Pilaji Jadhavrao, a prominent commander in Shahu Maharaj’s (the first Maharaja of Kolhapur) army, built four strategic monuments in four locations around Pune to protect the Peshwas’ capital — small forts at Vagholi near Nagar, Nanded and Sangamwadi, and one called Jadhavgadh at Saaswad. While the other three fell into ruin, Jadhavgadh was turned into Maharashtra’s first heritage fort hotel — Fort Jadhavgadh Hotel.
Pilaji’s 11th generation successor Dada Jadhavrao and his sons were approached by many hotel groups but they struck a deal with the Kamat Group of Hotels and leased out the property for an initial period of 60 years. Jadhavgadh is actually a seven-storeyed gadhi (small fort), of which two storeys are below ground level. The basic structure of the gadhi is kept intact by the Kamats, the lessees. Although the restorers have given the old fort a plush, modern look, it does not clash with the original appearance of the structure.
At the base or paythaa of the gadhi is a parking lot. The visitor climbs a series of stone steps to reach the tall and heavy entrance door. The hotel staff are all dressed traditionally, the women in nine-yard saris and the men in angarkhas and dhotis with Maratha turban.
The Kamats have made an effort to preserve the flora and fauna around Jadhavgadh. “We keep food and water for the wild deer in a secluded area near the fort so that our guests have natural surroundings,” says Vishal Kamat, executive director of the Kamat Group of Hotels. There are many species of butterflies around and the hotel wants to provide a favourable environment for them, adds Kamat.
Owls of different species findperches on the fort walls, which have not been affected by the revamp. It is an impressive sight when the owls leave their perches at dusk, against the backdrop of the huge stone walls of the gadhi.
Jadhavgadh also has a small museum, which holds a collection of antique items that belonged to the royal family over a span of four or five centuries.
While restoring the gadhi, the original rainwater harvesting system was discovered. It has been converted to feed a swimming pool. The royal kitchens, on the other hand, have been turned into a spa for hotel guests and visitors.
The Jadhav family says it gives them a “peculiar feeling” to see the same dilapidated fort where they spent their childhoods now converted and renovated.
Says Rajaseth Jadhavrao, son of Dadasaheb and Damayanti Jadhavrao, “It was difficult to take care of a vast monument like this. What better way for us than to turn it into a heritage hotel. The property is being maintained, and our family name is also becoming well known.”
Among the many historical artifacts in the fort is an enormous black stone disc whose curatorial label reads “elephant’s plate”. The story goes that this was the plate of one king’s favourite elephant, off which he ate his meals. This elephant was known to climb five storeys to be fed personally by his royal master. This along with old earthen pots and kitchenware can be seen in the hotel.
Every fort needs a secret passage. The family claims that a 20 km long tunnel was discovered on the property which leads from Jadhavgadh to Jejuri fort . This and other such new “finds” are placarded now at this heritage property.
