Peth

Peth is a Marathi term used in Maharashtra, India, to denote a historical market quarter or ward within a town or city. Historically, a peth referred to a coherent neighborhood organized around a central market square, with streets radiating from a main thoroughfare. Peths typically combined commercial activity with residential use, and were characterized by dense, pedestrian-oriented layouts, old shops, havelis or traditional houses, temples, and courtyards.

In Pune, the term is especially associated with a number of old city quarters, such as Kasba Peth, Narayan Peth, and Shaniwar Peth, though the concept is found in many towns across western Maharashtra. Each peth has its own historical associations, streets, and markets, and many continue to function as commercial hubs alongside housing, schools, and religious sites. The names of some peths reflect their historical roles or features, with examples including areas named after market days, deities, or local clans.

The origins of the peth system date to medieval and early modern urban development in the region, with expansion under the Maratha era shaping Pune’s city fabric. During British colonial rule, some peths saw changes in administration and infrastructure, while many preserved their traditional street patterns.

In contemporary times, peths remain active neighbourhoods that preserve historic character despite modernization. City planners and heritage groups work to balance preservation with urban renewal, addressing traffic, drainage, and building conservation.