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From the establishment to the valiant history of the past, the Maratha Empire is one of the strongest empires that India has experienced in its past. If you are intrigued by the rich history of the Maratha Empire and want a glimpse into it, a visit to the Maratha History Museum in Pune is a must. If you have a passion for history and are particularly curious about the lives of the mythical Maratha kings, this museum has them all. As you are planning your trip to Pune next, ensure that you are spending a few hours exploring the iconic Maratha History Museum too.
Quick Details
Maratha History Museum Address: Deccan College Road, Yerawada, Pune, Maharashtra 411006
Maratha History Museum Timings: 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM (Closed on weekends)
Maratha History Museum Ticket Price: ₹30 (for adults), ₹10 (for children)
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Nearest Airport: Pune International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Pune Junction Railway Station
About Maratha History Museum
Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Maratha History Museum, part of Deccan College Post Graduate and Research Institute in Pune, is a museum that focuses on Maratha history, specifically the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire. Established in 1939, the museum houses galleries and exhibits featuring original Maratha artefacts such as armour, swords, cannons, manuscripts, and letters.
Notable attractions include rare letters written by Maharaj and his contemporaries. The museum is popular among tourists, students, and scholars interested in understanding the Maratha Empire’s existence and aftermath. The collection covers various aspects of Maratha life, from military history to everyday objects, providing a comprehensive experience.
How To Reach Maratha History Museum
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The Maratha History Museum Maharashtra is located in Yerwada in Pune, which is quite centrally located, making it easily accessible for tourists.
By Air: If you are flying to Pune from one of the nearby cities, you’d have to land at Pune International Airport. There are taxis and autos available outside the airport to take you to the museum.
By Rail: The closest railway station is Pune Junction, situated about 7 km from the museum. Once you step outside the station, there are auto-rickshaws, taxis, or local buses, which will take you to the museum in under 30 minutes.
By Road: For a much more seamless travel experience, especially if you are driving, Pune is well-connected to nearby cities, especially via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, NH48 and other state highways. There are several transportation options like taxis, autos, public buses and even driving by yourself.
Things To Do At Maratha History Museum
As you are planning your next getaway to the museum, a well-planned itinerary ensures that you don’t miss out on any unique experiences.
1. Explore The Artefacts And Relics From The Maratha Era
Photo: P. Jeganathan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The main highlight of this museum is its impressive collection of Maratha-era artefacts, ranging from ancient weaponry to regal attire. Exploring these individual artefacts lets you visualise the Maratha rulers’ daily lives, military strategies, and cultural practices. The museum features a stunning display of Maratha weaponry, including swords, shields, and spears, some of which are believed to have been used by Shivaji Maharaj’s army. Also, you get to witness the clothes and jewellery that were used by the royals and the armies during that time. The coins used during the Maratha reign are displayed in the museum too.
2. Learn About Maratha Warfare And Military Tactics
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If there’s one thing about the Maratha Empire that you can’t leave behind, it is their warfare and military tactics. Their unparalleled military skills are still used as an inspiration. At the museum, special exhibits and displays focus on the various strategies and tactics that the Maratha army employed during their numerous battles and campaigns. The museum houses detailed models of the forts constructed or captured by the Marathas, including the iconic Raigad Fort and Pratapgad Fort. These models explain the significance of Maratha fort-building techniques, which were critical in their defence strategy.
3. Immerse Yourself In Maratha Culture
Photo: P. Jeganathan / Wikimedia Commons
To further immerse yourself in the Maratha culture, you need to head to the section of the museum where the manuscripts and the documents lie. This part of the museum is a haven for history enthusiasts and scholars since you get to explore the extensive collection of ancient manuscripts, treaties, and letters that document important events in Maratha history. You can see rare manuscripts, some of which detail the laws and decrees issued by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and other Maratha rulers. The museum also preserves correspondence between the Maratha rulers and other Indian kings and foreign envoys.
4. Watch Interactive Exhibits And Short Films
Photo: AsiaCultureCenter / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Since the museum is located inside the campus of a college, there are often events held inside the museum, which you can be a part of. The museum often hosts numerous audio-visual experiences, which are quite fascinating to unfold. Some sections of the museum feature touchscreen displays where visitors can learn about Maratha leaders, battles, and important historical moments through digital reconstructions and detailed explanations. The mini theatre in the museum screens short films and documentaries that provide comprehensive narratives of Maratha history.
Places To Visit Around Maratha History Museum
After finishing exploring the museum, there are adjoining tourist attractions that you have to visit without fail.
1. Aga Khan Palace
Photo: Charlie Heng / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
The Aga Khan Palace is one of Pune’s most important historical landmarks. The palace’s construction dates back to 1892 when it was constructed by Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III. However, the main reason why the palace is remembered is for its contribution to India’s freedom struggle. It was here that Mahatma Gandhi, along with his wife Kasturba Gandhi, was imprisoned during the Quit India Movement in 1942.
Distance From Museum: 6.2 km
Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
2. Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
Photo: आर्या जोशी / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Another nearby museum that offers you a glimpse into the rich history, culture and heritage of India is the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum. This quirky and fascinating museum features a collection of over 20,000 artefacts, ranging from musical instruments to sculptures, pottery, paintings, and more. Established by Dr Dinkar G. Kelkar, it was built in memory of his son, Raja, from where it derives its name.
Distance From Museum: 6.9 km
Timings: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
3. Sinhagad Fort
Photo: Lobodrl / Wikimedia Commons
Among the most iconic forts in Pune, Sinhagad Fort happens to be one that you can’t miss out on exploring. The fort is famous for the Battle of Sinhagad in 1670, where the Maratha general Tanaji Malusare led a brave attack to recapture the fort from the Mughals. Although the fort is now largely in ruins, the trek to the top offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it a must-visit destination.
Distance From Museum: 34.1 km
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Where To Stay & Eat
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Pune is a popular tourist attraction, so when you are planning your visit, ensure that you pre-book your accommodation in the area. Some of the popular hotels and resorts from the museum include Jugglers Backpack, Itsy Hotels Prince Regency, Treebo Serenity Inn and The Voyage.
There are no cafeterias or eating spots inside the museum so if you wish to indulge in some authentic Marathi cuisine and try out an amazing meal, there are numerous local eateries and restaurants around including Sai Zaika Restaurant, Urvashi’s Kitchen, Karan’s and Ajay Restaurant.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Andréas BRUN / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Given how popular the Maratha History Museum, is, keep the following pointers in consideration:
- To avoid long queues, you can secure the bookings of your tickets online.
- The museum and nearby attractions may involve walking, so wear comfortable shoes.
- If you plan to spend a significant amount of time exploring the museum and its surroundings, bring water and snacks.
- When you are inside the museum, avoid touching the exhibits or damaging them in any form.
- Take Maratha History Museum photos and the surrounding attractions to preserve your memories.
Maratha History Museum Pune is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. If you are intrigued by the history of the Maratha empire and want to get a glimpse into the life and the struggles of the rulers of the Maratha empire, you will find all the answers inside the museum. You can plan your next trip to the museum with TripXL the next time you are vacationing in Pune.
Cover Photo: SHIVREKHA / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
