The historic mansion 'Arudh Mahal', located in the Dandia Bazaar area of Vadodara, remains a priceless identity of the city's cultural heritage, royal history, and traditional architecture. Built in 1936, this grand mansion has completed nearly 90 years.
Spanning approximately 17,000 square feet, the palace features 22 spacious rooms, a traditional courtyard, and captivating architecture from the bygone era that continues to attract people. The construction of Arudh Mahal was commissioned by the renowned legal expert Dr. Ramchandra Raujji Pawar, who studied law at Columbia University. He is also known for being a roommate of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.
After returning from abroad, he played a significant role in the administrative work of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad and later became the Diwan of Amreli. The mansion was named 'Arudh Mahal' in honor of the Indian saint and yogi Siddharudh Swami. The traditional courtyard of the palace still offers a sense of peace and ancient culture amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.
The old kitchen chimney present in the mansion is considered one of the oldest chimneys in the city, adding to its historical significance. Today, visitors can still see old furniture, rare artifacts, and glimpses of traditional lifestyle. Currently, Arudh Mahal has been developed as a heritage homestay, where tourists from across the country and abroad are experiencing Vadodara's cultural and historical heritage up close.
This mansion has also become a popular location for Gujarati music videos, cultural programs, and film shoots. Its open historical courtyard and traditional atmosphere particularly attract artists and producers. In recent years, Sheetal Pawar and her family have made commendable efforts to preserve the heritage of Arudh Mahal.
The family is continuously working to maintain the mansion's original architecture, antique items, and traditional identity. Sheetal Pawar aims not just to develop a hotel business but to showcase the rich culture of Vadodara and Gujarat to the world through the 'heritage homestay'.
She believes that when tourists spend time in a historic home with a local family, they do not just see a place but deeply experience the culture, traditions, and history of that city. Arudh Mahal has now become not just a mansion but a living identity of Vadodara's glorious heritage and cultural history.
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