Pune derives its name from Punya Nagari, or the city of virtuous deeds. Pune started out as Punya-Vishaya or Punak Vishaya — an agricultural settlement in AD 937.[3] By the 13th century, it had come to be known as Kasbe Pune or Punavadi when under the Sultan rule. It was known alternatively as Poona by the British; but it has regained prominence as "Pune" in the past few years.

The original agricultural settlement had become known as Punnaka by the 8th century. The earliest evidence (copper plates dating 758 AD and 768 AD) reveals that this region was ruled by the Rashtrakutas. The Pataleshwar rock-cut temple complex in the middle of the city was built in this era.

Pune came under Mughal rule in the 17th century.

Until circa 1818, it continued to be ruled by various dynasties, especially the Nizamshahi Sultans, Mughals, and the Marathas. During the mid 17th century it became the temporary residence of the Maratha King Shivaji. Maximum Peths (sections) of the city have established during Shivaji Raje’s Period like, Guruwar, Somwar, Ganesh, Ghorpade later during Peshwa period Peths like Sadashiv, Narayan, Rasta and Nana Peths were developed. In 1749 A.D, it gained prominence as the capital of the Peshwa, prime minister of the Maratha King Shahu. It was during this period that the city expanded considerably.

Pune is inextricably linked to the life of the Maratha hero and king, Chhatrapati Shivaji. The era of Pune's fame began when Chhatrapati Shivaji came to stay here with his mother Jijabai in 1635-1657. They lived in a mansion known as "Lal Mahal," a monument can be visited at its original location in the city. According to local lore, the Kasba Ganapati Mandir, regarded as the presiding deity of the city (gramadevata), was built by Jijabai.

In the early 18th century, prime minister of Chhatrapati Shahu, Peshwe Baji Rao I wanted to make Pune his home, which was agreed to by the king. He built his palace on a slightly raised ground near the Mutha river. The fortified palace is known as Shaniwar Wada. Shaniwar Wada is considered by many to be the focal point of the old city of Pune. It was during the Peshwa period that Pune became virtually the Capital of India and center of peshwa rule that extended from Pune to Attock in Pakistan and Pune soon rose to prominence.

Entertainment

Pune has many multiplexes and cinema theatres, showing the latest Bollywood and Hollywood movies. These multiplexes are situated in various parts of the city. Marathi movies are screened at Prabhat and City Pride. Multiplexes include INOX near Pune station, E Square on University road, City Pride on Satara road, City Pride at Kothrud, Adlabs Cinemas at Kalyani Nagar and Chinchwad Fame Jai Ganesh at Akurdi, Pimpri-chinchwad. Other than the cinema there are various other leisure facilities such as go-karting at Manas Resorts and the Pancard club. a bowling alley at 3D Destination.

Culture

Pune is a modern, progressive and vibrant city. Pune is Maharashtra's cultural capital and the form of Marathi spoken in Pune is considered to be the standard form of the language. Pune is a vibrant cultural city and people from multiple religions and speaking different regional languages reside here. It also hosts various national festivals and cultural events throughout the year. People of Pune have wide interests in various Arts, Literature, Music, Spiritualism and Food. In recent years it has also been a leader in Trance and Techno movements, alongside Goa and Mumbai. The city is well known for its British Raj "bangalow architecture" and the Garden Cities Movement layout of the Cantonment in the early Twentieth Century. Christopher Charles Benninger landmark architectural works surround the city, including the Mahindra United World College of India, the Centre for Development Studies and Activities, the YMCA Retreat at Nilshi, the Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies, the International School Aamby and many others.