MARATHA ARCHITECTURE

Darshita Shetye
 ARCHITECTURE OF Maharashtra
• Maharashtra, India is famous for its caves and rock cut architecture. It is
said that the varieties found in Maharashtra are wider than the caves and
rock-cut architecture found in the rock cut areas of Egypt, Assyria, Persia
and Greece.
• The Buddhist monks first started these caves in the 2nd century BC.
• Later, Hindu cave temples at Ajanta and Ellora became finest designs of
human art.
• The Buddhist caves particularly the older ones are either temples (
Chaityas ) or monasteries ( Viharas ).
 MARATHA ARCHITECTURE
• The Maratha Empire was founded by the Maratha warrior-hero Chhatrapati Shivaji.
• Maratha temples , built between the mid-seventeenth and early nineteenth centuries in
Maharashtra were influenced by the preceding traditions of Hindu temple architecture of Yadavas
and the religious and secular buildings of Deccani Sultanates and Mughals .
• Maratha Empire were constantly at war against the Mughal Empire, therefore several fortifications
were built throughout the area including Shaniwar Wada , Pratapgad , Raigad and Mangad, Shivaji
also built the Lal Mahal in Pune.
ARCHITECTURE OF WADAS IN
MAHARASHTRA

Wadas are a rich and cherished architectural heritage in Maharashtra, reflecting the pride,
religion, culture, traditions and the turbulent history of Marathas. A form of housing in
the past, Wadas today are being re-used and preserved as cultural and architectural
heritage. The elements, spatial planning, ornamentation, fenestrations, religious influence
and overall design philosophy are some of the highlights of the emergence of Wada
Architecture. The architectural design ,layouts were affected by various cultural factors of
which rituals and religion are an important aspect. The form and design developed on the
basis of their daily activities and spaces needed to undertake those activities.
SPACES IN A WADA.

• Osari : It i s the transition space or verandah . It is semi open space or a passage or spill
out space for activities.
• Dewadi : A verandah for guards.
• Sadrecha Sopa: Open to courtyard, verandah space use for administrative activities,
usually in the first or central courtyard .
• Kacheri : Office: It is the administrative department in the first or central.
• Khalbhatkhana : Negotiation Room . It was a semi -public space where
discussions/decisions place.
• Diwankhana : Living room . Huge hall for formal meetings . It is planned just above
osari and dewadi.
• Majghar : Middle room. From this part, the private area is segregated from the public
area. Generally, women & family members use it. It is a private hall .
• Devghar : Prayer Room. Tijory : Treasury
• Gotha: Cow-pen in the backyard of a house.
• Swayampak Ghar : Kitchen. Kothar : Store room. 
• Spaces are arranged about a central space which is the main bedroom.
• The plan is a rough 7×7 grid.
Different Types Of Doors, Brackets And Windows
• Doors: Different types of doors depict the wealth and the social status of the owner. The more
decorated the door is the wealthier the family while the simple doors belonged to middle class
family.

• Windows: Windows are of two types: half windows and full windows.

1. Half windows had four opening panels two above and two below depending on the weather and
purpose the window panels were opened.

2. The full windows were designed with cravings and had two panels.
Brackets:
The brackets are the end details done on the beam. These details were either depending the family and
heritage or were influenced by the Asian designs of dragons and lotus.
Wall Niches
It is the 18th century feature. It was made to put candles/ diyas inside them as they protect the light from
wind.

Wadas have journeyed a long way since the start, and though not many have survived but these beautifully designed and
decorated houses have become a significant part of the Maratha Architecture. Many of the preserved wadas are used as
temples or museums but very few are inhabited by people. The wadas play an important role in shaping the architectural
map of Maharashtra as the cravings and decoration were not just established but were inspired by Indo-Saracenic, Chinese
and Rajasthani style of Architecture.  Few notable wadas include Shaniwar Wada, Dhepe Wada, Nana Wada, Vishrambaug
Wada, as these wadas have survived the test of time and are used in movies to portray the perfect scene.
ELEVATION:

• A stepped pyramidal structure with sloping roofs.

• No open terrace and minimal openings.
 SECTIONAL PLAN SHOWING THE ZONING INSIDE THE WADA

VILLAGE GATHERINGS:
•Gatherings of males of the village happened daily in the evenings after the days work.
•Sometimes small scale social functions also happen here.
•This activity is completely public and thus no privacy is required.

1.Front verandah for minor  and personal gatherings

2.A large courtyard suitable for holding mini functions
3.Seating outside the main gate.
 BUILDING MATERIALS :
•Building materials are completely local:
•Framework is done by teakwood found in the jungles nearby.
•Wherever stone is used, (most importantly as a plinth) is local stone. Grey granite is found in the region.
•Walls are made up off a mixture of mud + straw + cow dung.
•The walls are coloured with lime mixed with indigo, to give a light blue colour.
•The tiles used on the roof are burnt clay tiles

1.Timber framework
2.Light blue color of the walls
3.Mud walls
GRAND ENTRANCE

Though entries to all residences in the village are big, the main gate to a haveli is the largest measuring about
3m x 3m and outer walls being 5m tall.

ORNAMENTATIONS
•Maximum decorations found in the haveli are in the front verandah in the columns and doors. These is most importantly to show
off.
 THANKING
YOU

Darshita
Shetye