Sayajirao was born at Kavlana on 10th March 1863 as Shrimant Gopalrao Gaekwad, second son of Meherban Shrimant Kashirao Bhikajirao Dada Sahib Gaekwad and Ummabai. He was selected by the British Government as successor to Maharaja Malharrao Gaekwad and was accordingly adopted by Maharani Jamnabai on 27th May 1875. He ascended the gadi (throne) at Baroda on 16th June 1875, but being a minor, reigned under a Council of Regency until he came of age and was invested with full ruling powers on 28th December 1881.