The history of the state of Vansada dates back to at least
750 years. The rulers of Vansada are the descendants of
Chalukya Rajput Clan. Vansada was the capital of the princely
state of Vansada, till the independence of India in 1947
AD.
Maharaval Virsinhji founded the present day fortified town
of Vansada in 1781 AD, in a picturesque location, on the
banks of Kaveri River, at the southern foothills of the
Sahyadri range. Before founding the city, as per Hindu religious
traditions, king Raval Virsinhji built three temples namely
Vireshwar Mahadev, Vireshwari Mata and Virabhadra Hanuman,
to sanctify the site chosen for constructing a new town.
Maharaja Pratapsinhji became the king of Vansada in 1885
AD; soon after his accession, he introduced tax reforms,
a banking system and provided generous public charity during
the terrible famine of 1890 AD. His able administration
over the years resulted in surplus wealth in the state treasury.
He was a visionary ruler and under his patronage several
architectural and urban design projects were constructed
in Vansada, for the benefit of the public. The Clock Tower,
Town Hall, Anglo Vernacular School, Library and Ratankunwarba
Hospital have been built during his regime, which changed
the skyline of Vansada town forever.
Kings of Vansada were great patrons of arts and they have
constructed some beautiful palaces on the vast palace grounds,
just abutting on bank of Kaveri River.
Prime Attractions
Entrance Gates:
Vansada town has two entrance gates. The one near Vireshwari
Temple is an imposing structure with a big plaster decorated
arch having motifs of fish on both sides, wooden roof, cast
iron brackets supporting two beautifully carved wooden balconies
on both sides.
Another gate near the Town Hall is a three-storey high
structure with a carved wooden door, receding volumes and
a sloping roof. Although both these gates have lost their
original function as security gates, they are still the
famous landmarks of the town.
Digvir Niwas Palace:
The Digvir Niwas Palace is one of the finest examples
of royal architecture in the early 20th century. The Digvir
Niwas Palace is a low profile linear building, with Ashlar
stone masonary. The approach the palace is through a beautiful
plaster decorated gate and the octagonal 'chhatris' on both
sides of the entrance gate give it an imposing look.
Sushil Sadan:
Another interesting building is the royal guest house-
Sushil Sadan with a big pediment porch, terraces and central
tower capped by Mangalore tiled roof, with dormer windows.
Clock Tower:
An important public building is the clock tower made of
exposed brick-work. The tall clock tower has four storeys,
with four corner pilasters terminating in to 'chhatris'
and the central part is capped by a dome.
Sir Pratap High School:
Sir Pratap High School is a symmetrical building, with
a central porch, central clock tower and sloping roof with
Mangalore tiles.
Excursions
Vansada National Park:
Famous for its population of Tigers & Panthers, this
park is only 10 kms away.
How to Get There
Air:
Nearest airport is Vadodara (297 kms), Mumbai (248 kms)
Rail:
Nearest railway station is on Unai Vansada Road (18 kms)
on Bilimora-Waghai narrow gauge railway line.
Road:
It is connected with Ahmedabad , Surat and Valsad by road.
Local Transport:
non-metered auto rickshaws and jeeps.
