Established by Dattatray Mujumdar, in house of Mujumdar no Wada at Raopura area, Narayan Guru Talim was registered as full-fledged akhada in 1880, during the rule of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. Shrimant Dattatraya Chintaman alias Abasaheb Mujumdar of Baroda and his consort, S. S. Akkasaheb Mujumdar, have made an extraordinary contribution to the Indian Nation with their ten-volume Encyclopedia of…
Established on May 1, 1908, Laxminath Vyayam Mandir was founded by Shri Chhotubhai Purani and Shri Ambubhai Purani, both of whom were students of Shri Maharshi Arvind (also known as Aurobindo Ghosh) at Baroda College (now The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda). Located in the narrow lanes of Bajwada, this renowned akhada was created by the Purani brothers, who were…
ગુજરાતમાં મરાઠાઓએ આક્રમણ કરી બાબી સુલતાનો પાસેથી વડોદરા કબજે કર્યું અને ગાયકવાડી શાસનની સ્થાપના થઈ એ પછી ગણપતરાવ ગાયકવાડના સમયે વડોદરા કેવું હતું. એનું વર્ણન કરતો ગરબો કોઈ અજ્ઞાત કવિએ ઈ. સ. ૧૮૪૭ – ૧૮૫૬ પછી રચ્યો હતો. એ સમયના વડોદરાની માહિતી પ્રાપ્ત થાય છે. ગરબામાં આવતાં નામોની આગળ નંબર મૂકવામાં આવ્યાં છે એમની સમજુતી ગરબાની નીચે આપી છે… ધન્ય…
Located amidst the concrete jungle along Piramitar Road is Chhoti Bibi’s Hazira, commonly known as ‘Chhotiya no Haziro’. Built during the reign of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad II, this Hazira belongs to a dancing lady of his court. Legend has it that Chhoti Bibi herself commissioned the tomb during her lifetime with the intention of being interred there after completing the…
Vadodara city is full of traffic islands installed with a lot of sculptures. Most of these were made by the local artists and sponsored by the industries of Baroda. Vad Circle Vad Circle is situated on the road connecting Nizampura to Channi. The prominent sculpture at this location, crafted by local artist Nagji Patel, was commissioned by IPCL. Made from…
In the mid-19th century, Baroda witnessed a shift from traditional medical practices involving vaidyas and hakims to the adoption of European medicine and doctors. This transition led to the construction of bungalows for the use of these new medical professionals. Among them was the Head Nurse’s bungalow, built in 1916 behind the Yavteshwar Mahadev Temple. Architectural Features The Head Nurse’s…
Located near Genda Circle, the Model Farm was an important initiative launched by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. Established in 1892, this farm was dedicated to advancing agricultural education and training farmers. It played a pivotal role in experimenting with and producing high-quality seeds. Founding of Agricultural Institute In 1936, the Sheth Dosabhai Maganlal Agricultural Institute was founded in Baroda, thanks…
For centuries, India has been setting examples of communal harmony and religious tolerance in the world. And even today this tradition is followed by the people of the country in their communities in their own small ways. Every year during Muharram, the Taziyas of Baroda bring to light one such tradition. A Hindu Pandit and a Tazia For over 150…
Baroda, now known as Vadodara, has undergone significant transformation over the years, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This period of change was largely driven by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III’s visionary leadership, which propelled the city into becoming a cultural and administrative hub. Foundations of Change: The late 19th century saw the establishment of the City Improvement…
In Baroda, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with vibrant colors and enthusiasm, reflecting the city’s deep-rooted traditions. From grand royal Ganpati idols to modest ones set up in homes and community spaces, the festival is marked by joy, elaborate decorations, and festive spirit. Each Ganpati idol is worshipped with great devotion, accompanied by offerings of sweetmeats that children eagerly anticipate until…