User:Kr.S.Jeetendrasinghji Gaekwad, Baroda./Pratap Singh Gaekwad

Maharaja Major-General Sir Pratapsinhrao Fatehsinhrao Gaekwad of Baroda was born 29th June, 1908; the only son to the then Yuvaraj Fatehsinhrao and Yuvaragni Padmavatibaisaheb. He was the grandson of the legendary Sir Sayajirao III of Baroda. His childhood was spent in the luxurious surroundings and lush green grounds of the "Pratap Vilas " Palace, popularly known as the "Lal Baug " Palace ( which is now the famous Railway Staff College in Baroda).

Sir Pratapsinhrao lost his father, Yuvaraj Fatehsinhrao, when he was only 2&1/2 months old on 14th Sept. 1908. He was brought up with great care and affection by his grandpa Sir Sayajirao, assisted by a trusted aide Khasherao Jadhav. Sayajirao had three living sons from his 2nd wife, maharani Chimnabaisaheb, daughter of Sardar Ghatge of Dewas. All three maharajkumars, namely Jaisinhrao, Shivajirao and Dhairyashilrao were in there teens when their eldest brother and heir apparent to the Baroda throne, Yuvaraj Fatehsinhrao died in 1908.

Maharaja Sayajirao was shattered at the loss of his heir apparent, having lost Yuvaraj Fatehsinhrao, at a tender age of 25 years. Hence, he did not spare any effort in the upbringing of his grandson, Pratapsinhrao.