In the old areas of Pune, India, one can come across many magnificent Wadas (mansions). These Wadas were constructed primarily during the 18th and 19th centuries during the Peshwa period, and they offer insight into the history and culture of India during that time. Today, some Wadas are in a crumbling state, while others have been carefully restored. Some of them continue to house residents, who may sometimes be the descendants of the original owners.
A very short distance east of the glorious Shaniwar Wada, along an inner lane, is Mujumdar Wada, built by Sardar Mujumdar in 1770. This Wada isn't just intact, it is still in use as a residence. During the era it was constructed, the title ‘Mujumdar’ referred to the tax collector.
The Mujumdar Wada features wooden architecture, narrow staircases, artistic décor, spacious courtyards with wells and trees, and mysterious rooms with arched windows overlooking the narrow streets below. When they were first constructed, Wadas like these served as the residences of high-ranking officials and dignitaries. Some of the most important meetings and discussions concerning the politics and administration of that era often took place within these Wadas.
Within one of the Mujumdar Wada's rooms, there is a small museum with a fascinating collection of rare books, letters, musical instruments and miscellaneous artefacts. The arches in the Wada have banana flower motifs, symbolic of the Peshwa era. Above the front door, there are leaf symbols, which were once the emblems of the tax collector. Vintage furniture and old paintings have been carefully preserved in the ancient rooms. There is a sense of quaint, old world charm everywhere in the mansion.
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