Hidden behind tall walls in the Karelibaug area of the city lies the Mental Hospital, originally known as the Lunatic Asylum, which opened on June 28th, 1898. Before its establishment, dangerous mentally ill individuals were confined and treated in the Central Jail under the Magistrate’s orders. Initially planned for just 28 patients, the facility expanded as the demand for accommodation…
When Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III was adopted by Maharani Jamnabai Saheb in 1875, many of his relatives moved to Baroda. Among them was Baburao Gaekwad, Sayajirao III’s real uncle, who settled in the city and built a grand mansion known as Vitthal Niwas. A Grand Mansion Constructed in the 1890s, Vitthal Niwas is situated just across from the Jumma Masjid in…
The Gaekwads of Baroda have always been a step ahead in various fields, and this was evident in their establishment of the first and only Aakashwani broadcasting station in Gujarat. The foundation stone for the Baroda Broadcasting Station was laid by Maharaja Pratapsinhrao Gaekwad in May 1939; however, the station began operations only in January 1947 due to delays caused…
Pandit Gajanan Ambade, born in 1914 in Baroda, was a distinguished artist renowned for his mastery of the Jal-Tarang, a traditional Indian percussion instrument. Trained by his elder brother, Shri Narayanrao Madhavrao Ambade, Gajanan Ambade excelled in this unique art form from a young age, earning numerous prizes for his exceptional skills. From 1930 to 1933, he served as a…
Before its integration into the Indian Union, Baroda, as an independent princely state, had its own emblem known as the Baroda State Coat of Arms, which held significant importance for the Gaekwad Dynasty. This emblem was officially finalized and approved by the College of Heralds in 1877. The Emblem :Throughout the rule of the Gaekwad dynasty, each successive ruler had…
In 1883, a transformative moment occurred in Baroda’s cultural history when Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, upon marrying Lakshmibai of Tanjore (renamed Maharani Chimnabai), received a remarkable dowry—a troupe of talented temple dancers and musicians from Tanjore. This pivotal event marked the beginning of Bharatanatyam’s profound connection with Baroda, shaping the region’s artistic legacy. The Troupe: A Blend of Talent The…
Situated near Kirti Stambh, this historic building, constructed in 1936, was established as a hostel to support underprivileged Maratha students. It was created in honor of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, reflecting his enduring commitment to education and social welfare. During the reign of Pratapsinhrao Gaekwad, the Baroda State Soldiers contributed significantly to the construction of this building, valued at Rs…
The Navnath Temples in Baroda (now Vadodara) are a remarkable collection of nine shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to local legend, these temples were established by the Rishi Vishwamitra during his penance in the region. Although much of their early history remains shrouded in mystery, the temples were significantly developed and renovated during the mid-19th century. The Gaekwads, rulers…
The Gaekwads’ rise to power in Baroda came after they successfully captured the city from the Babi Nawabs, who were serving as Mughal officers. A treaty was signed between the Gaekwads and the Nawabs, allowing the latter to retain ownership of some land within and around the Baroda State. The Pratapganj area, now part of Baroda, was one such property…
Located in Raopura area, Kharchikar Wada is most popular place, as here Idol of Lord Ganesha was installed on first floor of Kharchikar Wada’s Diwankhana. Many years later, now the idol is installed outside the Wada, but people still see Kharchikar Khancha ! Still today, the Kharchikar family stay in this 200 year old wada, in which Sardar Kharchikar resided….