Lakshmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara

File:Laxmi Vilas Palace, Baroda (c. 1890).jpg|Lakshmi Vilas Palace in 1890 File:Library at Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Baroda in the 1890s.jpg|Library at Lakshmi Vilas Palace, 1890 photograph File:Laxmi Vilas Palace Darbar Hall.jpg|Darbar Hall featuring the "Rajas Throne". File:Laxmi vilas palace.jpg|Darbar hall featuring ornate artwork. At the time of construction, it boasted the most modern amenities such as elevators and the interior is reminiscent of a large European country house. It remains the residence of the royal family, who continue to be held in high esteem by the residents of Baroda. The Palace compound is of over 500 acres and houses a number of buildings, particularly the LVP Banquets & Conventions, and the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum building. In the 1930s Maharaja Pratapsinh created a golf course for use by his European guests. In the 1990s, Pratapsinh's grandson Samarjitsinh, a former Ranji trophy cricket player, renovated the course and opened it to the public. ==History==

The Gaekwad Dynasty & Baroda State The Gaekwads were originally Maratha chiefs under the Peshwas of Pune. In 1721, Pilaji Rao Gaekwad conquered Baroda (Vadodara) and made it their seat of power. Over time, they became semi-independent rulers under the British, governing the princely state of Baroda (one of the wealthiest and most progressive states in India). Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III (1863–1939) Gaekwad was the most prominent ruler of the dynasty and was responsible for the Lakshmi Vilas Palace. He was adopted into the Gaekwad family after the previous ruler (Maharaja Malharrao) was deposed by the British for misrule. He ascended to the throne in 1875, when he was just 12 years old. Construction of Lakshmi Vilas Palace (1878–1890) Designed by Major Charles Mant, a British architect. Completed in 1890 at a cost of around ₹6 million (massive for that time). Built in the Indo-Saracenic Revival style, which mixes Hindu, Islamic, and Gothic European architecture. Covers 500 acres of land—including the palace, gardens, museum, golf course, and former private zoo. ==Stories & Legends==

The Modern Maharaja Sayajirao III was known for his progressive reforms—universal primary education, abolition of child marriage, and building infrastructure. The palace reflected his desire to show Baroda as a modern princely state, not less than any European kingdom. Durbar's Hall was designed for royal gatherings and state ceremonies. The hall has an ornate Belgian stained-glass dome, intricate mosaics, and Venetian chandeliers. British officials who visited were often awestruck by its scale—this was part of Sayajirao's subtle political messaging that Indian rulers could match European royalty. Raja Ravi Varma Connection The Maharaja was a patron of the legendary painter Raja Ravi Varma. Many original paintings by him (depicting Indian gods, epics, and portraits of the royal family) were commissioned for the palace and are still displayed in the museum. The Hidden Tunnels Rumor Local lore suggests that there are secret underground tunnels from the palace leading to nearby safe spots, meant for emergencies. While never officially confirmed, this adds mystery to the palace's grandeur. The Private zoo & grounds The palace grounds once had a private zoo and are still home to peacocks and migratory birds. The 18-hole golf course, created for the royals, is still in use today. ==Art & Cultural Significance==

Raja Ravi Varma, the celebrated painter, was invited to the palace and worked closely with Sayajirao III. His paintings of Hindu gods and goddesses made divine imagery accessible to common people, influencing Indian art for generations. The palace also houses European paintings, sculptures, and artifacts collected by the Maharaja. ==Historical Anecdotes==

Tensions with the British Although Baroda was a princely state under British suzerainty, Sayajirao often clashed with colonial authorities. The Delhi Durbar of 1911 incident (where he gave a half-bow to King George V) is remembered as a subtle act of resistance. Reformist Ruler He opened education for women, established libraries, and supported social reforms like widow remarriage. This made Baroda one of the most progressive states in pre-independence India. Legacy After Independence In 1947, Baroda acceded to independent India. The Gaekwads retained their status as a royal family, though their political power ended. Even today, descendants of the Gaekwad family live in Lakshmi Vilas Palace, making it unique among Indian palaces. ==In popular culture==

Movies • Prem Rog in 1982 • Dil Hi Toh Hai in 1993 • Grand Masti in 2013 • Sardaar Gabbar Singh in 2016 • Satyaprem Ki Katha in 2023 • Indian 2 in 2024 ==See also==