Imagine strolling down a road enveloped in the gentle shade of towering trees, with warm sunlight filtering through lush green foliage and the air enriched with earthy fragrances. This picturesque scene brings to mind the historic Indira Avenue, now commonly known as Jail Road. Originally, Indira Avenue was narrower and lined with an impressive 800 Banyan trees, planted in the…
Also popularly known as Yahudi Kabristan, the Israel Kabristan (graveyard), this 140+ years old historical site lies at the mouth of what technically used to be the Nizampura village. The patch of land now known as the Israeli Kabristan was gifted to the Jewish community of Baroda in 1875, by the then Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. There is even a ‘Khat’…
Located in the bustling Dandia Bazaar area, the Khanqah-e-Rifaiya stands as a historic and spiritual landmark in the heart of the city. Over 200 years old, this dargah is dedicated to Hazrat Saiyed Fakhruddin, also known as Amirmiyan Rifai, a revered figure from the Refaia silsila of Basra, Iraq. The dargah is celebrated for its healing properties attributed to its…
Do you know what Vijay Hazare, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Hardik Pandya, and Kunal Pandya have in common? The answer is Baroda. Over the years Baroda has given the country many of its great cricketers. Be it Vijay Hazare or the Pathan Brothers or the most recent Pandya Brothers, they all have one thing in common, they all come from…
Located across the main gate of Lukshmi Vilas Palace, is the BDHA (Baroda District Hockey Association). Just like every other sports association of Baroda, this also started with patronage from the royal family. The ground and the building housing the association was donated by the Gaekwads. BDHA is non-commercial association, affiliated to Gujarat State Hockey Association. It trains and promotes…
No good railway facility is complete without lodging amenities for both travelers and staff. That’s why the Damajirao Dharamshala, located just opposite the Vadodara Railway Station, was commissioned by Maharaja Ganpatrao Gaekwad. The current structure was completed during the 1870s under Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. The Damajirao Dharamshala was bustling in its prime. Originally constructed during Maharaja Ganpatrao Gaekwad’s reign,…
Perched on a high pedestal near Sir Sayajirao General (SSG) Hospital stands the statue of Yuvraj Fatehsinhrao Gaekwad I. Titled “Lieutenant-Colonel Shrimant Yuvaraj Fatehsinhrao Gaekwad, Yuvaraj Sahib of Baroda,” Fatehsinhrao I was the eldest son of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. Born on August 3, 1883, he tragically passed away at the young age of 25 on September 14, 1908. The…
Located in Ahmedabad, the Gaekwadi Haveli stands as a testament to the expansion efforts of the Gaekwads and Peshwas. Constructed in the late 1730s, it served as a key residence and administrative center during the Maratha rule. Fall of Ahmedabad & Rise of Gaekwads After capturing the Baroda State in 1734 from the Badi Nawabs, Damajirao Gaekwad expanded his territory. In 1737,…
Located in Narayan Peth, Pune, Kesari Wada was originally commissioned as a residence by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of Baroda. Known initially as Gaekwad Wada, it later became a significant center of activity for Lokmanya Tilak, a prominent freedom fighter. Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III’s Support The British authorities suspected Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of covertly supporting the freedom movement. True to their suspicions,…
Baroda has long celebrated its association with Banyan trees, yet few know that one of the city’s largest one thrives at the heart of Lukshmi Vilas Palace compound. This 130-year-old tree, named ‘Sayaji Vad‘ was personally planted by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. Originally gifted to him as a small sapling during his visit to Sri Lanka in January 1887, it…