Raopura Tower

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.

In the past, the clock used to play a melodious tune every 15 minutes, providing access to time from all four directions of the city. The tower was also a major stop for the horse-drawn trams, which served as a mode of public transport during those times.

The Tower:

Built in the Indo-Saracenic style, the tower is a five-storeyed structure that still dominates the skyline of the city. The lower levels house a narrow spiral staircase that leads to the upper levels. These lower levels, along with the fourth level, display an exposed brick facade. The lower three levels have cusped arched openings decorated with fine stucco work on each side.

The fourth level features a huge clock fitted on all four sides. This level is demarcated by a narrow overhanging balcony with stone “jali” parapets, supported by stone brackets. The last level is octagonal in shape and is plastered in a shade of yellow sandstone. This level is embellished with “jharokha” windows on four of its eight sides and is topped with a “shikhar”-like element with a finial on top.

The Clock:

The clock was brought from London by the Maharaja and installed in the tower in 1896. The clock’s dial measures a massive 6 feet, with the minute hand being 3 feet in length. While it used to chime every 15 minutes, it now rings every hour.

Recently, the tower was restored by the authorities of the city. It looks its best in the evenings when illuminated by strategic lights and continues to charm every passerby after all these years.