ITRHD CELEBRATES JADHAV KOTHI AS MODEL RESTORATION

Nestled within the city of Gwalior is a rare heritage oasis is this 20-acre rural property, engulfed on all sides by unplanned urban growth, causing pollution and civic damages, is a paradise which belongs to the Sardar Dhananjay Jadhav and his wife Rani Umadevi Raje who are doing all to maintain the heritage values of this paradise.

The property has architectural, historical and natural heritage!

Guests who stay at Deo Bagh run by the Neemrana group can enjoy the peace and calm that envelops this stunning paradise.

The property has been with the Sardar Jadhav family for the last 5 generations. The Jadhavs were one of the 5 biggest jagirdars of the former princely state of Gwalior.

Earlier, the family lived at Laxmi Vilas which is popularly known as Jadhav Mahal at Maharaj Bada. In 1954, when Sardar Deorao II and his wife Ranisaheb Lady Kamaladevi shifted residence to Jadhav Kothi, they renovated and increased the capacity to house their children and staff. The first two generations used this bageecha to house their elephants and stables, so also to grow food grains for their large retinue. Sardar Deorao II was a keen agriculturist and when he shifted residence to this property, he further beautified it with orchards and some rare ornamental trees. It is the current owners who have restored and converted the zenana portion of their home into a hotel.

The Jadhav Kothi has an inner wall comprising an ancient char bagh and an outer wall with fields and orchards.

Built on the Mughal tradition, the Char Bagh was possibly laid out in the late 16th century with a water feature in the centre. It has four walkways from the centre to the north, south, east and west.

To the North is the Mardana cum buggy entrance, now the Jadhav Home.

Towards the turn of the last century, the family used this area for picnics and outings. The men rested here during the day, while at a separate pavilion on the south in the zenana area rested the ladies of the family. To the East is a dallan, which needs restoration. And to the west are the ancient temples are Chatris.