Friday 29 July 2011

City of Peths


The small geographical and administrative segments of wards of the city set-up by the peshwas were called peths .They were self sufficient units with their own temple and market and characterized by narrow pathways and lanes (Ali) and single-storied and single-storied dwellings. Pune City is unique for its Peths, which is a name for an area. Most of the Peths are named after the days of the week, and some Peths are named after their founders.

                Each peth had its own characteristics defined by its residents and the business activities conducted there. Not all of the 18 original peths exist today, and many of the others are seeing a gradual transformation.
            The core of the city, it was developed as residential and business area by the peshwas because of its proximity to shaniwarwada, Lal Mahal and the Omkareshwar temple. Oldest Peth of Pune which was established in 14th Century.  The earliest settlers were a mix of the Marathas, shimpis (tailors0, kumbhars (potters) and tambats (coppersmiths).
              Originally home to Brahmins in service of the peshwas; served as the fountainhead for political activism, social service, education, music and arts. Established in 1760 in the memory of Sadashiv Rao Bhau, an uncle of Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao It was largely a military set up and today developed as a residential area of Brahmin families.
                Malkampura was its original name.Bohri Ali (lane) has developed over the years into one of the most popular hardware markets in pune. The place is buzzing with carpenters, contractors and plumbers.
             More than 400 wholesalers and retailers dealing in all electronic items are based here. Budhwar Peth has gained notoriety as the ‘ted light’ area of the city.
             Established in 1730 by Jivajipant Khasgiwale and was earlier known as Vital Peth, because of the Vital temple in this area. Bhandi Ali, the market for traditional kitchenware, is situated here.
            Set up by Nana Phadnavis in 1761 and was known as Nihal Peth... Specializes in selling auto spare parts and draws vehicle enthusiasts from across the city.
            This crowded and traditional area of the city has recently undergone a transformation. It also has a significant auto spare parts market.
             Apart from a large timber market, the area houses the famous Bhawani Mata Mandir as well as the Palkhi Vithoba Mandir.
            One of the older peths, it houses several temple from the Peshwa era, including the Mali Maharaj Mandir and the Nageshwar Temple. The imposing zilla parishad (district administration) building is also situated in this area.

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