Tambekar Wada, Vadodara, Gujarat.

Tambekar Wada is located at Tambkear no Khancho, Raopura Area, Vadodara (Baroda). Tambekar Wada, also known as Vitthal Khanderao, was once the private residence of the Bhau Tambekar, Diwan of Baroda (1849–54 AD). Inside of Wada, there are some of the most beautiful but decaying 19th Century murals. The Building is almost 140+ Years Old.

The walls, doors and ceilings on the first and second floors of this old fashion building are adorned with the best specimens of mural paintings dating back to 17th and 18th centuries. It also features 19th-century murals, paintings, exquisitely sculpted doors, minutely carved walls, series of decorated arcades and columns. The paintings are in poly-chrome and are of Maratha style of paintings. They are the best specimen of mural paintings in Gujarat.

The entire mansion structure is raised on a stone plinth and back walls are built into a wooden framework. The shell-lime plastered walls and wooden doors on the first floor have paintings depicting 19th-century Ramayana and Mahabharata scenes, gods and goddesses of the Brahminical pantheon, battle scenes showing Indian and European soldiers and dignitaries. 

There are Paintings of Lord Krishna in childhood breaking Pot, Lord Krishna doing Raas with Gopi's, Lord Ganesha in childhood etc. (See Pictures) Also, it has British-Maratha Fight Paintings. According to Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), paintings in Tambekar Wada are made during Year 1874. There are 300 Paintings in Wada from 1st to 3rd floor. The Paintings are not only painted at wall, but also it is painted on door frames. Edges of the walls are highlighted with broad floral borders; intricate jali work on some walls gives a rustic look to the building. The backside of the building is in dilapidated condition.

Picture Credit: Parth Vaghela