Vadodara, a city rich in history, proudly showcases its heritage through the Gaekwad-era police posts that continue to stand as symbols of its past. Originally, the city had only four police stations and fourteen posts, but these historic posts remain cherished landmarks. Here’s a look at some of Vadodara’s notable police chowki: Pratapganj Chowki: Situated near Kalaghoda, this small structure…
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In 1940, Motilal Ballubhai Patwa established ‘Patwa Faraskhana’ in Almas Market, which was earlier Shah Radhan Mia’s Wada, located near the City Police Station in the Pani Gate area of Vadodara. The concept of Faraskhana, which involves setting up temporary residences, can be traced back to the practice of establishing encampments during wartime, a tradition embraced by rulers and maharajas….
Ballantine House, known as Old Kothi, was located in front of the government press and was a notable colonial-era residence in Baroda. In 1802, during the period when Arab soldiers occupied the Baroda fort, the administration under Anand Rao Gaekwad was unable to pay their wages. Consequently, Diwan Ravaji Apaji sought assistance from the British East India Company. After the…
In Baroda State, the Cavalry Lines were military quarters and facilities where cavalry units were housed and trained. These lines included stables, living accommodations, and parade grounds essential for the cavalry’s operations and upkeep. Location and Scenic Beauty Most of the Baroda State Cavalry lines and parade grounds, along with the bungalows of the Cavalry Lines, were located on the…
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…
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…
Located in Ahmedabad, the Gaekwadi Haveli stands as a testament to the expansion efforts of the Gaekwads and Peshwas. Constructed in the late 1730s, it served as a key residence and administrative center during the Maratha rule. Fall of Ahmedabad & Rise of Gaekwads After capturing the Baroda State in 1734 from the Badi Nawabs, Damajirao Gaekwad expanded his territory. In 1737,…
Vadodara’s Central Fire Station, famously known as Agni Shanti Kendra, is situated near Sursagar Lake. The station was inaugurated on March 30, 1953, by the then Prime Minister of Maharashtra, Mr. Sutariya. Arvind Rai Keshavlal Vaishnav served as the first chief fire officer of Vadodara’s Fire Brigade. For his outstanding service, Arvindrai Vaishnav was awarded the President’s Medal on January…
When discussing Baroda’s history, the visionary Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III often takes center stage. However, equally significant was his queen, Maharani Chimnabai II, whose forward-thinking initiatives greatly impacted the lives of women in the state. While the Maharaja focused on state reforms, Maharani Chimnabai II dedicated herself to elevating the status of women. One of her notable achievements was the…
Located in the Dandia Bazar area of Baroda, the Premanand Sahitya Bhavan was established in November 1916. This initiative was inspired by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, reflecting his dedication to fostering literary and cultural development. Originally known as the Gujarati Sahitya Sabha, the institution was renamed to Premanand Sahitya Bhavan in January 1944. Founders and Purpose The establishment of the…