Bhadran

Bhadran, a village with deep historical roots in the Baroda State, was established on the 11th Sudi of Vaishakh in the Samvat year 1232. Named after the Goddess Bhadra Kali, whose ancient temple still stands, Bhadran is one of the region’s oldest settlements.

According to the Family Tree of the Patels of the Seven Towns, published in 1925, the first Patel, Ananda, arrived in Bhadran from Anklav in Samvat 1415. His descendants gradually settled in the village, with the eleventh generation comprising four brothers establishing themselves in different sections of Bhadran. Revandas and Dhanjibhai settled in Moti Khadki, while Harkhjibhai and Manjibhai lived in Nani Khadki. Over time, Bhadran has flourished with an influx of diverse communities and new Patels from various places.

Bhadran, known as the “Paris of Gaekwad State” or “Paris of Charotar” for its prosperity and development under Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, was hailed as the greatest village in India by Vallabhbhai Patel.

Educational Advancements

By 1917, Bhadran had already made significant strides in education thanks to the progressive policies of His Highness the Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. The village had become a beacon of educational development:

Libraries: The village’s dedication to education was evident in its libraries. The public library, founded in 1895, was followed by the establishment of the “Mahila Pustakalaya” for women and the “Bal Pustakalaya” for children, thanks to generous local contributions and community spirit.

Schools: Government-supported vernacular schools for boys and girls were in place by 1917, with substantial contributions from the community for infrastructure. The evolution of an English class into an Anglo-Vernacular School highlighted the village’s commitment to education.

Clock-Tower

A distinctive feature of Bhadran was its clock-tower, a symbol of both functionality and philanthropy. Initially intended as a bird-feeding tower, it was redesigned to include a clock, reflecting the village’s innovative spirit and collaborative effort.

Health Services

In recognition of the village’s progress, His Highness the Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad provided Bhadran with a dispensary to mark the Silver Jubilee of his administration. This facility, built with significant local support, underscored the community’s commitment to health and welfare.

Administrative Infrastructure

As the headquarters of a Peta Mahal, Bhadran was well-equipped with essential government offices, including the Mahalkari’s Kutchery, Foujdar’s Kutchery, Sub-Registrar’s Kutchery, and a Police line, enhancing both administrative efficiency and the town’s visual appeal.

The Bank

Founded in 1911 as the Bhadran Farmers Co-operative Society with support from Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad of Baroda, the Bhadran Peoples’ Co-Operative Bank Ltd. aimed to assist local farmers financially and promote village development. Initially established with a fund of Rs. One lakh, it helped farmers with land purchases, diesel engines, and mortgage relief. Renamed Bhadran Taluka Co-Operative Bank Ltd. in 1948-49 and then The Bhadran Peoples’ Co-Operative Bank Ltd. in 1959-60, the bank has operated from its own premises since 1932, continuing to support the community.

Water-Works

The massive tank established by the Gaekwads still stands at the corner of the village. Notably, the structure bears the name ‘Sayaji Water Works’, honoring the visionary Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. It is a unique style tank, featuring an architectural design and aesthetic not seen anywhere else in the region, serving as both a functional utility and a local landmark.

Expansion of Infrastructure

As the village continued to modernize, the area surrounding the water works became a central hub for utility management. In the late 1940s, dedicated power house buildings were constructed immediately adjacent to the water tanks, marking a significant era of industrial growth and the electrification of Bhadran’s infrastructure.

Dharamshala

The village also had a Dharamshala for travelers, which had been recently repaired, ensuring hospitality and comfort for visitors.

Public Garden

The development of a public garden, facilitated by the water-works, offered a space for rest and community gatherings, enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Legacy and Evolution

Since 1937, Bhadran has continued to evolve, with modern amenities such as sewerage systems being introduced. The village played a significant role in the freedom movement, with inscriptions like “Go Back” and “Quit India” still visible on the walls of old princely buildings, serving as a reminder of its historical significance. The achievements of Bhadran in the early 20th century reflect a commitment to education, health, infrastructure, and community well-being. While much has undoubtedly changed , the village’s historical accomplishments serve as a testament to its progressive spirit and enduring legacy.

Maharaja’s Statues

Bhadran houses two statues of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, located near the Bus Stand and the Town Hall. The statue near the Bus Stand is notably marked with the signature of the distinguished Artist and Sculptor of Baroda State, Sardar Krishnarao B. Chavan, carved onto its reverse side.

The bust at the Town Hall is distinguished by a detailed commemorative plaque. This inscription states that the monument was installed to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Maharaja’s glorious reign. Formally dedicated on February 21, 1926 (Samvat 1983), this bust was installed by the loyal subjects or citizens of Bhadran Taluka. The installation was carried out under the leadership of Diwan Sir Manubhai Nandshankar Mehta and Chhotabhai Vaghjibhai Patel, the President of the Mahal Panchayat. The Maharaja’s enduring influence is further woven into the town’s architecture, as his likeness is also intricately cast into the iron railings of the library, reflecting a historic era of visionary leadership and master craftsmanship.

શ્રી
શ્રીમંત સરકાર સયાજીરાવ ગાયકવાડ
સેનાખાસખેલ સમશેર બહાદુર – એફ.જી.સી.આઈ.ના
“સુવર્ણ મહોત્સવ પ્રસંગે”
શ્રીમંતના યશસ્વી રાજઅમલના સ્મરણાર્થે ભાદરણ તાલુકાની
રાજભક્ત પ્રજાએ બસ્ટ સ્થાપન કર્યું છે.
સંવત ૧૯૮૩ સન ૧૯૨૬.
દિવાન સર મનુભાઈ નંદશંકર મહેતા, નાઈટ – સી.એસ.આઈ.
મહાલ પંચાયતના અધ્યક્ષ છોટાભાઈ વાઘજીભાઈ પટેલ
ભાદરણ તા. ૨૧-૨-૨૬

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Shree
Shrimant Sarkar Sayajirao Gaekwad
Sena Khas Khel Shamsher Bahadur – G.C.S.I.
On the occasion of the “Golden Jubilee”
To commemorate the glorious reign (Raj-amal) of Shrimant, the loyal subjects (Praja) of Bhadran Taluka have installed this bust.
Samvat 1983 – Year 1926.
Diwan Sir Manubhai Nandshankar Mehta, Knight – C.S.I.
President of Mahal Panchayat, Chhotabhai Vaghjibhai Patel
Bhadran, Date: 21-2-26

Railways

The town featured a historic narrow-gauge railway station built by the Bombay, Baroda & Central India Railway Company in agreement with the Gaekwad Baroda State Railway in 1922. This line (Bhadran to Vaso) was crucial for transporting tobacco and cotton. Unfortunately the NG line from this station is now defunct and the station is now closed.

The Independece Movement

The history of Bhadran is quite literally written on its walls, serving as a permanent canvas for the spirit of 1942. For over eighty years, the residents of this town have preserved a unique visual legacy: independence slogans painted in bold black letters on the facades of their ancestral homes and public buildings. These inscriptions were originally the work of local revolutionaries and students, including the notable Jayendra Vaidya, who risked arrest to mark the town with defiant cries for freedom. While most cities saw their revolutionary graffiti weathered away or whitewashed, the people of Bhadran made a collective pact to treat these markings as sacred heritage. Today, in the narrow lanes of neighborhood of Wadi Faliya, these slogans, ranging from the iconic “Go Back”, to the simple, powerful “Quit India”—stand as stark, black-inked reminders of a time when the town was a hotbed of nationalist fervor.

The community’s dedication to this legacy is unparalleled; even when renovating old structures, homeowners often go to great lengths to leave the specific bricks containing the slogans untouched. The descendants of the original freedom fighters continue to trace over the letters with fresh black paint to ensure the history does not fade, effectively turning the entire village into a living museum. This preservation is more than just a tribute to the past; it is a direct link to the martyrdom of young heroes like Lallubhai Patel and Ratilal Patel, who were killed by police fire on August 12, 1942. By keeping these black slogans protected and visible, Bhadran ensures that the voices of those who fought for Purna Swaraj remain as loud and clear today as they were during the height of the struggle.

 Images in this post may have been AI-enhanced for clarity and color.