The Gaekwads’ rise to power in Baroda came after they successfully captured the city from the Babi Nawabs, who were serving as Mughal officers. A treaty was signed between the Gaekwads and the Nawabs, allowing the latter to retain ownership of some land within and around the Baroda State. The Pratapganj area, now part of Baroda, was one such property and still houses a small Nawab cemetery.
A Key Figure: Qazi Sayed Nuruddin Husain-Khan
In 1789, Qazi Sayed Nuruddin Husain-Khan, a prominent member of the Nawab family, was appointed as a native agent in the Peshwa’s court at Pune, alongside an English officer. His services were highly valued by Anandrao Gaekwad, who subsequently made his sons Nawabs of Baroda. During this period, there was a dispute among the Gaekwad brothers, which was resolved with the assistance of Nawab Kamaluddin. As a result of his role in settling the conflict, Nawab Kamaluddin was honored with the title of Senapati.
Nawab Wada: A Symbol of Grandeur
In 1816, Nawab Kamaluddin was granted a palace in what was then a jungle area, located on Raopura Road, known today as Nawab Wada or Nawab Manzil. This residence was not just a home but also a place where Nawab Kamaluddin had the authority to adjudicate criminal cases.
An account from a family member vividly describes Nawab Wada:
“Nawab Manzil was an opulent home. It housed our relatives and a myriad of staff, including cooks, valets, sweepers, and butlers, as well as accountants and secretaries. The residence was expansive, accessed through a high wooden gate and supported by impressive wooden pillars painted in soft yellows and greens. Inside, there was an inner courtyard and a vast garden, complemented by a majestic staircase leading to the bedrooms. At night, the palace sparkled with the light of gas lamps.”
A Forgotten Legacy
Despite its historical significance, the legacy of the Nawabs of Baroda has faded from public memory. Nawab Wada, once a symbol of their grandeur, now stands largely forgotten. The house, which has passed into the hands of the distant descendants of the Nawabs, remains unoccupied as the family members have moved elsewhere.
The Nawabs’ contribution to Baroda’s history, including their role in the administration and their luxurious residence, is a testament to a bygone era that few in the city remember today.
This house is not empty. My friend lives here. They are descendants of nawab. I have been to this place a couple of times.