Rediscovering History: 143-Year-Old Heritage Building at MS University Vadodara to Undergo Unique Restoration

“Will there be a justified way to renovate Asia’s second-largest dome, Faculty of Arts, MS University, where the generations of the families in Baroda/Vadodara have studied?”

The renowned University of Vadodara, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, is a very ‘happening’ place, there have been many revolutions happening on the campus of this university. But it stands for its beautiful architecture which probably you wouldn’t find in private universities today…

With the vision of providing education to the citizens of Baroda state, Maharaja Sayajirao established this education hub with countless subjects, which are now worldwide famous, where international students from all over the world come to pursue. 

In a remarkable effort to preserve its rich heritage, the MS University of Vadodara is embarking on an ambitious project to restore a 143-year-old architectural gem within its campus. This venerable building, housing the Faculty of Arts, will undergo a transformation using techniques that date back 150 years, at an estimated cost of Rs 5.50 crore. The restoration endeavor promises to bring a piece of history back to life.

Embracing Tradition in Modern Times

The restoration of this historic building is not just another renovation project; it’s a journey back in time. A method that was last employed a century and a half ago is being revived. In this cemented world, this building is made from materials like sand, lime, and surkhi. The use of these age-old ingredients ensures that the restoration stays true to the building’s original character.

The Art of Repair

The delicate process of restoring the building’s Belgium glass and stones is equally fascinating. Broken glass is painstakingly boiled and then meticulously reprocessed. To bring these precious pieces back to their former glory, artisans will employ a frame of Sheesha.

Time-Tested Expertise

With a workforce of 100 skilled craftsmen, this restoration project is expected to take one and a half to two years to complete. The groundwork for this ambitious endeavor began six months ago, with a small portion chosen for initial restoration to gauge the results.

A Glimpse into History

The Faculty of Arts, rooted in the historic Baroda College founded in 1881 by H.H. Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, evolved into today’s Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda in 1949. Within its hallowed halls, luminaries like Sri Aurobindo Ghosh and countless scholars have contributed to its global recognition. This institution, boasting 21 departments, seven interdisciplinary centers, and various institutes, stands as a beacon of learning in Western India and beyond. Its rich tangible and intangible heritage continues to attract national and international scholars. In line with NEP-2020, it now aims to excel in Humanities and Social Sciences education through a Choice-Based Credit System.

A Renewed Promise

This isn’t the first time the grand dome of the Arts College has been under the restoration spotlight. Work commenced back in 2004-05, with an investment ranging from Rs. 30 lakh to Rs. 40 lakh. However, due to funding constraints, the project remained incomplete.

As this architectural masterpiece embarks on its journey of rejuvenation, it promises not only to restore its original glory but also to remind us of the invaluable lessons that history holds. The MS University of Vadodara’s commitment to preserving its heritage stands as a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the art of restoration.