The Maharani Chimnabai Tower, commonly known as Raopura Tower, is one of the major landmarks of the city. Erected in 1896, the funds for the tower were contributed by the citizens of Baroda in memory of Maharani Chimnabai I (1864-1885), the first wife of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. It was inaugurated by the last Nawab of Baroda, Mir Kamaluddin Hussainkhan….
Located in the heart of the city, the now-demolished Nazarbaug Palace once stood proudly across Mandvi, built by Maharaja Malharrao Gaekwad in 1871. Considered the oldest palace in Baroda, it later served as a treasury and remained a favored venue for grand royal functions. The palace grounds also housed the enchanting Shish Mahal, a palace of glass. A Splendid Structure…
Initially built to house a vegetable market, the Nyay Mandir was commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in memory of his beloved wife, Maharani Chimnabai I. Upon completion, the structure transitioned from a market to a Town Hall and later transformed into an imperial court, inaugurated on November 30, 1896, by the then Viceroy, Lord Elgin. The Maharaja’s deep respect…
Nestled near the Khanderao Market, the Shri Sayaji Vihar Club stands as a proud testament to the architectural and cultural vision of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. Originally established as the Officers’ Club for sports activities, this historic building embodies the grandeur and elegance of its time. The Building The design of the Shri Sayaji Vihar Club aligns with the architectural…
Commissioned in 1936, the Maharaja Pratapsinh Coronation Gymkhana stands as a testament to Baroda’s rich history and the defiant spirit of its rulers. During the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III’s rule, his grandson and successor, Yuvraj Pratapsinhrao, boldly declared his intention to establish a Polo Club. This announcement was not merely a gesture of celebration but also…
Housing the only Railway University of India, the Pratap Vilas Palace was commissioned for the crown prince of Baroda in 1908. Now known as ‘The National Academy of Indian Railways’ or ‘Bharatiya Rail Rashtriya Akademy’ (in Hindi), earlier it was known as the Railway Staff College. Railway Academy : After independence, the Bombay Province had taken over these premises on lease…
Baroda, now Vadodara, is home to an impressive collection of stepwells, known locally as ‘vavs’. Once numbering over 100, these ancient water reservoirs served both practical and cultural purposes. Today, only a few of these vavs are accessible, and even fewer are well-maintained. Here’s a look at some of the notable stepwells still standing in and around the city. Navlakhi…
Jamnabai Hospital, located on the road from Mandvi towards Pani Gate, stands as a remarkable piece of Vadodara’s history. Originally constructed in 1882 by Major Mant, this grand building was first designed as the State’s military headquarters. However, it was soon adapted to serve as the state’s first major public hospital, named in honor of Maharani Jamnabai, the adoptive mother…
Commissioned in the year 1887, the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery is the part of the Sayaji Baug, commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. The museum is the most famous place of recreation amongst the people of the city. The Building: The museum was designed by architects Major Mant and Robert Chisholm and was completed in the year 1894. It…
Imagine a sprawling park with pathways shaded by huge leafy trees and lawns bordered with lush green bushes, in the center of the city. Sayaji Baug is one such park located in the heart of Vadodara. Also known as “Kamati Baug”, it was commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1879, as a gift to the citizens of his Baroda…