Lakshmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara

The Lakshmi Vilas Palace (Gujarati: લક્ષ્મી વિલાસ મહેલ) in Vadodara, Gujarat, India, was constructed in 1890 by the Gaekwad family, a prominent Maratha family, who ruled the Baroda State. Major Charles Mant was credited to be the main architect of the palace.^[1][2]

Lakshmi Vilas Palace was styled on the Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture, built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1890 at a cost of £6,383,155 (₹76,50,00,000) reflects Sayajirao's vision of blending Indian tradition with European modernity.

• Lakshmi Vilas Palace in 1890
• Library at Lakshmi Vilas Palace, 1890 photograph
• Darbar Hall featuring the "Rajas Throne".
• Darbar hall featuring ornate artwork.

It is reputed to have been the largest private dwelling built until that time, and four times the size of Buckingham Palace. 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.^[1] 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.^[3]

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).

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.

He wanted Baroda to be a modern, progressive state, and introduced free and compulsory primary education (one of the first in India). Founded Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) of Baroda. Brought in industrial reforms, irrigation, and railways. Invited global experts in art, engineering, and education.

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.

Said to be the largest private residence built in the 19th century (four times bigger than Buckingham Palace).

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.

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.

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.

Sayajirao Gaekwad III famously had a tense relationship with the British. At the 1911 Delhi Durbar, it is said he deliberately turned his back slightly while greeting King George V—a subtle act of defiance. Stories say British officials saw the grandeur of Lakshmi Vilas as another "statement" of Indian pride.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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

• Sayaji Baug, also known as Kamati Baug. It was dedicated to the citizens of Vadodara by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad in 1879, on the River Vishwamitri.
• New Palace, Kolhapur of the Bhonsle Chhatrapatis
• Jai Vilas Mahal, Gwalior of the Scindias
• Rajwada, Indore of the Holkars
• Shaniwar Wada, Pune of the Peshwas
• Thanjavur Maratha palace of the Bhonsles
• Narmada Kothi (Maharajah of Indore Retreat Palace), Barwaha

^[4][5]

• Grand Masti makers shoot at historical Laxmi Vilas Palace; Hindustan Times

Media related to Laxmi Vilas Palace at Wikimedia Commons

22°17′38″N 73°11′29″E / 22.2939°N 73.1914°E / 22.2939; 73.1914