The Faculty of Technology and Engineering – MSU actually started it’s journey from the Senapati Bhavan as the “Kala Bhavan Technical Institute” in the year 1890. It was only in the year 1949, that it was established as the Faculty of Technology and Engineering and assimilated in the Maharaja Sayajirao University. A palatial home for the Institute : After being…
Vadodara-Baroda
Nestled near the Khanderao Market, the Shri Sayaji Vihar Club stands as a proud testament to the architectural and cultural vision of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. Originally established as the Officers’ Club for sports activities, this historic building embodies the grandeur and elegance of its time. The Building The design of the Shri Sayaji Vihar Club aligns with the architectural…
Commissioned in 1936, the Maharaja Pratapsinh Coronation Gymkhana stands as a testament to Baroda’s rich history and the defiant spirit of its rulers. During the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III’s rule, his grandson and successor, Yuvraj Pratapsinhrao, boldly declared his intention to establish a Polo Club. This announcement was not merely a gesture of celebration but also…
The reign of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III can be considered an era of reformation and prosperity for Baroda. Along with patronizing education, sports, music, and dance he also patronized artists and painters. One of these was Raja Ravi Varma who came from Travancore and became the royal painter of the Gaekwads for some years. Background : Raja Ravi Varma (April…
Just like every other field, Baroda State also excelled in the field of Health care. And, Sir Sayajirao General Hospital (SSG Hospital) was the forefront of these health-related initiatives led by Maharaja Sayajrao Gaekwad III and his minister Diwan T. Madhavrao. Earlier known as the Countess of Dufferin Hospital, it was commissioned in the late 1870s. Completed in the year…
Nestled in the Raopura area of Baroda, Tambekar Wada is a captivating tribute to Maratha architecture. Built in the mid to late 19th century, this three-storeyed mansion showcases the delicate woodwork characteristic of typical Marathi Wadas. However, its true allure lies within, where every surface is adorned with exquisite paintings. The Building Originally the residence of Bhau Tambekar, the Diwan…
Aurobindo Ashram (Arvind Ashram or Auro Nivas) is an ashram is located at Dandia Bazaar is first ever ashram to become so popular in south areas of Gujarat. Aurobindo Ashram served as the residence of Aurobindo Ghose during his stay in Baroda for ~13 years (1894 – 1906) as private secretary to Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of Baroda. During this…
What is royalty without some extravagance !!! This sentence perfectly seems to reflect the lifestyle of Maharaja Pratapsinhrao Gaekwad of Baroda. In an incident reflecting this extravagance, the Maharaja gifted his children a working scaled down model of the Flying Scotsman. Set up in 1941 on the grounds of the Lukshmi Vilas Palace, this train used to ferry the royal…
Tucked away in a quiet corner of the city, is the mausoleum/Hazira of Qutb-ud-din Muhammad Khan, which is one of the few reminders of the Pre-Gaekwadi era of Baroda. The mausoleum or the Hazira as it is locally known, contains the graves of Qutb-Ud-Din Muhammad Khan who was the tutor of Salim/Jehangir, the son & successor of Akbar. It also…
Floods have been associated with Baroda city for centuries. In fact, this was the reason why the ancient settlement of “Ankotaka” moved to the safety of the higher grounds of “Vatapatraka,” the small settlements that were the roots of present-day Baroda. Ghoda Pur: While there have been many floods in the city, such as the one in 1878 with 77…