No good railway facility is complete without lodging amenities for both travelers and staff. That’s why the Damajirao Dharamshala, located just opposite the Vadodara Railway Station, was commissioned by Maharaja Ganpatrao Gaekwad. The current structure was completed during the 1870s under Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. The Damajirao Dharamshala was bustling in its prime. Originally constructed during Maharaja Ganpatrao Gaekwad’s reign,…
Perched on a high pedestal near Sir Sayajirao General (SSG) Hospital stands the statue of Yuvraj Fatehsinhrao Gaekwad I. Titled “Lieutenant-Colonel Shrimant Yuvaraj Fatehsinhrao Gaekwad, Yuvaraj Sahib of Baroda,” Fatehsinhrao I was the eldest son of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. Born on August 3, 1883, he tragically passed away at the young age of 25 on September 14, 1908. The…
Located in Ahmedabad, the Gaekwadi Haveli stands as a testament to the expansion efforts of the Gaekwads and Peshwas. Constructed in the late 1730s, it served as a key residence and administrative center during the Maratha rule. Fall of Ahmedabad & Rise of Gaekwads After capturing the Baroda State in 1734 from the Badi Nawabs, Damajirao Gaekwad expanded his territory. In 1737,…
Located in Narayan Peth, Pune, Kesari Wada was originally commissioned as a residence by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of Baroda. Known initially as Gaekwad Wada, it later became a significant center of activity for Lokmanya Tilak, a prominent freedom fighter. Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III’s Support The British authorities suspected Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of covertly supporting the freedom movement. True to their suspicions,…
Baroda has long celebrated its association with Banyan trees, yet few know that one of the city’s largest one thrives at the heart of Lukshmi Vilas Palace compound. This 130-year-old tree, named ‘Sayaji Vad‘ was personally planted by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. Originally gifted to him as a small sapling during his visit to Sri Lanka in January 1887, it…
In the compound of GSFC (Gujarat State Fertilizers and Chemicals Limited) stands a remarkable Banyan tree that is over 393 years old, known as the ‘Great Old Banyan Tree’—truly the wisest tree in Baroda. This grand old tree was planted in 1631 & has been a silent witness to numerous pivotal events in Baroda’s history: – The visit of the…
A new trend started in year 2016, of celebrating Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III’s birth anniversary by organization of a literature festival by students of MSU’s Faculty of Arts, which also continued in 2017. It is one of its kind and the first Literature Festival of & for city. “Sayaji Literature Festival” was organized on the 10th, 11th, and 12th of March…
During the illustrious reign of the Gaekwads, the Baroda State Anthem was a symbol of respect and admiration for Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. This anthem was a tribute to the Maharaja’s vision and contributions to the beloved city of Sayaji Nagri. The Anthem’s Lyrics The Baroda State Anthem was sung at all significant occasions, festivities, and events throughout the Baroda…
This year all of us will celebrate our city’s 513rd birthday and applaud its heritage during National Heritage Week celebrated across India between November 18 and 24 every year with a series of interesting activities, informative exhibitions, heritage and Nature walks, Rickshaw tours, Home museums, illustrated talks, etc. 2024 Event Details 1. Heritage and Nature Walks Kothi Walk with Chandrashekhar…
Vadodara’s Central Fire Station, famously known as Agni Shanti Kendra, is situated near Sursagar Lake. The station was inaugurated on March 30, 1953, by the then Prime Minister of Maharashtra, Mr. Sutariya. Arvind Rai Keshavlal Vaishnav served as the first chief fire officer of Vadodara’s Fire Brigade. For his outstanding service, Arvindrai Vaishnav was awarded the President’s Medal on January…