Pune was known as Punnaka - an agricultural settlement in the 8th century. The earliest evidences found (copper plates of 758 A. D. and of 768 A. D.) from the region reveal that the Rashtrakootas ruled this region during the same period. At that time, Pune was referred to as Punaka Vishaya and Punya Vishaya.Here Vishaya means region.
Later on, the city has been mentioned as Kasabe Pune. Pune's medieval roots are also evident in number of temples and mosques. The present name "Pune" is derived from Punya Nagari (literally city of virtuous deeds). The Rashtrakutas are believed to be the earliest rulers of the city. By the 11th century, it developed into a small town called Kasbe Pune or Punavadi, under the Mughal rule. The most important period in the history of Pune was the empire of Peshwas. At this time the city became a centre for learning.
Pune is inextricably linked to the life of the great 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. Shivaji and his mother lived in a mansion known as "Lal Mahal," a replica of which still can be visited at its original location in the city. The Maratha power came to an end in 1818, when the British led by Mount Stuart Elphinstone defeated them and established the British Raj in this region.
During India's struggle for Freedom Pune was an important centre for social and religious reform movements that were sweeping the country. It was the home to some reformers who were stalwarts of the national movement, such as Mahadev Govind Ranade, R.G Bhandarkar and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule. The presence of Bal Gangadhar Tilak dominated the political scene for three decades during that period. Now Pune has become one of the most enjoyable cities of India.
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