Facts

Explore a captivating collection of unusual facts about Baroda State, the Gaekwads, and related topics. From intriguing stories to remarkable events, uncover the hidden gems that reveal the rich heritage of this storied region. Dive into the fascinating world of Baroda’s history and culture, and be amazed by the intriguing details waiting to be discovered.

Facts/Did You Know?

The history of Vadodara, also known as Baroda, dates back to the early ages of Indian history, specifically from 812 AD.

Vadodara had trams operating from around the 1890s to the 1920s.

Pratap Nagar was formerly known as Goya Gate.

When viewed from the top, The Maharaja Sayajirao University’s Faculty of Technology and Engineering, Kirti Mandir, Pratap Vilas Palace, and MSU’s Fine Arts Buildings form an ‘E’ shape.

The Faculty of Science boasts a 137-year-old, 8-inch refractive telescope made from a Carl Zeiss lens, which is one of the largest in Gujarat!

The Vocal Music Department of The Maharaja Sayajirao University’s Faculty of Performing Arts (Music College) holds the distinction of being the oldest and largest in India!

At The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, there’s a museum that proudly exhibits relics of Buddha. These artefacts were discovered at the Buddhist site of ‘Dev Ni Mori’ in northern Gujarat, and the museum takes great care to maintain them.

In the 12th century, cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Himatnagar, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Bhavnagar, Surendranagar, and Bhuj did not exist. Baroda was simply a village called Vatpadra during that time.

The first statue of Chatrapati Shivaji in the world stands proudly at Sayajibaug. Unveiled on March 8, 1934, by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad, it measures 13.5 feet in height and 3.5 feet in width.

Vadodara, formerly known as Baroda State, was the sole region in India to boast an underground and well-planned drainage system since 1894.

Sampatrao Colony, situated in Alkapuri, is named after Shrimant Sampatrao Gaekwad (1865-1934), the brother of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III.

The road stretching from Circuit House to Ambedkar Circle is named after Romesh Chandra Dutt, affectionately known as R.C. Dutt Road. He served as the Dewan of Baroda State from June 1, 1909, to November 30, 1909.

The road extending from Jayratna Cross Road to the junction of Pratap Nagar Railway Station is named after Ramanlal Vasantlal Desai, commonly known as R.V. Desai Road. He was a prominent Gujarati writer and a significant figure in Gujarati literature.

Shivaji Marg is the original name of Dandia Bazaar Road.

Leela Bungalow near Mandvi served as the earliest Raj Mahal of Baroda.

It is said that the Govindrao Madhyavarti School was once hailed as Asia’s largest primary school.

The first radio station in Gujarat, the Baroda Aakashwani Centre (Baroda Broadcasting Station), was inaugurated in Baroda on January 10, 1947, by Shrimant Pratapsinh Gaekwad.

The marble statue of Queen Victoria in Mumbai, formerly Bombay, was dedicated by Maharaja Khanderao Gaekwad of Baroda in 1846!

List of Wada’s:

– Ambegaonkar Wada

– Kadu no Wado

– Pandher no Wado

– Parkar no Wado

– Fakruddin no Wado

– Bapat no Wado

– Bhaskar Vitthal Wada

– Bhode no Wado

– Mirbakar no Wado

– Majmudar no Wado

– Munshi no Wado

– Sarkar Wada

– Sarangpani no Wado

– Sitaram Buva no Wado

– Shirke no Wado

– Hakim Saheb no Wado

– Halpale no Wado

– Kharchikar Wada

– Nawab Wada

– Jagtap Wada

– Thakkar Wada

– Dhamder no Wado

– Kale no Wado

– Tambe Wada

– Malekar Dighe Wada

During the Gaekwad rule, there were approximately 110 wadas, each with a significant area dedicated to the Diwankhana. Additionally, every wada featured a well, a designated space for storing weapons or armor, and an area for food storage. These provisions ensured that families residing in the wadas were well-prepared and secure during emergencies such as floods or attacks, even if they were unable to leave the premises.

Pols:

– Mama ni Pol: This name originated from Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad II’s uncle, who hailed from Kotwad and resided here. Hence, over time, the locality became known as Mama ni Pole.

– Pratap Madgha ni Pol: Named after Veer Pratapsinh Marda, a native of Rajasthan, who lived in this area. The term “Marda” was eventually replaced with “Madgha”.

– Dala Patel ni Pol: Named after an individual who facilitated the entry of Marathas into Baroda.
Shyamal Bechar ni Pol: Derived from one of the financiers of the state, who was a resident of this area.

Warasiya area derived its name from Waris Shah, who served as the senapati (commander) of Sultan Muhammed Shah III of Ahmedabad in the 16th century.

Piramitar Road was named after Sayad Tahir, the patron saint of Muzaffar II. Its actual name is Pir Amin Tahir!

The Fatehpura area, situated just outside Champaner Gate, was named after Fatehsinhrao (1778-1789), the son of Maharaja Damajirao Gaekwad II.

Bawamanpura and Mahmudwadi have roots dating back to the Mughal era. Bawamanpura was named after Saint Babaman, whose dargah is located in the area. According to ancient Persian manuscripts, it is believed that he resided here during the reigns of Akbar and Jahangir. Mahmudwadi, on the other hand, is named after another Muslim saint named Mahumad.

The triangular shape resembling a nose on Pani Gate is an iconic symbol of the city, affectionately known as ‘Baroda nu naak’, paying homage to Vadodara (Baroda)!

The Gaekwads initially settled in the Juni Gadhi (Old Gadhi) area, originally constructed by the Sultans. The Bhadrakali Temple in this locality traces its origins back to the days of Damajirao II. Legend has it that the image of the goddess worshipped in the temple was brought from Pavagadh.

Babajipura and Raopura, encompassing the area between the old city, Gayan Shala, and residential areas, were named after Babaji Appaji and Diwan Ravji Appaji, respectively!

The Gaekwad Baroda Golf Club is the only golf course in India that surrounds a palace!

‘Hirakk Gaj’ was the beloved elephant of Baroda State. Standing over 14 feet tall and weighing over 5 tons, he proudly carried the exquisite Gaekwari Gold Ambari, which itself weighed half a ton.

A special track was laid between Lukshmi Villas Palace and the Old Railway Station (now located near the polytechnic college) to facilitate the travel of the Maharaja and the royal family.

In the olden times, Lukshmi Villas Palace estate featured an artificial waterfall as well as an artificial mountain, adding to its majestic charm and beauty.

The Tower of Lukshmi Villas Palace boasts a spiral staircase, adding to its architectural grandeur and elegance.

In Lukshmi Villas Palace, there is a special room called the Hathi (Elephant) Room, from which the king used to descend onto his elephant, adding to the regal ambiance of the palace.

In 1890, a telephone exchange was developed within Lukshmi Villas Palace to facilitate internal communication, marking a significant advancement in communication technology at that time.

Lukshmi Villas Palace is reputed to be the largest private dwelling ever built, four times the size of Buckingham Palace, showcasing its grandeur and magnificence.

It took nearly 12 years, from 1878 to 1890, to complete Lukshmi Villas Palace at a cost of GBP 180,000. The original architect was Major Charles Mant. The palace is built in an Indo-Saracenic style, initially designed by Major Charles Mant (1840-1881) and later completed by Robert Fellowes Chisholm (1840-1915) after Mant’s death. The original name of the palace is Lukshmi Vilas Palace, as seen in official documentation, sometimes spelled as Lukshmi Velas Palace.

When the Maharaja is present at Lukshmi Villas Palace, during the day, the outer main gate (Rajmahal Gate) is marked with a Bhagwo Flag. At night, a small red light illuminates the palace’s tower. This tradition serves as an indicator of the Maharaja’s presence at the palace and continues to be observed to this day.

The garden outside Lukshmi Villas Palace is known as the Sunken Garden. The grounds were meticulously landscaped by William Goldring, a specialist from Kew Gardens, also known as the “London Garden of the Kew team”. Additionally, statues of animals such as bulls and deer, which were originally part of Makarpura Palace (now Air Force), were later shifted to adorn the garden of Lukshmi Villas Palace.

Since 1631, there has been an ancient banyan tree, famously known as ‘The Great Old Banyan Tree‘, located at GSFC.

The Parade Grounds, along with most of the officers’ bungalows located on the left side of Makarpura road, were collectively known as Cavalry Lines.

The area near the current Polo Club‘s back gate was once home to a furniture factory, established by Mr. Kharadi, a young carpenter who had received training in Europe. In old days here, house decoration articles were crafted and made available for sale to the public.

At the age of 33, Maharaja Fatehsinghrao Gaekwad of Baroda became the youngest President of BCCI, serving from 1963 to 1966.

The old TB hospital at Gotri and the Shopping Complex (Padmavati Shopping Centre) opposite Nyay Mandir have been named after the Maharaja Pratapsinh Rao Gaekwar’s mother, Yuvarani Padmavati Raje, who passed away in 1920.

Makarpura Palace was originally constructed as a hunting resort. Maharaja Khanderao Gaekwad spent a considerable amount of time hunting in the vast deer park near the Dhaniavi area in Makarpura, which was commonly referred to as Shikarkhana.

In the Shastra Ghar (weapon museum) of Lukshmi Vilas Palace, there are two notable weapons: Panch Kala, a weapon belonging to Guru Gobind Singh, and NavaDurga, a sword (Talavaar) engraved with the nine incarnations of Goddess Durga. NavaDurga symbolizes the victory of good over evil, a destiny it was meant to fulfil.

Baroda is renowned for its iconic sewage pipes, distinguished by arrows indicating the direction of flow. These pipes, often quite old, can still be spotted in various locations across the city, including Khanderao Market, Kalabhavan, Polo Club, and numerous other historic sites.

Nazarbaug Palace, also referred to as The Treasury, housed numerous valuable jewelry items, including a diamond necklace adorned with the “Star of the South Diamond” and embellished with precious stones and seed pearls. This necklace is said to be made to be crafted to cover the tomb of Muhammad.

Baroda is renowned for its association with cricket. More than 15 recognized Indian cricketers have played their childhood matches at Moti Baug. This historic ground is claimed to be one of the oldest cricket grounds in Asia.
Some notable cricketers from Baroda who have also represented Team India include:

– Vijay Hazare

– Chandu Borde

– Anshuman Gaekwad

– D K Gaekwad

– Nari Contractor

– Irfan Pathan

– Yusuf Pathan

– Kiran More

– Atul Bedade

– Jacob Martin

– Connor Williams

– Ajit Wadekar (Though he was born in Mumbai, he later moved to Baroda and played for Baroda in domestic cricket)

These players have made significant contributions to both Baroda cricket and Indian cricket.

Originally known as Chandan Talav, Sursagar Lake‘s name is believed to have derived from Raja Chandan, the ruler of the Dor Tribe of Rajputs. In 1757, the transformation of Chandan Talav into Sursagar Lake was initiated by Sureshwar Desai, who managed land records and tax collection. Later, Maharaja Malharrao Gaekwad fortified its embankments. In 1890, remnants of an ancient temple were discovered in its bed. There were gates under pond to maintain water level, which were connected to Vishwamitri River.

Vadodara boasts a total of 80+ gardens. The oldest and largest among them is Sayaji Baug, also known as Kamati Baug, which was established in year 1879.

Originally constructed as a market, Nyay Mandir was repurposed by Maharaja Sayajirao as a court after witnessing its grandeur and architectural magnificence. It original name is Maharani Chimnabai Nyay Mandir.

In 1906, Khanderao Market earned the reputation of being the most well-planned market in all of India. This acclaim stemmed from its innovative design featuring four large gates, along with a central circle and four smaller circles designated for entry and exit. At that time, the market offered a wide array of goods, including ready-made garments, provision stores, pots, and various other commodities.

Ustad Moula Bux established the Academy of Indian Music under his patronage, which eventually evolved into the Music College. Today, it stands as the Faculty of Performing Arts of The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda.

Maharaja Khanderao Gaekwad is remembered as one of the greatest collectors of jewels and jewelry in the 19th century. His era was marked by the acquisition of extraordinary pieces that still hold historical significance today.

Baroda is home to one of the smallest steam locomotive engines in the world, housed within the Maharaja Fatesingh Museum. When the Maharaja’s children were younger, they attended school aboard a mini train that traversed a railway track encircling the mango orchards within the Lukshmi Villas Palace’s compound. The engine of this train, known as the Flying Scotsman Train, has since been refurbished and can be viewed at the Maharaja Fatehsingh Museum.

The State-owned Gaekwars Baroda State Railway (GBSR), established in 1862, was the first narrow-gauge railway in India. The inaugural narrow-gauge railway line ran from Dabhoi to Miyagam, with oxen initially used to haul the trains. This railway track holds the distinction of being the first narrow-gauge line laid in British India and was also the first to be owned by any princely state in India. Remarkably, it became the largest narrow-gauge railway network in the world.

Raoji Appaji served as the first Dewan of the Baroda State.

During the reign of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, Sir Raja T. Madhavrao was appointed as the first Dewan. Following him, Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III appointed 13 more Dewans during his rule.

When Gopalrao ascended to the throne as Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, he was illiterate. His education began on June 7, 1875, and continued until December 28, 1881.
Marathi was taught by Shri Keshavrao Pandit and Shri Vyankatesh Joshi (Bhau Master), while Gujarati was taught by Shri Ratanram Master.
Sayajirao’s education took place in a room on the top floor of Sarkarwada, where he studied for five hours a day.

In the year 1876, Sayajirao’s daily schedule was as follows:

– Rise at 6 AM

– Engage in riding or other exercises until 8 AM

– Study for one hour

– Have breakfast with the Maharani

– Proceed to school from the palace, accompanied by a military escort

– Work from 10:30 AM to 5 PM, with a break for lunch

– Exercise on the ground near the school

– Return to the palace

– Prepare for the next day’s lessons

– Have an evening meal

– Retire to bed at 10 PM

(The ground referred to is currently the Baroda Cricket Association’s ground, and the school is now the Maharaja Fatehsinh Museum.)

Maharaja Sayajirao married Kumari Gajrabai Ghatge, who was later renamed Maharani Chimnabai II.

Maharaja Pratapsinhrao Gaekwad of Baroda possessed one of the most esteemed stud farms in Europe, second only to Aga Khan’s. Located in Kildare, Ireland, it was known as Baroda Stud. However, the Baroda family sold it in the 1970s. Remarkably, in 2006, it was once again sold, fetching a staggering 30 million Euros.

Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III made history by becoming one of the first Indian ruler to introduce compulsory and free primary education in his state in 1906. Baroda State, under his rule, earned a reputation as one of the best-administered states of British India. Baroda was also the first state to pass an Act for Compulsory Education, making it mandatory for boys aged 7-12 and girls aged 7-10 to attend school. This progressive step towards education made a significant impact on the social and economic development of the region.

Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III is said to have supported and witnessed the successful flight of an unmanned aircraft constructed by Dr. Talpade in 1895. This remarkable event occurred eight years before the Wright Brothers made their historic flight, making it a significant milestone in aviation history.

Baroda State, now known as Vadodara, was a ’21 Gun Salute’ Maratha princely state situated in present-day Gujarat. It was ruled by the Gaekwad dynasty from its establishment in 1721 until 1949 when it acceded to the newly formed Union of India.

At the time of Indian independence, only five rulers were entitled to a 21-Gun Salute: The Nizam of Hyderabad, The Maharaja of Mysore, The Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir state, The Maharaja Gaekwad of Baroda, and The Maharaja Scindia of Gwalior.

Earlier, the Royal Family’s Ganpati (Ganeshji Idol) used to be installed at Indumati Palace, situated just opposite Lukshmi Vilas Palace. Indumati Palace was Devsthan of the Gaekwad family.

During the time of 1943, Maharaja Pratap Singh Gaekwad was considered the eighth (8th) richest man in the world and the second (2nd) wealthiest Indian prince.

Maharaja Fatehsinghrao Gaekwad was not only a cricketer but also represented Baroda in the Ranji Trophy from 1946 to 1958. He distinguished himself further as an expert cricket commentator on radio. Such was his contribution to the sport that he was honored as an honorary life member by the Melbourne Cricket Club.

Maharaja Fatehsinhrao Gaekwad made significant contributions to cricket administration. He served as the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from 1963 to 1966, following his tenure as Vice-President from 1959 to 1960 and again in 1962-63. Additionally, he held the position of manager for the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) from 1960 onwards. Revered in England as “Jackie Baroda,” he managed the Indian cricket team’s tours of England in 1959 and Pakistan in 1978-79 and 1982-83.

The Golden Jubilee of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III’s accession was celebrated with grandeur on the 3rd of January 1936. A massive stadium was constructed specifically for this occasion, capable of accommodating fifty thousand people, where the festivities took place with great fanfare.

In 1887 AD, Gujarat’s first college-level science education branch was established as ‘Baroda College’ during the reign of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III.

The dome (Gumbaz) of the Art Faculty at The Maharaja Sayajirao University (formerly Baroda College) is the second-largest dome in Asia.

The first four colleges opened in Gujarat were:

– Ahmedabad in 1861.

– Vadodara in 1879.

– Bhavnagar in 1885.

– Junagadh in 1901.

All of these colleges initially focused on arts education.

The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda holds the distinction of being the largest university in Gujarat.

In 1886, the first newspaper namely “Baroda Vatsal,” was launched by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III and edited by Shri Damodar Yande of Bombay. Later, in 1892, Shri Damodar Yande initiated another newspaper, “Shri Sayaji Vijay,” published in English, Marathi, and Gujarati. Maharaja Sayajirao also established a publishing house to support these endeavors.

In the 16th century, Gujarat’s Sultan Muzaffar II renamed, re-planned, and renovated old city of Baroda, naming it Kila-e-Daulatabad. However, over time, this name was forgotten by the people, and the city reverted to its original name, Baroda.

As of the five well-known gates (Mandvi Gate, Lehripura Gate, Champaner Gate, Pani Gate, and Gendi Gate) in Vadodara, there were three more gates: Goyagate, Hathiyawad Gate, and Bawamanpura Gate. However, the existence or whereabouts of these three gates are currently either unknown or they no longer exist.

Maharani of Baroda, Shanta Devi, the first wife of Maharaja Pratapsinh Gaekwad, narrowly escaped death in Canterbury, England, during World War II in 1940 during the Battle of Britain. She was shopping at a fur store when an enemy plane dropped a bomb, resulting in the tragic death of the store’s staff. Fortunately, she emerged unscathed from the incident.

On 12th May 1888, the eldest son of Maharani Chimnabai II, Jaisinhrao, was born in Ooty. The occasion was marked by a congratulatory message sent by Queen Victoria herself.

In February 1888, the Maharaja of Mysore visited Baroda, marking a significant moment in the friendship between the Maharaja of Baroda and the Maharaja of Mysore. As a symbol of this friendship, a road was named after the Maharaja of Mysore in Baroda, known as “Sayyaji Rao Road.” In return, Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad also named a road after the Maharaja of Mysore, called “Chamaraja Road” or “Chamarajendra Road.” This road stretched from Lukshmi Vilas Palace’s main gate to Nyay Mandir. However, over time, the name of this road has becoming less known.

During Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad’s rule, Bhadran earned the nickname “Paris of Charotar” or also called Paris of Gaekwad State due to its advanced academic facilities, social and religious infrastructure, and administrative development.

Before Gandhi Nagar Gruh, Nyay Mandir (now court) was the primary venue for dramas, conferences, lectures, stage shows, and other events. Occasionally, the Shri Deepak (Wankaner) Open Air Theater at the end of Madan Zampa Road was also used for such purposes.

During the 1950s and 1960s, there were only nine cinema houses in Vadodara:

– Sadhna Talkies

– Pratap Talkies

– Alankar Talkies (now Alankar Tower)

– Prince

– Kala Mandir (opposite to Pratap Talkies)

– Sharda Talkies (now Singapore AC Market near Jubilee Baug)

– Sagar (now RajHans Talkies)

– Mohan (Now Navrang Cinema)

– Maharani Shantadevi Talkies (now Vraj-Siddhi Tower near Khanderao Market)

– Arun Talkies or Krishna Talkies (Now FarasKhana, near to Khanderao Market, backside of Panjara Pole).

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Facts/Did You Know?

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