Also known as the Sayaji Nagari or Sanskari Nagari (cultural capital of Gujarat) Vadodara or Baroda, formerly the capital city of Gaekwar State, is situated on the banks of Vishwamitri, a river whose name is derived from the great saint Rishi Vishvamitra. Its history can be traced to over 2000 years and more. As first recorded, traders settled in the region in 812 A.D. The province was mainly Hindu-dominated with Hindu kings ruling till the year 1297. The city was then ruled for a long time by Muslim Sultans, until they were easily overthrown by the grand Mughal emperors. However, the character of the city closely reflects the legacy of Maharajah Sayaji Rao III, a Maratha ruler, who was a progressive ruler and a great city planner. Successive rulers added palaces, lakes and parks, making the city one of the most charming urban centers in the region. The British had a major influence on the region but Baroda remained a princely state till Independence.

Under the leadership of Sayaji Rao, Baroda evolved to be a great prosperous state. Besides art, Sayaji Rao was also interested in architecture, and public institutions. He appointed Robert Chisholm (1840-1945) as his architect. While designing new building typologies, Chisholm emphasized the Indo-Sarcenic style and preferred the fusion of local materials (mostly brick) with European plans and Indian architectural elements. Today, Baroda can boast of the medieval inner city with the traditional pols and vernacular houses, an entire range of colonial institutions and excellent urban design examples.