During the British Raj, India not only gained infrastructure such as railways and postal services but also lost many culinary delights that were taken back to Britain. Among these cherished items is the delectable ‘Mathura Peda.’ This famous sweet is crafted in a shop that has been in operation for over 160 years. Intriguingly, this establishment is not located in Mathura but rather in Gujarat, where it has had the honor of being served on the dining table of the British royal family.
The Sweet Legacy of Mathura Peda
Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, is renowned for its peda (a type of sweet), attracting enthusiasts from near and far. While the sweet is deeply rooted in its birthplace, a significant number of fans reside in Dwarka, Gujarat, the land of Krishna’s leelas. It is here, in Vadodara, that a sweet shop rose to fame, garnering attention from the British royal family.
The Historic Shop: Pendawala Duliram Ratanlal Sharma
Established in the early 1860s on Rajpur Road, Pendawala Duliram Ratanlal Sharma is one of the oldest and most esteemed shops in Vadodara for making pedas. This era marked a significant change in India after the revolt of 1857, as the British solidified their rule. In Vadodara, the local dialect refers to peda as ‘penda.’
Connecting Roots to Mathura
The origins of this shop can be traced back to Mathura, where two brothers, Duliram and Maharams, began their culinary journey. Although they eventually relocated to Gujarat, the essence of Mathura Peda remained intact. Today, after several generations, the brand is still managed by Jatin Sharma and Himanshu Sharma, whose dedication ensures that the delightful taste of their pedas continues to attract patrons across the city. The unique quality of their brown pedas, wrapped in sugar, still captivates sweet lovers.
How the Peda Reached Queen Victoria
An intriguing tale accompanies the sweet’s journey to the British royal family. Before the pedas found their way to Queen Victoria, they gained popularity among the Gaekwad royal family of Vadodara. Once, Maharaja Khande Rao Gaekwad II passed by the shop on an elephant. In a charming turn of events, the elephant stubbornly halted, refusing to move until offered the shop’s famous pedas. This incident significantly boosted the shop’s reputation, leading to the attention of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III.
Maharaja Sayajirao, impressed by the flavors of the peda, introduced them to Queen Victoria. She enjoyed them so much that they became a fixture at royal banquets and gatherings, often served as a dessert, symbolizing the sweet connection between Britain and India.
Conclusion
The journey of Mathura Peda, from the bustling streets of Vadodara to the royal palaces of Britain, is more than just a culinary tale; it’s a narrative of culture, tradition, and heritage. As ‘Pendawala Duliram Ratanlal Sharma’ continues to thrive, the legacy of Mathura Pedas remains a sweet testament to the rich history of Indian sweets.
