The Prof. C.C. Mehta Auditorium, located on the campus of The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (MSU), serves as a significant venue for academic and cultural events. With a seating capacity of 600, it is a central space for performances and lectures hosted by the university and various institutions. Features: Seating Capacity: The auditorium accommodates up to 600 people, making…
Located in the Madan Zampa area, the Shri Deepak Open Air Theatre is an open-air venue that is more than 150 years old. Originally known as the Wankaner Theatre, it was built by Maharaja Ganpatrao Gaekwad and named after the Maharaja of Wankaner (Saurashtra) who inaugurated it. While the exact date of inauguration is not recorded, it is known that…
The Gaekwar’s Baroda State Railway (GBSR) holds a remarkable place in Indian railway history as the first narrow-gauge railway line in the country. Established under the princely state of Baroda, it represents the pioneering efforts of a native ruler in the realm of railway transportation. Railways in Baroda During the reign of Maharaja Khanderao Gaekwad II (1856-1870), the first rail…
Nestled within the clubhouse of the railway colony at Pratapnagar, the Pratapnagar Railway Museum stands at the end of the Railway Heritage Park. Inaugurated on January 27, 1997, this museum offers a captivating glimpse into the rich history of railways in Baroda. Attractions: Heritage Gallery: This gallery showcases an array of antiques from the Gaekwar’s Baroda State Railway (GBSR) era, including…
Situated opposite Pologround is a large precinct that can be identified as the former Royal Stable and Garage, known as the “Bagikhana” (the place where horse carriages, or baggis, are parked). Once a symbol of prestige and glory, the precinct now serves as Baroda High School, Bagikhana. The Stables: The building was commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1909,…
Kirti Stambh, located near the Polo Ground in Vadodara, was constructed in 1935 to celebrate the 60-year reign of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. This iconic monument is crafted from pink ‘Songadh stone’ and stands proudly opposite Nehru Bhavan, topped by a lion facing eastward. Known as the ‘Tower of Fame/Triumph,’ Kirti Stambh holds significant philosophical symbolism. The monument symbolizes Maharaja…
Referred to as the last of the big spenders, Maharaja Pratapsinhrao was the final royal connoisseur of luxury. Known for commissioning some of the most fabulous pieces of jewelry and daily-use articles, one of the most unique creations was a gold cage designed for his pet frog. A Gold Ladder and Emerald Birds Nicknamed the “House of Hortense,” this exquisite…
The Gaekwads of Baroda are renowned not only for their luxurious extravagance but also for their commitment to social reforms. A stunning representation of this opulence is the custom-made Louis Vuitton Tea Case, commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1926. Crafted from grained leather, this elegant piece contained all the necessary accouterments for making tea. The Tea Case: By…
The Star of the South is one of the world’s most renowned diamonds, celebrated for its captivating history and breathtaking beauty. Discovered in 1853, it became the first Brazilian diamond to gain international recognition and eventually found a cherished place in the treasury of the Gaekwads. Discovery: A Diamond and a New Beginning The diamond’s story begins in the Bagagem…
The Gaekwads of Baroda have long been celebrated as connoisseurs of exquisite jewels, and among their treasures lies the renowned fancy yellow diamond known as ‘The Moon of Baroda’. This stunning gem has a rich history intertwined with royalty, legends, and pop culture. A Storied Past The Moon of Baroda, a pear-shaped diamond weighing 24.04 carats, was part of the Gaekwadi treasury for…