#HousesOfIndia Story 61 - Raste

Pune, known for the dynasty of the Peshwas, is also associated with a unique architectural style, the Wada. Many Wadas were built during the Peshwa era - Raste Wada is one such grand structure from the Peshwa era.

It is the oldest privately owned Wada in Pune, and is currently occupied by Mr. Kumar Raste, his son Madhav and their family.

The home was built between 1779 and 1784 for Rs. 9 lakh by Anandrao Bhikaji Raste, the Peshwa cavalry's commander-in-chief and founder of Rasta Peth (formerly Shivpuri Peth). Mr. Kumar and his son are the 9th and 10th generation living in the house.

Raste Wada is one of the largest Wadas still surviving in modern day Pune. Mr. Raste’s son is an agriculturalist (“just a fancy word for a farmer”, he says!). 

Located in Rasta Peth (formerly Shivpuri Peth), the historical significance of the Raste Wada in the city of Pune in undeniable. Its total area covers 5 acres, while the house itself is 11,000 sq. mt.

It has 5 stories, is surrounded by a thick wall, two quadrangular open spaces and several halls and rooms. The gateway holds a two-storeyed structure and is of heavy woodwork. The main entrance is marked by an austere yet imposing gateway with massive woodwork, upholding a two-storeyed structure.

The family in undeniably proud of their heritage and the historical significance the home holds for them. What they demand from the government is to “Sensitise people about the importance of conserving the heritage of the house, as well as the privacy of the people living in the house.” They also want lesser restrictions in maintaining the house as the current heritage laws allow only certain renovations of a heritage structure (heritage houses have definite rules about materials that can be used to renovate it). They are not looking for financial help, they want to clarify. “It is our pride that we are maintaining this house”, says Mr. Kumar Raste.

This Photo Essay was made exclusively for Housing.com for their campaign 'Houses of India'.

Venky S

Published in Femina

#HousesOfIndia Story 18 - Heritage

This heritage house in Old Ahmedabad in Gujarat, is testament to around 200 years of history, and the journey of the Mehta family, who painstakingly restored it to its former glory.

A 'pol' pronounced like pole in Gujarati, is a housing cluster comprising many families of a particular group, linked by caste, profession, or religion. This beautiful home, is one such housing complex.

The Mehta family lives in this beautiful home - Mr. Jagdeep, his wife, their 3 children, and his parents. The house is more than 200 years old, and was in a dilapidated condition until the family restored it to its past glory in the early 2000s. But this journey, was not easy. It took almost 2 years to restore the house, and it was proving to be a financial burden on them since no banks were willing to give them loans because the condition of the house was so bad.

As soon as you enter the house, you walk into courtyard, also known as the 'chowk'. The family receives guests here, and it also doubles up as their living room, where they spend time after dinner. The chowk is surrounded by a walkway that connects to all the rooms of the house. This walkway is called the 'padari'. During festivals, the chowk is decorated with beautiful rangoli.

The entire Mehta family is artistically inclined. Mausam and Malka, twin sisters, are doing their PHDs in spiritual music and 'bhavai' (a genre of folk dance popular in Gujarat & Rajasthan) respectively. Mr. Mehta, who works in a power company, also has a musical orchestra.

Along with vintage handmade furniture, the house is also full of interesting artefacts that would be very difficult to find today; like the ancient steaming machine in the picture, which is used to keep the water warm while shaving!

The house is now a favourite of local and national film makers, and has made an appearance in several television shows and films, the latest one being Kai Po Che, which was shot on the terrace!

After several months of trying to get the renovation started on the house, and dealing with uncooperative bank officials, it started off with a bang once people realised its historical significance. An expert in Italian art history, Mr Pierre Cardiff flew in from France and educated the family on the Italian carvings found on the ceiling, the Belgian painted glass windows and lamp holders, the earthquake resistant structure of the house, and so on. For years, the same house that was in ruins, was actually a treasure trove of old interior design from all around the world!

Students from institutions like NID and IIM, and even art students from foreign universities, visit the house and spend days on end studying the architecture and design. Recently, the Mehtas also hosted the mayor of Ahmedabad in their home.

During summers when the schools are closed, the neighbourhood children come to this chowk for dance lessons conducted by Malka, and drawing lessons held by Mausam, Mr. Mehta's twin daughters. 

Under the Gujarat tourism scheme, the family has also been approached to turn the house into a homestay, so travellers get an opportunity to live in an authentic Gujarati house!

This Photo Essay was made exclusively for Housing.com for their campaign 'Houses of India'.