India is residence to a number of the most majestic palaces on the planet, however do you know that Laxmi Vilas Palace in Gujarat is 4 occasions the dimensions of England’s Buckingham Palace? Greater than only a royal residence, this architectural marvel stands as a logo of historical past, tradition, and grandeur.
“Gujarat’s Laxmi Vilas Palace wasn’t dominated by Gujaratis however by the Marathas. This grand residential constructing stays some of the majestic on the planet,” says Prateik Babbar in a collection on palaces he hosted for Curly Tales.
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Nonetheless inhabited by the Gaekwad royal household, the palace continues to exude its regal appeal, mixing the previous with the current.
Famend vogue influencer Komal Pandey took the viewers contained in the palace. With 550 acres of grandeur, the palace is nothing wanting spectacular:
- 60,000 sq. ft. of palace space
- 170 rooms
- A grand Darbar Corridor
- A cricket floor and a golf course
“Now I do know what they imply after they say it’s 4 occasions the dimensions of Buckingham Palace!,” Pandey exclaims.
Regardless of its fairy story setting, this palace continues to be a residing residence.
The girl of the palace, Radhikaraje Gaekwad, says she continues to be uncovering the palace’s hidden corners. “I’m nonetheless discovering many components of the palace. In fact, I do know most of it, however there are nonetheless nooks and corners that escape me, even in spite of everything these years,” she says within the video.
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The story behind Laxmi Vilas Palace
The palace was inbuilt 1878 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III and named after his spouse, Maharani Laxmibai, whom he married in 1880.
“Maharani Jamnabai was trying to find an inheritor. When a younger boy boldly declared, ‘I need to rule Baroda,’ she adopted him as her son. He later turned Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III,” in keeping with the video.
The palace is an beautiful mix of Indian and European influences. Sandstone from Agra, Carrara marble, and complicated carvings by native Gujarati craftsmen—the palace is an architectural masterpiece.
The palace additionally options Raj Abhishek Corridor, the place the kings had been topped, marking the start of their reigns.
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Weapons of the royals
The Pratap Shastra wing showcases a outstanding assortment of royal weapons, together with:
- The Navdurga Sword
- The Panjkula Talwar, utilized by Guru Gobind Singh Ji
- The Nagin Sword, which had a poisoned edge
A royal feast
The Gaekwad household has a wealthy culinary heritage, mixing flavours from Gujarati, Maratha, and Peshwa traditions.
“Gujarati meals is a giant a part of our weight loss program—we love Kathiawadi dal, undhiyu, and dal dhoklo,” Gaekwad says.
She has additionally established Gazra Café on the palace, an inclusive café run by the LGBTQ+ group. “The meals is wonderful—I believe I can indulge now and burn off the energy later!”
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Laxmi Vilas heritage Garba
The palace hosts one of many world’s largest Garba celebrations, attracting over 40,000 folks each Navratri.
Because the dhol beats fill the air, dancers transfer in rhythmic circles, barefoot on the earth, staying near their roots, each actually and spiritually.
Laxmi Vilas Palace is the place historical past, tradition, and modernity come collectively.