Reconstruction of the Pune City

Shivaji entered the ruined Pune city at twilight. The city was looking like some ancient city. The collapsed towers which joined the city wall from all directions were telling the prestige of one time. demolished structures could be seen all over the ground. the carvings on those structures were pleading the pedestrians. the bronze flowers on those structures were reminded of life. The remains of the mansion were hinting the significance it once had.

The people who had created a slum at the village's riverside by making huts were terrified after seeing the entourage. they were looking from afar with frightened eyes. After coming to an empty field, Pant gestured raising both of his hands. The entourage stopped. Jija-bai came out of the palanquin. servants gathered. the luggage was being put down from the bullock cart. Shivaba was looking at the deserted, barren surroundings, Shivaba asked.

"Mother, is this Pune?"

"Yes!"

"There's no one here but us."

"Everyone will come when they are asked for."

"where do we live? where's the mansion?"

"You should not live by occupying a mansion. Rsje! great people build their own mansions."

The tent was founded. the river concurrence's water was dazzling by the sunset's glow. The first lamp was lightened on the demolished land.

The image of tomorrow's Pune was in the mind of Dadoji Kondadev. Shivaji was walking around with Dadoji.

One day shivaba came running.

"Mother, pant has found God!"

"Where?"

"By the Riverside."

Jija-bai stood up. she was going with all the maidservants. Shivaba was showing the way. Everyone stood up respectfully after seeing Jija-bai coming; they stepped aside. pant had bliss on his face. The Lord Ganesha who was hiding under the pile of bricks was now open. The sculpture was beautiful; and it was whole. Jijau joined her hands. Pant said,

"Milady, the beginning is good."

"Yes... Pant, build a beautiful temple at this place."

Pant nodded. he said, "But, Milady, the location for the mansion has not been decided."

"let it be near the temple."

The mansion's design was drawn. after the ceremonial worship of the land, Dadoji used the hoe for the first time. The master of the territory should only have one mansion, this was not accepted by Dadoji. and it was not sensible for security as well. he chose 'Khedbare Valley' for the second residence. the spot was selected for the mansion, and the construction of the second mansion began in the Khedbare valley. Baapuji Mudral Narhekar was appointed as the Guardian of the Parhana. ( 'Pargana' means a division of the district or group of villages.)

When monsoon came, Pant got worried about Shivaji and Jija-bai's well-being, and Narhekar gave the solution. he had a residence in Khedbara; he gave it away to Jija-bai and Shivaji for them to live. Shivaji with Jija-bai began living in that residence. he would roam around Pune-Khedbara with Pant. he was observing the newly emerging residence and civilization. he would learn from The priest in the morning and the evening. if he had more time, he would read out the scriptures 'Ramayan' and 'Mahabharata' to his mother.

Houses were being built. Wells were finding water beneath. thousands of people were engaged in this work all over Pune-Khedbare. Carpenter's, Mason's, and Twelve Balutedar came running after receiving the news from over the region. those who were in need of work came.

( Twelve Balutedar) the system was a hereditary system of twelve trades used historically in villages of regions that is now the Indian state of Maharashtra. The balutedars used to get paid for the services provided with village produce under a complex barter system. )

Residences were ready. Wells had an adequate water supply. The Mansion which was in Pune was more prestigious than the one In Khed. ( short form of 'Khedbara' )

A big hall after two squares. The palace for the lady, granary, kitchen, mini temple. other than this, stable, cowshed. Other than the mansions, the town's architecture was also being constructed. Dadoji named Pune's mansion as 'Red Palace'. At the side of the Red Palace was 'Shri Gajanan Temple.

( 'Gajanan' is one of the other names for Lord Ganesha.

a little bit of context - Lord Ganesha is a deity of Knowledge and Good fortune, He has the head of an elephant and the body of a human. he is the son of Lord Shiva.)

Shivaji-Raje arrived at Pune's mansion. Dadoji gathered all the trustworthy people. banquets began. But the town's chief and officials were still outside. Dadoji sent them invitations. everybody gathered. Dadoji proposed a suggestion to repopulate and properly construct Pune City. one Patil said.

( Patil was one of the most prominent surnames at that time.)

"You say so, but how many times do we build the city? do we not desire a city? but on what basis should we build it?

"Did we not build one?"

"You have the manpower, sire!"

Pant said, "Had a Maratha even been afraid of building the broken game? I haven't seen one. Patil, am I speaking the truth...?"

"may i speak?" Patil said while moving his fist upon his mustache. "Yes, you are right. it's always better to have the city, but we are afraid."

"Why?"

"Many were killed in the square in front of the Goddess. those people do not hesitate to destroy a nest."

Pant began pondering. he bid everyone farewell.

Pant was in rush for four days. One day again the meeting was held. the musicians were at the mansion's door. hundreds of people gathered. Jijau worshiped the golden plow in the mini temple. after worshiping the gods, the plow was picked up. Shivaba, Pant we're walking along. Turben made out of silk cloth, outerwear with long sleeves made of cotton, and a robe/jacket made of silk. a small sword on the waist and a shield on the back. everyone was looking at this image of Shivaji-Raje with curiosity. the pair of decorated bulls were standing in front of the mansion. shawls of artistic embroidery was on their backs. the plow was brought out of the mansion. the officials, Twelve Bultedar, the city chief, Patil, Kunbi ( one of the upper cast )

were present to see the spectacle. the procession headed towards the Goddesses temple square with drums and other music. Pant raised the hoe, he looked over everyone and struck the ground while saying 'Hail Shiva'. The chant of 'Hail Shiva' was echoed through thousands of mouths. everyone's plow stuck the ground. The destroyed land of Pune was once again plowed by the hands of Shivaji."

From the next day, the town began functioning with relieved hearts. the days were rainy. one day Pant said to Jijau.

"Milady, today I will go to Shivapur with Raje."

"why?"

"It was decided to grow a field of mango trees near the mansion of Shivapur. it will be good if it's done by Raje's hands. The seedlings came last night so I couldn't inform you."

"There's no need to inform about every little thing." Jija-bai said sarcastically.

Dadoji asked startled. "have I ever hidden anything from milady?"

Jija-bai said laughingly. "You did not notify that Swari had married a young wife?"

"Who told you, milady?"

"So you get it now? Lakshmi-bai told me at Shivneri fort. and not only this, but I also know that Lady Tukabai has delivered a son."

"it was left out in all the rush..." Dadoji muttered embarrassingly.