The Gaekwads (also spelled Gaekwar or Gaikwad) were a prominent Hindu Maratha dynasty that ruled the princely state of Baroda (modern Vadodara, Gujarat) from the early 18th century until India's independence in 1947. Emerging as military commanders in the Maratha Empire, they transformed Baroda into one of British India's wealthiest and most progressive states, renowned for its cotton trade, rice, wheat, and sugar production. The dynasty's rulers, titled Maharaja Gaekwad of Baroda, enjoyed a 21-gun salute and managed relations with the British through the Baroda Residency. Their legacy endures in Vadodara's architecture, institutions, and cultural heritage.
Origins and Foundation
The Gaekwads originated from a Maratha clan in present-day Maharashtra, traditionally ranked as Kshatriyas (warriors). Their family name is believed to derive from "Gāyakavāḍa," possibly linked to "gae-kaiwari" (protector of cows), reflecting their pastoral and martial roots.
The dynasty's founder, Pilaji Rao Gaekwad (r. 1721–1732), was a Maratha general who initially served under the Dabhade family, the senapatis (commanders-in-chief) of the Maratha Confederacy in Gujarat. In 1721, Pilaji Rao conquered Baroda city from the declining Mughal Empire and received it as a jagir (grant) from Chhatrapati Shahu I. He established his base at Songadh fortress and expanded control through campaigns against Mughal governors, eventually securing territories south of the Mahi River, including Baroda, Champaner, and parts of Surat. Pilaji died in battle on 14 May 1732, laying the foundation for Gaekwad power in Gujarat.
His son, Damaji Rao Gaekwad (r. 1732–1768), consolidated this power. Initially allied with the Dabhades, Damaji switched allegiance to the Peshwa (the Maratha prime minister) after a defeat in 1751, receiving the title of Shamsher Bahadur and authority over Gujarat. He expelled remaining Mughal forces with Peshwa support and fought in the Third Battle of Panipat (1761) alongside other Maratha leaders. After the Marathas' defeat at Panipat, which weakened Peshwa authority, the Gaekwads became virtually independent rulers while nominally recognizing the Peshwas and the Bhonsle Chhatrapati of Satara.
18th-Century Consolidation and Internal Conflicts
The late 18th century was marked by family rivalries and power struggles. Successive rulers included:
Sayaji Rao I (1768–1778)
Fateh Singh Rao I (1778–1789)
Manaji Rao (1789–1793)
Govind Rao (1793–1800)
These reigns saw frequent interventions by the Peshwas to settle disputes, often dividing revenues between rival brothers. The Gaekwads participated in the First Anglo-Maratha War (1775–1782) against the British but emerged relatively unscathed.
In 1802, during the reign of Anand Rao Gaekwad (1800–1819), the British intervened to protect him from rivals, leading to the Treaty of Cambay. This agreement recognized Gaekwad independence from the Maratha Confederacy while accepting British suzerainty and granting internal autonomy—a pragmatic arrangement that ensured stability amid the declining Maratha power.
Subsequent rulers like Sayaji Rao II (1819–1847), Ganpat Rao (1847–1856), and Khande Rao (1856–1870) maintained alliances with the British, expanding the state's economy through agriculture and trade.
The Crisis of Succession and the Deposition of Malhar Rao
After Khande Rao's death in 1870 without issue, his brother Malhar Rao Gaekwad (r. 1870–1875) ascended the throne. His rule was tyrannical and corrupt; he was accused of misgovernance and attempting to poison the British Resident. In 1875, a British commission deposed him, marking a rare direct intervention in a princely state.
The British selected a distant relative, 12-year-old Gopalrao from the cadet branch in Kavlana village, who was adopted by Maharani Jamnabai (widow of Khande Rao). Renamed Sayajirao Gaekwad III (r. 1875–1939), he would become the dynasty's most illustrious ruler.
The Golden Age: Sayajirao Gaekwad III (1875–1939)
Sayajirao III's 63-year reign transformed Baroda into a model progressive state. Educated under British tutor Frederick Elliot and influenced by reformers, he introduced groundbreaking policies:
Compulsory free primary education (1910, the first in India)
Bans on child marriage and untouchability practices
A modern library system, banks, and textile mills
Extensive infrastructure, including the Gaekwar's Baroda State Railway (Asia's largest narrow-gauge network at the time)
He founded the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda and patronized arts, commissioning works from Raja Ravi Varma and supporting scholars like B.R. Ambedkar with scholarships for studies abroad. Architecturally, he commissioned the opulent Laxmi Vilas Palace (completed 1890), an Indo-Saracenic masterpiece four times larger than Buckingham Palace.
Sayajirao navigated British relations skillfully, earning honours like GCSI and GCIE, while subtly supporting Indian nationalism—he famously offered only a slight bow to King George V at the 1911 Delhi Durbar. His reforms made Baroda a beacon of modernity, with high literacy and industrial growth.
Later Rulers and the End of Princely Rule
Sayajirao III was succeeded by his grandson, Pratap Singh Rao Gaekwad (r. 1939–1951, titular until 1968). In 1947, Baroda acceded to independent India, formally merging into Bombay State in 1949. Pratap Singh served briefly as Rajpramukh (governor) of the united state.
Later titular heads included Fatehsinghrao Gaekwad (1951–1988), Ranjitsinh Gaekwad (1988–2012), and the current head, Samarjitsinh Gaekwad (since 2012).
List of Maharajas of Baroda
1. Pilaji Rao Gaekwad (1721–1732) – Founder; conquered Baroda
2. Damaji Rao Gaekwad (1732–1768) – Consolidated power in Gujarat
3. Sayaji Rao I (1768–1778)
4. Fateh Singh Rao I (1778–1789)
5. Manaji Rao (1789–1793)
6. Govind Rao (1793–1800)
7. Anand Rao (1800–1819) – Treaty of Cambay (1802)
8. Sayaji Rao II (1819–1847)
9. Ganpat Rao (1847–1856)
10. Khande Rao (1856–1870)
11. Malhar Rao (1870–1875) – Deposed by British
12. Sayajirao III (1875–1939) – Greatest reformer
13. Pratap Singh Rao (1939–1951) – Last ruling Maharaja
(Titular heads continued after 1949.)
Legacy
The Gaekwads' wealth—once estimated in billions today through investments and jewels like the Star of the South diamond—made them India's richest royal family for generations. Their palaces, museums, and universities in Vadodara stand as testaments to their vision. Though princely privileges ended in 1971, the family remains influential in culture, sports (cricket administration), and philanthropy. The Laxmi Vilas Palace, still family-owned, symbolizes their enduring grandeur in modern India.
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