Asia, Europe, and the rest of the world are all different regions.
Experience a holistic lifestyle at Swaswara, located on Om Beach in Gokarna.
If you're looking for accommodation in Shekhawati, consider staying at Piramal Haveli.
For a luxury travel experience in the pilgrim's city, visit Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Lucknow at Clarks Awadh.
Explore the rich heritage of Nagpur by visiting Chitnavis Wada, a grand house in the old city.
During my visit to Nagpur, I had the opportunity to tour Chitnavis Wada, located in the Chitnavispura locality of the Mahal area.
This particular Wada stands out among the rest for its ability to maintain the magnificence and traditional allure of the prestigious houses. I made my way inside by passing through a gate with an arched design and a wooden door. A sign displayed on the outside provided the name and location details of the Wada.
Upon entering the premises of Chitnavis Wada in Nagpur, I was greeted by an array of buildings encircling a spacious courtyard. It was quite challenging to determine whether I had already stepped inside the Wada or was still outside due to the seamless integration of the structures. The construction on the main entrance exuded a sense of being from the colonial period, particularly the wooden blind panels that brought to mind similar architectural features found in Colonial Calcutta.
The tall trees, which are likely older than the nearby buildings, loom over the surroundings. I entered the office as directed, and was greeted by a variety of antique wooden furniture, such as palanquins, wooden boxes, writing desks, and wooden bullock carts, scattered throughout the room. It became clear to me that this was the main Wada. The structures I had seen outside were additional sections that were used as a guest house during the British era.
I received assistance from a man in charge of the location who provided me with a brochure and requested the staff to open the wada for me. My expectations were not high, except for the presence of beautifully carved wooden pillars in the Wada. However, surprises are always lurking nearby, as I first noticed the intricately carved wooden pillars surrounding the front courtyard.
Chitnavis Wada is a traditional mansion or residence with three interconnected courtyards. Similar to the Havelis in Shekhawati, the first courtyard serves as a public space where guests and people conducting business would visit. In this particular Wada, the first courtyard also functions as the office of the family's patriarch.
Chitnavis is the title given to the main documentation officer of a king. The specific Chitnavis being referred to in this context is Rakhmaji Ganesh Randive, who held the position of Chitnavis for the Bhosle kings of Nagpur. Rakhmaji Ganesh Randive arrived in Nagpur in 1744 CE alongside Raghuji – I Bhosle. The Wada, or building, in question was constructed by Rakhmaji Ganesh Randive and is estimated to be around 200 years old based on its stylistic features.
As I entered the initial courtyard of Chitnavis Wada's Deoghar Chowk, I found myself immersed in a vibrant display of paintings. Although the open courtyard now has a wooden covering, the surrounding corridor still boasts a calming mud flooring.
The walls were adorned with artwork showcasing the life of Krishna, which I later learned was the deity of the family. These paintings depicted scenes from famous epics like Mahabharata. Additionally, there were framed lithographs of Raja Ravi Varma's famous paintings.
Located in a specific area of the courtyard, there is a charming wooden temple that bears resemblance to various temples found in Rajasthan. This temple is dedicated to Krishna and is truly a sight to behold. When one sits in front of this temple, they are encompassed by the presence of Krishna. This particular courtyard is appropriately named Deoghar Chowk, signifying its status as the deity's sacred space.
At the next junction called Family or Fountain Chowk, we discovered a door that led us to a courtyard with a charming fountain at its center. Surrounding the fountain was a corridor with a rustic mud floor. We found a spot by the fountain and took a moment to appreciate this humble yet cozy section of the Wada. It was clear that this area was designated for family gatherings, where people would come together to enjoy meals. I could envision the women of the family using this space as a social hub, engaging in casual conversations or basking in the warm sunlight.
Kitchen Junction
We were guided through another doorway that led us to the final junction, which was likely primarily used by the family's staff. This was the location of the kitchen in the past. Here, you can observe the presence of a grinding stone and grooves for pounding. Additionally, there is a well and a Tulsi plant present. Colorful Palkis were scattered in the vicinity.
One intriguing aspect is a tiny aperture in the wall that is linked to the granary. By simply opening the window, one can retrieve the necessary grains for cooking. This can also be referred to as a service area or the behind-the-scenes operations for operating the wada.
Located on the side of this chowk is the Murlidhar Temple, which is the personal temple dedicated to the family deity of the residents of the big wada. The temple follows the Nagar style and consists of a small garbhagriha and a shikhara. Inside the temple, the mandapa is adorned with wooden pillars, a common feature seen in many temples in Nagpur. Additionally, there are small temples of Hanuman and Garuda on either side of the main temple.
When we finish appreciating the inside of Chitnavis Wada, we step outside and appreciate the exquisite woodwork on its exterior. A unique feature of the woodcarvers in this area is a hanging corner displaying a peacock and parrot, which serves as their signature. Additionally, the wada showcases Banana flower endings reminiscent of the Peshwa wadas in Pune.
The higher levels of the building are linked to the guest houses on the outside. The guest houses, which have a colonial design, were possibly utilized for entertaining or accommodating European individuals. Although it is connected to the main wada, this section is distinct and forms a barrier between the family space and the guest space.
Across from the wada, there was a garden designed in the Charbhag style, which means it was divided into four sections by walking paths. The garden has lost some of its original beauty, but I did discover a fascinating old handpump that is still functional.
On top of the Wada building, you have a vantage point to observe the inner courtyards and the Murlidhar temple. Additionally, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city that surrounds it. I had the opportunity to be there during sunset, and the sloping red tiled roofs added a unique ambiance to the scene.
Throughout the years, the current owners of the Wada have made efforts to incorporate modern amenities such as bathrooms. Additionally, a section of the Wada is utilized as an office space for different organizations. They also offer the rental of the venue for occasions like weddings or small gatherings. Visitors can observe the traditional use of wooden planks for serving food.
Currenty, the location mentioned is not accessible to the general public. In order to visit, you must get in touch with the office of Sh Gangadhar Rao Chitnavis Trust. It is recommended to reach out to Architect Nitika Ramani, as she organizes a heritage tour of the Wada.
The time required to see it can range from 1 to 2 hours, depending on how interested you are.
In the alleys surrounding Chitnavis Wada, there are numerous Wadas and temples that you can explore by taking a leisurely stroll.
This piece of writing provides valuable information about Nagpur and I have gained new knowledge about the city. I appreciate the sharing of this article.
Your blog has opened up a whole new world for me. With your captivating narratives and breathtaking pictures, I have been introduced to hidden gems that I didn't even know existed. Your talent for capturing the true spirit of a place is truly extraordinary. Please keep sharing your adventures, as they consistently fuel my desire to explore and travel!
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