Pune: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj-Era Shivapattan Wada Remains Found During Excavations Near Rajgad Fort

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Siddhi Dharmadhikari

Rajgad, 23rd march 2022: Remains of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj-era construction have been found in the excavation of Shivapattan Wada site at Pal Khurd at the foot of Rajgad fort in Velhe taluka where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj lived for the longest time. Excavations have unearthed a Bahamani-era coin, large stone foundations, earthen brick construction, and the remains of old pottery.

Meanwhile, the administration has taken precautionary measures against the entry of tourists and citizens in the vicinity of Shivapattan Wada and Maharani Saibai Samadhi sites. Historians are saying that there is an office here like in Rajgad.

Historical documents mention Shivapattan Wada, Shivbagh. It is mentioned that before the capital was shifted from Rajgad to Raigad, secret meetings were held here and even foreign officials came to meet Chhatrapati.

The Shivapattanwada is known as the Rajwada of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the garden of fruit trees is known as Shivbagh. Excavations are also underway at the Samadhi site of Maharani Saibai, wife of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, on the banks of the Gunjavani river. In both cases, there is a complete ban on local residents as well as for tourists, and an order regarding this has been given by Rajendra Kachare, Sub-Divisional Officer, Bhor Division.

Excavation workers will be able to work in the area from 8 am to 5 pm under the guidance of technical officers of the Archaeological Department. After that, everyone has been banned in this area from 5 pm to 8 am. The site has been closed to tourists as well as locals while excavations are underway to prevent any damage to the historically important items.

The Archaeological Department started excavation of Shivapattan Wada and Maharani Saibai Samadhi sites from March 3. Excavation of very important historical places will bring to light the heritage of the Shiva period. This is the first time such excavations are being carried out at the site of Shivpattanwada at the foot of Rajgad Fort. The government has sanctioned funds for this. Both the sites are being excavated with the help of 50 laborers.

Excavations at the Saibai Samadhi sites on the banks of the Gunjavani River have not yet yielded any objects or construction remains. However, while excavating on the site of Shivapattan Wada, which is the place where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had stayed, a large Shiva-era residue has come to light. As a result, the excavating workers and officials are also amazed.

Remains of the fortifications of the original Wada are in place. In some places, large trees have grown. While excavating grass and bushes at the original site of the wada, the grounded wall has been constructed in the style of Shiva period construction, stone carving, and also brick construction; quality and excellent construction.

Archaeological excavations of the site are being carried out under the supervision of Vilas Wahane, Joint Director, Archeology Department. It will take a period of two months. A coin from the 15th-century Bahamani dynasty was found in the excavations of Shivapattanwada. This is the first time excavation is being done at this place.