Guardian Media & Entertainment, a leading company that creates innovative attractions and theme parks, has completed its latest project for a historical experience centre based on the life and times of the great Indian ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The 17th-century king fought against the fierce invaders of India to defend the unity of the land of Maharashtra in the early seventeenth century. As a result of his efforts, the king is idolised in the region for his bravery and has continued to serve as an inspiration for generations.
Babasaheb Purandare, a trusted historian, devoted his entire life to cataloguing the history of Shivaji Maharaj, writing books, giving thousands of lectures, and creating a major theatrical show based on the king’s story.
Purandare donated all his earnings from these activities to a trust, with the vision of creating a historical theme park based on the historical figure. Whilst Babasaheb passed away in 2021, his legacy lives on with ‘SHIVASRUSHTI’, the world of Shivaji Maharaj, which is being created on 21 acres of land near Pune, India.
Comprehensive heritage experience
The building of this historical theme park and museum was entrusted to Guardian Entertainment, who have recently finished the first phase, with a museum being housed in a structure bearing the era’s heritage architecture. The official opening to the public is currently scheduled to take place soon.
Guardian has used intricate miniature models, mapping, and actual filming to represent the wars and historical events using the eight key forts from the King’s era in the museum galleries.
A major event in the king’s life, “The Escape from Agra,” is depicted with numerous projections, with Guardian also employing simulations, holographies, and animatronics for additional attractions. There are galleries containing a wealth of historical information regarding the reign of King Shivaji Maharaj, as well as unique antique artwork and weapons.
A team effort
A team of 100 artists and engineers worked arduously to accomplish the first phase in just 4 months while GME director Sanjay Dabke closely collaborated with eminent young historians Kaustubh Kasturte, Ganesh Dhalpe, and Saurabh Vaishampayan to develop the content.
“We are very proud to present the first phase of our ambitious historical theme park and the gates will open shortly for visitors from all around the globe visiting Pune, India,” says Jagadish Kadam, a chief trustee at Shiva Srushti.
“The story of the great king, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is presented in this form for the first time in India using the best technology available anywhere in the world. The Guardian team worked hard with the well-known historian Babasaheb Purandare while he was alive and designed all the attractions based on his suggestions.
“We hope that this place will become a major tourist and history-themed landmark of India and will spread the legend of our greatest king with great fervour, fitting to his stature.”
Guardian Entertainment will also be involved in planning phases two and three of the park, which is expected to be completed in the next two years.
Last year Guardian Media & Entertainment were appointed by the VELS Group of Chennai to help bring a new film-based theme park to fruition in Bangalore, India.
Photos: Satish Pakanikar
