India has long been misrepresented as an impoverished country in the West. Given this misrepresentation, it is easy to forget the long regal line of Kings and Queens that the history of the country is rife with. Be that as it may, there are still many relics from this bygone era that narrate a tale of a different India. An India which was at the forefront of economic, cultural and socio-political development. One such relic is the Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara.
Vadodara’s Laxmi Vilas Palace Is The World’s Largest Residence
Laxmi Vilas palace vadodara.
The majestic palace, built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1890 and continues to house the members of the royal family who are held in high-esteem by the people of Baroda. pic.twitter.com/tcpCcZG9hi— I am Reema 👒 (@iamreeemaa) September 21, 2020
The Laxmi Vilas Palace stands as a testament to the greatness of the Indian Kings of yore. It is owned by the Gaekwads of Baroda and was built in the year 1890. The Laxmi Vilas Palace was commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III and its main architect was Major Charles Mant.
The cost of construction of the palace at the time was around ₹27,00,000 or £180,000. Covering a total area of 3,04,92,000 sq. ft. and with a total of 170 rooms, the palace is dubbed the largest private residence in the world.
This means that it is even bigger than Mukesh Ambani’s Antilia in Mumbai. It is known as the most expensive home in the world and is valued at around ₹20,000 crores!
It Is Four Times Larger Than The Buckingham Palace In UK
Laxmi Vilas Palace from above…..#mavicair pic.twitter.com/hTGf8FDxZ8
— Alyssa Healy (@ahealy77) March 14, 2018
Needless to say, such a lavishly built palace would have some interesting features. If reports are to go by, it is four times larger than Buckingham Palace in the UK where the English Monarchy resides.
The Laxmi Vilas Palace also has two massive courtyards replete with greenery and ornate fountains. The interiors boast luxurious decor including paintings by the likes of Raja Ravi Verma.
The palace is currently helmed by His Royal Highness Samarjitsinh Gaekwad and Radhikaraje Gaekwad. It is a source of pride for all Indians!
Have you ever visited the Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara? If not, would you like to? Let us know in the comments section below!
Cover Image Credits: @Priyamvada22S/X (Formerly, Twitter)
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