Vadodara is becoming the adda of Medical Mafias with so many khopcha hospitals with proper approvals: VMC silent!

Vadodara Sitting on a Medical Time Bomb

In the heart of Gujarat's most cultured city, a silent disaster is waiting to explode. Hundreds of gleaming multi-speciality hospitals, nursing homes and ICU centres line the streets of Sayajigunj, Alkapuri, Akota, Gotri, Atladara and New VIP Road. To the common man, they look like symbols of modern healthcare. In reality, most of them are illegal concrete jungles running on fake papers and political protection.

These are not roadside quack clinics. Many are 50- to 300-bed facilities with ventilators, modular operation theatres, cath labs and dialysis units, yet almost every one of them openly violates:

- Gujarat Nursing Home Registration Act  

- Biomedical Waste Management Rules  

- Mandatory Fire NOC  

- Building Use permission from Vadodara Municipal Corporation  

- Clinical Establishments Act  

- In several cases, even basic registration of doctors with the Gujarat Medical Council  

How do they survive? Simple. They start as a small 500 sq ft "clinic" on paper, then illegally add floor after floor until they become towering 30,000–50,000 sq ft hospitals without ever updating their registration. Agricultural and residential plots are magically converted into "hospital zones" overnight with forged documents. Fire NOCs are issued without a single sprinkler or fire escape because the file reaches the officer with a phone call from an MLA's PA.

Biomedical waste (used syringes, infected bandages, expired medicines) is routinely dumped in open grounds or handed over to unlicensed ragpickers, but the Gujarat Pollution Control Board never raids these "high-connection" facilities.

The COVID-19 pandemic turned this illegality into a goldmine. Hundreds of these unauthorised structures were declared "Dedicated COVID Hospitals" within hours by the state government. Crores were earned through inflated bills and phantom admissions, and the temporary permission quietly regularised buildings that should have been razed to the ground.

The protectors are the usual suspects:

- Sitting and former MLAs and MPs (from both BJP and Congress) who either own these hospitals or hold benami stakes  

- Senior police officers who receive free treatment for entire families  

- VMC officials who run a well-oiled weekly hafta system  

- Gujarat Medical Council that almost never cancels licences even after proven negligence deaths  

Every few years the mask slips. A fire kills patients trapped in an illegal top floor. A botched surgery makes headlines. A child dies because the "ICU" had no functional ventilator. Newspapers scream for 48 hours, the district collector orders a "survey", two or three small fries are sealed for optics, and within a month the jungle is back, bigger and bolder.

On paper, everything is legal because the paper itself is bought and managed. In reality, Vadodara has one of the highest concentrations of illegal medical establishments in the country.

The city is sitting on a medical time bomb whose timer is controlled by politicians, builders and greedy doctors. One major fire, one deadly infection outbreak or structural collapse is all it will take for the truth to come crashing down, literally.

Until that nexus is broken, the glittering hospital boards will keep promising "world-class care" while gambling with thousands of innocent lives, one illegal floor at a time.

Bharat Taxi Launched: India’s First Driver-Owned Ride-Hailing App Takes on Ola and Uber

• Zero-Commission Model 
• Trials Begin in Gujarat and Delhi 
• 51,000 Drivers Join in Just 10 Days

New Delhi/Ahmedabad: India now has its own cooperative ride-hailing platform – Bharat Taxi – launched to directly compete with Ola, Uber, and Rapido. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Prosperity through Cooperation", the country's first fully driver-owned and cooperative-model cab app officially began pilot operations in Delhi and Gujarat on Tuesday.

Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah informed Parliament that the government-backed 'Bharat Taxi' app is being rolled out with the aim of freeing commercial vehicle drivers from dependency on private cab aggregators and giving them fairer earnings and ownership.

The platform is operated by Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Limited and is promoted by eight of India's leading cooperative institutions including Amul, IFFCO, NABARD, and NDDB.

#### World's Largest Driver-Owned Platform – Even Before Official Launch

In a stunning record, more than 51,000 drivers registered with Bharat Taxi within just 10 days of opening registrations. This makes it the world's largest driver-owned ride-hailing platform even before its nationwide launch.

Pilot services are currently live in Delhi (cars, autos, and bike taxis) and the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, with registrations growing rapidly.

#### What Makes Bharat Taxi Different?

- Zero commission: Drivers keep 100% of the fare

- No hidden charges or service fees

- All profits of the cooperative will be distributed among member-drivers

- Completely opposite to the 20–30% commission model of existing apps

According to Chairman Jayen Mehta, the cooperative structure ensures long-term economic security and dignity for drivers.

#### Passenger-Friendly Features

- Transparent pricing

- Live vehicle tracking

- Multilingual support

- 24×7 customer care

- Cash and cashless payment options

- Tie-up with Delhi Police for safety

- Future integration with metro and other transit services for seamless door-to-door mobility

After successful pilots, Bharat Taxi will be gradually expanded across the country.

With its driver-first, zero-commission cooperative model backed by trusted institutions, Bharat Taxi is set to disrupt the Indian ride-hailing market and offer a true "Made in India, Owned by Indians" alternative to foreign and private cab giants.

From Applying Haldi to Showering Phool: Kartik Aaryan’s Adorable Brother Mode at #TikkiKiShaadi Steals Hearts

Kartik Aaryan has won hearts by sharing stunning photos from his sister Kritika Tiwari's haldi ceremony on social media, capturing the joyful essence of the pre-wedding festivities. The actor, who shares a famously close bond with his sister—often calling her his best friend and cheerleader—posted a carousel of images and videos that showcase the vibrant yellow hues of the traditional ritual, with family members glowing in ethnic attire.

In one heartwarming shot, Kartik is seen tenderly applying haldi to Kritika's face, both of them beaming with laughter amid a circle of loved ones, including their mother Mala Tiwari. Another candid moment features him showering flower petals over the bride-to-be, her white saree adorned with delicate floral embroidery, while he sports a crisp white kurta-pyjama. The smiles lighting up their faces truly elevate these glimpses into unforgettable family treasures.

Fans are flooding the comments with love, praising the sibling duo's infectious energy and the genuine warmth radiating from the celebrations. Videos from the event have also gone viral, including Kartik grooving energetically to the classic track "Kajra Re" alongside guests and family, turning the intimate gathering into a full-blown dance party. Even their dad couldn't resist chiming in on the fun, reacting adorably to the wedding hashtag #Tikki—a sweet nod to Kritika's nickname.

As the wedding festivities continue in their hometown of Gwalior, with the main ceremony expected soon, Kartik balances these personal milestones alongside promoting his upcoming rom-com *Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri* alongside Ananya Panday. It's a beautiful reminder of family love amid the glamour—pure wedding vibes at their best!

#KartikAaryan #HaldiCeremony #SisterWedding #FamilyLove #WeddingVibes #ATPhotoBlog #AajTakSocial

Not Just a Run, It’s a Revolution in Six Yards of Grace: How the Federal Bank Saree गौरव Run 2025 Is Inspiring Vadodara

 

BY DNCA REPORTER, Vadodara, December 3, 2025

When over 5,000 women line up at Kirti Stambh on December 14 draped in sarees, it won't just be the city's biggest celebration of culture and fitness. It will be living proof that age is just a number and illness is just a chapter, not the whole story.

Meet 82-year-old Bhartiben Dave ,an ex healthcare professional.At an age when many struggle to walk a few steps without support, she is excitedly preparing her favourite cotton saree and sports shoes for the 3 km Saree गौरव Run. "People tell me to rest at home," she laughs, "but how can I miss this? I have worn sarees all my life; now I want to run in one!"  For her, the run is not about speed; it's about showing the world that joy and movement have no expiry date.

Then there is Ms Darshana Thakkar, 51, entrepreneur, engineer, MBA, and National President of the Women's Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (WICCI) Gujarat Council. By profession, she runs a successful consulting firm. By courage, she is currently fighting breast cancer while undergoing chemotherapy. Hair loss, weakness, weekly hospital visits; nothing has dampened her spirit. Darshana has openly declared, "If I can stand, I can walk. If I can walk, I can run in my saree with my sisters on December 14."

Her message to every woman battling any illness is simple yet thunderous: "Strong will power is the real medicine. Chemotherapy is treating my body; the Saree गौरव Run is healing my soul."

From homemakers and college girls to corporate professionals and senior citizens, from cancer warriors to octogenarian enthusiasts, the Federal Bank Saree गौरव Run 2025 has turned into something far bigger than an event. It has become a moving, breathing inspiration; a flowing river of sarees carrying stories of unbreakable spirit.

As Smt. Tejal Amin, Chairperson of MG Vadodara Marathon, rightly says, "When Dave Aunty and Darshana ben take those steps on December 14, every woman watching will realise: if they can, I definitely can."

So come December 14, when the streets of Vadodara fill with the sound of thousands of payals (anklets) and the rustle of sarees, remember: you won't just be watching a run.

You will be witnessing willpower winning, one graceful step at a time.

MrBeast Is Straight-Up the GOAT: Spillin the Hottest Tea on His 2025 Glow-Up (Read and Please Comment is it upto the GenZ's mark?)

Yo what's good fam, if you're still rotatin between the Gram and doomscrollin X at 3 a.m. you already know MrBeast, real name Jimmy Donaldson, is the final boss of YouTube. Bro is not just postin vids, he's out here movin like a cracked-out demon with unlimited lives. We talkin wild challenges that got the whole TL screamin "bet" from the couch, handin out private islands like they're buy-one-get-one Chipotle bowls, and turnin charity into content that slaps harder than a Drake diss track. Deadass, this man just crossed 100 billion total views, makin him the main character in a timeline full of NPC thirst traps. 2025 been a whole movie for the Beast squad though, sus allegations, insane wins, all the vibes. Let's spill this tea GenZ style cuz his bag is bussin and evolvin quicker than a Skibidi Toilet remix.

From Small-Town Cringe to World Boss Energy: The MrBeast Lore You Didn't Know You Needed

Imagine 2012, lil 13-year-old Jimmy in Greenville, North Carolina droppin the most cooked intro known to man. Fast forward and this man is countin to 100k on stream for 40 hours straight (brain rot activities), lettin himself get buried alive for clout, then droppin a real-life Squid Game with almost half a milli up for grabs. That's not growth, that's a full villain arc but make it wholesome. Bro went from zero to final form, bodyin the algorithm like it owes him money.

The cheat code? He doesn't chase clout, he manufactures entire universes. Squad deeper than your situationship's mixed signals, over 250 heads strong, droppin certified bangers every Saturday at noon ET that eat views for breakfast. Feastables chocolate that actually hits different, Lunchly meals so the kids stop tradin Flamin' Hot Cheetos for status, and Viewstats so creators can finally stop guessin what the algo wants. Oh and the philanthropy? Insane. 20 million trees planted, 30 million pounds of ocean trash deleted, 2k people walkin again, and he really adopted every shelter dog… twice. That's not clout chasin, that's big-dick energy with a halo. While everyone else is posin under ring lights cryin about their ex, Jimmy out here playin 4D chess with happiness.

2025 Been a Rollercoaster Fr Fr: Theme Parks, Apologies, and Haters in Shambles

Okay now let's get into the real juice, 2025 been poppin harder than a Prime bottle at recess. Biggest W? Bro yeeted an entire theme park into existence in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Beast Land launched November 13 and it's givin Hunger Games x Willy Wonka on a Red Bull IV drip. Rides based on his old challenges, real cash prizes over half a milli, and Saudis who ain't had cinemas till like yesterday are losin their actual minds, lines longer than your mom's group chat. Jimmy pulled up himself, energy on a thousand, and turned desert into Disneyland. Global takeover unlocked, that's how you move different.

But the streets been whisperin he's "fallin off" cuz views ain't hittin 200M+ like before. Jimmy saw the chatter and said bet, dropped the most real apology on X November 27: "Yeah my 2025 vids mid, I was cooked from grindin too hard, my bad." No PR script, just straight facts, then promised 2026 about to be the hardest content run of his life. Already teasin Beast Games Season 2 with the biggest LED floor known to man. If that's fallin off then I wanna fall too cuz the comeback already lookin demonic.

Of course the internet gotta internet, lawsuit poppin off about Beast Games contestants sayin they got done dirty, old clips resurfaced, timeline tried to cancel him for jokes from 2017. Jimmy been addressed it, said he's grown, doubled down on makin the workplace less toxic, and kept it pushin. Bro still sittin on a 700 million empire, faked buyin the entire NFL just to troll us (actually just promotin YouTube's free stream), and his old strategist even left to drop Palo, an AI that helps creators cook ideas faster than Uber Eats. That's still squad love fr.

Why MrBeast Still the Blueprint Even When the TL Acts Brand New

Keep it a stack: 2025 creator economy more oversaturated than a sold-out Travis Scott drop. Everyone got a ring light and a dream. But MrBeast? He's the Mozart of brain rot, turnin what should be clickbait into high art. His vids aren't content, they're events. That Saudi park? Exportin joy to places that need it most, puttin people on payroll, lettin kids live out the videos they grew up watchin. Post-pandemic we all starved for real happiness and Jimmy out here feedin the whole timeline.

Philanthropy so smooth you almost forget it's charity. Givin away islands like Pokémon cards, payin for blind and deaf people to get surgeries, buildin wells in Africa while sellin chocolate that funds the next giveaway. Haters call it tax write-offs, cool, still changed lives. In a world full of negative aura and doomer takes, MrBeast is the glitch that keeps hope alive, wrapped in fireworks and confetti cannons.

Final Boss Energy: 2026 About to Be Straight Demon Time

End of 2025 and MrBeast still eatin, still apologizin when he fumbles the bag, still plottin the biggest plays we've ever seen. Desert theme park? Done. Hundred billion views? Casually. Squad cookin AI tools for the next gen? Period. Let the haters hate, Jimmy too busy plantin trees and breakin records to check the mentions. If you not subbed yet what are you even doin with your life, go hit that bell, cop some Feastables, and lock in, 2026 finna be the biggest plot twist yet. MrBeast forever rewritin the rules, one cooked idea at a time. Drop your fave Beast moment below, let's keep the vibes high, we outside fr. 💥

#MrBeast, #MrBeast2025, #BeastLand, #MrBeastThemePark, #MrBeastApology, #BeastGames, #MrBeast100Billion, #MrBeastFallingOff, #MrBeastDrama, #MrBeastPhilanthropy, #Feastables, #Lunchly, #SquidGameIRL, #MrBeastRiyadh, #MrBeastSaudiArabia, #MrBeast2026, #JimmyDonaldson, #YouTubeKing, #GenZ, #ViralChallenges, #CreatorEconomy, #MrBeastLawsuit, #MrBeastComeback, #SkibidiToilet, #BrainRot, #BigDickEnergy, #GlobalTakeover, #DemonTime, #TL, #NPC, #Bussin, #NoCap, #FrFr, #Bet, #Periodt

Unveiling the Shadows: Why AghoriStories.com Stands as the Premier Portal for Authentic Aghori and Occult Exploration: a digital ashram by Maulikk Buch

 

In the labyrinthine world of online mysticism, where sensational headlines often eclipse genuine insight, AghoriStories.com emerges as a beacon of authenticity. Founded by Maulik Buch, a seasoned journalist, mystic, and paranormal researcher with over 30 years of immersive fieldwork, the site has solidified its position as the leading hub for occult research and real Aghori content. Buch's journey—spanning direct encounters with Aghoris, Kapaliks, Naga Sadhus, Tantriks, and even Voodoo practitioners—infuses every piece with unparalleled credibility. Far from the exploitative tropes peddled by commercial platforms, AghoriStories.com demystifies esoteric Indian traditions through a lens of scholarly rigor and narrative grace. As we mark the site's evolution into 2025, with fresh explorations bridging ancient Tantra and modern global esotericism, let's delve into the pillars that elevate it above the digital fray.

1. Authentic, Firsthand Aghori Insights: From Cremation Grounds to Cosmic Truths

What sets AghoriStories.com apart is its unyielding commitment to lived experience over armchair speculation. Buch's narratives aren't mere retellings; they're dispatches from the frontlines of spiritual extremity. Consider his raw account of booking a 3:30 a.m. flight to Varanasi amid personal crisis—a pilgrimage that thrust him into the heart of Aghori sadhana, forging bonds with ascetics who dwell in samshans (cremation grounds) and wield kapalas (human skulls) as vessels for transcendence.

The site's Aghor section unflinchingly portrays the Aghori lifestyle: ritual consumption of taboo substances not as macabre spectacle, but as alchemical rites for ego dissolution and moksha (liberation). Eyewitness videos of Yagna fire ceremonies, where flames dance with mantras to invoke Kaal Bhairav, offer viewers a visceral portal into these practices—rare glimpses captured without filters or fear-mongering. This approach dismantles Hollywood-fueled myths, positioning the site as an essential antidote for seekers disillusioned by superficial content. As Buch reflects in his writings, the Aghori path isn't about horror; it's a radical embrace of the "non-terrible" (aghor), challenging societal binaries to reveal universal oneness.

2. Comprehensive Occult Research and Comparative Mythology: Weaving Global Threads

AghoriStories.com transcends regional silos, delivering research that marries Tantric depth with cross-cultural analysis. The Tantra category unpacks the Dus Mahavidya—the ten fierce emanations of the Divine Feminine—as astrological balancers. A standout piece from 2025 details how invoking Baglamukhi quells adversarial forces or Dhumavati neutralizes Rahu's chaos, complete with step-by-step Puja vidhis, Beej mantras, and scriptural nods to texts like the Rudrayamal Tantra. These aren't rote rituals; they're presented as practical tools for cosmic equilibrium, blending Vedic astronomy with psychological insight.

The site's genius lies in its comparative lens. The "Real Stories" section hosts a 2025 research crux tracing a 4,000-year mythological family tree, linking Norse Thor's hammer (Mjolnir) to Indra's thunderbolt (Vajra)—a testament to Indo-European roots shared across continents. Similarly, "Western Aghori" explores North American occultism, from Hoodoo's ancestral echoes to energy vampirism motifs paralleling Aghori lore on psychic predation. This global tapestry invites readers—be they Vedic scholars or pagan enthusiasts—to uncover shared human quests for the divine, all grounded in Buch's fieldwork from Ujjain's ancient origins to Rishikesh's contemporary enclaves.

3. Diverse, Multimedia Content Library: A Tapestry of Tales and Truths

With over 100 articles spanning narrative fiction, historical deep dives, and empirical research, AghoriStories.com's library is a meticulously curated archive. Organized into intuitive sections—Aghor for sect origins and salvation arcs; Tantra for ritual-science intersections; Horror Stories for myth-busting yarns (e.g., the true cultural genesis of Voodoo dolls); Real Stories for evidentiary probes; Yakshini for profiles of ethereal guardians; and Aghori Videos for immersive footage—it caters to every shade of curiosity.

Spotlights include tributes to luminaries like the 15th-century Virupaksha Baba, whose miracles embodied Shiva's boundless grace, and profiles of a centenarian Varanasi Aghori, whose boundary-shattering sadhana underscores the sect's enduring vitality. Recent 2025 additions amplify this richness: a poignant essay on Lord Hanuman's esoteric ties to the Mahavidyas, revealing the monkey god as a Tantric ally in devotion; an ode to Chamundeshwari Devi as the fierce Yogini of metamorphosis; and a nuanced dissection of Maa Kali's manifold forms, from wrathful avenger to benevolent mother, laced with invocatory mantras for personal empowerment. Multimedia elevates it further—embedded videos of Aghori rites provide a sensory bridge, transforming passive reading into participatory enlightenment, a feature rivals envy but rarely replicate.

4. Accessibility and Educational Mission: Empowering the Seeker Within

Buch's prose is a masterclass in elucidation: arcane philosophies, like Aghor's rejection of duality against Shaivism's ascetic rigor or Vaishnavism's devotional purity, unfold with crystalline clarity yet retain their esoteric fire. This democratizes the occult, welcoming novices while challenging adepts. Eschewing alarmist narratives, the site champions Aghor as a catalyst for self-realization—tools for harmonizing inner shadows with universal light, as seen in guides to Haridra Ganesh's Tantric significance for prosperity amid adversity.

Ongoing vitality shines through 2025's X promotions and a sleek, mobile-optimized interface, ensuring it's no dusty relic but a living dialogue. Buch's 30-year milestone in Rishikesh—marked by Aghori mentorships and psychic healing—fuels this momentum, with fresh content like Bhairav's reciprocal "choosing" of devotees underscoring the site's interactive ethos.

In an era rife with occult misinformation, AghoriStories.com isn't merely indispensable—it's transformative. More than a blog, it's a digital ashram, inviting you to confront the mysteries that bind us all. For the uninitiated, begin in the Aghor category; for the initiated, lose yourself in the Western Aghori weaves. In Buch's words, drawn from decades in the shadows: the path to truth demands courage, but yields eternity. Dive in—and emerge renewed.

The History of the Gaekwads of Baroda

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.