Dive into the grandeur of Laxmi Vilas Palace, one of the largest private residences in the world, and experience the blend of tradition, luxury, and architectural brilliance.

Laxmi Vilas or Lakshmi Vilas, which still serves as the royal family’s home in Vadodara, was constructed for Rs 27,00,000 or 1,80,000 GBP, during the Indo-Saracen period in the 19th century, a huge sum at that time. Built over 500 acres, this is the largest private mansion built to date and four times the size of Buckingham Palace.

Its lavish interiors have well-maintained mosaics, chandeliers, and artworks, together with a very outstanding collection of art and weapons, making it Gujarat’s most stunning Raj-era palace. The palace is decorated with paintings by the renowned artist Raja Ravi Verma, who was specifically commissioned by the Maharaja of Baroda at the time. It takes place on vast, park-like grounds including a golf course.

It takes place on vast, park-like grounds, including a golf course. The Navlakhi stepwell on the property provides a glimpse of the historic water resource system that Gujarat’s rulers constructed to combat the region’s drought. The Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum building, Moti Baug Palace, and the LVP Banquets & Conventions building are the other various structures on the grounds. The Moti Bagh Cricket Ground, the Baroda Cricket Association’s offices, and a unique indoor teak-floored badminton and tennis court are all built here.

lukshmi vilas palace — Laxmi Vilas Palace

Valuation of the Palace

The palace spans a sprawling 700 acres, amounting to a total grand of 3,04,92,000 square feet. Taking the current market rate of Rs 8,000 per sq ft, the total price would come up to a minimum of Rs 2,43,93,60,00,000. In other words, the Laxmi Vilas or the Lukshmi Vilas Palace would be valued at around an impressive Rs twenty-four thousand three hundred and ninety-three crores and sixty lakhs.
With the cultural value and the vibrant history of this palace, this figure might comfortably cross Rs 24,000.00 crores.

The Tragic Fate of the Palace’s Architect

As rich, cultural and grand as the palace is, the story behind the construction is equally intriguing for the curious. The history of the Laxmi Vilas Palace’s construction and architecture is just as fascinating as the palace itself. The project’s lead architect, Major Charles Mant, was a renowned architect back in the day, and the Lakshmi or the Lukshmi Vilas was his most prized project, involving building palaces at Darbhanga, Bihar, and Kolhapur. However, people thought he suffered from paranoia and depression, which ultimately caused his death midway through the project.

People believe that he committed suicide out of fear. Now, to understand his circumstances, you need to know what went down during the construction of the palace. Two possible reasons may have caused him worry or guilt, which eventually built up and led to him taking such a drastic step. Firstly, he was afraid his calculations were off and that the palace could collapse at any time.

Another possibility is that the plans’ inverted North emblem led to the palace being constructed in the exact opposite of the original design. Consequently, the palace’s primary entrance was located toward the rear. Major Charles Mant passed away without seeing the end of his project, so Robert Fellows Chisholm stepped in. Architect Robert Fellows Chisholm invested twelve years building this incredible structure

While adapting to the present day, Laxmi or the Lukshmi Vilas continues to be a mark of India’s magnificent history. In order to conserve this historic masterpiece for future generations, the Gaekwad family has undertaken a number of restoration projects.

The Laxmi Vilas Palace – F.A.Q

1. Who is Laxmi Vilas Palace named after?

(✔) Maharani Laxmibai

2. How many rooms are in Lakshmi Vilas Palace?

(✔) 170

3. Who lives in Laxmi Vilas Palace now?

(✔) Today, Lukshmi Vilas Palace is home to His Highness Samarjitsinh Ranjitsinh Gaekwad, the Maharaja of Baroda, his wife, Her Highness Radhikaraje Gaekwad, the Maharani of Baroda, their daughters, princesses Padmajaraje and Narayaniraje, and queen mother, Her Highness Shubhanginiraje Gaekwad, the Rajmata of Baroda.

4. Can public visit Laxmi Vilas Palace?

(✔) Yes, a part of the palace is open for visitors during the day, 10 am to 5 pm. Monday is the weekly off day.