Lal Mahal, Pune
Lal Mahal located near Shaniwar Wada in Pune is a historic landmark of the 16th century. Subject to innumerable attacks and initial revival, the palace has significant stories to tell. It was first restored by Shivaji’s father Shahaji Bhosle for his family to stay in the 1630s. From being a childhood home for Shivaji to taking Shaistekhan head-on, this red-colored structure is an architectural marvel depicting the craftsmanship and culture of that time.
With a glorious past, The Lal Mahal highlights the valor of the rulers and leaders of that time. It elucidates the lives and heroic acts of the Maratha Kings – something that the Peshwas were known for. There is nothing much that this place exhibits or explains because of continuous harm to the building. Consequently, it leaves much to the imagination like how big it was, how many rooms, etc. However, things like a Peshwa on guard – protecting the Mahal and a Maratha soldier surmounting a horse take you back in time.
