The Mobile Palace, once known as the Delhi Pavilion, now serves as the Maharani Chimnabai Ladies Club, located beside the Bird Zoo at Sayaji Baug (Kamati Baug). Originally commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, this unique wooden structure was designed to be his residence during the Delhi Durbar of 1911. Royal Opulence: Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III’s response to accommodation options…
Situated near the Pratapnagar Railway Station, the Railway Heritage Park was established to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the arrival of railways in Vadodara. The park vividly depicts the evolution of railways and highlights the economic and political transformations associated with their development. Attractions: Garden Area: The park features a shaded garden with a model narrow-gauge station at its center, complete…
Named after the first Vice-Chancellor of The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Shrimati Hansa Mehta, the library opened in 1949 and presently houses nearly half a million books, periodicals, DVDs, videos and the University Archives. Shrimati Hansa Mehta Library is the university library of MSU and was established on May 1, 1950. At the time of the establishment of the MSU,…
Baroda State has a long history with cannons, and while roaming the city, one may come across small cannons located at various sites. Among the most famous are the cannons cast in solid gold and silver. The Guns of Gold and Silver: The state once had a pair of solid gold guns, along with at least six solid silver guns,…
Inaugurated on November 10, 2010, the Dabhoi Heritage Park offers a fascinating journey through the history of railways, focusing on the legacy of the Gaekwar Baroda State Railways (GBSR). This park revisits the golden era of narrow-gauge steam trains through a rich collection of letters, photographs, and time tables from a bygone era. Dabhoi & the Railways: Under the Gaekwads…
Situated in the heart of the city, Polo Ground is a vast open space used by the residents during festivals. Originally, there was a large lake called Bhesana or Bhesaniya Talao at this site. Between 1910 and 1912, the lake was filled with soil to create Polo Ground, under the orders of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. The Bhesana Talav was…
Established in the year 1952, Maharani Shantadevi Hospital is yet another example of neglect of authorities towards heritage. Located on the Indira Avenue (Jail Road), it was demolished by the authorities to raise a commercial complex. Earlier the building used to function as an office for the Gaekwads, with the hospital only being established in the year 1952. It is…
Established in the early 6th century AD, Dabhoi’s origins are rooted in ancient history. The fortification of Dabhoi is attributed to King Siddhraj Jaisinh of Gujarat (1093-1143 AD), who transformed it into a key frontier fortress. The architectural style and intricate stone carvings of the fort suggest it was constructed around the same time as Rudra Mahalaya and Zinzuwada Fort….
Shiv Mahal Palace, located near Chakli Circle in the Race-course area, is one of the many palaces built by the Gaekwads in Baroda. Constructed around 1936, it was built for Shivajirao Gaekwad, the third son of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. Shivajirao was known for his involvement in cricket, which became an important part of the Gaekwad family’s legacy. A Legacy…
Today, the site of what was once Aggad, the grand battle arena, is now occupied by the Gaurav Housing Society behind the Bhaddar/Bhadra Kacheri. Historians believe that this battle arena has been a significant part of the Bhadra locality for nearly 700 years. Dating back to the 15th century, during the rule of Sultan Muhammad Begda, who was a patron…