Set amidst lush green fields, Wadhwana a century old tank, was constructed by the erstwhile visionary ruler – Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1909-1910. The tank maintains an impressive ecosystem habitat and provides winter grounds for migratory birds. The tank has a massive catchment area of 860 sq km , which provides irrigation to almost 25 surrounding villages. Earlier deriving…
Opened on March 8, 1930, Pratappura Sarovar, also known as Pratapsinh Tank, was commissioned by the visionary ruler Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. This reservoir was designed to supplement water supply to the Sayaji Sarovar/Ajwa Reservoir during periods of low rainfall in the Ajwa Basin area. Constructed at a cost of Rs. 3,85,000, Pratapsingh Tank covers a vast catchment area spanning…
Located next to Lal Court, near Sursagar Lake, the Female Training College, formerly known as Zenana School and Stree Adhyapan Mandir, was established in 1882 with the goal of training female teachers for primary and secondary schools. It was a pioneering institution for its time, dedicated to the education and empowerment of women. A Vision for Women’s Education The college…
Hidden behind a cluster of buildings across from the Navapura Police Station, the modest dome of the “Panch Bibi No Haziro” (Tomb of the Five Ladies) stands out. Though unassuming compared to other city structures, this tomb holds a unique historical and local significance. The Resting Place The tomb is the final resting place of six individuals, despite its name…
Madhav Baug, a grand 120-year-old haveli, is located near Qutbuddin’s Tomb (Hazira). Built in 1892 in Gothic style, this magnificent residence was the home of Shrimant Madhav Rao Gaekwad, a cousin of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. Historical Significance and Restoration Originally serving as the ASI’s office, the property fell into disrepair over the years. In 2002, it was returned to…
Situated on the elevated site of the ancient village Vatapatraka, the Record Tower, also known as the General Record Office, is a remarkable example of 19th-century architecture. Designed by the celebrated architect Robert Chisholm between 1886 and 1888, this complex of 8-9 buildings, including the Record Tower itself, was specifically designed to highlight the verticality of the administrative center of…
Kevda Baug, once the property of the Daibhers, high-ranking officers of the Baroda State, was a sprawling estate featuring a residential bungalow set amidst lush grounds. The name “Kevda Baug” reflects the fragrant plant called “Kevda” that once characterized the area. The Daibhers: Originally known as “Daibhers” and now referred to as “Dhaibhers,” this elite group were the highest-ranking officials…
Maharaja Pratapsinhrao Gaekwad, known for his love of sports such as Golf and Polo, also ventured into Thoroughbred Horse Racing. In 1945, he purchased a year-old horse for a record price of US $1,176,000. This horse was the brother of Epsom Derby winner Dante and was named Sayajirao. Sayajirao went on to achieve remarkable success, winning the Irish Derby and…
The foundation of Vadodara’s aviation dreams was laid in the 1930s, during the reign of the forward-thinking Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. A passionate flying enthusiast, Maharaja Sayajirao’s vision for aviation was solidified in 1936 when he visited the Berlin Olympics. During this visit, he signed a significant Baroda-Berlin pact, enlisting the expertise of German scientists and engineers. In the same…
Long before the Gaekwads of Baroda rose to prominence, the city was under the governance of the Babi Nawabs, who served as officers and governors under the Mughal Empire. An Esteemed Heritage The Nawab family of Baroda traces its lineage back to the Holy Prophet Muhammad through his grandson, Hazrat Imam Husain. In the early 1500s, descendants of Imam Husain…