Vadodara, earlier known as Baroda, with a population of 1.6 million, is the third largest city of Gujarat and the 20th most populous city of India. It functions as the administrative headquarters of the Vadodara district. The city is located at 128 feet above the sea level on the banks of the Vishwamitri River and between the fertile plains of the Mahi and Narmada Rivers. Vadodara is considered as the industrial capital of the state of Gujarat, a major center for Power equipment manufacturing, Engineering, Petrochemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, Fertilizers, Plastic and the Information Technology industries. According to the census report of 2011, the total population of the district is 4.1 million, out of which 41 percent are in the working age. This includes 52 percent working in the agriculture sector, one percent in the household industry and 47 percent engaged in the industrial and services sector for employment. The cultural richness of Vadodara impels visitors to this historic city till today. Initially the city was known as Chandanvati, after Raja Chandan of the Dor tribe of the Rajputs. Another belief suggests that Vadodara is derived from Vadpatraka, where “Vad” means a Banyan tree, and the city as A village amidst the Banyan trees. The region was ruled by the Guptas, Chalukayas, Delhi Sultans and the Mughals. Before independence, Vadodara was part of the State of Bombay until it was bifurcated on 1st May 1960, and separate States of Gujarat and Maharashtra were formed. Since that date, the Vadodara district has been part of the Gujarat State. Known for its Lakshmi Vilas Palace (the residence of the royal family of the Gaekwads) and for the largest University in Gujarat, the city is an important Commercial, Educational, Cultural and Industrial base of western India.
