Rautrao Dhamalewada Belawade

Rautrao Dhamalewada

The Glorious and Prosperous Mulshi:
Wade – Rautrao Dhamale Wade, Belawade

Hello friends,
Today we are going to learn about the historical wada of Sardar Rautrao Dhamale from the village of Belawade in the Mulshi Taluka.
Located on the Pune-Kolad Road, 10 km from Paud village, in the village of Belawade, the two east-facing, spacious wadas of the Dhamale Deshmukh family still stand tall, showcasing both the glory of Mulshi and the loyalty of the Dhamale Deshmukhs to Swarajya.

The glorious history of the Dhamale Deshmukh family from the Maval region is proudly reflected in these wadas. One of the wadas has been renovated by its descendants, bringing the history and valor of the Dhamale Deshmukhs to life. Upon entering the village, you are drawn to the wada, and as you stand in front of it, the ornate arches and the solid construction catch your eye. The 8-foot-high door frame, in good condition, with a newly installed door, gives a sense of grandeur at the entrance to the wada.

Once you enter through the door, the robust stone construction and the neatly arranged stones show off the wada’s elegance. The wooden work on the two side sofas blends old and new carpentry techniques. As you stand facing forward, the arches above, along with the ones on the sides, lead you up to the second floor after climbing four or five steps. Once on the second floor, the three rooms, accessed through the side corridor, display a blend of old forest-style construction.

At the back of the wada, as you step outside, the strong fortifications around the wada showcase the grandeur and prosperity of both the wada and the Dhamale Deshmukhs.

Looking at this wada, the history of the Dhamale Deshmukhs comes to life—those who supported Shivaji Maharaj from the very beginning of the establishment of Swarajya. The weapons displayed in the royal hall—swords, spears, daggers, cutlasses, muskets, and shields—send a shiver down your spine.

From the newly renovated wada, just a short distance away, the old wada, which was burned down, still stands, holding some remnants of its former glory. The long and wide steps, the door, the stonework, and the arches give a clear impression of the grandeur of this wada. This old, dilapidated wada was built by Rautrao Dhamale.

The Dhamale Deshmukh family has been a prominent name in the Paud valley since the time of Swarajya. They owned the forts of Ghangad and Korigad. Lohgad, Tung, and Tikona were also under their rule. Later, when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj took an oath to establish Swarajya, the Dhamale Deshmukhs remained steadfast and loyal to Swarajya until the end.

The Dhamale Deshmukhs were the rulers of 79 villages. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s aunt, Patalabai, was the wife of Azojirav Dhamale Deshmukh. Shivaji Maharaj had given two villages for the ornaments (choli and bangles) of Patalabai.

The title “Rautrao” was the highest title given to the Dhamale Deshmukhs. Chandrarao Dhamale fought on the front lines with his army during the battle of Pratapgad. Ranaji Rautrao Dhamale was also a great warrior from this family.

We will also be sharing more information about Sardar Rautrao Dhamale, the leader of the Dhamale Deshmukh family from Mulshi.

Photo Credits: Vikas Chaudhary, Pirangut

Thank you,
Research and Information Gathering – Akash Ravindra Marne, Marnewadi Uravade, Mulshi
Editing – Hemant Wavle, Bharegaon Mulshi
Team Mulshi