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| Nazarbaug Palace Vadodara,GJ historyofvadodara.in/ |
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| as seen from Mandvi Gate Nazarbaug Palace historyofvadodara.in/ |
Above image:Nazarbaug was the first European style palace to come up in the city built by Maharajah Malhar Rao Gaekwad, who succeeded Khanderao Gaekwad. Malharrao ruled Baroda state only for five years and during his period,he had the palace built.........
The Nazarbaug Palace (or Nazar Bāgh), once the pride of Vadodara, Gujarat, represents a poignant chapter in India’s architectural history. Built in 1871 by Malhar Rao Gaekwad, it was the oldest and most significant European-style palace in the walled city of Baroda. Its name, literally translating to "Garden that Wards off the Evil Eye," was derived from the local phrase "Nazar na lage," an ironic moniker given the palace's eventual fate.
Architectural Features
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| Nazarbaug Palace Vadodara,GJ upload.wikimedia.org image:St. Clair Publication1911 |
Designed in the Italian Renaissance style, Nazarbaug was a majestic four-story structure characterized by its white stucco facade. It featured:
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| Darbar hall Nazarbaug Palace.pinterest.co |
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| Nazarbaug Palace Vadodara upload.wikimedia.org |
The Treasury: For decades, it served as the royal repository for the Gaekwads' unimaginable wealth, including the Star of the South (a 125-carat diamond) and the legendary Pearl Carpet of Baroda, which was embroidered with millions of seed pearls and precious stones.
Artistic Interiors: The palace was adorned with works by European masters like Raphael and Titian, alongside Chinese and Japanese art.
Conservation Efforts and INTACH
Despite its historical weight, the 21st century saw Nazarbaug fall into a state of severe neglect. In 2014, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), led by architects such as Sanjeev Joshi, launched a vigorous campaign to save the structure. INTACH filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Gujarat High Court to halt its demolition, arguing that the palace was a "deemed Grade I heritage" site.
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| Despite court stay order the palace was reduced to rubble indianexpress.com |
While the court initially granted a stay, the structure was ultimately deemed unsafe and dilapidated. Tragically, in October 2014, the palace was completely demolished to make way for a commercial real estate project.
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| The shopping mall Nazarbaug Vadodara Faceboo.com |
Today, a modern shopping mall bearing the same name stands on the site, featuring a "vintage-inspired" facade that serves as a mere echo of the original monument.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazarbaug_Palace
Nazarbaug Palace Demolished, The Times of India, October 12, 2014.
Heritage at Risk Register, INTACH Architectural Heritage Archives.
The Gaekwads of Baroda, History of Vadodara.
https://historyofvadodara.in/nazarbaug-palace
K.N. Jayaraman
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