Situated in an area called Warashiya is the tomb of Waris Shah, the “senapati” (commander) of Sultan Muhammad Shah III, the ruler of Ahmedabad in the 16th century. The name “Warashiya” is derived from his name, combining “Waris” and “Shah”. Waris Shah was known for his kindness and generosity, revered by the people as a “pir” or saint. Upon his…
Situated on banks of River Vishwamitri near Sports Academy is the Boat House belonging to Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. This building was used to park the boats when not in use. As seen in the picture the structure displayed exposed brick work with ornately carved eaves and finials adorning it’s roofs. The design of boathouse was derived from the vernacular timber…
Located in the Sayajigunj area of Baroda, the Parsi Agiary stands as the first private Parsi temple established in the city. Commissioned by Faramji Contractor and completed in 1923 under the supervision of Pestonji Contractor, this Agiary holds significant historical and cultural value. Faramji Contractor, the State contractor for Baroda State, chose the site of his brick manufacturing business for…
Opened in 1914, the Training School for Men, also known as Purush Adhyapan Mandir, was established under the initiative of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. This institution was part of the Maharaja’s broader vision to enhance technical education for men across Baroda and its surrounding regions. Architectural Design Located on the now DEO Kacheri campus in the Karelibaug area of the…
Popularly known as the Red Church, the Centenary Methodist Church stands prominently in the Fatehganj residency area of Baroda. Constructed in 1902, the church was built on the site of an earlier church established in the 1880s. The current building was completed with the generous donation of 500 silver coins from Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, transforming the original structure into…
Located on the western side of Nyay Mandir is the imposing Lal Court, a large red building constructed in the 1950s. It occupies the site where a garden once stood. Initially designed to accommodate Diwani and Faujdaari Courts, as well as a mediation center, Lal Court was likely built to alleviate the burden on the older Nyay Mandir court. Recently,…
It is often astounding to see how a single individual can profoundly impact the lives of thousands in a short span. Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III was one such visionary who transformed Baroda, placing the city prominently on the national map. In 1938, to mark the 60th year of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III‘s rule, the citizens of Baroda organized a grand…
Located in the Dandia Bazaar area of Baroda, Shree Jummadada Vyayam Mandir, commonly known as the “Temple of Physical Education,” has a rich history rooted in the revival of Indian martial arts. Founded by Jummadada in approximately 1853, the institute began as a modest Akhada (gymnasium) in the Warasia area. With the support of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, Jummadada transformed…
Born on July 3, 1897, in Surat, Hansa Mehta was the daughter of Manubhai Mehta, the Dewan of Baroda State. Her educational journey began at Baroda College (now The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda), where she graduated in Philosophy. She furthered her studies in Journalism and Sociology in England. Upon returning to India, she played a significant role in social…
Chandravadan Chimanlal Mehta, aka C.C. Mehta was born on 6th April 1901, in Surat. Chandravadan Mehta pioneered in theater & drama studies at The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. The world celebrates ‘World Theater Day’ due to him, as he moved a resolution at International Theatre Institute under aegis of UNESCO in 1960 at Vienna conference to make 27th March as…