Meet woman, owner of largest residence of India, bigger than Ambani, Nita Ambani’s Antilia, where PM Modi will…
The Laxmi Vilas Palace is currently in news as Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will visit Vadodara, Gujarat, on October 28, where PM Modi will personally host him with royal hospitality at the royal palace. Both heads of state are expected to officially inaugurate the Airbus factory and following the event, PM Modi and Sanchez will travel to Lakmi Vilas Palace where a formal bilateral meeting will take place.
About Laxmi Vilas Palace
Owned by the Gaekwads of Baroda, Laxmi Vilas Palace is located in Gujarat and is the world’s largest private residence. Coming to its size, it is four times larger than Buckingham Palace. The palace is home of the Gaekwads of Baroda, who were once the rulers of the region, and the local community continues to hold the royal family in high regard. Additionally, the former royal family is currently led by HRH Samarjitsinh Gaekwad, who is married to Radhikaraje Gaekwad.
Who is Radhikaraje Gaekwad?
Born in 1987, Radhikaraje Gaekwad comes from a very wealthy family of Gujarat. She a deep passion for reading and writing and holds a Masters degree in Indian History from the prestigious Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University. Before marrying Maharaja Samarjitsinh Gaekwad in 2002, she worked as a journalist. Samarjit Singh Gaekwad was crowned as the head of Baroda in 2012 during a traditional ceremony at Laxmi Vilas Palace.
The Laxmi Vilas Palace boasts over 170 rooms and even includes a golf course within its grounds. The palace was built in 1890 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, costing GBP 180,000 at the time. This opulent structure remains a symbol of the grandeur of the Baroda royal family.
The couple are proud parents of two girls. Samarjitsinh had a stellar stint in the cricket realm, showcasing his skills as a top-notch batsman in Baroda for the prestigious Ranji Trophy, and even taking to the crease for several first-class matches. His fascination with cricket expanded to administrative roles as well, culminating in his tenure as the president of the Baroda Cricket Association.
Not just limited to cricket, Samarjitsinh also harbours a deep love for golf, going as far as to build a huge 10-hole golf course alongside a clubhouse within the widespread boundaries of Laxmi Vilas Palace.