Built in Vadodara, in the state of Gujarat, the Lakshmi Vilas Palace is as remarkable for its extraordinary scale as for its architecture, which blends Indian, Islamic and European influences. A lavish legacy of the Gaekwad dynasty, this monumental residence remains one of the most fascinating symbols of princely India today.
Just a few hours from Mumbai, in the city of Vadodara, lies one of the most extraordinary palaces on the Asian continent. Commissioned at the end of the 19th century by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, the Lakshmi Vilas Palace surpasses every known scale: covering 2.8 million square metres, it is considered the largest inhabited private residence in the world.
Lakshmi Vilas: between Indian heritage and Western influences
Conceived both as a display of power and as an architectural masterpiece, the palace reflects the ambitions of the royal family of Baroda at a time when princely states competed for prestige under the British Raj. Its distinctive aesthetic, typical of the Indo-Saracenic style, combines oriental domes, carved arches, Gothic details and European references in a spectacular ensemble.
From its monumental entrance, the Lakshmi Vilas Palace inspires awe. Its sculpted façades, long colonnades and clock tower overlook a vast estate dotted with gardens, golf courses and ancient stepwells dating back to the Mughal era.
The palace’s architecture reflects the cosmopolitan character that defined certain Indian royal courts. Its domes recall the Islamic monuments of northern India, while the arched windows and open galleries evoke European Renaissance palaces. Inside, every room reveals a pronounced taste for grandeur: imported marble, painted ceilings, monumental columns and majestic staircases create an interior designed to impress visitors and foreign dignitaries alike.
The palace also featured remarkably modern amenities for its time. Lifts, as well as enormous mechanically operated suspended fans known as punkahs, draped in textiles crafted by local artisans, were installed at a very early stage.
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A decorative treasure shaped by Indian craftsmanship
The refinement of the Lakshmi Vilas Palace is perhaps most evident in its decorative details. The mosaic floors were imported from Venice, while the colourful stained-glass windows, made in Belgium, depict scenes inspired by Hindu mythology. Some of the gilded mosaics were created on the Italian island of Murano, renowned for its glassmaking craftsmanship.
This decorative richness illustrates the constant artistic exchanges between India and Europe at the end of the 19th century. Local artisans worked alongside foreign artists to create sculptures, floral ornaments and decorative panels inspired by Indian nature.
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Today, this heritage continues to be championed by Radhikaraje Gaekwad. A former journalist and textile history enthusiast, the maharani is actively involved in preserving Indian artisanal craftsmanship through several foundations dedicated to passing on traditional techniques and empowering women.
Far more than a royal residence, the Lakshmi Vilas Palace stands as a living testament to India’s cultural history, where architecture, craftsmanship and princely memory continue to resonate across the centuries.
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