Nestled on Lal Baug Main Road, near the iconic Lalbaug Palace (Pratap Vilas Palace), stands a historic building with a rich legacy. This palace, originally the residence of Dhairyashilrao Gaekwad, was established in 1940. Today, this elegant structure has been transformed into the ‘Prince Ashokraje Gaekwad School.’ The transformation was a heartfelt tribute by Rani Sahiba Devyaniraje Gaekwad, who dedicated…
Situated in the Malabar Hill area, Jayamahal Palace, also known as Jai Mahal Palace, was regarded as one of the most beautiful private residences ever built in Bombay (now Mumbai). Commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, likely in the 1900s, the palace stood proudly on the western side of the hill, offering views of the Arabian Sea. Constructed in the…
Situated amid expansive gardens, mango orchards, and sprawling fields, the Lukshmi Vilas Palace is one of the most luxurious residences ever built. Commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1880, it is said to be four times the size of the Buckingham Palace. Completed around 1890, the majestic palace has been the residence of the Gaekwads, the rulers of the…
Serving the people of Baroda for over a century, the Central Library was established in 1906 under the visionary leadership of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. His initiative to introduce compulsory and free primary education placed Baroda ahead of its time in British India, marking the beginning of the Library Movement across the nation. A Visionary Ruler Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III…
The Baroda State Library, also known as the Jaisinhrao Library, stands as one of the most beautiful and serene buildings amidst the bustling Old Kothi Compound, surrounded by government structures. Established as a precursor to the Library Movement in India by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, this library holds a special place in the history of Baroda. A New Home for…
Motibaug Palace is a small villa situated on the grounds of Lukshmi Vilas Palace, dating back to the reign of Maharaja Ganpatrao Gaekwad. Originally used as a guesthouse to complement the Lukshmi Vilas Palace, during its construction, the villa served as the residence for British architects and engineers. It is also noted that Motibaug Palace was Maharaja Pratapsinhrao Gaekwad’s residence…
Situated near the picturesque Vishwamitri Bridge in Vadodara, Kirti Mandir stands as a testament to the rich history and culture of the region. Commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1936, this architectural gem serves as a memorial for his beloved ancestors and is popularly known as the Temple of Fame. The construction coincided with the Maharaja’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations,…
Khanderao Market is a notable market complex established by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1906 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his rule. Named after Maharaja Khanderao Gaekwad II, the Maharaja’s late adoptive father, it was gifted to the municipality and has been a central hub for commerce ever since. The market includes a fruit and vegetable market, a flower market,…
Commissioned in 1885 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, the reservoir was mainly built to provide a clean source of drinking water. Also known as the Sayaji Sarovar, the dam was built at a cost of about Rs. 34 lakh. The foundation ceremony of the dam was conducted by Lady Watson, the wife of the British Resident, Watson. The Problem and…
Established in 1930, The Gaekwad Baroda Golf Club is Gujarat’s only private golf course, also known as GBGC, set in and around the Lukshmi Vilas Palace compound. The golf course was originally created by Maharaja Pratapsinhrao Gaekwad, grandson of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, primarily for his European guests. In the 1990s, Samarjitsinh Gaekwad renovated the course and opened it to…