The Jagannath Temple in Vadodara, situated within the Dhairyasheel Palace compound, not only showcases architectural marvels but also holds a rich historical narrative. Built by Sayaji Gaekwad for his son Dhairyasheel Gaekwad, the palace and its adjoining temples reflect the grandeur and cultural patronage of the Gaekwad dynasty. Central to the temple’s history is a 500-year-old family temple housing an…
The scheme for building a stadium in Baroda was a significant endeavour initiated by His late Highness Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III on February 1st, 1938, pending the finalisation of the site. In the pursuit of a suitable location, three potential sites were meticulously evaluated: one along the Jagannath Sadashiv Road beyond Pani-gate, another situated north of Arya Kanya Maha-Vidyalaya, and…
Sayaji Dwar, also known as H.H. Sayajirao Gaekwad Dwar, is situated at the heart of Dewas City. According to historical accounts, this distinguished gateway was inaugurated in 1941 by Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh Bahadur of Bikaner, under the patronage of Maharaja Gaekwad Sir Sayaji Rao Khanderao Gaekwad. The entrance was constructed during the reign of H.H. Maharaj Sadashivrao II (Khase…
As INDIA celebrates 75 years of Independence, here’s an insight into how the Baroda State silently but surely made its contribution in the Indian struggle for Independence. While Baroda State always stayed an ally of the Britishers on the surface, it silently provided a crucial support to revolutionaries and their activities. This fact can be understood by reflecting on the…
During the Gaekwad reign, Baroda emerged as a major sports hub, akin to the Olympics. Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III was renowned for championing Indian and local sports. Sportsmen from across India and abroad flocked to Baroda to participate in over 150 sports, including athletics, kabaddi, long jump, hockey, wrestling, malkhambh, bodybuilding, and kho-kho. This sporting extravaganza was dubbed the ‘Royal…
Located on Rang Mahal Road, the Shani Temple in the Wadi area is one of the many ancient temples in the city. This temple is approximately 260 years old and features an idol of Lord Shani artistically carved from a single black stone. Notably, it is said to be the only idol of Lord Shani in Gujarat where he is…
Located in the heart of Babajipura, also known as the Dandia Bazaar area, is the Shri Nilkantheshwar Mahadev Temple. Built nearly two centuries ago, this temple is considered one of the oldest in the area. The temple was constructed by Babaji Apaji Fanse, the brother of Raoji Apaji Fanse, who was the Dewan (chief minister) of Baroda State. The area…
This Wada is notable for its important association with Sri Aurobindo who in late December of 1907 & January of 1908 spent few days here in meditation with his spiritual guide, Vishnu Bhaskar Lele. At end of few days, Sri Aurobindo had attained ‘eternal silence of mind’ – the precondition for discovering his own path to the ultimate revelation. It…
The Mankari Building/Bhavan was located near Makarpura Palace, which boasted beautiful fountains and was accessible via a wooden bridge to its compound. Historically, Captain Rajkumar Shri Kiritsinhji Gambhirsinhji Sahib served as the ADC and companion to Maharaja Gaekwad of Baroda in 1897. He held the title of Mankari within the Baroda City. The title of Mankari (Maankari) was hereditary among…
There are many activities and sports that are associated with kings that really make them royal and set them apart from the general public, and Hunting is one of them. This was also the case with the Gaekwads, the erstwhile rulers of Baroda who kept many hunting reserves around the capital, out of which Dabka is one. Situated near banks…