Know About The Marathas: Gaekwads of Baroda

In present-day Vadodara, which is the former Baroda in Gujarat, we see the once great seat of the Gaekwad dynasty, which was among the preeminent Maratha ruling families. Their rise from humble roots near Pune to that of powerful monarchs in Western India is a very interesting chapter in Maratha history.

Origins of the Gaekwad Family

The Gaekwads come from the Maratha caste, whose roots are in a village in Maharashtra’s Pune district. Their family name is of legend. It is said that Nandaji Rao, who was a fort manager at Bhor in Maval, broke the rule to save a herd of cows from slaughter by opening the small fort gate, which in time became known as "kawad" and thus allowed them entry for protection. From this action, the name Gaekwad was given, which means “one who opened the gate for the cow.” was given.

Nandaji had 4 sons ihich from one of the branches, his family’s rise in Gujarat began with that of Keroji’s.

Rise of Pilaji Rao Gaekwad

Damaji, the firstborn of Keroji, joined the service of Sardar Khanderao Dabhade, who was a key Maratha leader in Gujarat. When Damaji died without sons, he adopted his nephew Pilaji W, who very soon proved to be an able soldier and administrator.

Pilaji earned himself the post of commander of the cavalry and the Songad Fort near Surat, which he got for his proven skill with horses and unswerving loyalty. As Mughal power waned in Gujarat, Pilaji took advantage of the Mughal officers’ political rivalries to establish Maratha preeminence in the east of the state, which he did by securing chauth.

However, at the time of Peshwa Bajirao I’s intervention, which was regarding the Maratha sardars’ expanding influence in Gujarat, tensions did grow. This led to the Battle of Dabhoi in 1731, which saw the defeat of Pilaji and the Dabhades. Pilaji died the following year of injuries sustained in the battle, which left his son Damaji Rao to pursue the family’s ambitions.

Expansion Under Damaji Gaekwad

In 1734, Daji put out the Mughal forces from Baroda, which in turn made that city the base of Gaekwad power. At first, we see Damaji at odds with the Peshwas, but in 1752, they signed a treaty in which the Peshwas, in exchange for large financial and administrative rights in Gujarat, did support the Gaekwads. That agreement raised the status of the Gaekwads above other Maratha clans and secured their dominant position.

The Golden Era of Sayajirao III

Amongst the large group of Gaekwad rulers, Sir Sayajirao III (1875-1939) stands out as the most visionary and transformational. He was taken into the royal family as a young boy, which then grew into that of a progressive monarch under expert guidance.

Sayaji Rao brought in wide-scale reforms to Baroda. He introduced what was the first free and compulsory primary education in India, improved agriculture, promoted industries, and put in place institutions which we still see today, like the Bank of Baroda, Baroda University, libraries, museums, and extensive public infrastructure.

A great proponent of social equality, he supported icons like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Sri Aurobindo, and Raja Ravi Varma. During his reign, Baroda became one of the most lolooked-up-torincely states in India.

Legacy and Integration into Modern India

After Sayajirao III, which was then passed down to his descendants, the throne remained till 1947, at which time Baroda became a part of the Dominion of India. The Gaekwad rulers’ roles were mostly ceremonial, but their legacy still forms the base of Vadodara’s cultural and educational life.

Conclusion

The Gaekwad story is a great account of a Maratha family that went from unknown to founding a very progressive and culturally rich kingdom. Their legacy in Baroda’s institutions, palaces, and social reforms is a living testimony to their vision and leadership.