Dalo Vaghji or later known as Dala Patel’s influence in Vadodara’s history is marked by his formidable role in ending Muslim rule and ushering in the Gaekwad administration. The saying “Upar Allah, Niche Dala” symbolically placed Dalo Vaghji Patel on a pedestal of power, equating him to divine authority. Originally from Padra, Dalo earned the title of Desai through his…
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In the historical account of Vadodara, two figures stand as foundational stones in stabilizing the Gaekwad administration: Dalo Vaghji Patel of Padra and Sureshwar Desai. While Dalo Vaghji Patel’s legacy is now almost forgotten, the impact of Sureshwar Desai remains evident, particularly through his contributions to Vadodara’s infrastructure and administration. The Forgotten Legacy of Dalo Vaghji Patel Dalo Vaghji Patel…
In the 18th century, Pune emerged as a key cultural and financial hub, attracting ambitious entrepreneurs. Among them were Haribhai and Bhaktidas, two brothers who ventured into banking and established themselves as prominent local moneylenders. Their business flourished with the support of Nana Fadanvis, a key minister in the Peshwa government, and the favor of Peshwa Madhavrao I. Bhaktidas managed…
The history of Baroda State is richly adorned with remarkable individuals whose vision and dedication shaped its economic landscape. Among these luminaries were Samaldas Haribhakti and Bechardas Haribhakti, whose contributions left an indelible mark on the region’s prosperity and development. Samaldas Haribhakti: A Visionary Entrepreneur and Loyal Ally Born into the Haribhakti family, Samaldas Haribhakti’s journey began on December 5,…
Vasantrao Kaptan, born on February 5, 1905, in Vadodara, was a dedicated champion of physical education. He founded and led the ‘Gujarat Krida Mandal’ in Vadodara and served as the Physical Education Officer at Sardar Patel University (Vallabh Vidyanagar) from 1951 to 1963. Hailing from a Maharashtrian family, with his father Balwantrao and mother Radhikabai, he was a student of…
It was at Baroda’s Kalabhavan that the Father of Indian Cinema, Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, also known as Dadasaheb Phalke, made history with his first full-length film ‘Raja Harishchandra’ in 1913. Phalke enrolled in Kalabhavan in 1891 after graduating from the J.J. School of Arts in Bombay. The Principal of Kalabhavan, T.K. Gajjar, recognized Phalke’s talent early on and imparted the…
It was in good old days too, when one can actually make space for Vadodara’s iconic places in their homes ! Monuments like Palace Gate, Nyay Mandir, Mandvi gate etc. can be taken home or can be gifted, as all these are available as medals, mementoes or in metal form as shields. Pawaskar family has been converting monuments into metal…
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…
Ustad Maula Bakhsh (1833-1896), born in Bhiwani, Haryana, made a lasting impact on Baroda’s musical heritage, thanks to the invitation of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. On February 26, 1886, a Music College was established in Baroda, now known as the Faculty of Performing Arts, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, with Ustad Maula Bakhsh appointed as its first Principal. Known…
Born on July 3, 1897, in Surat, Hansa Mehta was the daughter of Manubhai Mehta, the Dewan of Baroda State. Her educational journey began at Baroda College (now The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda), where she graduated in Philosophy. She furthered her studies in Journalism and Sociology in England. Upon returning to India, she played a significant role in social…