The Gaekwar’s Baroda State Railway (GBSR) holds a remarkable place in Indian railway history as the first narrow-gauge railway line in the country. Established under the princely state of Baroda, it represents the pioneering efforts of a native ruler in the realm of railway transportation. Railways in Baroda During the reign of Maharaja Khanderao Gaekwad II (1856-1870), the first rail…
Vadodara-Baroda
Nestled within the clubhouse of the railway colony at Pratapnagar, the Pratapnagar Railway Museum stands at the end of the Railway Heritage Park. Inaugurated on January 27, 1997, this museum offers a captivating glimpse into the rich history of railways in Baroda. Attractions: Heritage Gallery: This gallery showcases an array of antiques from the Gaekwar’s Baroda State Railway (GBSR) era, including…
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,…
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,…