2016-03-11 Fri

Sayajirao Gaekwad III the Maharaja of the state of Baroda from 1875 to 1939 was born on 11th March 1863 at Nashik in Bombay presidency. Originally named Gopalrao he was adopted at the age of 13 by the Dowager Maharani of Baroda State. He was re-named Sayaji Rao Gaekwad–III and was prepared for his life as a ruler. He is notably remembered for introducing reforms such as education of his subjects, upliftment of the down-trodden, judicial, agricultural and social reforms, building a network of railways, ban on child marriage, legislation of divorce, removal of untouchability, spread of education development of Sanskrit and Indological studies, religious education, encouragement of fine arts. He was the first Indian Ruler to introduce, in 1906, compulsory and free primary education in his State. The Department of Post on 6th October 1989 issued a 60 Paise special postage stamp to honour Sayajirao Gaekwad III. A Special cover was released on 20 Jul 2007 to mark the Centenary Year of the Bank of Baroda. As the bank was founded by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1908 this special cover depicts the Maratha ruler of Gujarat.