The study examines symbolism and socio-cultural aspects of the Maratha vernacular buildings, the use of stone and timber as a means of narration in terms of identity, faith, and adaptation to the environment. Qualitative and semi-qualitative frameworks were used to collect the data whereby the data was collected through site survey, archival investigation and community interviews in 12 representative Maratha buildings such as wadas, temples, and forts. It is found that in structure, stone was used in 62 percent (whilst timber in 38 percent), in the form of sett and rampart, representing permanency and strength, and community unity and ornamental worksmanship. The symbolic motif analysis showed that 72 percent of all wooden carvings had a spiritual or mythological meaning and 68 percent of all spaces arrangements were based on cosmological principles based on Vastu Shastra. The paper shows the importance of the use of architecture to reveal the social structure, the regional identity and the sustainable architecture practices as it makes the Maratha architecture a cultural object and a living culture. Results indicate that the production of material symbolism and social sense offers some basis of redefinition of vernacular wisdom in the modern sustainable architecture.