“Rediscovering the Forgotten Walled City of Nagpur – Mahal Precinct”
The historic core of Nagpur, particularly the Mahal area, represents the remnants of the erstwhile walled city developed during the Gond and further developed during Bhonsale period. While much of its physical fortification has been lost, the underlying urban fabric, architectural typologies, and socio-cultural patterns continue to exist in fragments. Rapid urbanisation, infrastructure interventions, and redevelopment pressures have significantly altered this historic precinct, often without adequate documentation or conservation strategies. This workshop aims to re-examine and reinterpret the historic urban fabric of Mahal through a structured and research-driven approach.
Aim
- To rediscover, document, and critically analyse the historic walled city of Nagpur (Mahal area) and to develop strategies for its conservation, regeneration, and public engagement.
- To understand living heritage by exploring the relationship between historic built fabric, local communities, and everyday urban life in the Mahal precinct.
- To critically examine the transformation of historic neighbourhoods and explore ways to balance heritage conservation with contemporary urban development and public engagement.
Ar. Sandeep Pathe
Designer, Conservation Architect, and Author in India
Meet the Expert
Sandeep Sanjeev Pathe is a Conservation Architect and Designer, currently working as the principal architect for Multidisciplinary studio, ‘Sakha’. He completed his Master’s Degree, in the Architectural Conservation, from School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal.
He is working on significant conservation projects with archeological and tourism departments of states like Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Jammu and Kashmir and Maharashtra. He is an active academician and also a profound author, having published a varied range of research papers on heritage, architecture and Culture. He has served as a subcommittee member, outreach program at Council of Architecture (2020-2023)and is the founding committee member of COA socia
Workshop Structure
Introduction & Context Setting (30–40 mins) Overview of the Walled City of Nagpur, the Mahal precinct, its historic significance, urban evolution, and the concept of living heritage.
Neighbourhood Walk & Observation (60 mins) Guided walk through selected streets, chowks, landmarks, and historic nodes within Mahal. Participants will observe urban form, architectural typologies, public spaces, community activities, and contemporary interventions within the precinct.
Discussion & Knowledge Sharing (20–30 mins) Reflection on observations, identification of heritage assets and challenges, and discussion with the facilitator on conservation, regeneration, and public engagement.
Participant Activity + Reflection (30 mins) Participants will work in small groups and select one observed location, building, street edge, chowk, or public space from the walk
Activity : Rediscovering the Forgotten Walled City of Nagpur – Mahal Precinct
Focus : Bodh
Duration : Three Hours
Venue : Mahal Precinct, Nagpur
Time : 10:00 AM
Be a Part of Spotlight Nagpur
The workshop will serve as a platform to bridge the gap between historical understanding and contemporary urban challenges. It aims to initiate a dialogue on conserving Nagpur’s historic core while envisioning a sustainable and culturally rooted future.