From Shirdi we continued our journey in Alto 800 towards Surat via Dang. After overnight stay in Surat we proceeded to Vadodara and we found it to be a beautiful historical city.
Baroda or Vadodara is located on the banks of river Vishwamitri about 130 km from Gandhi Nagar, capital of Gujrat. The city has had various names as Vadpatraka (leaves of banyan tree) or Vadodara. English travellers called it Brodera. In 1974 it was officially named as Vadodara. Well connected with rest of the country, it is third largest city of Gujrat.
Baroda state or province or area had been under Gupta dynasty, Chalukya dynasty & Solanki dynasty. It came under Sultans in 1297 who were later overthrown by Mughals. In 1721 it came under the rule of Gaekwads of Maratha Confederacy & later under Gaekwad dynasty as an independent state. It continued under Gaekwads till 1949 when it was merged in to Indian Union.
Rule of Maharaja of Baroda state Sir Sayajirao Gaekwad III (1863 - 1939 ) is considered to be golden period. During his reign many institutions & buildings including Laxmi Vilas Palace came up. Some photos of the Palace:
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| Laxmi Vilas Palace. The Palace is said to be largest private dwelling unit till date |
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| The Palace was built in Indo-Saracenic style in 1890. There are shades of Rajasthani, Jain, Mughal & Gujrati styles as well. Entire complex is spread over 700 acres including Moti Baug Palace & Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum |
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| It was built in 1890 during the rule of Sayajirao Gaekwad III |
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| Major Charles Mant was the architect of the palace. During construction, he apprehended that huge dome atop 300 feet high tower may collapse & he committed suicide. Robert Fellow Chisolm later completed the building. The cost incurred was GBP 180,000/- |
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| Audio feed is available on the points of interest in the Palace |
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| Fountain inside the Palace. The Palace is said to be four times the size of Buckingham Palace |
1 comment:
Beautiful
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