Shivsrushti Pratishthan

The Maharaja Shivachhatrapati Pratishthan was officially established on April 7th, 1967, under the inspiring leadership of the late Her Highness Chhatrapati Rajmata Sumitra Raje Bhosale, who had a passion for preserving and promoting the rich history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the undisputed deity of Maharashtra. The organization is where it is today due to the dedicated efforts taken by Shri Babasaheb Purandare, who shared a similar vision and commitment.

 

Although Maasaheb Maharaj is no longer with us, her vision and blessings remain a guiding light, inspiring us to continue with our mission of promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of Maharashtra. Over the past 50 years, Babasaheb has delivered more than 10,000 lectures on various aspects of our beloved Chhatrapati Shivray’s history. His in-depth knowledge and passion for the subject have inspired many to take an interest in preserving the glorious history of the Marathas. The organization has also been involved in various cultural events, exhibitions, and publications that have helped to raise awareness about Maharashtra's glorious past and its contribution to the cultural landscape of India.

 

Behold the majestic and awe-inspiring 350 forts of Maharashtra, standing tall as silent sentinels to history. They are the very last remnants of the Maratha Empire, a tangible link between the contemporary society of Maharashtra and the glorious era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It was from these very forts that the Maratha Empire was established, imbuing them with an immeasurable historical value. Possession of these strategic forts was equivalent to power in the political landscape of that time, for they held the key to ruling the Dakhhan Plateau. Despite the adverse conditions, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj realized his dreams of Swarajya by utilizing these very forts.

However, the wear and tear of time, human negligence, and inadequate heritage protection policies have taken a toll on these physical relics of our past. As per the current legislation for heritage sites, complete restoration and reconstruction is not permissible, and the grandeur of the bygone era can only be guessed at. But fear not, for our visionary leader, Shri Babasaheb Purandare, has developed the grand vision of Shivsrushti, an epic heritage park that will offer a holistic experience of our glorious history.

Shivsrushti is a theme park that collages the architecture of lost forts, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience all the salient features of fort architecture. It will be a cultural park bustling with numerous activities from that era, giving it a live-fort feel. The first phase of this mega project, Sarkar Wada, is now complete and open to the public at Ambegaon near Sinhagad road, Pune. The Sarkar Wada serves as an interpretation of the entire project and comes equipped with an administrative center, research library, multipurpose hall, cafeteria, and exhibition galleries.

Contemporary society and future generations must observe, experience, and follow the philosophy of our visionary king, for showcasing the valor of the Marathas is the primary objective of this grand project. Let us bask in the glory of our past and pave the way for a brighter future.