Situated in the center of a beautifully landscaped circle, directly opposite the main entrance of Sayaji Baug, stands a life-sized equestrian statue of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, embodying his stature as a beloved king of the people. Commissioned by the city’s residents during the Silver Jubilee celebrations of his reign, this statue symbolizes the deep affection and respect the people held for him. It was unveiled on March 18, 1914, by Maharaja Holkar of Indore, despite a plaque mistakenly dating it to March 5, 1907—an error clarified by Historian Chandrashekhar Patil, who possesses a photograph dated March 18, 1914, of the statue’s inauguration.
The Statue:
Crafted from bronze by sculptor Francis Derwent Wood at a cost of Rs. 60,000, the statue rests on an approximately 8-foot-high rectangular stone pedestal. Inscriptions in Gujarati, Marathi, and English adorn the pedestal, while Roman-style relief of a lady embellishes its smaller sides.
The statue has inscriptions in English, Marathi, and Gujarati to ensure the message reached every citizen of the Baroda State. While the English texts are seen below the carved figures, the Marathi and Gujarati texts are featured on the wider sides of the pedestal.
Shrimant Sarkar Sayajirao Maharaj III Gaekwad, G.C.S.I.
Born: 11th March 1863. Accession: 29th May 1875.
This statue has been erected by the grateful subjects of Shrimant and by appreciative people living across India and overseas, to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Shrimant’s reign celebrated on 5th March 1907, as a mark of their reverence and to congratulate Shrimant on his increasingly prosperous reign.
Positioned proudly above the text is the Royal Coat of Arms, featuring the Cow; representing the family name ‘Gaekwad’ (Protector of the Cow) and the Sun, signifying their Suryavanshi lineage, beautifully blending the Maharaja’s solar heritage with his identity as a humble protector of the land.
The horse beneath Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III is nearly as tall as the pedestal, with two hooves raised—a tribute to the Maharaja’s extensive travels. Maharaja Sayajirao himself is depicted in full regalia, prominently holding a 6-foot-long sword. Notably, this statue is among the few depictions of the Maharaja featuring a mustache.
The statue’s horse, owing to its black color, has earned it the nickname “Kala Ghoda,” becoming a significant landmark in the city and a testament to the people’s enduring devotion to their revered king.
Note: Historical dates mentioned in this text may vary from those on the statue and contemporary documents.
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