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How
Pune was ... A
Pune Life Style Special Feature
Pune Life Style presents images of Pune captured more than
a 100 years ago. The vintage Pune charms you and also gives
you a glimpse of how it all used to be. And though that
remains the favorite refrain of most true Puneites indeed
a lot has changed! See for yourself.
[Click on images to get a
big picture! You can download wallpapers of vintage Pune
{size 800 x 600} for your personal use. Please 'Right Click'
& choose 'Save Target As' to save image to your disk.
Write in if
you want to use the images for any other purpose.]
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The Temple of Vishnu At Parvati, Pune.
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The Parvati temple structure itself was made in 1749. Parvuty
is the way this British photographer spelt it! Located on
a central prominent hill (261 feet above ground level), Parvati
was literally the cynosure of all eyes that saw Pune and indeed
was the favorite subject of all works of art about Pune and
also lithographs of the 19th century.
Here is one description written in 1868 by Narayan Vishnu
Joshi. "In the morning the entire hilltop is covered
in mist. Towards the east the city of Pune seems to be covered
with woods from which a few wadas peep into view. The top
of the Sarasbaug temple looks very beautiful." |
The
Bund Garden Bridge, Pune |
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The Bund Garden Bridge. Today, as one drives across this area
one is struck by how the area which was once a serene, almost
romantic landscape is cluttered by a modern city ... |
The
Council Hall, Pune |
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It was the year 1870. Engineer Colonel Melliss drew up the
plans for this majestic Venetian Gothic structure. The land
cost was Rs.50,875. And the construction cost was Rs.1,22,940!
This was the happening venue in Pune especially for cultural
programmes like balls! In 1886, a fancy dress competition
and ball were organized in honour of Queen Victoria's son!
Even today, life like portraits of many personalities of those
times leaves a visitor simply awe struck by the magnificence
of the place. |
The
Ganesh Khind Road, Pune |
The
Ganesh Khind Road begins with the Meteorological Department
Offices (Simla Office) and ends with the Governor's Bungalow
close to the University which was built over a sprawling 512
acre plot. The road got its name because of a Ganesh temple
built by Shivrambuwa Chitrav at the Chaturshringi foothills.
A picturesque tree lined landmark of Pune, the road leads
to the homes of many rich and famous personalities of Pune
who built their plush bungalows by clearing what was supposed
to be agricultural land adjoining Ganesh Khind Road! |
The
Khadakvasla Dam, Pune |
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of Pune's landmarks which still remains a pristine sight.
For many visitors it is a picnic spot. The construction of
the dam began in 1870 and it took nine years and Rs.39 lakhs
to complete it. Built fully in stone the dam remains one of
the key sources of water for Pune city to date. The two bungalows
in the picture were called Upper & Lower Bungalows were
built for tourists who could reside and even go boating in
the lake with the permission of the chief engineer! |
The
Pune Race Course |
This
is an image of the litho card of The Pune Race Course. Although
more than a 100 years have passed since, the image of the
race course today and the one you see here are more or less
the same! The track remains lush green and so do the grand
stands which were built in 1902. References to the Pune Turf
Club can be found dating to 1820!
Come monsoons, the Royal Western India Turf Club RWITC Pune
begins the racing season which true to the tradition attracts
horses from all over India in large numbers and of course
even larger numbers of punters!
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The Sassoon Hospital was inaugrated on
October 8, 1963 and could accomodate 144 patients. Located
in an area which was open, the ventilation was excellent
and the trees on the campus gave the hospital a picturesque
setting and was a favorite subject for artists of the time
and so appeared even on greeting cards!
The
Jewish philanthropist from Mumbai, David Sassoon made a
generous donation to make the construction of the hospital
possible. A famous engineer of the time K. Wilkins designed
this structure which still remains one of the most elegant
structures of Pune and importantly has cared for the good
health of the people of Pune.
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The
Sassoon Hospital, Pune |
The
Saint Paul's Church, Pune |
On
August 29, 1863 the Governor of Bombay, Sir H.B.Frere laid
the Foundation Stone Pune of St. Paul's Church. Rev. Thomas
Robinson, the then Bishop of Pune had suggested the idea
to have a place of prayer for the European officers and
their families in they city.
The
structure is designed on the lines of the Saint Chapel in
Paris. The bell tower gives the entire church a distnctive
look.
On July 5, 1900 a major fire caused extensive damage to
the church. However, within a year the repairs & renovation
were done and the church regained its magnificence. Yet
another structure which gives Pune a charm that sustains
decades even centuries.
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Which
is this building? |
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Thank you for joining us in this this fascinating trip journey
into the glorious days of Pune as it was ... and here is
a one final question for you.
Tell us about the building depicted in the image here.
Yes! Tell us the name of the building as it was and as it
is today!
Yes! Tell us what makes this landmark famous.
Yes! Tell us more information and accurately at that!
You
would be entitled to a surprise Diwali gift from the Pune
Life Style team. What is the gift? Well,
be prepared for surprises ...
Dont just wait there! Get cracking, click
here and fire your entry ...
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All
images and information courtesy Sanjay Godbole, a Pune
based city historian & archaeologist. He has a magnificent
collection of ancient art, historical artefacts of India.
Sanjay has dedicated his life and work towards history research
and preservation of the rich culture & heritage of India.
You can write to him care of the editor |
Simla Office !!!
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