When discussing Baroda’s history, the visionary Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III often takes center stage. However, equally significant was his queen, Maharani Chimnabai II, whose forward-thinking initiatives greatly impacted the lives of women in the state. While the Maharaja focused on state reforms, Maharani Chimnabai II dedicated herself to elevating the status of women. One of her notable achievements was the…
Maharani
The Mobile Palace, once known as the Delhi Pavilion, now serves as the Maharani Chimnabai Ladies Club, located beside the Bird Zoo at Sayaji Baug (Kamati Baug). Originally commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, this unique wooden structure was designed to be his residence during the Delhi Durbar of 1911. Royal Opulence: Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III’s response to accommodation options…
Found among the illustrious art collection of Baroda, the “Scene de Corrida” is an ink drawing by the renowned painter Pablo Picasso. While the exact circumstances of how this remarkable piece was acquired remain unclear, its presence in the collection is well-documented. A catalog titled Vente de la Collection de la Maharani de Baroda chronicles this artwork during a time of financial…
Just like it’s always said, “Behind every successful man, there is a woman,” this adage perfectly encapsulates the life of Maharani Chimnabai II. Born as Shrimant Gajrabai Devi to Shrimant Sardar Bajirao Amritrao Ghatge, Sarjerao, of Dewas, she became the second wife of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. After her marriage, she was renamed Maharani Chimnabai II. Her visionary spirit matched…
Sita Devi was born on May 12, 1917, in Madras, to the Maharaja of Pithapuram, Sri Raja Rao Venkata Kumara Mahipati Surya Rau Bahadur Garu, and his wife Sri Rani Chinnamamba Devi of Mirzapuram. She first married M.R. Apparao Bahadur, the Zamindar of Vayyur, with whom she had a child, Rajah M. Viduth Kumar Apparao. Meeting with the Gaekwad and…
Born into a Maratha family from Kolhapur, Maharani Shantadevi was the first wife of Maharaja Pratapsinhrao Gaekwad. Her father was Sardar Hausrkar Mansinhrao Subbarao of Hasur. At the age of 13, Shantadevi was engaged to Pratapsinhrao. When she came to Baroda to meet Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, he was immediately impressed by her. The marriage was solemnized on January 4,…