Raopura Tower

Clock Tower By 1 Comment

The Maharani Chimnabai Tower, commonly known as Raopura tower is one of the major landmarks of the city. Erected in 1896, the funds for the tower were contributed by the citizens of Baroda in the memory of Maharani Chimnabai  I (1864-1885). Maharani Chimnabai I was the first wife of  Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. It was inaugurated by the last Nawab of Baroda – Mir Kamaluddin Hussainkhan.

In the olden times, the clock used to play a melodious tune every 15 minutes and provided accessibility to time to all the four directions of the city. The tower was also a major stop for the horse-drawn trams, used as a mode of public transport in the city during the olden days.Raopura (Chimnabai) Tower

The Tower :

Built in the Indo-Saracenic style, it is five storeyed structure that still dominates the skyline of the city. The lower levels house a narrow spiral staircase that leads to the upper levels. These lower levels along with the fourth level display exposed brick facade. The lower three levels have cusped arched openings decorated with fine stucco work, on each side.

The fourth level features a huge clock fitted on all four sides of it. This level is demarcated by a narrow over hanging balcony with stone “Jali” parapet, supported on stone brackets. The last level is octagonal in shape and is plastered in a shade of yellow sandstone . This level is embellished with “jharokha” windows on four out of its eight side and is topped with a “shikhar”-like element with a finial on the top.

The clock : The clock was brought from London by Maharaja and was installed in the tower in 1896. The dial of the clock measures a massive 6 feet with the minute hand being 3 feet in length. The chimes of that the clock that previously rang at every 15 minutes, now has been changed to ring at every hour.

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It was recently restored by the authorities of the city. The tower looks it’s best in the evenings when it is illuminated by strategic lights and still, after all these years manages to charm every passerby.

 

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1 Comment

  1. Anonymous says:

    Did we have rails based horse carriages back then in Baroda?? This is news to me!!!

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