vadodara: September 2007

MANDVI

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Baroda State was a former Indian State in Western India. It was an important native state and had direct relations with the Indian Government but geographically was in intimate connection with Bombay Presidency. Baroda State has a rich historical background. The ardent historian can trace Baroda's history over 2000 years and more. Before the Gaekwars captured Baroda, it was ruled by Babi Nawabs, who were the officers of the Delhi ruler. Moghul rule came to an end in 1732, when Pilaji Rao Gaekwar brought the Maratha activities in Southern Gujarat to a head and captured it. Except for a short period, Baroda continued to be in the reign of the Gaekwars from 1734 to 1948. The greatest period in the Maratha rule of Baroda started with the accession of Maharaja Sayaji- Rao III in 1875. It was an era of great progress and constructive achievements in all fields. The State became a part of Bombay State in May 1948 and of Gujarat State on 1st May 1960. Vadodara or Baroda, the capital city of Gaekwar State, is situated on the banks of Vishwamitri, a river whose name derived from the great saint Rishi Vishvamitra. The city was once called Chandanavati after its ruler Raja Chandan of Dor tribe of Rajputs, who wrested it from the Jains. The capital had also another name "Virakshetra" or "Virawati" (a land of warriors). Later on it was known as Vadpatraka or Wadodará, which according to tradition is a corrupt form of the Sanskrit word Vatodar means 'in the heart of the banyan tree'. It is now almost impossible to ascertain when the various changes in the name were made; but early English travellers and merchants mention the town as Brodera, and it is from this that the name Baroda is derived. Again in 1974 the name changed to Vadodara. Contributors
December 27, 2005 new by le transporter

laxmivilas palace

Although it is the number one industrial city in Gujarat, it still shows its Gaekwads legacy. The Gaekwads, who once ruled in Vadadora and made it into their own capital, gave the city a second name, Baroda, which is still occasionally used these days. The city has large parks and several impressive palaces, such as the Laxmi Vilas and the Pratap Palace and a handful of impressive museums. The Baroda museum and its Picture Gallery are definitely worth a visit.

Modern Baroda is a great and fitting memorial to its late ruler, Sayaji Rao Gaekwad III (1875-1939 AD). It was the dream of this able administrator to make Baroda an educational, industrial and commercial centre and he ensured that his dream would come true.

Sayaji Sarovar

The Sayaji Sarovar or Ajwa lake, 22 kms away from the city is the principal source of water. It is formed by damming the Surya river and Vaghali Nala. Work on the scheme was started in 1885 and was completed in 1890. The gardens at Ajwa are patterned after the famous Brindavan Gardens of Mysore. The illumination of fountains is a major attraction for tourists.

planetarium

Sayaji Baug (the famous park) is situated on river Vishwamitri and was built by Sayajirao III in 1879. Sprawling over 113 acres, it also includes an excellent zoo, the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery, the Museum of Health and Hygiene and the Sardar Patel Planetarium. A major attraction for children is the 3.5 kms joy ride through the park on the toy train.

Nazarbaug Palace

Situated in the old walled city near Mandvi Clock Tower, it is the oldest palace built in old classic style by Malhar Rao Gaekwad in the late 19th century. This palace was used on ceremonial occasions by Gaekwads. It now houses the royal family heirlooms.

Lehripura Gate

Built as the western gateway to the old city in 1558, Lehripura Gate is an impressive structure with beautiful arches.

Lalbaug

This is another beautiful garden and a popular picnic spot.

EME Temple

Unique in concept and design, the EME Temple is a geodesic structure covered with aluminium sheets. Run entirely by the army authorities, this temple is a major attraction for both tourist and devotees.

Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery

Baroda Museum has impressive collections of art and archeology, natural history, geology and ethnology. The adjoining art gallery has great collection of European old masters, Veronese, Giordano, Zurbaran, some Flemish and Dutch school paintings, Turner and Constable, a collection of Mughal miniatures and valuable palm-leaf manuscripts of Buddhist and Jain origin. It has an excellent collection of art objects and paintings, including the famous Akota bronzes dating from 5th Century A.D. Other treasures include a full-fledged gallery of Tibetan Art.