Established as the Baroda College of Science, and currently known as the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (MSU), the college was opened in 1881. The foundation stone of the college was laid by visionary ruler Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III on January 8, 1879. It became a university on 30th April 1949, after the independence of the country and was later…
September 2009
Nestled behind tall trees and compound walls stands a striking Neo-Classical building known as Senapati Bhavan, formerly referred to as Kalabhavan. This architectural gem, established in 1890 as the Kala Bhavan Technical Institute, served as a hub for technical education before transitioning to The Faculty of Technology & Engineering.Since 1949, the building has been under the possession of the Army,…
India has long been a beacon of religious tolerance and harmony, and the Pearl Carpet of Baroda stands as a stunning testament to this legacy. Commissioned by Maharaja Khanderao Gaekwad II in 1865, the carpet was originally intended as a gift to adorn the Prophet Muhammad’s tomb in Medina. Unfortunately, the Maharaja passed away before this noble offering could be…
Commissioned by Maharaja Khanderao Gaekwad II in 1865, this exquisite Pearl Canopy was originally part of a five-piece set intended as an offering to the Prophet’s Tomb in Medina. However, following the Maharaja’s passing, the set remained within Baroda’s treasury, preserving its regal legacy. The Canopy’s Splendor Crafted from approximately 950,000 precious Basra pearls, along with emeralds, sapphires, rubies, and…
Built in the midst of what would have been extensive gardens, the Makarpura Palace was commissioned by Maharaja Khanderao Gaekwad in 1870. The palace was built as a summer residence and a hunting resort for the royal family. The site of the palace was specially selected due to its proximity to the vast deer reserves, for hunting. Maharaja Khanderao spent…
Nestled on Lal Baug Main Road, near the iconic Lalbaug Palace (Pratap Vilas Palace), stands a historic building with a rich legacy. This palace, originally the residence of Dhairyashilrao Gaekwad, was established in 1940. Today, this elegant structure has been transformed into the ‘Prince Ashokraje Gaekwad School.’ The transformation was a heartfelt tribute by Rani Sahiba Devyaniraje Gaekwad, who dedicated…
Situated in the Malabar Hill area, Jayamahal Palace, also known as Jai Mahal Palace, was regarded as one of the most beautiful private residences ever built in Bombay (now Mumbai). Commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, likely in the 1900s, the palace stood proudly on the western side of the hill, offering views of the Arabian Sea. Constructed in the…
Situated amid expansive gardens, mango orchards, and sprawling fields, the Lukshmi Vilas Palace is one of the most luxurious residences ever built. Commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1880, it is said to be four times the size of the Buckingham Palace. Completed around 1890, the majestic palace has been the residence of the Gaekwads, the rulers of the…
Serving the people of Baroda for over a century, the Central Library was established in 1906 under the visionary leadership of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. His initiative to introduce compulsory and free primary education placed Baroda ahead of its time in British India, marking the beginning of the Library Movement across the nation. A Visionary Ruler Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III…
The Baroda State Library, also known as the Jaisinhrao Library, stands as one of the most beautiful and serene buildings amidst the bustling Old Kothi Compound, surrounded by government structures. Established as a precursor to the Library Movement in India by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, this library holds a special place in the history of Baroda. A New Home for…