Gaekwad dynasties

The Gaekwad dynasty was a Maratha royal family that ruled the princely state of Baroda (now Vadodara) in western India from the mid-18th century until Indian independence in 1947. They ascended to power initially as generals in the Maratha Empire and later established their own rule, developing Baroda into a prosperous and culturally vibrant state. The Gaekwads supported arts, education, and modernization efforts. Their reign was marked by political stability, architectural achievements, and social progress, playing a significant role in regional history before integration into independent India.