Milestones in the history of MS University of Baroda

MS University of Baroda is still India’s finest, according to the latest list of the country’s ‘Best Fine Arts Colleges’, according to India Today Nielsen annual colleges survey. Here are some of the major facts regarding the illustrious institution:

• The Maharaja Sayajirao's grandson, Sir Pratapsinghrao Gaekwad, founded the Maharaja Sayajirao University. He created the trust as desired by his grandfather.
  
• The idea of establishing a University at Baroda had engaged the attention of the Government of the former State of Baroda for long. The concept was first visualized by Dr. Jackson, the Principal of the Baroda College in the 1908.
  
• The late Maharaja Sir Sayajirao Gaekwad were afoot in the Baroda State and the people of the State also showed keen interest in establishing a University at Baroda as a fitting monument to commemorate the beneficent region of the illustrious ruler. This resulted in the appointment of the Baroda University Commission on the 24th September, 1926, with Prof. A.G. Widgery as Chairman
  
• Faculty of Fine Arts was founded in June 1950. For the first time in independent India, a program of study was introduced to offer UG/Diploma, PG/Post-Diploma Courses and Research facilities.
  
• Art was envisaged as an integral part of life for the new citizens. The emphasis was laid on individuality through knowledge of Indian and Western traditions.  Many felt that the institute suffered a slump around the late 1990s.
  
• Sculpture is one of three key studio disciplines apart from applied arts and painting taught here. The department of painting happens to rule supreme. In the last six decades, FFA alumni have gone on to take part in major exhibitions worldwide like the Paris Biennale, the Tokyo Biennale and the Sao Paulo Biennale. Many of our country's best known artists owe their rise and prominence to FFA.
  
• FFA was surrounded by controversy for the next 15 years or so, facing attack from religious fundamentalists and marred by petty politics. Its standards have steadily declined especially for over a decade and its reputation only remains today owing to its golden past, those like Rekha Rodwittiya believe.
  
• In spite of this, FFA retains its importance. Thousands of emerging artists practise in the city. Many aspiring practitioners seek admission each year in one of its graduate or postgraduate programs, eager to be part of the hallowed portals of the Faculty of Arts.