Situated opposite Pologround is a large precinct that can be identified as the former Royal Stable and Garage, known as the “Bagikhana” (the place where horse carriages, or baggis, are parked). Once a symbol of prestige and glory, the precinct now serves as Baroda High School, Bagikhana. The Stables: The building was commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1909,…
Vadodara-Baroda
Kirti Stambh, located near the Polo Ground in Vadodara, was constructed in 1935 to celebrate the 60-year reign of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. This iconic monument is crafted from pink ‘Songadh stone’ and stands proudly opposite Nehru Bhavan, topped by a lion facing eastward. Known as the ‘Tower of Fame/Triumph,’ Kirti Stambh holds significant philosophical symbolism. The monument symbolizes Maharaja…
Referred to as the last of the big spenders, Maharaja Pratapsinhrao was the final royal connoisseur of luxury. Known for commissioning some of the most fabulous pieces of jewelry and daily-use articles, one of the most unique creations was a gold cage designed for his pet frog. A Gold Ladder and Emerald Birds Nicknamed the “House of Hortense,” this exquisite…
The Gaekwads of Baroda are renowned not only for their luxurious extravagance but also for their commitment to social reforms. A stunning representation of this opulence is the custom-made Louis Vuitton Tea Case, commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1926. Crafted from grained leather, this elegant piece contained all the necessary accouterments for making tea. The Tea Case: By…
Nestled behind tall trees and compound walls stands a striking Neo-Classical building known as Senapati Bhavan, formerly referred to as Kalabhavan. This architectural gem, established in 1890 as the Kala Bhavan Technical Institute, served as a hub for technical education before transitioning to The Faculty of Technology & Engineering.Since 1949, the building has been under the possession of the Army,…
Motibaug Palace is a small villa situated on the grounds of Lukshmi Vilas Palace, dating back to the reign of Maharaja Ganpatrao Gaekwad. Originally used as a guesthouse to complement the Lukshmi Vilas Palace, during its construction, the villa served as the residence for British architects and engineers. It is also noted that Motibaug Palace was Maharaja Pratapsinhrao Gaekwad’s residence…
Situated near the picturesque Vishwamitri Bridge in Vadodara, Kirti Mandir stands as a testament to the rich history and culture of the region. Commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1936, this architectural gem serves as a memorial for his beloved ancestors and is popularly known as the Temple of Fame. The construction coincided with the Maharaja’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations,…
Khanderao Market is a notable market complex established by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1906 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his rule. Named after Maharaja Khanderao Gaekwad II, the Maharaja’s late adoptive father, it was gifted to the municipality and has been a central hub for commerce ever since. The market includes a fruit and vegetable market, a flower market,…
Established in 1930, The Gaekwad Baroda Golf Club is Gujarat’s only private golf course, also known as GBGC, set in and around the Lukshmi Vilas Palace compound. The golf course was originally created by Maharaja Pratapsinhrao Gaekwad, grandson of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, primarily for his European guests. In the 1990s, Samarjitsinh Gaekwad renovated the course and opened it to…
Tucked in a small strip of garden across from the Faculty of Arts at The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (MSU) is a clock tower known as the Shri Sayaji Tower. Erected during 1920-21, it was built at a cost of Rs. 30,470, with the clock alone accounting for about Rs. 3,000. The Tower : The Shri Sayaji Tower stands…