Pune derives its name from the Marathi language, ‘Punya Nagari’, or ‘the city of virtuous deeds’, given around 1000 A.D. It came under Mughal rule in the 17th century and until circa 1818, it continued to be ruled by various dynasties, especially the Nizamshahi Sultans, Mughals and Marathas. During the mid 17th century, it became the temporary residence of the Maratha King Shivaji. In 1749 A.D, it gained prominence as the capital of the Peshwa, and it was during this period that the city expanded considerably
Pune is inextricably linked to the life of the Maratha hero and king,
Chhatrapati Shivaji. The era of Pune's fame began when Chhatrapati Shivaji came to stay here with his mother Jijabai in 1635-36. They lived in a mansion known as "Lal Mahal," a monument which is a must to visit for any gap year traveler to the city.
The city passed into British rule after the defeat of Marathas in the Battle of Ashti in 1818. Army bases established by the British on the outskirts of the city were later converted into cantonments of Pune and Khadki and the Pune Municipality was established in 1858.
Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister after Independence from the British in 1947 named Pune ‘the Oxford of the East’, due to the well known academic and research institutions in the city and its popularity amongst students. The temperate climate of the city is responsible for the green campuses of many colleges, and the prevalent academic mindset amongst Punekars helps nurture research and higher education, giving the city a very young and vibrant culture that welcomes gap year travelers.
There is a long history of
Horse Racing in Pune and it has a lovely and well used race course. Due to the climate there are a large number of breeding and training stables in the area and a couple of times a year the great and good of the equine world descend on Pune for the stock auctions. There is not a room to be found anywhere in the city and huge amounts of money change hands in these sales.