Ballantine House, known as Old Kothi, was located in front of the government press and was a notable colonial-era residence in Baroda. In 1802, during the period when Arab soldiers occupied the Baroda fort, the administration under Anand Rao Gaekwad was unable to pay their wages. Consequently, Diwan Ravaji Apaji sought assistance from the British East India Company. After the…
August 2024
In the city of Baroda, on Raopura Road, opposite Nawab Wada and behind Shala Number Ek, lies Mir Sahib Wada, now known as the Sanstha Vasahat. The old door and arch of Mir Sahib Wada still stand as a testament to its past has recently been re-furbished. A little further ahead, down a lane to the left, is an ancient…
The Federation of Baroda State Mills & Industries, originally established on 22nd April 1918 as the Baroda Mill Owners Association, has undergone significant evolution over its history. Under the progressive rule of Shrimant Sayajirao Gaekwad III, who encouraged industrial development and social reforms, the organization began as a collective of 42 members encompassing textile mills and various other industries such…
In Baroda State, the Cavalry Lines were military quarters and facilities where cavalry units were housed and trained. These lines included stables, living accommodations, and parade grounds essential for the cavalry’s operations and upkeep. Location and Scenic Beauty Most of the Baroda State Cavalry lines and parade grounds, along with the bungalows of the Cavalry Lines, were located on the…
By the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the financial situation of the Pedhi in Baroda State had significantly deteriorated due to an economic depression. Tensions had been escalating since 1835 between the East India Company authorities and Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad II, who aimed to reduce the financial dominance of the shroffs (money lenders) over the state. In response, he…
Established in 1892, the Navagraha Temple located in Vadodara’s Pratap Nagar area is the only temple in the city dedicated to all nine planetary deities. This unique temple allows devotees to worship Shani, Rahu, Ketu, Guru, Shukra, Budh, Mangal, Som, and Surya simultaneously, all seated together on a single pedestal. The temple, which has been standing for 131 years, is…
The Webb Memorial Girls School in Nizampura area was established in 1889 with just four girl students during the Gaekwadi era. At that time, education was not yet mandatory, making this early initiative a significant milestone in advancing girls’ education in Vadodara. Architectural Developments: In 1888, a wooden staircase was installed by a Methodist pastor and his relative, Miss Thompson….
In the 18th century, Pune emerged as a key cultural and financial hub, attracting ambitious entrepreneurs. Among them were Haribhai and Bhaktidas, two brothers who ventured into banking and established themselves as prominent local moneylenders. Their business flourished with the support of Nana Fadanvis, a key minister in the Peshwa government, and the favor of Peshwa Madhavrao I. Bhaktidas managed…
The history of Baroda State is richly adorned with remarkable individuals whose vision and dedication shaped its economic landscape. Among these luminaries were Samaldas Haribhakti and Bechardas Haribhakti, whose contributions left an indelible mark on the region’s prosperity and development. Samaldas Haribhakti: A Visionary Entrepreneur and Loyal Ally Born into the Haribhakti family, Samaldas Haribhakti’s journey began on December 5,…
Vadodara, a city renowned for its rich cultural and historical tapestry, is home to the historic Siddhanath Ganapati Mandir, a revered site established in 1872 by Ganpati Bua whose original name was Nageshwar R. Karmarkar. Situated near Siddhanath Lake, behind the Khanderao Market in the Ganeshwadi area, this 152-year-old temple is notable for its mythological significance and serene ambiance. The…