In the historical account of Vadodara, two figures stand as foundational stones in stabilizing the Gaekwad administration: Dalo Vaghji Patel of Padra and Sureshwar Desai. While Dalo Vaghji Patel’s legacy is now almost forgotten, the impact of Sureshwar Desai remains evident, particularly through his contributions to Vadodara’s infrastructure and administration.
The Forgotten Legacy of Dalo Vaghji Patel
Dalo Vaghji Patel originally hailed from Ashapuri-Piplao but settled in Purana Padmapur, Padra, where he established a lasting legacy. Despite his significant role, Vadodara today holds only a distant memory of him—Dalo Patel’s Pol. The remnants of his haveli or office are no longer present, and his unique contributions seem to have faded from the records of the Gaekwad administration, with only occasional mentions surviving in historical texts.
The Rise of Sureshwar Desai
Sureshwar Desai’s story is intertwined with that of his family, originally known as Pandya. The family, led by Rameshwar Pandya, settled in Ahmedabad before moving to Vadodara. Rameshwar’s sons, Dahyabhai Pandya and Veereshwar Pandya, took significant roles under the administration of Desai Raja Kirparam of Vadodara. Among Rameshwar’s five sons—Veereshwar, Dajibhai, Dahyabhai, Bhaiyabhai, and Deveshwar—Sureshwar and Veereshwar’s son Vishweshwar are the most prominent names that remain known to us.
The Transition of Administration
When Raja Kirparam’s son, Kunwar Mancharam, showed little interest in Vadodara’s administration and wished to sell it, Veereshwar Pandya proposed that his capable son, Sureshwar, take over. Kunwar Mancharam, eager to leave Baroda for Shahjahanabad, agreed to transfer the administration to Sureshwar. Thus, Sureshwar Pandya became Sureshwar Desai of Vadodara, acquiring not only the administration but also the responsibility of Raja Kirparam’s haveli.
Contributions and Legacy
One of Sureshwar Desai’s most notable contributions was the transformation of Chandan Talav. In the original documents related to the Sursagar Tank, the first signature is that of Veereshwar Pandya, the deputy of Desai Raja Kirparam. At that time, Sursagar did not exist. It was merely a general depression called Chandan Talav, which would fill with water during the monsoon and dry out in summer, leaving only the shape of the tank. The surrounding area was characterized by graveyards. Sureshwar Desai acquired and developed this area into the prominent water tank known today as Sursagar, which bears his name and remains a significant landmark in Vadodara.
The Story of Ghantiyaad
The area now known as Ghantiyada, where Sureshwar Desai’s haveli once stood, has its own historical tale. This region was originally inhabited by the impoverished dependents of the Desai’s haveli. The grinding of grains was a manual process, leading to the area being known as Ghantiwada, derived from the sound of grinding stones. Over time, this name evolved into Ghantiyaad & later to Ghatiyada. Though modern development has transformed the area, the legacy of its past still lingers in its name.
Sureshwar Desai’s impact on Vadodara is indelible, even if his personal story has faded from the forefront of collective memory. His contributions to the city’s infrastructure, notably through the creation of Sursagar, and his role in Vadodara’s administration are a testament to his significant role in shaping the city’s historical landscape. As long as landmarks like Sursagar remain, the legacy of Sureshwar Desai will continue to be a poignant reminder of his enduring influence.
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