Pune City Classifieds, News, Real Estate, Blog, Events, Attractions | Lal Mahal

Pune, India

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Pune

Places of Historic Interest

Lal Mahal

Pune is a city famous for its historical monuments as well as prominent landmarks. Many structures in this city have played an important role in shaping the history not only of the city but also of Maharashtra state. One such important landmark is the Lal Mahal or the red coloured palace that was home to the great Shivaji Maharaj in his childhood years and also later on during his conquests for swaraj.

Although the structure of Lal Mahal today is a replica of the original palace built by Shivaji’s father Shahaji Raje, it still retains the grandeur of the original one. Shahaji Raje built the palace called Lal Mahal around the years 1635- 1640 for his wife Jijabai and son Shivaji and also asked Dadaji Konddev (Shivaji’s guru and mentor) to stay with them. A representation of Jijabai, Shivaji and Dadaji Konddev with Shivaji ploughing the land with a golden plough is placed just outside the palace. Four umbrellas on the terrace of the Mahal is an added attraction. The palace structure also has many paintings that depict the life and times of Shivaji Maharaj.

The Lal Mahal is also the place where Shivaji cut off three fingers of Shaistekhan, one of Aurangzeb’s famous generals. Shaistekhan had come to meet Shivaji for some talks. However his real motive was to kill Shivaji. However, Shivaji learnt of his cunning and came to tackle Shaistekhan who managed to escape through the window but not before Shivaji had cut off three of his fingers.

The Lal Mahal is situated next to Shaniwarwada and has a nominal entry fee of Rs.5/- per person. It is open to the public from morning to evening. This structure was renovated by the Pune Municipal Corporation in the year 1988 and also closed for some years but now is open to public viewing.

The famous Jijamata Garden next to Lal Mahal is a recreation point for senior citizens and children alike.

The Kasba Ganpati Temple, the temple of the deity of the city is also located close by. This temple was built under the guidance of Jijabai and Dadaji Konddev.

One can plan one’s trip to this area of Pune city in such a way that most of historical Pune’s prominent landmarks can be visited within a short span of time as they are located in close vicinity.