapati Shivaji
Maharaj)
Reign of Peshwa Ministers over Pune
1674 – 1689 Moropant Pingle
1689 – 1708 Ramchandra Pant Amatya
1708 – 1711 Bahiroji Pingale
1711 – 1713 Parshuram Trimbak Kulkarni
1712 – 1719 Balaji Vishwanath
1719 – 1740 Bajirao I
1740 – 1761 Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Saheb)
1761 – 1772 Madhavrao Ballal
1772 – 1773 Narayan Rao
1773 – 1774 Raghunathrao
1774 – 1795 Sawai Madhavrao
1795 – 1818 Baji Rao II
Post Peshwai Reign
1818 – 1947 Pune under the British Empire in India as a part of the Bombay
Presidency
1947 – 1960 Pune as a part of independent India but still as a part of the Bombay
Presidency
1960 onwards Pune as a part of the newly formed state of Maharashtra (Republic of
India)

Abstract (if available)

Abstract The aim of this thesis is to identify the key drivers that are the primary cause and/or need for an urban renewal and revitalization in Pune, with respect to the Wadas. The thesis draws a contrast and sketches the similarities with the Wadas of Gujarat based on relevance then and now, usage, architectural style, materials used, and their political, social, and cultural significance. It then creates a timeline tracing the Wadas of Pune from their inception to their current stance, their role in city making and the need for their conservation. Finally, it draws conclusions depicting various possible future scenarios for the Wadas and predicting the success/failures of the possible solutions drawn.

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Asset Metadata

Creator Tambe, Neha Chandrakiran (author)

Core Title The vanishing Wadas Of Pune, India

School School of Architecture

Degree Master of Heritage Conservation

Degree Program Heritage Conservation

Publication Date 04/19/2016

Defense Date 04/01/2016

Publisher University of Southern California (original), University of Southern California. Libraries (digital)

Tag Architecture,Heritage Conservation,India,OAI-PMH Harvest,Pune,traditional courtyard housing type,Wadas

Format application/pdf (imt)

Language English

Contributor Electronically uploaded by the author (provenance)

Advisor Sandmeier, Trudi (committee chair), Bharne, Vinayak (committee member), Sloane, David (committee member)

Creator Email nehachat@usc.edu,nehatambe@gmail.com

Permanent Link (DOI) https://doi.org/10.25549/usctheses-c40-232523

Unique identifier UC11277885

Identifier etd-TambeNehaC-4287.pdf (filename),usctheses-c40-232523 (legacy record id)

Legacy Identifier etd-TambeNehaC-4287.pdf

Dmrecord 232523

Document Type Thesis

Format application/pdf (imt)

Rights Tambe, Neha Chandrakiran

Type texts

Source University of Southern California (contributing entity), University of Southern California Dissertations and Theses (collection)

Access Conditions The author retains rights to his/her dissertation, thesis or other graduate work according to U.S. copyright law. Electronic access is being provided by the USC Libraries in agreement with the a...

Repository Name University of Southern California Digital Library

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