A dog’s life? Only if you're in a palace built by an Indian king!
Do you think Paris Hilton’s pampered pooches have the ultimate celebrity lifestyle? Think again. Long before tiny dogs were carried in designer handbags, one Indian monarch was already setting a benchmark for pet luxury that still stuns historians, animal lovers, and billionaires alike. Meet Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of Baroda—and his royal pet palace!
No, this isn’t folklore. This is Indian royal extravagance in its most adorable, fur-covered form.
India’s royal history is filled with tales of bravery, diplomacy, and unmatchable lavish spending. But Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III took things up a notch when he decided his beloved dogs deserved nothing less than a full-fledged palace. We’re not talking about a fancy kennel or a even a spacious backyard. We mean domes, corridors, furniture—the full architectural affair.
Yes, this Indian king literally commissioned a mini palace just so his pet dogs could have its own place to lounge like true royalty.
According to historical records and royal gossip (better than any Netflix drama), the palace featured:
Airy rooms (for comfort, of course!)
Imported rugs and furniture (wouldn’t want those royal paws touching anything basic)
Personal servants (yes, plural)
And possibly, a gilded food bowl
Let that sink in. At a time when even electricity was rare in houses across India, one royal canine was eating gourmet and relaxing in a palace wing built just for them.
Sure, the British had their corgis, but Maharaja Sayajirao? He took pet love to a whole new level. But this wasn’t just about spoiling a dog—it was about prestige, power, and personal identity.
(Credit: Instagram/@ankit_editzzz01)
As per some history documents, the king had over 2000 dogs. The private collection of animals, including dogs, was later donated to establish the Sayaji Baug Zoo in Baroda (now Vadodara). The zoo opened to the public on January 8, 1879.
Presently, the Sayaji Baug Zoo has three section (1) Bird Section, (2) Bear Section (Rinchh Khana), (3) Tiger section (Wagh Khana), with 212 animals of 18 species, 583 birds of 64 species and 79 reptiles of 7 species. These includes 4 species from the Cat family, 5 species of Primates and 9 species of Ungulates. Total number of animals is 874 of 89 species.
Believe it or not, Sayajirao wasn’t the only royal known for animal love.
The Nizam of Hyderabad had golden bridles for his horses.
The Mysore Maharaja owned an entire private zoo.
And let’s not even get started on the Maharaja of Jaipur, who once brought a pet tiger in a Rolls-Royce.
Sayajirao’s dog palace, however, remains a standout moment in history—a perfect cocktail of affection, flamboyance, and fabulousness.
The Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara, built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, is a prime example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. It's known for its elaborate interiors, including intricate carvings, Belgian stained glass windows, and a grand Darbar Hall. Talking about the size? It is said to be four times the size of Buckingham Palace and is located on a 500-acre property, making it one of the largest private residences ever built. The palace still sparks curiosity and laughter among heritage buffs.
In a world dominated by tales of war and politics, these heartwarming stories remind us that our royals weren’t just rulers—they were humans with big hearts, unique tastes, and occasionally, a puppy-love so big it needed architectural support.
