A white light emitting Barium gadolinium vanadate, Ba2GdV3O11:Eu3+, is developed using time-saving combustion synthesis technique. The Rietveld analysis of the optimum luminescent composition (Ba2Gd0.97V3O11:0.03Eu3+) confirmed that it crystallizes into the monoclinic system with P21/a space group. The calculation of lattice parameters unveiled the unit cell expansion which in turn governed the asymmetry around activator. The photoluminescent analysis showed an efficient energy transfer from vanadate absorption of Ba2GdV3O11 host to Eu3+, resulting in a very intense characteristic emission of the Eu3+. The PL decay investigations of Ba2GdV3O11:0.03Eu3+ nanophosphor gave the radiative lifetime and total spontaneous emission probabilities. Judd-Ofelt parameterization provided the refractive index of the host and stimulated emission cross section for 5D0?7F4 (8.03) transition in Ba2GdV3O11:0.03Eu3+ phosphor. The quantum efficiency of 5D0 state in Ba2Gd0.97Eu0.03V3O11 phosphor was calculated to be 79%, resulting in a pure white emission. All results demonstrate that Ba2Gd0.97V3O11:0.03Eu3+ is a potential candidate for single-phased WLEDs. Display omitted •Ba2GdV3O11:Eu3+ nanocrystals were synthesized via combustion method.•Lattice parameters of optimum fluorescent composition were calculated.•Band-gap was calculated for both the host and doped sample.•Quantum efficiency and peak stimulated emission cross-sections have been determined.•Potential candidate for solid state lighting, and display devices.