Standing solitary on the eastern side of the Old Bridge over Vishwamitri river, is an ornate Chattri. The structure was commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, in the memory of his biological father, Kashirao Gaekwad.
My Father :
Although he was only allowed to meet his biological father Kashirao, only about once a month, little Sayajirao held immense love and respect for father, Kashirao. Adopted in 1875 by Maharani Jamnabai (widow of King Khanderao), aged only 12 years, in the beginning Sayajirao was allowed to meet his father once a week, which was eventually decreased to once a month.
Kashirao had a great attachment towards his sons and is said to have refused when asked to give up his eldest son Anandrao for the adoption. It is said that he used to spend hours standing across the street from Sarkarwada where Sayajirao used to take his lessons, just to get his glimpse. Such was Sayajirao’s attachment to Kashirao that, he is said to have broken down before his adoptive mother, when the latter passed away.
As fate would have it, Kashirao could never see his son rule the state. Kashirao passed away in 1877 in Vadodara while investiture of powers to Sayajirao III took place on December 28, 1880.
Chattri :
Built out of stone sourced from Saurashtra, the chhatri is much like those seen in Rajasthan. The dome of the structure is perched on eight tall columns, which make it an octagonal structure. The intervals between these columns feature cusped arched pattern. Both the columns and the cusped arches have been decorated with beautifully carved vine patterns. Other than this, the structure has been adorned with several finials.
When built, the structure housed the “Padukas” (impressions of one’s feet) of Kashirao Gaekwad in it’s center. Unfortunately, these padukas were stolen some time after 1990. Although, the padukas were stolen, but the plaque stating the particulars of the structure can still be see.
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Just across this Chattri, there is another chattri that houses a pumping station. This chattri was probably built as a memorial for Sayajirao’s biological mother, Umabai, but idea was later abandoned.
Over the years, seven of the eight sides of the structure were cordoned off with an iron railing, leaving only one of the sides open. Although the stones of the structure have now blackened, it is still the shining proof of sacrifice of a father and mother who ensured that their was always a Gaekwad on the throne of Baroda.
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