Shinde Chhatri

Dedicated to the Maratha leader Mahadji Shinde, this place is a popular tourist attraction in Pune. Being an important reminder of the Maratha rule in India’s history, this place is hailed as a significant landmark. There is a memorial devoted to the great ruler Shinde and the place also houses a temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva and built by Shinde himself.

It boasts of interesting architecture replete with intricate carvings and beautifully aligns Rajasthani design with Anglo style. The splendid designs have withstood the passage of time and are still considered to be one of the gorgeous pieces of architecture in Pune. The place was constructed following the Vaastu Hara rules and represents a fine amalgamation of two beautiful cultures. Shinde Chhatri is now maintained by Shinde Devasthan Trust, Gwalior, and attracts many lovers of art and history in Pune.

History

An example of Maratha architecture, Pune's Shinde Chhatri was made in 1794 to honor Maratha leader - Mahadji Shinde. It is currently a prominent landmark of Pune because of its exteriors, carrying intricate, and detailed carvings all over. Like its exteriors, the interiors too are spellbinding. Inside the vestige, there's a hall that marks the spot of Mahadji Shinde's cremation. Now, there's so much to see in the temple, however, when it was initially made, there was only a temple, which was dedicated to Lord Shiva. In 1965, a samadhi of Mahadji Shinde was made at the same place where he was cremated. Years later, Madhavrao Scindia, descendants of Mahadji Shinde, was instructed to build the complete complex. Presently, the complex is under the direct supervision of Scindia Devasthan Trust, Gwalior.

Architecture

In Indian architecture, a chhatri is an ornate dome-like pavilion, constructed over the place of an important person’s cremation (burial). The word chhatri translates as “umbrella”, so the memorials are meant to symbolically protect the ashes, just like an umbrella protects one from the elements. Constructed to shelter the ashes of the great warrior, Shinde Chhatri is nothing short of astounding. Architecturally, it combines two major styles – Rajasthani and Gothic Revival, resulting in an interesting fusion of patterns and influences. While the overall exterior bears an undeniable English influence, the Rajasthani motifs can be easily spotted in details: stained glass windows, arches, and intricate stonework.