The Gaikwads of Baroda are a Hindu dynasty that originated with the former Maratha Empire and its subsequent Princely States. From the early 18th century until 1947, a dynasty of this clan ruled the princely state of Baroda in western India. The ruler was known as Maharaja Gaekwad of Baroda. In this article, we will discuss The Gaikwads which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

The Gaikwads - Background

• The Maratha general Pilaji Rao Gaekwad conquered Baroda from the Mughal Empire in 1721, establishing the Gaekwad rule.
• Chhatrapati Shahu I, the Chhatrapati of the Maratha empire, granted the Gaekwads the city as a Jagir.
• In their early years, the Gaekwads were subordinates to the Dabhade family, Gujarat's Maratha chiefs and holders of the senapati (commander-in-chief) title.
• Pilaji's son Damaji Rao Gaekwad led the Dabhade force when Umabai Dabhade joined Tarabai's side against Balaji Baji Rao. He was defeated and imprisoned by Peshwa from May 1751 to March 1752.
• He was released in 1752 after agreeing to abandon the Dabhades and accept Peshwa suzerainty.
• Damaji was appointed Maratha chief of Gujarat in exchange, and the Peshwa assisted him in driving the Mughals out of Gujarat.
• Damaji later fought alongside Sadashiv Rao, Vishwas Rao, Malhar Rao Holkar, Jankoji Scindia, Sidhojiraje Gharge-Desai (Deshmukh), and Mahadji Shinde in the Third Battle of Panipat (1761).
• The central rule of the Peshwas was weakened following the Maratha defeat at Panipat.
• As a result, the Gaekwads, along with several other powerful Maratha clans, established themselves as virtually independent rulers while acknowledging the nominal authority of the Peshwas and the suzerainty of the Bhonsle Maharaja of Satara.

The Gaikwads - British Suzerainty

• In the First Anglo-Maratha War, the Gaekwads fought alongside several Maratha chieftains against the British.
• On March 15, 1802, the British intervened to defend a Gaekwad Maharaja, Anand Rao Gaekwad, who had recently inherited the throne from rival claimants, and the Gaekwads signed the Treaty of Cambey with the British.
  • It recognised their independence from the Maratha empire and guaranteed the Maharajas of Baroda local autonomy in exchange for recognising British suzerainty.
• Maharaja Sayaji Rao III, who ascended to the throne in 1875, did much to modernise Baroda, including the establishment of compulsory primary education, a library system, and the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda.
• He also encouraged the establishment of textile factories, which aided in the development of Baroda's textile industry.
• He is well-known for providing a scholarship to B. R. Ambedkar to study at Columbia University.
• When India gained independence in 1947, Pratapsinhrao, the last ruling Maharaja of Baroda, acceded to India.
• Baroda was eventually merged with Bombay State, which was later divided into Gujarat and Maharashtra based on linguistic principles in 1960.

Conclusion

During the British Raj, the Gaekwads of Baroda managed the city of Baroda (Vadodara) as its capital. It was one of the most powerful and prosperous royal nations outside of the British Empire, with revenue derived from the lucrative cotton industry, as well as rice, wheat, and sugar cultivation.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Who was the founder of the Gaikwad dynasty in Baroda?

A) Pilaji Gaikwad
B) Baji Rao I
C) Madhavrao I
D) Shahu Maharaj

2. What was the relationship between the Gaikwads and the Maratha Peshwas?

A) Direct rivals
B) Strong allies
C) Independent from the Peshwas
D) Neutral

3. In which century did the Gaikwads rise to power in Baroda?

A) 15th century
B) 16th century
C) 17th century
D) 18th century

4. How did the British influence the Gaikwads during the 19th century?

A) They were direct allies of the British
B) The British controlled Baroda directly
C) The British used political manipulation to control Baroda
D) The British helped the Gaikwads gain independence

5. What was the main economic activity promoted by the Gaikwads in Baroda?

A) Textile manufacturing
B) Trade and agriculture
C) Shipbuilding
D) Mining

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the role of the Gaikwads in the Maratha Empire and their contributions to the region's governance and economy.

Answer: The Gaikwads played a crucial role in the Maratha Empire, particularly in the western region of India. As military commanders under the Peshwas, they helped expand and consolidate Maratha power in Gujarat. Their leadership contributed significantly to Mewar's governance and economic prosperity, especially through agricultural reforms and the promotion of local trade and industries. Despite their growing autonomy, they maintained their alliance with the Maratha Empire. Their reign saw Baroda emerge as a wealthy and influential state within the Maratha confederacy. Later, they continued to rule under British suzerainty, preserving their position as regional power brokers.

Q2: Analyze the political dynamics between the Gaikwads and the British during the 19th century.

Answer: The political dynamics between the Gaikwads and the British in the 19th century were complex. Initially, the Gaikwads cooperated with the British, but their increasing autonomy led to tensions. The British used their influence over the Gaikwad family by manipulating internal conflicts and forcing the rulers to align with British interests. In the latter part of the 19th century, the British took direct control of the state, though the Gaikwads remained nominally in power. This situation reflected the broader trend of British control over princely states, while still maintaining a semblance of traditional governance.

Q3: How did the Gaikwad dynasty influence the cultural landscape of Baroda and the wider region?

Answer: The Gaikwad dynasty played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of Baroda and its surroundings. They were great patrons of art, culture, and architecture. The Gaikwads supported the construction of temples, palaces, and public buildings, which enhanced the cultural heritage of Baroda. They also encouraged local art forms and crafts, leading to the flourishing of Gujarati culture. Additionally, the Gaikwads contributed to the development of music, literature, and education in the region, making Baroda a prominent center of cultural activity in western India.

Previous Year Questions on Gaikwads

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:

Question: The Gaikwad rulers were primarily associated with which of the following states?

A) Pune
B) Baroda
C) Indore
D) Gwalior

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The Gaikwads were primarily associated with the state of Baroda (now Vadodara), where they ruled as a princely state within the Maratha Empire and later under British suzerainty.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2021 (GS Paper 2):

Question: Evaluate the role of the Gaikwads in the political and economic development of Baroda under Maratha rule.

Answer: The Gaikwads played a crucial role in the political and economic development of Baroda. They established a stable governance structure, which helped maintain peace and prosperity in the region. By promoting trade, agriculture, and local industries, they contributed to the region's economic growth. Their military leadership, though often in alignment with the Maratha Peshwas, also led to greater autonomy for Baroda, which remained an important state in western India. Under their rule, Baroda became a cultural hub, enhancing the region's identity.