Nyay Mandir

Initially built to house a vegetable market, the Nyay Mandir was commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in memory of his beloved wife, Maharani Chimnabai I. Upon completion, the structure transitioned from a market to a Town Hall and later transformed into an imperial court, inaugurated on November 30, 1896, by the then Viceroy, Lord Elgin. The Maharaja’s deep respect for his late Maharani, who passed away shortly after their marriage, is poignantly captured in his words during the foundation laying: “I wish to commemorate the virtues of Her Late Highness and the admiration I entertained for her – the mild, charitable, amiable woman, the devoted mother, and a loving wife.”

Cultural Significance

In its early years, the Nyay Mandir served as a venue for musical concerts and lectures, later becoming a pivotal location for the judiciary. It was here that influential figures such as Baba Saheb Ambedkar, Aurobindo Ghosh, and Patrick Geddes delivered lectures. The last ruler of Baroda, Pratapsinhrao Gaekwad, famously gave his final speech from the building’s balcony before India’s independence.

Architectural Features

Planned around two expansive courtyards, this double-storeyed structure covers approximately 6,000 square meters and was built at a cost of around 7 lakh rupees. Designed to be symmetrical along a central axis, it features a grand hall flanked by rows of law court rooms. Crafted from brick, stone, wood, and steel, the facade is adorned with Italian ceramic tiles in ochre yellow and brick red. The building’s windows and entrance doors showcase various arch styles, highlighted in white, while the top is embellished with ornate “chattris” (cupolas) and intricate stone and wrought iron “jalis.” A prominent clock on the front facade serves as a reminder of the passage of time.

Nyay Devi of Nyay Mandir

The Nyay Mandir of Baroda features a remarkable wooden relief sculpture of Nyay Devi, the goddess of justice, created in 1894 under the vision of Maharaja Sayajirao III. This striking artwork showcases Nyay Devi in a saree, standing gracefully on a lotus while holding a book and a weighing scale. The Maharaja’s progressive approach aimed to establish a fair and trustworthy justice system, free from political interference, which earned recognition even from the British. Under Sayajirao’s rule, Baroda was truly ahead of its time, paving the way for a justice system that prioritized the rights of its people. Fast forward to today, the Supreme Court has unveiled a contemporary representation of Nyay Devi, no longer blindfolded, but instead holding the Constitution of India—an embodiment of transparency and justice for all.

The Legacy

The crowning jewel of the Nyay Mandir is undoubtedly the beautiful statue of Maharani Chimnabai I, carved from white Italian marble under the supervision of renowned sculptor Felici in 1890.

A colorful fountain adorned with four lion statues, inspired by the Ashoka Stambh, stands in front of the building, commemorating India’s independence.

Sadly, with the court’s recent relocation, the Nyay Mandir has fallen into disrepair, with plants growing from its sides and the iron jalis corroding away. This structure is not just an architectural gem; it embodies the legacy of one of Baroda’s most revered Maharajas and his beloved Maharani. The future of the Nyay Mandir, like many heritage buildings, now rests in the hands of the authorities, highlighting the urgent need for preservation to honor its rich history.