The city of Baroda is also known as Vadodara and happens to be the third populated city in the state of Gujarat after Ahmedabad and Surat. The city is also known as the Sayaji Nagari or Sanskari Nagari and was once the capital city of the Gaekwad State. Baroda is situated on the banks of River Vishwamitri and also on the southeast of Ahmedabad. The city is also the administrative headquarter of the entire Baroda district. It is the 18th largest city of India with an area of 148.95 sq. km. and a population of 1.6 Millions.
Baroda has its geographical location at 22.30° N 73.19° E in western India at an elevation of 39 metres (123 feet). Apart from the River Vishwamitri there are other two rivers like Mahi & Narmada and the fertile plateau of these two provide the base of the city. The city enjoys three main seasons including summer, monsoon and winter. Except the monsoon season Baroda remains dry througout the year. The weather remains hot from March to July. The average maximum temperature remains at 36 °C (97 °F), while the average minimum temperatue remains is 15 °C (59 °F). In January a mild chill wind is available due to the cold nothern winds.
Baroda has a rich historical background and it dates back to 2000 years or more. The city in its life has withnessed numerous dynasties. Though predominantly Hindu and remained for many years under the Gupta, Chalukya, Solanki dynasties but in the later period it came under the subjugation of the Delhi Sultans. The Sultans were also overthrown after many years by the Mughals. But the Mughal rule was always thorny. This reached the summit with the rise of the Marathas and slowly the Maratha power took over the region. It became the capital of the Maratha Gaekwads. Even during the British Raj it remained a princely state until Independence, although British influence was noteworthy.
In economic terms the first notable development of the city was noticed in1907 when the first modern factory (Alembic Pharmaceuticals) was established. It was followed by lots of others pertaining to industries like chemicals, pharmaceuticals, cotton textiles and machine tools. Howver, in the 60s the establishment of Gujarat Refinery, Indian Oil Corporation changed the scenario and made it one of India’s foremost industrial centres. Nowadays the city is becoming a hub of IT and and other development projects.
Baroda is is also known as ‘Sanskari Nagari’, which means a Cultured City.
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Baroda
