Kasba Peth or Kasba is the oldest residential part, "Peth " (locality), in Pune, India.[1] It is adjacent to the historic Shaniwar Wada palace-fort. Kasba Peth was the first Peth to be established sometime during the 5th century, and is the oldest area in Pune. It is called the "Heart of Pune City". In the history of Pune, the city was once known as "Kasbe Pune".
Kasba Ganapati is the Gram Devta of Pune. It was built during Shivaji's reign. Lal Mahal, the fortified residence of Shivaji, was situated in Kasba Peth. Today, its replica can be seen adjacent to Shaniwarwada. Being the oldest part of the City, old residential complexes, "Wada (house)", exist here. Kasba Peth is primarily a residential area. A wide variety of shops surround Kasba Peth (Tambat Ali, Shimpi Ali, Vyavahar Ali, Bhoi Ali, etc.). It is well known for the Kumbhar Wada (area of earthen potmakers) and the Tambat Ali (area of brass/copper utensil manufacturers).
In 2003, an accidental discovery of artefacts from the Satvahana period in the Kasba peth area of Pune has put the origin of settled life in the area to the early part of the first millennium.[2] [3] Traditional accounts state that the temples of Puneshwar and Narayaneshwar were turned into the Sufi shrines of Younger Sallah and Elder Sallah respectively during early islamic rule in the 1300s.[4] There is a story about the Kasba Ganpati: Some children had brought cows to the area for grazing, and found an idol of Ganapati. Then, they colored this idol and started worshipping it. Shivaji's mother Jijabai also visited the temple often. Hence, Dadoji Konddeo built a pendol in front of the idol; this is where the Kasba Ganpati Temple is located today.
In 1590s Kasba peth area was owned by a Muslim named Ibrashah Mohammad Attar. After he passed Away in 1611, the area came in the possession of his son Noor Mohammad Ibrashah Attar. Later Shahaji & Noor Mohammad Ibrashah Attar became close friends and started an alliance against their adversaries. Later, Noor Mohammad Attar joined hands with the Mughals during Aurangzeb’s rein. In 1669 Noor Mohammad Ibrashah Attar & his Son Faqeer Mohammad Attar ceded their holding of Kasba Peth the Marathas under Shivaji with the following conditions
The Attar family veneration of the Shaikh Salah started when the saint came to Poona, and asked for a small place to stay from the great grandfather of Faqeer Mohammad Attar. He gave Khawaja Shaikh Sallah a piece of land to reside. In exchange for the Land, Khawaja Shaikh Sallah promised him that he will take care of his family from now on and will never let his family, or his future generations fail. The Khawaja Shaikh Sallah obtained a promise from Attar that he will help the Khawaja’s Murid (Followers) if they need help.In 1700s, Bajirao I gifted a piece of land (36.8 acres) to Faqeer Mohammad Attar in Bhamburda (Shivaji Nagar). In 1773 he sold the personal inam land to other parties and kept only a holding of 15 bighas.
The 14th century shrine, which came to be known as Dhakta Shaikh Salla Dargah, along with Thorla Shaikh Salla Dargah, has been among the popular religious places in Pune over the centuries.[5]
The part of the Peth near the Mutha river is known as Kumbhar Wada (locality of the earthen pot makers). Skilled metal craftsmen (known as Tambat) known for crafting utensils out of brass and copper also reside there.There is also a tailor's lane in the peth.