Standing solitary on the eastern side of the Old Bridge over the Vishwamitri River is an ornate Chhatri. This structure was commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in memory of his biological father, Kashirao Gaekwad.
My Father
Although Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III was permitted to meet his biological father Kashirao only about once a month, he held immense love and respect for him. Adopted in 1875 by Maharani Jamnabai (widow of Maharaja Khanderao) at the age of 12, Sayajirao initially had the opportunity to meet his father weekly, though this was later reduced to once a month.
Kashirao had a profound attachment to his sons and is said to have refused to give up his eldest son, Anandrao, for adoption. He would often spend hours standing across the street from Sarkarwada, where Sayajirao attended his lessons, just to catch a glimpse of him. Sayajirao’s attachment to Kashirao was so deep that he is reported to have broken down before his adoptive mother upon Kashirao’s passing.
Fate, however, did not allow Kashirao to witness his son’s rule. Kashirao passed away in Vadodara in 1877, while Sayajirao was officially invested with the powers of the state on December 28, 1880.
The Chhatri
Constructed from stone sourced from Saurashtra, the Chhatri bears a resemblance to those found in Rajasthan. The dome is supported by eight tall columns, creating an octagonal structure. The spaces between these columns are adorned with cusped arches, which, along with the columns, are richly decorated with intricately carved vine patterns. The structure also features several decorative finials.
Originally, the Chhatri housed the “Padukas” (footprints) of Kashirao Gaekwad in its center. Unfortunately, these Padukas were stolen sometime after 1990. Despite this loss, the plaque detailing the structure’s significance remains visible.
Recently, the Chhatri suffered damage, with a part of the finial and some columns being broken.
Directly across from this Chhatri is another, which initially was intended to house a pumping station and was possibly envisioned as a memorial for Sayajirao’s biological mother, Umabai. However, this idea was later abandoned.
Over the years, seven of the Chhatri’s eight sides have been cordoned off with iron railings, leaving only one side open. Although the stone has darkened over time, the Chattri stands as a lasting tribute to the sacrifices of a father and mother who ensured that a Gaekwad would always reign over Baroda.
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