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Vadodara is one of the largest cities in Gujarat. Located at the banks of Vishwamitri river, it is also the administrative headquarters of the Vadodara district. It is also the city from where the national highway and the railway line connecting Mumbai and Delhi pass through. The modern Baroda was a memorial of its former ruler Sayajirao Gaekwad III who had a dream of making it an educational, industrial and commercial centre.The city has had different names in the past. Earlier, it was called Chandravati after its ruler Raja Chandan. Then it was named Viravati, which means the abode of the brave. Then its name was changed to Vadpatra due to abundance of banyan trees on the banks of the Vishwamitri river. The name Baroda or Vadodara was then derived from Vadpatra. It is regarded as the cultural capital of Gujarat and often known as the 'Cultured City'. The city has a cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Pavagadh Hill, graced with a combination of Hindu and Jain shrines, towers over Champaner, the 15th c. pre-Mughal Islamic fort. Together they represent the diversity of religious influences that have pervaded Gujarat. Vadodara is situated on the Vishwamitri River and is the administrative headquarters of Vadodara District. The city is mixture of many eras and its reputation as "Cultural Capital" dates largely from the late 19th c, when it was the capital of the pricely state of Baroda.