FORT JADHAVGADH

Urban Design – Case Study

 History and Introduction

Fort Jadhavgadh, built in 1710 is a small fortress sprawled over 25 acres, now converted into a Maharashtra’s only Fort
Heritage Hotel. It is situated in beautiful rolling hills located away from Pune on Old Pune- Satara Road.

The Fort is an fine example of Maratha craftsmanship and was built by Pilaji Jadhavrao, Maratha General in army of
Chhatrapati Shahuji, grandson of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Vitthal Kamath, a Indian Hotelier and Environmentalist decided to restore and revitalize the fort in 2007-08. He has also
created a museum by reusing and reviving the fort’s horse and elephant stable houses called “Aai Museum”, dedicated to all
the mothers of the world.

With its 300 year- old heritage combined with breathtaking views of Sahyadri mountain range, it is the best attempt to
conserve its cultural heritage and revisit historical, royal tales attached to it.

The practical architecture of fort lacks decorative carvings, but is durable stone and woodwork have endured. Walls of inner
side of the fort are still intact, while outer walls needed some changes.
 Aim and Typology

History and Fort Tourism today has become a major industry.

Also, there is a need of preserving and protecting forts and at the same time there is a need to
educate people and create employment.

Both of these needs/ aims are fulfilled by while reincarnation of Fort Jadhavgadh into a
Heritage Fort Hotel, where everything has its root ensconced in history.

Revitalization of this fort has not only created a luxurious and royal tourist destination but has
also created employment chances for many.

Typology – Revitalization (to boost economy and conversation)

 Before

Temple
Ruins
near fort Dindi Darwaja - Door

Outside view of Chhajja

Fort
Inside Outer
the fort Walls
 Before

Main Pillars
Entrance in fort

Top View of Fort Staircase inside the fort

Outer Wall beside main entrance

 After

Temple
(renovated)

Aai Museum Kund – Swimming Pool

Top View of Fort

Outer wall
beside
entrance
 After

Outer View
of Fort
Jadhavgadh
Inner
view of
the fort
 Conclusion

Fort Jadhavgadh has setup a beautiful example of historical and cultural place can also be served for tourism.

Preservation and Protection of more such historical places is needed. Not as a Hotel or Resort, these places
should conserved as their purpose in best way possible.

Public-Private Interaction can try preservation and conversation of our historical heritage sites.
So, that they can create employment as well as collect revenue for government.

Our focus should be to enable people to enjoy and learn about the natural, historical and cultural
characteristics of various forts in Maharashtra while preserving the integrity of forts and stimulating the
economic development opportunities in local communities.