India is home to some of the most exquisite buildings, including Antilia, the second-most expensive house in the world owned by business magnate Mukesh Ambani. The biggest private residence in India is called Laxmi Vilas Palace, and it belongs to the Gaekwads of Baroda. Laxmi Vilas Palace, is four times larger than Buckingham Palace, making it the most massive private residence in the world.
Who resides in the biggest private home in India?
The Baroda royal family, headed by HRH Samarjitsinh Gaekwad, who has tied the knot to Radhikaraje Gaekwad, resides in Laxmi Vilas Palace, which is owned by the Gaekwads of Baroda. The Gaekwad dynasty is still held in high esteem by the people of Vadodara, who recognise its historical importance and rich cultural legacy.
The Maratha Empire and then the royal kingdom of Baroda in western India were ruled by the Hindu Maratha dynasty known as the Gaekwads. They held power as the Maharaja Gaekwad of Baroda from the beginning of the 18th century until independence. Along with British India, they were one of the nation's biggest and wealthiest princely states.
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Inside Laxmi Vilas Palace
Over 170 rooms can be found inside Laxmi Vilas Palace, which spans a 500-acre area constructed by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1890. The royal family had to pay roughly Rs 27 lakh to build this palace at the time. The Laxmi Vilas Palace is about four times the size of Buckingham Palace, which has an area of 828,821 square feet.
In comparison to the lavish Laxmi Vilas Palace, Mukesh Ambani's Antilia spans 48,780 square feet. The palace, known for its extravagance, has a golf course as well, adding to its elegance and giving its residents and visitors places to go.
The Laxmi Vilas Palace's Darbar Hall has a gorgeous Venetian mosaic floor, which adds to its royalness. A magnificent garden with lovely water fountains spreads out next to the Darbar. The palace also houses a substantial collection of antique sculptures and armouries that serve as evidence to its illustrious history.
Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III erected the opulent palace in 1890. The price to construct this palace at the time was about GBP 180.000. There are several priceless Raja Ravi Verma art in the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum. According to Housing.com, the Moti Bagh Cricket Ground, which is also located inside the palace grounds, has a swimming pool, clubhouse, gym, and golf course.