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Spread over a vast area of 411 acres, the University has
an exceptionally beautiful and picturesque campus. The
lush green lawns adorned with beautiful fountains of the
British times and the majestic building of the
University are a constant source of attraction to the
aesthetically oriented people of Pune, filmmakers,
musicians and celebrities. The University campus is
covered with a large number of age - old trees, which
provide shade and beauty, and the peaceful surrounding
make for a very invigorating environment for serious
studies and research
The Main Building
The University of Pune is symbolically identified with
the Main Building, it is a monumental building with a
beautiful architecture, and its tower project high in to
the sky bearing the flag of the University. The office
of the Vice-Chancellor, Dean's Chambers and Records
Section are located in the Main Building. Meeting of
various academic bodies are conducted in the four
prestigious halls of the Main Building Viz., Yashwantrao
Chavan Sabhagriha, Sant Dnyaneshwar Sabhagriha, Shivaji
Sabhagriha and the Sant Gadge Maharaj Sabhagriha.
Thus Goes the Legend
The lofty Main Building of the University of Pune was
once the residence of the governors of Bombay in the
days of the British Raj. It was built in 1864 when Sir
Bartle Frere was the Governor. Designed by James
Trubshawe, the magnificent edifice was built in
Ganeshkhind, on the outskirts of what was then called
Poona. Architecturally, it defies classification though
its spiritual antecedents are Italian and the 80 feet
flag tower has been described as an 'Victorian rendering
of an Italian campanile'. The building was inspired by
Prince Albert's Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.
The cost of residence was Sterling Pound 175'000 to
build, nearly six times the amount raised by the sale of
the Governor's previous residence. The building of such
a palatial house in the aftermath of the cotton crash in
Bombay was severely criticized and referred by the
British Parliament as 'a typical instance of the
extravagance and insubordination of the Governors of
Bombay'. Sir Frere defended his action staunchly, the
house was not habitable by the time he left India in
1867. His successor, Sir Seymour FitzGerald carried out
the furnishing and decoration, and he in turn was
criticized for being extravagant, especially for the
sterling pound 500 chandelier in the ballroom-which
still sparkles, adding to the grandeur of the Ballroom!
Currently Work is on to restore it to its original
glory.
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