By: David H.
Submitted: 2009-07-27 18:41:20 | Word Count: 631
Baroda is now popularly known as Vadodara. It is the City of Palaces and home of most powerful dynastic rulers.
Baroda is a medium sized cultural capital of Gujarat in India. It is situated along the banks of the Vishwamitri River. It now goes under a new name, Vadodara, which means “the city of Banyan trees.” It is a small town called Antottaka in the 19th century.
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Mughals came to the territory. Gaekwads ruled the place in the year 1949. Sir Sayajirao, a popular king developed Vadodara. The old ruling dynasties of the great rulers still have a big and lasting impact on the city to this day. In fact, a number of brilliant palaces are still standing in the region, attracting people of all ages year round. It has more importantly attracted thousands of visitors from around the world.
Here are the series of palaces constructed under Gaekwad dynasty.
Laxmi Villas Palace
Laxmi Villas was constructed during 1878 to 1890 by Maharaya Sayaji Rao III. It is one of the popular monuments and the grandest palaces in Vadorada. It serves as the royal residence in the heart of the city. It was designed by the British architect Major Mant and Chisolm. An Indo Sarcenic architectural style was used for the entire structure of the palace. It was graced with mosaic marbles, fine stones and furnishings. There are even collections of bronze sculptures, relics, armory, terracotta and other antiques.
The main rooms and other areas of its 700 square miles of space are open for tourists from Mondays to Fridays (3 to 5 in the afternoon). The very large garden of flowers and trees is deemed as one of the beautiful parts of the palace. The palace also includes an art work museum, a big lake with a number of crocodiles and a zoo.
The palace is technically advanced with regard to modern amenities. Elevators and other interiors have made Laxmi Villas the grandest palace in Baroda.
Maharaja Palace
Mahraja Palace is a series of palaces in Baroda. It was constructed for the Gaekwad family. Sarkar Wada was the first building to be not considered as a real palace. Its 700 acres has a number of buildings like the Moti Baug Palace and the Majaraja Fateh Singh Museum. A number of works by the Royal family are actually displayed, especially the painting of Raja Ravi Varma.
Nazarbaug Palace
Nazarburg is in the Mandvi Clock Tower amidst the western part of India. It was built in 1721 in an old classic style of solid gold and silver guns. Each barrel of these metal components weighs over 100 kg. The palace is primarily used in royal ceremonial occasions. It has a glass palace with millions of mirrors of different sizes called Sheesh Mahal.
Nazarbaug displays works of the master Titian, Raphael and Murillo. Other Indian, Graeco Roman, Chinese and Japanese paintings are also included in the exhibit.
Makarpura Palace
Makarpura was built in 1870 by Maharaja Khende Rao in an Italian Renaissance style. The palace was renovated by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. It is now used as a defense installation. The palace is the current home of the Indian Air Force that lies beyond military grounds.
Pratap Vilas Palace
This palace is designed in Renaissance architecture. It houses the Railway Staff College. This is the main training ground of Indian Railways. In fact, a mini railway model can be seen inside the palace. The palace entrance has exquisite carvings along with sculpted cedar balconies at Durbar Hall.
Vadodara state was the home of the most powerful and richest people in India. The city continues to promote fabulous palaces that mark the fabulous history of Baroda, India. It became an educational attraction and an important significance to most tourists. The preservation of its design and its history amazes people of all ages year round.
