Like-wise every State, Baroda had it’s own emblem when it was an independent State before the assimilation in the Indian Union. It is known as Baroda State Coat of Arms, which is very important part of Gaekwad Dynasty. The logo was finalized & approved by College of Heralds in 1877.
The Emblem :
All the different rulers of the Gaekwadi reign, had slightly different emblems form each other. The last and final was that of Maharaja Pratapsinhrao Gaekwad the final ruler of the Gaekwads.
The emblem during Maharaja Pratapsinhrao’s reign :
The emblem from the reign of Maharaja Pratapsinhrao Gaekwad consists of 2 elephants, holding Indian maces in their trunks.The emplem consists of two state mottos, one at the top and the other at the bottom. The top motto is the war cry of the Gaekwads : “Jay Mahadev ” and the other one is state motto : ” Jin Ghar Jin Takht” (explanation to follow !). In the center of the two state mottos and the elephants is a “Sheild” in the center of which is inscribed a figure of a charging horse rider, known as “Lancer”.On the topmost portion of the emblem, i.e. on the top of the war cry of is a “Gaekwadi Khadag” (scimitar/sword) on the top of which rests a Tudor inspired crown.All these symbols represent something and has a meaning of its own.
The significance of the symbols :
Crown and the Khadag : The crown forms the topmost part of the emblem and rests on the top of the “Gaekwadi Khadag”, this means that the whole family is below the crown.
Elephants : The elephants are believed to be the forms of the Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth hence, the elephants.
Maces : The maces in the elephant’s trunk signify the Rajwadas.
Motto 1 – “Jay Mahadev” : “Jay Mahadev” is basically the the war cry of the Gaekwads, and a tribute to Lord Shiva as his proud worshipers.
Shield : The shield signifies Protection.
Lancer : The figure of the charging horse rider signifies strength and potential.
State Motto – “Jin Ghar Jin Takht” :This literally translates to “This saddle is my home and my Throne”
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Even today, this emblem can be seen inscribed on various buildings such as the Palace Museum, Khanderao Market, Kotys Studio and a ton of other places as a proud representative of the bygone era of splendor and glory.
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