Tambekar Wada : Feast of Fresco Paintings..
Hello all,
Does it ever happen to you that a place or a person is so close to you that you fail to recognize his or her or it’s importance? We take things or people for granted. We have a tendency for that. Sometimes we realize our mistakes and rectify them promptly, and sometimes it takes a lifetime to learn the truth!
Tambekar Wada is a place like this for us. It is just 15-20 steps from our clinic, yet I visited this gem after almost 2 decades. This amazing archeological site is located in Raopura. You might have passed through that lane hundreds of times, and you might not have noticed it; it is that simple from outside.
The Archeological Survey of India has taken over the site, and they have restored a few areas. Wada is a home with a courtyard and was the style of homes in almost the entire country in the past. The main aim was ventilation, the feeling of oneness in big families, and being closer to nature. It was one of the most peculiar features of our culture. A few colonies as well as mansions were also built around such courtyards, or ‘wadas’. According to the Marathi language, Wada means mansion. The Tambekar Wada is a beautiful amalgamation of Maratha, Rajasthani, and Gujarati architecture, adorned with amazing art works where every wall tells us a story!
This was the house of Vithal Khanderao Tambekar, Bhau Tambekar, the Diwan of Baroda, from 1849 to 1854. There are two parts to the house with a central garden. The front part has paintings and wall murals that are accessible to us and were for guests, while the back part was the home and is not accessible and does not have any wall paintings. The three-story building has a very simple exterior in blue and white. Two rooms are open to visitors, and they are covered with riots of colors and beautiful fresco paintings. This is nothing but a marvelous example of the craftsmanship of our artisans.
What is fresco-secco art?
It is also known as lime painting. The wall or surface is plastered and soaked with lime. Once it’s done, lime-resistant pigments are applied before the plaster sets. The colors of this technique dry lighter, so their tone is lighter than at the time of application, and thus it gives a matte look. The final step is that the dried painting is polished to shine like marble.
When we were planning our home a few years ago, our architect suggested fresco painting on one wall, and we knew nothing about it. He explained that it is an Italian style of painting. Little did we know that we have such a hidden marvel a few steps ahead of us, whose walls are covered with some of the most wonderful frescoes of Indian history.
The office is on the ground floor, and you have to enter your name and contact number in the register. An attendant will accompany you, and don’t worry, he will let you enjoy each and every painting. He doesn’t know much about the paintings, but he won’t disturb you when you explore the place by yourself. I was feeling overwhelmed, as it took me so many years to come to this place. Though it is in a dilapidated state, the building has a certain aura that, once you see it, you can’t ignore.
The murals have scenes of Lord Ram, Krishna, and Goddess Kali, some war scenes, and some scenes of English life. The borders of floral designs and floral patterns on the doors are a treat to the eyes! One of the most prominent features is the intricate wooden jali separating two parts of the room. There are narrow balconies on both sides, one overlooking the courtyard and one overlooking the main road.
Even though the building is in a ramshackle state, there is liveliness due to its extraordinary art. The walls, doors, windows, window frames, and even the pegs are etched with enchanting paintings. There are paintings of Mahabharat and Ramayan, paintings of Lord Ganesh, Mahishasur Mardini, Radha Krishna, and so on.
Points to consider:
The stairs to the first floor are very steep, so be careful.
Some paintings are not in good shape.
Restoration has been done on some murals.
Please don’t touch it or scratch the paintings.
Location:
Pratap Road, Raopura, in the lane opposite Duliram Pendawala
Entry fees:
Free
Timings:
Tambekar Wada is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.
Rules for photography:
Professional cameras are not allowed. They will let you take pictures with your mobile phone.
Flash is not allowed, and neither is the picture of a selfie of yourself with paintings.
Thank you…
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Am based in Africa but belong to Nawabwada and hence had been along these lanes all my childhood
Feeling happy that this has been preserved till date
yes! it is one of the archeological site and heritage property.
Lovely Description !
keep it up
thank you…
Mesemerising and worth mentioning that Archaelogy Guys are doing efforts !
Have u been lucky to visit Palace ? Kindly mention it as a blog as it would be a feather in Cap for Your site
yes ma’am. it is preserved well and they are doing every effort to maintain it…
Great ,amazing hardwork and creativity…Hats Off to the painters and masters minds beyond it.
Dear Ms.Kajal
Thanks, even I was not aware that such ravishing treasure is there in Raopura. Eagerly waiting to visit now.
Yes. It is a real treasure…visit it whenever possible. The paintings are captivating…you will love them. Thank you for your kind words…
ખરેખર મસ્ત છે ભાઈ,,, વડોદરા માં વર્ષો થી રહીએ છીએ પણ કદી જોયું નથી… હજારો વાર ત્યાં પસાર થઇ એ છીયે.. હવે ચોક્ક્સ જઈશું… ધન્યવાદ
સાચે uncle, આટલું પાસે હોવા છતાં અમે આળસ કરતાં હતા જવાની…
Old is Gold !
So true!