Panshet, also known as Pandavgad, is a small village located in the Pune district of Maharashtra, India. The village is situated on the banks of the Ambi River and is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and the Panshet Dam, which is a popular tourist destination. However, the history of Panshet goes back much further than the construction of the dam.
Panshet is also home to several temples and ancient structures, including the Pandavgad Fort and the Bhairavnath Temple. The fort is believed to have been built by the Pandavas, the heroes of the Indian epic Mahabharata, during their exile. The Bhairavnath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Bhairava, is an ancient temple that is said to have been built in the 8th century.
The earliest recorded history of Panshet can be traced back to the 8th century AD, during the reign of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. The village was part of the Khandesh region, which was ruled by the Rashtrakutas. The region was known for its strategic location, as it was situated on the trade route between the Deccan plateau and the ports of the west coast.
During the 17th century, Panshet was ruled by the Maratha warrior king Shivaji. He built several forts in the region, including the Kavade Kondhana Fort, which is located near Panshet. The fort was built to protect the trade route from the Portuguese and the Mughals. It served as an important strategic point for the Marathas during their conflicts with the Mughals and the British.
The village of Panshet is surrounded by lush green hills and beautiful waterfalls, making it a popular spot for camping, hiking and trekking. The trek to the nearby Kavade Kondhana Fort is a popular activity among visitors.
The British East India Company began to expand their influence in the region in the early 18th century. They were initially engaged in a bitter struggle with the Marathas for control of the region. However, after the defeat of the Marathas in the Third Anglo-Maratha War, the British gained control of Panshet and the surrounding area.
The British established a colonial settlement in Panshet and developed the region as a center for trade and agriculture. They also constructed several buildings, including a church and a school, in the village. The British also built the Panshet Dam in the early 1950s, which was the first dam built on the Ambi River. The dam was constructed to provide irrigation and hydroelectric power to the region.
During the Indian independence movement, Panshet played a significant role. The village was an important center of resistance against British rule, and several freedom fighters from the region played a key role in the struggle for independence.
After India gained independence in 1947, Panshet and the surrounding area became a part of the newly formed state of Maharashtra. The Panshet Dam became a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the country. In recent years, the village has seen a steady increase in tourism, thanks to the growing popularity of adventure sports such as camping, paragliding and hot air ballooning.
In conclusion, Panshet is a village with a rich history that goes back centuries. Its strategic location and natural resources have played a key role in shaping the region's history. From the 8th century AD to the present day, Panshet has been under the rule of various dynasties, and was a key point of resistance during the Indian independence movement. Today, Panshet is best known for its picturesque beauty and the Panshet Dam, which is a popular tourist destination. The village's rich history, combined with its natural beauty, makes it a fascinating and worth visiting place.
