Pune, an ancient city with a deep-rooted history, holds within its boundaries stories of numerous civilizations. Teaching children about this culturally rich city can be an intriguing journey, and the solution lies in a well-crafted book. “Flashback: Pune (people and places around the 1700s),” published by the Watering Can Foundation, is one such captivating children’s book that unravels the historical tapestry of Pune.
The brainchild of Ulka Athale and Tania Kamath, this remarkable book comes to life through the brilliant illustrations of Paul Anthony George. “Flashback: Pune” transports young readers to 18th-century Pune, offering insights into the lives of its inhabitants, their attire, dwellings, and significant landmarks. What sets this book apart are the embedded QR codes that, when scanned, unlock YouTube videos showcasing the places and personalities mentioned in the narrative.
To provide a firsthand review of the book, we turned to 11-year-old Sanavi Kinjawadekar, who hails from Kalyan. Her enthusiastic response was an endorsement of the book’s appeal. “I find this book very interesting and enjoyed learning about Shaniwar Wada, the grand residence of the Peshwas, as well as various ‘peths’ (neighborhoods) in Pune. I can’t believe that 1,000 people used to visit the ‘wada’ from its five entrances in a single day!” she exclaimed.
The book incorporates engaging activities, such as column matching, picture pasting, and article drawing, which Sanavi found particularly appealing. “Matching the columns was interesting because it introduced me to objects like flour grinders, vegetable slicers, paan boxes, and rice serving spoons that were used in the 1700s. I’ve never seen such ancient objects,” she noted. Sanavi also highlighted an activity where she helped the city police find rooms in a historical home. “It was fascinating because the layout of that old home was so different from mine, with numerous distinct rooms. The illustrations added to the excitement. I was especially thrilled to learn that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was just seven years old when he moved to Pune, as I am currently studying about this Maratha leader in school. My history book has so much about him,” she shared.
One feature that greatly aided Sanavi was the bilingual text, which appeared in both English and Marathi. “While reading in English, I encountered a few unfamiliar words, but referring to the Marathi text helped me understand their meanings,” she explained. This language balance empowered her to read independently without relying on her parents for assistance.
Sanavi enthusiastically rated the book with full marks and expressed her hope that during her next school vacation, her parents would take her to Pune so she could visit Shaniwar Wada in person.
“Flashback: Pune (people and places around the 1700s)”
Age Group: 11 to 13 years
Published By: The Watering Can Foundation
Price: Rs 250
Rating: 4/4
Website: thewateringcan.in
