Located in the heart of Babajipura, also known as the Dandia Bazaar area, is the Shri Nilkantheshwar Mahadev Temple. Built nearly two centuries ago, this temple is considered one of the oldest in the area. The temple was constructed by Babaji Apaji Fanse, the brother of Raoji Apaji Fanse, who was the Dewan (chief minister) of Baroda State. The area…
This Wada is notable for its important association with Sri Aurobindo who in late December of 1907 & January of 1908 spent few days here in meditation with his spiritual guide, Vishnu Bhaskar Lele. At end of few days, Sri Aurobindo had attained ‘eternal silence of mind’ – the precondition for discovering his own path to the ultimate revelation. It…
The Mankari Building/Bhavan was located near Makarpura Palace, which boasted beautiful fountains and was accessible via a wooden bridge to its compound. Historically, Captain Rajkumar Shri Kiritsinhji Gambhirsinhji Sahib served as the ADC and companion to Maharaja Gaekwad of Baroda in 1897. He held the title of Mankari within the Baroda City. The title of Mankari (Maankari) was hereditary among…
There are many activities and sports that are associated with kings that really make them royal and set them apart from the general public, and Hunting is one of them. This was also the case with the Gaekwads, the erstwhile rulers of Baroda who kept many hunting reserves around the capital, out of which Dabka is one. Situated near banks…
This lost palace was constructed during the early 19th century under the reign of Maharaja Anandrao Gaekwad, specifically for his son Balwantrao Gaekwad. Unfortunately, Maharaja Anandrao Gaekwad passed away before the completion of the palace. Subsequently, Sayajirao II ascended the throne. Balwantrao Gaekwad and his family are known to have resided in the palace for a time. However, after Balwantrao’s…
Under the Gaekwad rule, Amreli was transformed into a majestic administrative hub, anchored by the grand Raj Mahal(palace) which served as the seat of Baroda State’s power in Kathiawar. The city’s skyline was defined by the iconic Tower, a regal clock tower that stood as a testament to the architectural elegance and disciplined governance of the Baroda State era. Rajmahal Palace…
Tucked behind a quiet compound wall in a bustling corner of Vadodara lies the historic Raopura Shala Number Ek. Built in 1884-85, this architectural gem exemplifies the Neoclassical style that flourished in the city during its construction. Not only is the building significant for its design, featuring elegant semicircular arches, Doric columns, and classical cornices, but it also holds a…
Nestled amongst the remnants of the Gaekwadi era, the temple believed to be one of the oldest in the region once stood proudly near Sarkar Wada. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, its sacred idol, a replica from Vrindavan, symbolized timeless devotion. The temple graced the ground floor, while above, the venerable Sanskrit Pathshala echoed with ancient wisdom and learning. Maharani Gahenabai,…
It was in good old days too, when one can actually make space for Vadodara’s iconic places in their homes ! Monuments like Palace Gate, Nyay Mandir, Mandvi gate etc. can be taken home or can be gifted, as all these are available as medals, mementoes or in metal form as shields. Pawaskar family has been converting monuments into metal…
Navsari was an important administrative and commercial center under Baroda State during the Gaekwad era. Owing to its strategic location in South Gujarat and its thriving trade networks, the town developed as a key regional headquarters of the Gaekwad administration. During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Navsari witnessed significant progress in civic administration, education, judiciary, and public infrastructure under…