The Gaekwads were a Maratha dynasty that ruled Baroda (Vadodara) in Gujarat from 1721 to 1947. Originally, they were military commanders under the Peshwas, but later established their own independent rule. The Gaekwads played a key role in Maratha expansion and later became a British princely state.
Basic Information on the Gaekwads
- Dynasty: Gaekwad Dynasty (Maratha Empire)
- Founder: Pilaji Rao Gaekwad (1721)
- Capital: Baroda (Vadodara)
- Major Wars: Anglo-Maratha Wars, battles against the Mughals and Portuguese
- Major Rulers: Pilaji Rao Gaekwad, Damaji Rao Gaekwad, Sayajirao Gaekwad III
- End of Independence: 1802 (Became a British ally after the Treaty of Bassein)
- Last Ruler: Pratap Singh Gaekwad (ruled until Indian independence in 1947)
Founding of the Gaekwad Dynasty (1721)
- Pilaji Rao Gaekwad was a Maratha general under Peshwa Baji Rao I.
- Captured Baroda (Vadodara) in 1721, establishing Gaekwad rule.
- Fought against the Mughals, Siddis, and Portuguese in Gujarat.
List of Major Gaekwad Rulers and Their Contributions
| Ruler | Years of Rule | Major Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Pilaji Rao Gaekwad | 1721–1732 | Founder of the Gaekwad dynasty, captured Baroda. |
| Damaji Rao Gaekwad | 1732–1768 | Expanded Gaekwad rule, collected Chauth (tax) from Gujarat. |
| Govind Rao Gaekwad | 1768–1800 | Defeated by the British, forced to sign the Treaty of Bassein (1802). |
| Anand Rao Gaekwad | 1800–1818 | Lost in the Third Anglo-Maratha War, became a British ally. |
| Sayajirao Gaekwad III | 1875–1939 | Modernized Baroda, introduced reforms in education, industry, and governance. |
| Pratap Singh Gaekwad | 1939–1947 | Last ruler of Baroda, merged with India in 1949. |
1. Pilaji Rao Gaekwad (1721–1732) – The Founder
- Started as a commander under Peshwa Baji Rao I.
- Captured Baroda in 1721 and established Gaekwad rule.
- Fought against Mughals, Siddis, and Portuguese in Gujarat.
2. Damaji Rao Gaekwad (1732–1768) – Expansion of Gaekwad Rule
- Expanded the Gaekwad kingdom in Gujarat.
- Collected Chauth (Maratha tax) from Mughal territories in Gujarat.
- Fought against the British, Rajputs, and local rulers.
3. Govind Rao Gaekwad (1768–1800) – Conflict with the British
- Struggled to maintain control over Gujarat.
- Faced rising British influence in Western India.
- Forced to sign the Treaty of Bassein (1802), making Gaekwad rule dependent on the British.
4. Sayajirao Gaekwad III (1875–1939) – The Great Reformer
- Most famous Gaekwad ruler, ruled for over 60 years.
- Introduced modern reforms in education, governance, and economy.
- Established compulsory primary education and the University of Baroda.
- Developed industries and improved infrastructure in Baroda.
5. Pratap Singh Gaekwad (1939–1947) – The Last Gaekwad Ruler
- Last ruler of Baroda before India’s independence.
- Merged Baroda with the Indian Union in 1949.
Gaekwad Administration and Policies
1. Strong Military and Governance
- Controlled Gujarat and parts of Western India.
- Maintained a strong cavalry-based army.
- Collected taxes (Chauth and Sardeshmukhi) from Mughal territories.
2. Economic and Social Reforms (Under Sayajirao Gaekwad III)
- Established schools, colleges, and libraries.
- Developed Baroda as an industrial and cultural hub.
- Introduced legal reforms and modernized the administration.
3. Relations with the British
- Became a British ally after the Treaty of Bassein (1802).
- Fought alongside the British in later wars.
- Baroda remained a British princely state until 1947.
Anglo-Maratha Wars and the Decline of Gaekwad Power
| War | Year | Result |
|---|---|---|
| First Anglo-Maratha War | 1775–1782 | Maratha Victory (Treaty of Salbai, 1782) |
| Second Anglo-Maratha War | 1803–1805 | British Victory, Gaekwads became a British ally |
| Third Anglo-Maratha War | 1817–1818 | British Victory, End of Maratha independence |
- After the Treaty of Bassein (1802), the Gaekwads accepted British rule.
- Continued to rule Baroda under British supervision until 1947.
Comparison: Gaekwads vs. Holkars vs. Scindias
| Feature | Gaekwads (Baroda) | Holkars (Indore) | Scindias (Gwalior) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founder | Pilaji Rao Gaekwad | Malhar Rao Holkar | Ranoji Scindia |
| Capital | Baroda | Indore | Gwalior |
| Major Ruler | Sayajirao Gaekwad III | Ahilyabai Holkar | Mahadji Scindia |
| Role in Anglo-Maratha Wars | Became British allies after 1802 | Fought British until 1818 | Lost Delhi in 1803, became British allies |
| End of Independence | 1947 (Merged with India) | 1818 (British rule began) | 1803 (British rule began) |
Key Facts for Quick Revision
- Gaekwads ruled Baroda from 1721 to 1947.
- Founder = Pilaji Rao Gaekwad (1721), appointed by Peshwa Baji Rao I.
- Expanded Maratha control over Gujarat.
- Signed the Treaty of Bassein (1802), became a British ally.
- Sayajirao Gaekwad III (1875–1939) modernized Baroda.
- Last ruler = Pratap Singh Gaekwad (merged Baroda with India in 1949).
MCQs on Gaekwads
1. Who was the founder of the Gaekwad dynasty?
A) Mahadji Scindia
B) Pilaji Rao Gaekwad
C) Ahilyabai Holkar
D) Baji Rao I
✅ Answer: B) Pilaji Rao Gaekwad
2. Which Gaekwad ruler introduced modern reforms in education and governance?
A) Damaji Rao Gaekwad
B) Sayajirao Gaekwad III
C) Govind Rao Gaekwad
D) Pratap Singh Gaekwad
✅ Answer: B) Sayajirao Gaekwad III
3. In which war did the Gaekwads become British allies?
A) First Anglo-Maratha War
B) Second Anglo-Maratha War
C) Third Anglo-Maratha War
D) Battle of Plassey
✅ Answer: B) Second Anglo-Maratha War
4. What was the capital of the Gaekwad kingdom?
A) Pune
B) Indore
C) Gwalior
D) Baroda
✅ Answer: D) Baroda
5. When did the Gaekwad rule end?
A) 1818
B) 1857
C) 1947
D) 1949
✅ Answer: D) 1949
Subjective Questions for Further Revision
Short Answer Questions (2-5 Marks)
- Who was Pilaji Rao Gaekwad, and why is he important?
- What were the contributions of Sayajirao Gaekwad III?
- What was the Treaty of Bassein (1802)?
- How did the Gaekwads govern Baroda?
- When and how did the Gaekwads merge with India?
This copy-paste-friendly format ensures easy readability while keeping all the essential details intact. 🚀