Pune, once the seat of power of the Marathas, is a
city located on the confluence of the rivers, Mula and Mutha.
The history of the growth of Pune from a small village, Punawadi, to the fastest growing metropolis in India, is highly impressive. The landscape used to be dotted with temples adorned with beautiful sculptures, built at various points of time. Most of these temples were destroyed in the battles that ensued. In the year 1630 AD, the queen Jijabai Bhosale arrived in Pune with her son Shivaji. Young Shivaji, who was only aged 12, was disturbed by the pathetic plight of the mavals.