About 5 km from Manchar, along the banks of the Ghod River, lies a small village called Pimpalgaon Khadki, located in Ambegaon Taluka, Pune district. It is situated approximately 70 km from Pune and 180 km from Mumbai. The nearest major town to reach the village is Manchar. Although now a relatively unknown village, Pimpalgaon Khadki was once an important location during the Peshwa era. The village was granted as a gift (andan) by the Holkar to Baburao Manaji Waghmare-Patil, the son-in-law of Malharrao Holkar. Baburao Waghmare constructed a magnificent mansion (wada) measuring 100 x 100 feet and also built a fortification wall surrounding the entire village. Though the mansion has now completely vanished, its foundation platform (chauthara) still survives. ... As one enters the village by crossing the Ghod River, a grand fort-like gateway comes into view, giving the impression of a land fort (Bhuikot Killa). Despite the degradation of much of the fortification over time, this main gate still stands strong. It is constructed from finely cut stone and flanked by two round bastions. The upper parts of the structure are built with bricks. Both sides of the gateway feature carvings of Sharabh (a mythical creature), and decorative lotus motifs are embedded in the stonework. The bastions and the upper part of the gate include loopholes (jangya) for musket fire. The original wooden gate is still in place, including a smaller wicket door (dindi Darwaja) for everyday use. Inside the gate, arched alcoves (devdi) on both sides served as watchmen's stations. There are also broad stone stairways leading to the bastions and the top of the gate. Some sections of the stone-built fort wall near the entrance also remain intact. Upon entering the village through this gate, one encounters the Lakshmi Narayan and Kalbhairav Nath temples, both restored but of old origin. Proceeding along the village path toward the river reveals the cenotaph (Chatri-style memorial) of Baburao Waghmare-Patil. Originally, this memorial structure was likely supported by just eight intricately carved stone pillars, but later brick infill walls were added to enclose it. Built by Avchitrav Waghmare-Patil, the son of Baburao, this cenotaph is a fine example of Maratha-Rajput architectural style. In the centre of the platform are a Shivling and a Vishnu pad symbol. An inscription in Marathi inside the cenotaph reads: Shri Ganeshaya Namaha. In the glorious time of King Malhar Rao Holkar. His daughter Udabai was born. Udabai became well-known. In the Shaka year 1711, on the 9th day of the bright half of Chaitra month (Navami)...This Chatri was built by Avchitrav Waghmare-Patil, son of Baburao Manaji Patil Waghmare, of village Khadki, in memory of his father and for spiritual upliftment. A second similar inscription can be seen above the gate leading down to the riverbank. Nearby, there is a small Shiva temple with a beautifully carved Nandi idol in front. Around the cenotaph, remnants of the Waghmare family's mansion platform and sections of the village’s fort walls (Nagarkot) are still visible. A short distance from the cenotaph lies another collapsed platform, with a Shivling and Nandi placed upon it. Behind the cenotaph, one finds the second gate of the fort, a small gateway built between two bastions. This gate has no carvings. Along the river, Avchitrav Waghmare-Patil built a beautifully crafted stone Ghat (steps). The area around the cenotaph and river is fortified with a stone wall, complete with a gate leading to the Ghat. One can descend this gate’s steps to reach the river. The second inscription mentioned earlier is located on this river gate. The stonework of this fortification is in good condition, and there are two bastions at both ends of this riverside wall. This marks the end of the heritage walk through Pimpalgaon Khadki, which can comfortably be completed in about an hour. Historically, Malharrao Holkar had three children – Udabai, Santubai, and Khanderao. His daughter Udabai Holkar was married to Baburao Manaji Waghmare-Patil of Pimpalgaon Khadki. As dowry (cholibangdi), Malharrao gifted this village to Udabai. The Waghmare-Patil family built their mansion and the fort wall for protection. After Baburao’s passing, Udabai and her son Avchitrav erected the memorial cenotaph and constructed the Ghat along the Ghod River. The inscriptions inside the cenotaph and above the river gate bear testimony to this historical episode.
© Suresh Nimbalkar