Referred to as the last of the big spenders, Maharaja Pratapsinhrao was the final royal connoisseur of luxury. Known for commissioning some of the most fabulous pieces of jewelry and daily-use articles, one of the most unique creations was a gold cage designed for his pet frog. A Gold Ladder and Emerald Birds Nicknamed the “House of Hortense,” this exquisite…
The Gaekwads of Baroda are renowned not only for their luxurious extravagance but also for their commitment to social reforms. A stunning representation of this opulence is the custom-made Louis Vuitton Tea Case, commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1926. Crafted from grained leather, this elegant piece contained all the necessary accouterments for making tea. The Tea Case: By…
The Star of the South is one of the world’s most renowned diamonds, celebrated for its captivating history and breathtaking beauty. Discovered in 1853, it became the first Brazilian diamond to gain international recognition and eventually found a cherished place in the treasury of the Gaekwads. Discovery: A Diamond and a New Beginning The diamond’s story begins in the Bagagem…
The Gaekwads of Baroda have long been celebrated as connoisseurs of exquisite jewels, and among their treasures lies the renowned fancy yellow diamond known as ‘The Moon of Baroda’. This stunning gem has a rich history intertwined with royalty, legends, and pop culture. A Storied Past The Moon of Baroda, a pear-shaped diamond weighing 24.04 carats, was part of the Gaekwadi treasury for…
The Princie Diamond, a stunning 34.65-carat cushion-cut fancy intense pink diamond, is steeped in history and intrigue. Despite its name being linked to the Gaekwads of Baroda, the diamond actually belonged to the Nizam royal family of Hyderabad, showcasing a rich tapestry of royal connections. A Glittering Discovery Discovered over 300 years ago in the famed Golconda mines, the Princie Diamond is regarded…
Established as the Baroda College of Science, and currently known as the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (MSU), the college was opened in 1881. The foundation stone of the college was laid by visionary ruler Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III on January 8, 1879. It became a university on 30th April 1949, after the independence of the country and was later…
Nestled behind tall trees and compound walls stands a striking Neo-Classical building known as Senapati Bhavan, formerly referred to as Kalabhavan. This architectural gem, established in 1890 as the Kala Bhavan Technical Institute, served as a hub for technical education before transitioning to The Faculty of Technology & Engineering.Since 1949, the building has been under the possession of the Army,…
India has long been a beacon of religious tolerance and harmony, and the Pearl Carpet of Baroda stands as a stunning testament to this legacy. Commissioned by Maharaja Khanderao Gaekwad II in 1865, the carpet was originally intended as a gift to adorn the Prophet Muhammad’s tomb in Medina. Unfortunately, the Maharaja passed away before this noble offering could be…
Commissioned by Maharaja Khanderao Gaekwad II in 1865, this exquisite Pearl Canopy was originally part of a five-piece set intended as an offering to the Prophet’s Tomb in Medina. However, following the Maharaja’s passing, the set remained within Baroda’s treasury, preserving its regal legacy. The Canopy’s Splendor Crafted from approximately 950,000 precious Basra pearls, along with emeralds, sapphires, rubies, and…
Built in the midst of what would have been extensive gardens, the Makarpura Palace was commissioned by Maharaja Khanderao Gaekwad in 1870. The palace was built as a summer residence and a hunting resort for the royal family. The site of the palace was specially selected due to its proximity to the vast deer reserves, for hunting. Maharaja Khanderao spent…