Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad History

 Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad History

       Sayajirao Gaekwad III (born Shribman Gopal Rao Gaekwad; 11 March 1863 – 6 February 1939) was the Maharaja of Baroda State from 1875 to 1939, and is remembered for reforming much of his state during his rule. He belonged to the royal Gaekwad dynasty of the Marathas which ruled parts of present-day Gujarat. 

            

          In 1880, the Maharani Kanta Ben of Tanjore was married to Baroda's Maharaja Sayajirao III Gopal Rao Gaekwad, a prince who established the Baroda College as one of his first public acts. It was later absorbed into the university that bears his name.

Rule and modernization

On assuming the reins of government, some of his first tasks included education of his subjects, uplifting of the downtrodden, and judicial, agricultural and social reforms. He played a key role in the development of Baroda's textile industry, and his educational and social reforms included among others, a ban on child marriage, legislation of divorce, removal of untouchability, spread of education, development of Sanskrit, ideological studies and religious education as well as the encouragement of the fine arts.^[2]

His economic development initiatives included the establishment of a railroad (see below) and the founding in 1908 of the Bank of Baroda, which still exists and is one of India's leading banks, with numerous operations abroad in support of the Gujarati diaspora.

Fully aware of the fact that he was a Maratha ruler of Gujarat, he identified himself with the people and shaped their cosmopolitan attitude and progressive, reformist zeal. His rich library became the nucleus of today's Central Library of Baroda with a network of libraries in all the towns and villages in his state. He was the first Indian ruler to introduce, in 1906, compulsory and free primary education in his state, placing his territory far in advance of contemporary British India.^[2]

To commemorate his vision and administrative skills, Baroda Management Association has instituted Sayaji Ratna Award in 2013, named after him.

    

Public works

Railways and waterworks:-

During his reign a large narrow gauge railway Gaekwar's Baroda State Railway network, which was started in 1862 was expanded further with Dabhoi at its focal point, a network that still is the largest narrow gauge railway network in the world.

Sayajirao envisioned a water supply scheme for Baroda in 1892 at Ajwa that would use gravity to supply drinking water to the people of Baroda. To this day a large portion of Vadodara City gets its drinking water from this source.

Parks and universities:-

The large public park originally called Kamati Baug and now called Sayaji Baug was his gift to the city of Vadodara. On the Diamond Jubilee of his accession to the throne, he set apart large funds out of his personal and state funds for setting up a University in Vadodara for the benefit of students from the rural areas of his state – a task that was ultimately completed by his grandson Sir Pratapsinghrao Gaekwad, who founded the Maharaja Sayajirao University and settled the trust as desired by his grandfather. This trust is known as the Sir Sayajirao Diamond Jubilee and Memorial Trust and caters to the education and other needs of the people of the former state of Baroda.

Laxmi Vilas Palace

    

 Laxmi Vilas Palace, offers an amazing blend of Heritage, Royalty & Modern Amenities, close to the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary on Agra Jaipur Highway. The heritage hospitality goes beyond the narrowly appointed rooms, period decor, and antique furniture. Enjoy a plush meal acclaimed by national as well as international travellers. The best of creative style is equally distinguished by warmth and personal involvement of our attention to various intangibles that define the rich and varied heritage culture.

                 Thank you........