The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda can trace its origins back to the formation of Baroda College in 1881. The Faculty of Fine Arts developed into one of the most progressive art institutions in India, synonymous with modernist practices. From its founding, the Faculty offered courses including architecture, sculpture, painting, applied arts, art history, music, and dance. Calls to transform the College into a university were made during the 1920s and 1930s but it was not until 1949 that the last Maharaja of Baroda State, Pratap Singh Gaekwad of Baroda, formalised the institution's change of status and title, as 'The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda'. Whilst architecture had been taught since the late 19thC, it was at this stage that a Department of Architecture was instituted and a B.Arch course introduced, from 1952. Today the Department is housed within the Faculty of Technology & Engineering.