In the heart of Pune, nestled among the bustling streets and modern buildings, stands an ancient structure, its crumbling walls and towering gates whispering tales of power, betrayal, and tragedy. This is Shaniwar Wada Fort, once a symbol of the mighty Peshwa empire, but now renowned as one of the most haunted places in India.
The fort, built in 1732 by Bajirao I, was a grand architectural marvel, known for its towering bastions, intricate wooden carvings, and sprawling gardens. It was the seat of the Peshwas, the prime ministers of the Maratha Empire, and witnessed the rise and fall of one of the most powerful dynasties in Indian history. However, the legacy of Shaniwar Wada is not one of glory, but one shrouded in darkness, betrayal, and bloodshed.
At the heart of the fort’s haunting lies the tragic story of Narayanrao Peshwa, a young prince who met a gruesome end within the walls of Shaniwar Wada. The year was 1773, and Narayanrao had recently ascended to the throne as the fifth Peshwa, following the death of his brother, Madhavrao I. But his reign was marked by internal strife and palace intrigue. Narayanrao’s ascension had sparked a bitter feud with his uncle, Raghunathrao, who believed that he was the rightful heir to the throne.
Raghunathrao, filled with resentment and ambition, conspired with his wife, Anandibai, to seize control of the Peshwa throne. They plotted to remove the young Narayanrao from power, and soon, a plan was set into motion that would change the course of history forever.
The fateful night came during the auspicious festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. As Narayanrao slept in his chambers, oblivious to the danger that loomed over him, a group of assassins, known as the Gardi, were sent by Raghunathrao to capture the young prince. However, what was meant to be an abduction quickly spiraled into a bloodbath.
The assassins, fueled by the orders of Anandibai, stormed Narayanrao’s chambers. In a moment of sheer terror, the young prince woke to find himself surrounded by killers. In his desperation, he ran through the halls of Shaniwar Wada, screaming for help. His cries of “Kaka, mala vachva!” (“Uncle, save me!”) echoed through the corridors, as he pleaded for mercy. But no one came to his aid.
The assassins caught up with him, and in a brutal act of betrayal, they hacked the young prince to death. His body was mutilated, and the blood of the Peshwa stained the walls of Shaniwar Wada. Narayanrao’s murder shook the foundations of the Maratha Empire, and the cries of the prince, calling out to his uncle for help, were said to have echoed through the fort long after his death.
It was not just the bloodshed that marked the end of Narayanrao’s life, but the curse that followed. Anandibai’s role in the conspiracy was soon discovered, and it is said that the guilt of her actions consumed her. The tragedy that unfolded in Shaniwar Wada left an indelible mark on the fort, and it wasn’t long before whispers of supernatural occurrences began to spread.
For centuries, visitors and locals alike have claimed to hear the ghostly cries of Narayanrao on the nights of the full moon. The haunting wail of “Kaka, mala vachva!” is said to fill the air, sending shivers down the spines of those who dare to linger near the fort after dark. The once grand halls of Shaniwar Wada are now silent, save for the eerie echoes of the young prince’s desperate plea for help.
Even today, many believe that the spirit of Narayanrao remains trapped within the walls of the fort, unable to find peace due to the violent and unjust manner of his death. The full moon, in particular, is said to awaken the restless soul of the prince, whose cries can still be heard in the dead of night.
Over the years, paranormal investigators, thrill-seekers, and curious travelers have flocked to Shaniwar Wada, hoping to experience the supernatural for themselves. Some have reported strange shadows moving across the fort’s empty corridors, while others claim to have felt an unseen presence following them as they wandered through the ancient ruins.
The fort itself, once a symbol of power and prestige, has become a haunting reminder of the treachery and bloodshed that took place within its walls. The sprawling gardens and majestic gates, though still standing, seem to carry the weight of the dark history they’ve witnessed. Despite its dilapidated state, Shaniwar Wada continues to draw those who are captivated by the legend of Narayanrao’s ghost.
As night falls over Pune and the full moon rises in the sky, the silence around Shaniwar Wada becomes almost palpable. The air grows heavy, as if the fort is holding its breath, waiting for the inevitable moment when the young prince’s cries will once again pierce the night. “Kaka, mala vachva!” echoes through the air, a chilling reminder of a tragic past that refuses to be forgotten.
To this day, the story of Narayanrao Peshwa and the haunted Shaniwar Wada Fort remains one of India’s most enduring and terrifying legends. The fort, once a seat of power, now stands as a ghostly monument to the consequences of ambition, betrayal, and a life cut tragically short. And as long as the cries of the young prince continue to echo through the night, the legend of Shaniwar Wada will never fade.
