Commissioned in 1936, the Maharaja Pratapsinh Coronation Gymkhana stands as a testament to Baroda’s rich history and the defiant spirit of its rulers. During the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III’s rule, his grandson and successor, Yuvraj Pratapsinhrao, boldly declared his intention to establish a Polo Club. This announcement was not merely a gesture of celebration but also an act of defiance against the British colonial authorities.
The Backdrop
In the years leading up to India’s independence, the British were increasingly wary of any public gatherings, viewing them as potential threats to their control. The tension in Baroda escalated after the 1911 Delhi Durbar incident, where Maharaja Sayajirao’s perceived slight to the British monarchs fueled their distrust. The British authorities, already suspicious of Sayajirao’s activities, became even more apprehensive, fearing that the local clubs and gymkhanas might be breeding grounds for anti-British sentiments. In response to this paranoia, no new clubs were permitted in the Baroda State, yet the Gaekwads remained resolute in their defiance.
The princely state of Baroda, under British rule, was renowned for its advanced standards and inclusivity, setting itself apart from other native states. The rulers of Baroda championed a vibrant communal life, ensuring that each Taluka HQ in the state had its own Gymkhana (club). These clubs were equipped with modern sports facilities and served as esteemed platforms for subjects from diverse backgrounds to interact and engage in various activities. Among the notable clubs across Baroda’s extensive territories were the Hind Vijay Gymkhana, Yuvraj Fatehsinh Gymkhana, The Camp Club, Navasari Gymkhana, Bilimora Club, Patan Gymkhana, The Royal Dwarka Boating Club, Amreli Gymkhana, and Mehsana Club, all contributing to the state’s rich cultural and social landscape.
Establishing the Club
On 9th January 1936, marking 61 years of Maharaja Sayajirao’s rule, Yuvraj Pratapsinhrao announced the establishment of the Polo Club and Equestrian Gymkhana. The formal process began with the laying of the foundation stone on 25th April 1939 by Chhatrapati Raja Ram Maharaja of Kolhapur. The following day, Pratapsinhrao was coronated as the king following the death of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III on 6th February 1936. Consequently, the Polo Club was renamed the Maharaja Pratapsinh Coronation Gymkhana (MPCG).
The outbreak of the Second World War in September 1939 brought significant challenges, including a severe shortage of construction materials. Despite these hurdles, Maharaja Pratapsinhrao remained committed to completing the MPCG, which was finished by March 1941. The construction, which cost Rs 3,43,365/- and included a donation of 43 acres of land from the Maharaja himself, was inaugurated on 2nd March 1941 by his wife, Queen Maharani Shantadevi Gaekwad.
A Landmark of Sporting Excellence
An accomplished polo player and expert rider himself, Maharaja Pratapsinhrao fostered a thriving polo culture at the MPCG. The club hosted numerous tournaments featuring the Baroda Royal Polo Team against rival teams from Nizam, Mysore, Travancore, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Kolhapur, Dhar, Dewas, Indore, and British India. The Polo Ground, a central feature of the club, became a landmark and was used for various sports, including horse racing, cricket, Indian games, and military drills.
The ground also served as a venue for cricket matches involving prominent Baroda cricketers such as C.S. Naidu, C.K. Naidu, Lala Amarnath, Vijay Hazare, Vijay Merchant, Vinod Mankad, Gulam Mohammad, and the Nimbalkar brothers, who contributed significantly to the state’s cricketing legacy.
Today, the Maharaja Pratapsinh Coronation Gymkhana continues to stand as a proud symbol of Baroda’s rich heritage. After more than 85 years, it remains one of India’s most prestigious clubs, preserving the legacy of a bygone era while celebrating the enduring spirit of its founders.
One may visit official website of MPCG here – www.poloclubofbaroda.org
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