Your Hosts
HH Nawab Mohammed Salabatkhan Babi – this humble and most generous and out of the ordinary personality is the head of the Babi clan and of the Balasinor family. He is the 9th Nawab of Balasinor and his Raj Tilak was performed at the very young age of 11months as his late father Nawab Jamiatkhanji Babi passed away. Nawab Saheb ruled Balasinor in infancy under a Regency Council till merger with the Indian Union. Nawab Saheb also known as “Sarkar Bapu” is an avid sportsman and keen cricketer. He still runs the Babi Cricket Club and is actively involved in the social setup this quaint town. You will find interacting with him quite different!
Family History
The Royal family of Balasinor traces its origin from Babi Khel village in Afghanistan from where they came to India. After having served the Emperor well they were given the Subedari of Gujarat. The Eldest brother became the Nawab of Balasinor whereas the other two brothers became the Nawabs of Radhanpur & Junagadh respectively. The Babi dynasty thus has three main families. The Nawabs of Balasinor were also granted a Sanad of adoption by the British government under Nawab Manowarkhanji’s rule. Nawab Jamiatkhanji Babi, the father of Nawab Mohammed Salabatkhanji Babi, the present Nawab, was an avid dramatist and very renowned for writing dramas and poetry!
The Experience
Hospitality comes to you in different styles! What more can you expect but being a part of age old history and culture and Shahi tehzeeb! In Balasinor when you are at the Garden Palace you’re sure to get bowled over by the undivided personal attention of this family. They take pains to ensure that each guest feels at home and is made comfortable! It will be a worthwhile experience being able to live and interact with this Royal family! What could be more memorable than a royal photograph with a Nawab who was crowned at the age of 11months! Or a begum whose culinary talent is well known!
The Garden Palace
The Garden Palace, Balasinor is the private residence of the Royal family of Balasinor and is set amidst lush green fields and gardens and was built in 1883 by HH Nawab Mohammad Manowarkhanji Babi. The Garden Palace built in 1883 was once used by the Diwan of Balasinor and was the Bageecha or Garden haven of the royals of Balasinor. The royal family shifted here in 1940s after their main palace called the Navchokia Palace was destroyed in a major fire during the British Raj.
In recent times it has been converted into a Heritage Homestays by the present ruler HH Nawab Mohammad Salabat Khan and his wife, Begum Farhat Sultana and ably run by their son Nawabzada Sultan Salauddin Khan Babi and daughter Nawabzadi Aaliya Sultana Babi.