Pune: Pune Metro’s Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Udyan Station to Adopt Mavala Pagdi Design
PUNE – Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Udyan Station, an upcoming stop on the Pune Metro line, will feature a unique design inspired by the traditional Mavala Pagdi – the distinct headgear worn by the Mavalas, the brave comrades of Shivaji Maharaj.
The Mavala Pagdi, known for its pointed sides and flat top, served as a protective measure against thick branches and thorns in dense forests during wars. This design element will now be immortalized as part of the metro station’s architecture, signifying the city’s deep-rooted history and culture.
The construction process of this innovative model employs resin casting. This method involves filling a mold with a liquid synthetic resin that later hardens, forming the desired structure.
Initially, local sculptors from Pune created a detailed clay sculpture of the Mavala Pagdi. Subsequently, a flexible wax mold was made based on this sculpture. The resin mixture, prepared by combining resin and a hardener in almost equal proportions, was then poured into the wax mold.
Following a curing period, the hardened resin structure was carefully removed from the mold. This process ensured the creation of a detailed and durable representation of the Mavala Pagdi, which would stand as a symbol of Pune’s rich historical legacy.
Pune Metro announced that the work on the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Udyan Station is nearing completion, with the final stages of the project currently in progress. This distinctive station is expected to be a point of pride for Pune’s residents and a fascinating glimpse into its history for visitors.
