Mahatma Phule market may bloom into tourist spot

Politicians propose development of veggie market into place of historical importance

Mahatma Phule market may bloom into tourist spot

Politicians propose development of veggie market into place of historical importance

Part of history: The Mahatma Phule market in Shukrawar Peth.
Pic/Krunal Gosavi

The building comes under Grade I of the heritage list prepared by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). It was earlier known as the Lord Reay Industrial Museum and Market and was renamed Mahatma Phule Mandai in early 20th century. The stone structure has been built in gothic style of architecture was used as a cattle market in the late 19th century. The first cinema hall Aryan and another old theatre Minerva were demolished 25 years ago and converted into parking lots. It has been functioning as a vegetable market for over 100 years now.

Tourist ingredients
"The market is surrounded by places of historical interest. People come here not only to purchase vegetables and fruits, but they also visit Tulshibaug and the Dagdusheth Ganpati Mandal," said Misal.u00a0 She said if the proposal goes through, then vendors could try other businesses. "They can diversify to sell a variety of items in the market," she said.

Ganesh Bidkar, Standing Committee chairman, PMC, said the final decision would be made in consultation with other committee members.

Cultural heritageu00a0
Kiran Kalamdani, conservation architect, who had earlier submitted a conservation plan for the structure, said the 6.5 acres of mandai complex was a unique example of Victorian Gothic structure constructed by local contractor Raobahaddur Vasudeo Bapuji Kanitkar, under the supervisio of Meliss, a British engineer in 1885.

"Acharya P K Atre, writer, journalist and social activist, renamed the place after social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule in 1938," Kalamdani said. "Earlier, this place was also surrounded by theatres, photo studios and Shiva temples. The legacy of this place should be maintained by the current generation by giving it a new look and at the same time maintaining its old flavor. Mahatma Gandhi, Lokmanya Tilak and even Jawaharlal Nehru have given speeches in here before Independence."

History of market
The Mahatma Phule market at Shukrawar Peth and Chhatrapti Shivaji Market in Cantonment were constructed by British engineers Meliss and Ducat around the same time in 1885. Phule market was for vegetables and Shivaji market for sale of beef, fish, chicken and other non-vegetarian items. "Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, who was a social reformer, had strongly objected to making the Reay Museum a vegetable market. Ironically, Phule's name was given to the same place on his memory," said Dr V D Divekar, a history scholar.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels