In 1940, Motilal Ballubhai Patwa established ‘Patwa Faraskhana’ in Almas Market, which was earlier Shah Radhan Mia’s Wada, located near the City Police Station in the Pani Gate area of Vadodara. The concept of Faraskhana, which involves setting up temporary residences, can be traced back to the practice of establishing encampments during wartime, a tradition embraced by rulers and maharajas.
The first owner of Shah Radhan Mia’s Wada was Prince Shah Hamid Bin Amin Jamatdar (1772-1794), Radhan Mia’s great-grandfather, who was originally from Arabia and served as an Arab Sibandi Soldier Commander in the Arab troops of Maharaja Fatehsingh Rao Gaekwad I. The widespread adoption of Faraskhana in Vadodara is attributed to the benevolent efforts of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, who was deeply committed to the well-being of his subjects. Known for his passion for hunting, Sayajirao Gaekwad established temporary residences in forested areas, complete with tents and necessary equipment, which contributed to the popularization of the Faraskhana concept in the region.
Later, Maharaja Sayajirao extended these arrangements to the public, offering them free of charge for weddings and other events. This initiative gave rise to the term ‘Faraskhana.’ As the demand for such facilities increased, their popularity grew, evolving from royal palaces to noble residences, and eventually becoming a common feature across all social strata. Today, Vadodara boasts over 300 Faraskhanas.
The Introduction of Government Faraskhana and Revival Efforts
The concept of Faraskhana was initially introduced in Baroda by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad with the establishment of ‘Government Faraskhana’ in the Lal Akhada area of Fatehpura in 1930. However, this venture was discontinued thereafter.
The tradition was revived by Motilal Ballubhai Patwa in 1940 when he purchased all the equipment from the government Faraskhana and launched his own at Radhan Mia’s Wada (or Haveli). This effort played a crucial role in making Faraskhana services accessible to the public. Following this, Madhusudan Hargovinddas, Wadilal Kaka (Bhagwandas Patel), and Chandu Bhai Jamnadas initiated Arunoday Faraskhana in 1958, further contributing to the expansion and popularity of Faraskhanas.
The Origin and Cultural Resonance of ‘Faraskhana’
The term ‘Faraskhana’ finds its roots in Persian, combining ‘Fars’ (land) and ‘Khanna’ (house), signifying a place where items like carpets and other goods are arranged on the land. This fusion reflects Maharaja Sayajirao’s naming conventions for various establishments, including Dava Khana, Bagi Khana, Shikar Khana, and Gymkhana. Each name utilized the suffix ‘Khana’ to denote different types of institutions.
The Rise of Marriage Halls and Modern Adaptations
The concept of marriage halls in Vadodara emerged with the opening of ‘Arunoday’ Hall in 1972 in the Fatehpura area. This development marked a pivotal shift in the Faraskhana business, as these spaces began to gain prominence for various functions, including meetings by prominent city traders. Over time, Faraskhanas evolved to include new amenities and dimensions.
The Introduction of the Microphone System
In 1935, Vadodara saw the introduction of the microphone system, soon after its global inception. Rameshbhai Bhatt pioneered this technology in the city, initially offering microphone services free of charge for religious events. This tradition endures today through Bhatt & Company, which continues to provide complimentary microphone services for events at Eidgah Maidan.
The Role of Vadodara Faraskhana Association
With the closure of the government Faraskhana in 1978, the Vadodara Faraskhana Association was founded by senior citizens of the city. This organization has played a crucial role in supporting the community during both disasters and celebratory events.
The Advent of Projector Rental Services
Alongside traditional Faraskhana services, projector rentals were introduced with the establishment of Patwa Faraskhana. Initially viewed as a labor-intensive endeavor, the Faraskhana business has gained prestige and respect as educated individuals and modern technologies have become involved in its operations.
Reflections on Historical Significance
Ibrahim Gulam Hussain Jamadar, a descendant of Radhan Mia, reflects on the historical journey and significance of Faraskhana in Vadodara. From its modest beginnings as a temporary arrangement, Faraskhana has evolved into an integral component of the city’s social fabric, showcasing its rich historical and cultural heritage.
This post is written in collaboration with Ibrahim Jamadar, Mirza Akram Ali Baig Ballantine, Rehan Kuwa Wala, Aiyub Khan Pathan, Nasir Shaikh & Baroda Muslim Official team.
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