Introduction
Maharashtra is renowned for its warrior forts and Maratha valor, but it also has a lesser-known legacy of palaces built by Maratha rulers, princely states, and local dynasties. These palaces showcase a blend of Maratha architecture, Indo-Saracenic revival style, and European influences that emerged during the colonial era. Some served as residences of Maratha kings, others as administrative centers, and many today function as museums, cultural hubs, or heritage hotels.
List of Palaces in Maharashtra
Pune & Satara Region
- Shaniwar Wada (Pune) – Built in 1732 by the Peshwas; once the grand seat of Maratha power, though destroyed by fire, its ruins still reflect its former magnificence.
- Vishrambaug Wada (Pune) – A 19th-century mansion built by Peshwa Bajirao II; known for exquisite wooden carvings and courtyards.
- Satara Rajwada (Satara) – Residence of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj of Satara; retains Maratha heritage.
Kolhapur
- New Palace (Kolhapur) – Built in 1884 in Indo-Saracenic style; now houses the Chhatrapati Sahu Museum with royal artifacts.
- Old Palace (Bhavani Mandap, Kolhapur) – Earlier royal residence, now a cultural and administrative site.
- Town Hall Palace (Kolhapur) – Neo-Gothic style palace, currently a museum.
Nagpur & Vidarbha
- Nagpur Raj Bhavan (Nagpur Palace) – Originally the residence of the Bhonsle rulers; later adapted for British officials.
- Bhonsle Wadas (Vidarbha region) – Palatial residences of the Nagpur Bhonsle rulers, remnants survive.
Sangli & Solapur
- Sangli Palace – Built by the Patwardhan rulers; Indo-Saracenic palace with spacious grounds.
- Miraj Palace – Seat of the Miraj royal family.
- Solapur Bhuikot Palace – A fortified palace with a mix of Islamic and Maratha styles.
Coastal Maharashtra
- Sawantwadi Palace (Sindhudurg District) – 18th-century palace of the Sawant Bhonsles, still inhabited by descendants; famous for lacquerware and Ganjifa paintings.
Others
- Aundh Palace (Satara District) – Seat of the Pant Pratinidhi rulers; associated with the Aundh Museum.
- Jat Palaces (Sangli region) – Residences of the smaller princely rulers.
- Nilambagh Palace (Bhavnagar influence, border region) – Example of European-style palace architecture linked to Gujarat-Maharashtra cultural overlap.
Closing Note
The palaces of Maharashtra may not match the vast scale of Rajasthan’s or Mysore’s, but they have a unique charm rooted in Maratha traditions and Indo-European experimentation. They highlight the royal elegance behind a warrior culture, offering travelers a chance to explore both grandeur and intimacy in Maharashtra’s aristocratic heritage.