Maharashtra Literature Lovers Trace the Roots of ‘Tumbadche Khot’ in a Special Heritage Tour
Maharashtra Literature Lovers Trace the Roots of ‘Tumbadche Khot’ in a Special Heritage Tour
Pune / Ratnagiri: In a heartfelt tribute to one of Marathi literature’s greatest works, a group of literature enthusiasts travelled to Tumbad village this November, retracing the origins of Shri. Na. Pendse’s iconic novel Tumbadche Khot. The journey, titled In Search of Tumbaad, was conceived by readers-turned-researchers Sachin Borde and Moreshwar Apte, who had spent nearly two years locating the real landscapes described in the 1887 classic.
Pendse’s novel, celebrated for its richly woven Konkan setting, the flowing Jagbudi River, and its vivid cast of characters, continues to enchant generations of readers. However, with reading habits on the decline, both the novel and its legendary author remain unfamiliar to many young readers.
Determined to revive interest in the masterpiece, Borde — in collaboration with Velvel Kavisha Publications — organized a two-day literary tour on November 8 and 9, 2025. Participants included avid readers from Pune, Mumbai and Washim: Poonam Patil, Bharti Kamble, Yugandhara Karle, Pavan Deshmukh, Prasad Talekar, Hema Patil, Varsha Lokhande-Thorat, Rohini Saraf, Varsha Thukrul, Meenal Modi, and Meenakshi Zhunje.
The journey traced the origins of the novel through the scenic backdrop that inspired Pendse — Harne, Dapoli, Aini (Limbad), Muurdi (Sakharpendi), Asood (Garambi), and Vyaghreshwar. According to literary accounts, Pendse had long searched for the perfect setting until he discovered Bablyashet Varvatkar’s majestic hillside mansion overlooking the serene Jagbudi River, with Aini village on the opposite ridge. Conversations with Bablyashet helped shape the fictional world of Tumbadche Khot.
For the touring group, the most memorable moment came when they stepped into the historic Varvatkar mansion and met 87-year-old Nana (Madhushet) Varvatkar, Bablyashet’s younger brother. As dusk set in on Chaturthi evening, Nana sat in the courtyard beneath a crescent moon, recounting tales of Pendse’s first visit and the novel’s original release. He proudly displayed the first edition, preserved autographs, and photographs of literary stalwarts such as Vinda Karandikar, Madhav Manohar, Na. Sa. Inamdar, and Pendse himself.
Three generations of the Varvatkar family welcomed the visitors, sharing stories that brought the novel’s legacy alive. The group described the experience as deeply emotional and creatively enriching.
The organisers now urge readers to explore Tumbad for themselves — but with a gentle reminder: read Tumbadche Khot first. Only then can one truly witness how a literary universe takes birth amid the hills, rivers, and memories that inspired one of Marathi literature’s greatest works.
