Baroda

State of: Gujarat

Main languages: Gujarati, Marathi and Hindi

 

History:

 

The city of Baroda is also known as Vadodra in Gujarati. It is the third most populated city in Gujarat. The city is also referred to as Sayaji Nagari or Sanskari Nagari which means the Cultural Capital of Gujarat. It was formerly known as the capital city of Gaekwar State. The history of Baroda is almost 2000 years old. Early settlements go back to 812 A.D. Till the year 1297; Baroda had been mainly Hindu dominated. The city was ruled by the Guptas, then by the Chalukyas and was finally taken over by the Solankis. After this the city was taken over by Muslim Sultans until the Mughal emperors captured it. But the Marathas defeated the Mughals in Baroda and were taken over by the Gaekwads. In spite of British influence, Baroda remained a princely state till 1947, when it joined the republic of India.

 

Geography and climate:

 

Baroda is located at 22.30° N 73.19° E at an elevation of 39 meters or 123 feet. The city is located on the banks of the River Vishwamitri, which frequently dries up in the summer. It is located between the fertile plateaus of Mahi & Narmada River. It is in seismic zone IIII and is prone to earthquakes. Baroda has extreme climatic conditions with very hot summers and cold winters. The minimum temperature falls to almost 1 degree centigrade in the winters. 

 

Demography:

 

The city of Baroda is the 18th largest city in India. The population of the city is 1.6 millions as per the 2001 census. 

 

Economy:

 

Baroda is the home to many industrial establishments. Chemicals and pharmaceuticals, cotton textiles, locomotives and machine tools are some of the major industries here. The setting up of larger industrial houses also leads to the development of small scale industries. The city has also become the IT hub of Gujarat in the past few years. Another major trade in Baroda is of diamonds. Both Baroda and Surat are also the diamond hubs of India. Engineering, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and plastics are some of the other major industries here.

 

Education:

 

Baroda has a high literacy rate and has been the centre of the cultural education for a long time. But now there are also other centers of learning like the Lakshmi Vilas Palace and the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. Both are famous for their departments of including the performing arts, technology, management, fine arts, and medicine streams. 

 

Culture and tourism:

 

Baroda was also known as 'Sanskari Nagari' or the cultured city. There are great museums to see here like the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum. The art galleries here have unique handicrafts. The festivals of Diwali, Holi, Uttarayan and Ganesh Chaturthiare are celebrated here and Navarâtrî or Garba is the main festival of the city. Baroda is a cosmopolitan city which is home to various cultural groups. Some places to see are the Laxmi Vilas Palace, Nazarbaug Palace, Makarpura Palace, Pratap Vilas Palace, Khanderao Market, Aurobindo Ashram, EME Temple, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Kirti Mandir, Kirti Stambh, Nyay Mandir, Mandvi & Walled City, Juni Kothi, Central Jail, Kala Bhavan, Motibaug Palace and Sursagar.

 

Transportation:

 

Baroda is well connected to other parts of India through railway, airlines and well constructed highways.