Darbargadh Rajkot
- Urvashi Singh
- 8 hours ago
- 9 min read
Rajkot’s 400-year-old Darbargadh has been making headlines for its commendable restoration and inauguration as a public museum. This restorative effort has been the vision and brainchild of the city’s present-day scions, i.e., the father-son duo of Thakore Saheb Mandhata Sinhji and Yuvraj Saheb Jaideep Sinhji Jadeja.
Rajputana Collective is delighted to publish a special feature, which contains three parts.
To contextualize the feature, the first part is dedicated to narrating a brief but essential history of Rajkot.
The second part highlights the Darbargadh in particular. In Gujarat, Darbargadh translates into the royal residence or fortress of the ruler. What once served as the sociocultural and political epicenter of the Jadejas of Rajkot has weathered centuries of transition, to finally be restored to its present-day relevance.
The third part comprises of an exclusive interview with Rajkot’s present-day crown prince, Yuvraj Saheb Jaideep Sinhji Jadeja of Rajkot, who has played an instrumental role in bringing his father, Thakore Mandhata Sinhji’s vision to life.
Eventhough the first two parts can seem elaborate, I encourage the reader to adhere to this trilogy in order to fully grasp and appreciate this documentation of Rajkot’s history.
Part I: A brief but essential history of Rajkot
Rajkot's royal lineage traces to the Jadeja dynasty, a branch of the Jam Sahibs of Nawanagar. The year was 1591 CE, when the Kathiawadi army of Rajputs allied to defend their motherland against a Mughal offensive in the Bhuchar-Mori plateau in present-day Jamnagar. The bloodbath resulted in a Mughal victory, and amongst the martyred was Kunwar Ajaji, a young Jadeja prince who was commanding the Nawanagar army. His son, Thakore Vibhaji, was presented in front of Emperor Akbar in Delhi, where he won the Mughal ruler over with his merits and noble bearing. Akbar returned Nawanagar’s administrative rights to Vibhaji’s surviving kinsmen- his grandfather Jam Sataji, and his older brother, Jam Lakhaji. Not only did Vibhaji successfully restore Nawanagar’s sovereignty, but he also went on to carve out his own domain. After capturing Kalavad and Sardhar, Thakore Vibhaji laid the foundations of the city of Rajkot on the banks of the Aji River in 1610 CE (some records state the year as 1620 CE). State governance initially took place in the Darbargadh at Sardhar. However, the construction of Rajkot’s Darbadgh commenced towards the end of the 17th century. Its site was strategically chosen for offering the highest vantage point alongside the Aji River. It is said to have attained initial completion in 1694 CE, which was when the then ruler, Maheramanji II declared it as the Raj Gaddi (official throne). Thus, the official state headquarters had been shifted from Sardhar to Rajkot.
During its initial years, the city of Rajkot weathered its fair share of turbulence. Its invasion by the Mughal general, Masum Khan caused it to be renamed as Masumabad in 1720. During this period, the city was fortified with eight iron spiked gates, also referred to as nakas. Of these, two gates, namely Raiya naka and Bedi naka survived and serve as restored landmarks in present times.
Another scion of the lineage, Thakore Maheranmanji II fought to restore Jadeja sovereignty over Rajkot, and sacrificed his life to the cause. He was avenged by his son, Ranmalji I, who waged a twelve year-long war of liberation and ultimately defeated Masum Khan in 1732 CE. The city was reclaimed and its name, Rajkot, was restored. The architectural footprint of Rajkot’s Darbargadh is known to have undergone significant developments under the reign of Ranmalji I’s successor, Lakhaji I.
Rajkot’s subsequent Jadeja rulers too left their distinct marks—Maheramanji III was a celebrated poet-king who authored Praveen Sagar, which continues to be celebrated as one of the finest literary masterpieces produced in 18th-century courtly India. Several generations down the line, in 1862 CE, the throne was entrusted to Thakore Bavajiraj, who was a minor at the time. At this particular juncture, the women of the lineage stepped forward as Rajkot’s custodians. The young Thakore’s grandmother, Thakurani Bai Shri Naniba, actively steered state affairs in partnership with British Political Agents, entrusting executive management to Major J.H. Lloyd until the young ruler became a major.
Even though he died prematurely at 33, Thakore Bavajiraj left behind an enduring legacy that immortalises him in the annals of history. Apart from comprising the foundational cohort of students to be educated at the Rajkumar College, he established the state’s first girls’ school outside the walls of Darbargadh. Thakore Bavaji is remembered for his intellectual depth, affability, and legal acumen; he worked indefatigably for the welfare of his realm. His reign marked Rajkot State’s transition into its modern era—highlighted by progressive administrative reforms and civic welfare initiatives.
Like his father, Thakore Lakhajiraj was a champion of social reforms, development, and welfare in his state. Amongst his most notable reforms was the reconstitution and re-establishment of the Praja Pratinidhi Sabha, a representative assembly drawn from all communities across the state to formulate public policy. In an era dominated by autocratic rule, he sowed the initial seeds of democracy in Saurashtra, notably becoming the first ruler in the region to reserve a legislative seat for a woman.
During Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Rajkot, Thakore Lakhajiraj hosted a formal assembly at the Rajkot Darbargadh, where he presented the Mahatma with a commemorative silver memento.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries under Lakhajiraj Bapu, Dharmendrasinhji, and Pradyumnasinhji transformed Rajkot into a modern city, with new schools, hospitals, the Aji Dam, and early industry reshaping its skyline—while Dharmendrasinhji's saffron-hued 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II, the "Star of India," became an emblem of the state's flair.
Pradyumnasinhji, the last ruling Thakor Saheb, signed the Covenant of Accession with the Union of India, folding Rajkot into the new nation. His son, Thakore Manoharsinhji, carried the family's legacy into democratic India as a respected parliamentarian, minister, and writer.
At the heart of this layered history of which we only catch a glimpse, stands Rajkot’s Darbargadh, not merely as a palace, but as a witness to four centuries of martyrdoms and reforms, as Rajkot’s oldest storyteller.
It is Thakore Manoharsinhji’s son and grandson, namely, Thakore Mandhata Sinhji and Yuvraj Jaideep Sinhji bear the credit of reclaiming and re-introducing their ancestral Darbargadh in Rajkot in its present form and glory.
Part II: The Darbargadh in Rajkot
As mentioned in part I, the Darbargadh at Rajkot was established in the late 17th century. Initially, it comprised of the Rani Vaas, Sheesh Mahal and Rang Mahal.
Subsequent expansions took place over the centuries, when several complexes bearing Rajput and European architectural styles were added. Since its inception, the Darbagadh became the political and socio-cultural nucleus of the state, and witnessed the evolution of Rajkot into the historic city that it is.
Today, it stands as a testament to over three centuries of architectural layering, narrating the resilient ethos of its Jadeja dynasty.
Post independence, when Rajkot acceded to the republic of India, its Darbargadh was repurposed for various municipal functions, housing offices. During this period, decades of neglect caused the erstwhile royal complex to decay significantly. It was only in 2008 that its present-day father-son duo, Thakore Mandhata Sinhji and Yuvraj Jaideep Sinhji, breathed new life into it.
Together, they have restored this monument of unparalleled historical value to its erstwhile glory and opened it to the public as a state-of-the-art museum. The conservation and restoration effort of this 400-year-old palace was envisioned by Thakore Madhata Sinhji, who has made it possible for it to serve as a landmark of everlasting historic importance for the generations to come.
Contruction & Restoration of Darbargadh
1694 CE: Initial completion of Darbargadh
1870s–1880s: Under Bawajiraj, Darbargadh witnessed modernization, including new wings to the Ranivas and construction of Rang Mahal (construction may have possibly started under Mehramanji IV rule).
1895-1905: Lakhajiraj Bhavan was constructed as an administration office consisting of his administrative Huzoor Office.
1891–1892: Baggi Khana and Motor Garage were constructed
1892: Robert Booth redeveloped Bedinaka and Raiyanaka gates, blending British civic planning with local heritage.
1918–1920s: Additions like Amarsinhji Bhavan (1918) and stables (1920s) reflected Indo-Saracenic architectural trends.
1922: A tram link between Rajkot and Bedi marked Rajkot’s integration into modern transport networks. Supporting Structures & Auxiliaries 1870’s: Ladhubha no Utaro and the Kitchen Wing
1880’s & 1890’s: Stables and Sant Utaro
1890’s: Tambukhana
1920’s: Outhouses and residential quarters
Darbargadh’s Present Structure
Museum Bhawans
1. Bawajiraj Bhavan: Orientation space for visitors.
2. Rang Mahal: Rang Mahal was the center of both the administration and culture of the Jadeja kings. The two-storied wooden structure, flanked with columns and ornate brackets, houses a series of rooms that are furnished to suit their original usage. This section exhibits objects, artifacts and architecture of the past.
3. Lakhajiraj Bhavan: The administrative wing
4. Amarsinhji Secretariat Bhavan: Named after Capt. HH Maharana Raj Saheb Shri Sir Amarsinhji of Wankaner.
5. Gandhi Bhavan: Guests and dignitaries who visited Rajkot to meet the ruler for
administrative work were hosted at the Guest House at the Darbargadh complex. Amongst the many prestigious personalities, Mahatma Gandhi, father of the nation, was one among the frequent guests of the State; Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore came to Rajkot to preach a nationalist agenda, and the Rajkot royal family generously donated for the construction of his famed art school Kala Bhavan, Santinikten. Displayed in the galleries are important letters of correspondence between the rulers and dignitaries.
6. Sant Utara: Sanatan Dharma serves as a doctrine of Hindu philosophy preaching kindness and oneness. Since its inception, Rajkot has valued the ancient philosophies taught by Indian sages. This gallery showcases the prominent sages who visited Rajkot.
7. Baggi Khana: A curated display of historic Rajkot State carriages. The collection spans generations of royal transportation, ranging from an antique horse-drawn carriage dating back to the time of Bhagwan Swaminarayan to modern, elaborately decorated silver ceremonial buggies.
Photo gallery: The Rajkot Darbargadh Museum through its phases of renovation
Part III: Exclusive Q &A with Yuvraj Jaideep Sinh Jadeja of Rajkot
Rajputana Collective (RC): You have been at the forefront of restoring and reviving the Darbargadh Palace Public Museum. Please tell me how this endeavor began for you. Was it more of a familial responsibility that was passed on to you as its scion, or was it to do with a more personal investment of your interests and vision?
Yuvraj Jaideep Sinh Jadeja (YJSJ): Initially, the idea was to repair and restore just one structure (Rang Mahal) that held the most importance & historic significance, out of the other 15 odd small & big structures on the premises. The journey started with hiring professionals from the field of restoration & conservation.
After tossing around ideas, exploring, and detailing out the project on paper, we commenced the work. All family members were actively taking part in their respective areas of expertise.
We as a family never saw this as an investment but as our moral duty and responsibility towards National Heritage. After ironing out major concerns, I became the person in charge of daily activities and execution; the transition was very natural.
The 1st building was the most challenging, in terms of setting up the team, skilled labour, hiring craftsmen of repute, equipment, etc and achieving its completion gave us a tremendous boost and confidence to take up restoration works for other structures, turning a project into a “Dream Project”.
RC: How many years has it been since you commenced the restoration attempts? During this time, what have you found to be the most challenging aspect of the process?
YJSJ: Our homework which included research, going through archives, conceptual planning that commenced in 2008. The intention was to refrain from initiating fieldwork till the last detail was received and archived on paper. Field work officially started on the 10th of February, 2019 and we aim to open it before 2027.
The most challenging part was to hire the right person for the right job. We spent a lot of time hiring the minds we desired, consultants were many but very few for this particular assignment.
RC: What, as per you has been the rewarding part of this extensive restoration process?
YJSJ: Definitely, its completion is most rewarding. Also, realizing that the Museum will play its part for the generations to come.
RC: How would you highlight the importance of the museum in contemporary times?
YJSJ: Unfortunately, we have forgotten how our ancestors once lived. This “Lifestyle Museum” is a perfect example of how the entire network and system functioned and what went behind running a State. I strongly feel that these elements and components are the only link between our past and present.
RC: Are there any plans underway to scale up the project? Given the impressive scale of work that you and your family have successfully completed, what plans do you have to amplify the museum’s presence to the world?
YJSJ: Most definitely. We have accomplished the 1st phase and will soon take up the 2nd phase once we get a sense of running a full-fledged museum.
I truly believe that our product will decide whether it wants to amplify itself.
RC: Lastly, are there any additional projects/initiatives in the pipeline that you’d like to mention?
YJSJ: A special mention about Palitana, Hawa Mahal being converted into a 51-key Palace Hotel with IHCL, managed under the flagship of Taj Palaces & Hotels.
Work has been ongoing since last year, and we wish to complete it by the end of 2027.
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