THE PAST IN THE PRESENT
On his recent visit to Goa, Maharaja Samarjitsinh, the heir of the Gaekwad rulers of Baroda, talks to Editor Kedar Dhume about his royal family and ‘home’ – the magnificent Lukshmi Villas Palace where he resides
The great line of the Gaekwads of Baroda that featured in the pages of our history books still brims over through its royal heir Maharaja Samarjitsinh. His father Ranjitsinh Gaekwad was the former king of Vadodara, and following his demise last May, only son Samarjitsinh ascended the throne.
Home to Samarjitsinh Gaekwad and his family is the majestic Lukshmi Villas Palace worth `20,000 crores, built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1890. It continues to be held in high regard by the residents of Baroda, and is believed to have been the largest private dwelling built to date in India at four times the size of Buckingham Palace in England. At the time of construction, it boasted the most modern amenities including elevators, with the interiors reminiscent of a large European country house.
On a recent visit to the state, Maharaja Samarjitsinh Gaekwad shared some royal tales with Kedar Dhume…
What are your views on the accession of erstwhile princely states to the union of India?
As history goes, my great grandfather was very clear that the future for India was democracy and that the British had to go. So, he supported the Indian freedom movement. As records go, the Scotland Yard was sent after Maharaja Sayajirao to monitor his activities which the British considered anti-establishment.
Read the full article in 'Viva Goa' magazine copy.
Viva Goa
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in Goa.
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