Nestled within the expansive gardens of the Lukshmi Vilas Palace compound stands the tomb of Alam Sayed, also revered as “Ghode ka Pir” (the saint of horses). Alam Sayed, a 15th-century Sufi saint, was an adviser to Sultan Muzaffar Shah II of Gujarat. Legend and Offerings: Local legend holds that Alam Sayed’s horse was buried nearby, beneath a tree adorned…
Located near Khanderao Market, the Govindrao Madhyavarti School was established by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1890 in honor of Maharaja Govindrao Gaekwad. Originally, the school also served as a music college, known as ‘Gayan Shala,’ for a period. The original building was replaced by a new structure in 1937, also commissioned by Sayajirao III. Architectural Features The Govindrao Madyavarti School is…
While walking through certain parts of the old city, one may come across strange yet regal-looking poles topped with arrows. These poles are actually the vent shafts of an elaborate underground drainage system. As part of his visionary schemes, Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III commissioned a well-planned drainage system in 1894. Thus, a meticulously designed drainage network was established, featuring vent…
Maharani Chimnabai II, like her husband Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, was a forward-thinking leader who played a crucial role in advancing education in the Baroda State. Established in 1911, Maharani Chimnabai High School stands as a testament to her commitment to educational reform. The school was founded with the support of Maharani Chimnabai II and former Chief Justice Bhausaheb Gokhale. Backdrop In…
The post office currently standing in the Raopura area was built in the early 1930s and has a long history of correspondence between the Britishers and the Gaekwads. The earliest known postal service available in Baroda before 1863 was through the Camp PO, located inside the Cantonment area. Until 1863, there was no other post office; the city only had…
The Haribhakti Haveli, located in narrow lanes of Ghadiyali Pol near Amba Mata no Khancho was once a grand symbol of the city’s opulent past, a place where business, culture, and tradition seamlessly intertwined. Built by the influential Haribhakti family, this traditional mansion served as both a home and a thriving business hub. However, in recent years, the haveli has…
Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya is a Heritage Building, located inside the Campus of Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU). It was established by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad I in Year 1833, as a Bungalow, for Stay of British Officers. After many Years, it then became Guest House for Professors of University. And later, it was then known as Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya. Baroda Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya was established…
Built in 1833, this building came to be known by 3 different names : Residency House (Bungalow), White House (Bungalow) and Sayaji Bhawan (Bhavan) over the years. Built as the Residency House for the Britishers the building was erected by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad II. Initially known as the Residency House, the building later came to be known as the White…
This elaborately embroidered uniform was made for Maharaja Khanderao Gaekwad II of Baroda. Sarah Glenn, textile conservator at the Victoria and Albert Museum, explains how she prepared the work for display in the Maharaja: The Splendor of India’s Royal Courts exhibition. This exhibition was on view at the Asian Art Museum from October 21, 2011 through April 8, 2012, and…
The Sir Sayajirao Nagar Gruh, also known as the Town Hall cum Auditorium, stands as a testament to the vision and generosity of the Bank of Baroda (BoB). Located near Cow Circle in the Akota area of Vadodara, this impressive structure is a significant landmark in the city. Features: Seating Capacity: The auditorium boasts a spacious main hall with a…