Gave a talk on Nanasaheb Peshwa (Peshwa Bajirao's son) yesterday at his samadhi. Also stressed on the water supply arrangements he engineered for Pune. A system which continued to function for well over 150 years.
#Thread
#Thread
It was during his reign that Pune truly became a capital city of the Maratha Empire. New peths were established - Ganj , Vetal (now Guruvar peth) and others. Traders invited to set up business and orders given for expanding existing areas.
Like many cities before and after, a steady supply of clean water troubled 18th century town planners too.The man for the moment was Naro Appaji Tulshibaugwale.
Existing supplies were not sufficient or not tapped conveniently enough.
Hence the need for a new system.
Existing supplies were not sufficient or not tapped conveniently enough.
Hence the need for a new system.
It was decided to Dam the Ambhil Odha (stream) some miles away from the Shaniwarwada at Katraj. Two lakes were built, the upper for silt and lower for supply. Let's remember, there is no machinery in existence. They have only gravity as their friend (or enemy)
From Katraj, the water was led to the city and was said to power even the Hazari Karanja at Shaniwarwada.
The most interesting part of this project was a large lake built at the bottom of Parvati hill. Now completely filled up and known to us as Sarasbaug.
You can still see the original lake marked as " Parbati tank " in this 1924 map. (By which time it was mostly dry or filled with slush)
The tank served as both a sump for dissipating the shock of a flood and providing emergency supply in case the dam dried up.
Quite ingenious.
Quite ingenious.
The canal provided a steady supply for many years after. It was fully functional till much of its work was taken over by the new Khadakwasla Dam (1869)
Upto 1915, some of the Katraj tank water was being tapped by modern pipes in the Bibwewadi area.
The defunct canal once more became important in 1961.
When the newly built Panshet dam burst.
google.com/amp/s/www.dnai…
The defunct canal once more became important in 1961.
When the newly built Panshet dam burst.
google.com/amp/s/www.dnai…
A detailed description in Gazzetteer of 1885
Lake at base of Parvati
Sarasbaug was originally a small island + garden and temple in middle of lake. It has since become name of the whole garden. An echo of the old times lives on in the nickname " talyatla Ganpati"
Sarasbaug was originally a small island + garden and temple in middle of lake. It has since become name of the whole garden. An echo of the old times lives on in the nickname " talyatla Ganpati"
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