designmango-Butler Palace: A historic remanent of Mughal architecture and ephemeral friendship

Butler Palace: A historic remanent of Mughal architecture and ephemeral friendship

Lucknow is renowned for its rich cultural legacy, history, and heritage. There is much to be proud of in the Mughal tradition. But in addition to the Mughals, Lucknow has also produced lesser-known historical monuments. The Butler Palace is one such structure that, in my humble view, has historical value. The Butler Palace serves as the inspiration for the residential neighbourhood that houses it. residence.

Architectural Style

The Butler Palace is a magnificent four-sided palace built in the manner of Rajasthan. It is the only monument constructed in Rajasthani style in Lucknow. Three palaces were to have been built initially, but due to a flood in the River Gomti in 1921, only one could be finished. The building is crowned with domed structures, hand-crafted panels, arched windows, and high ceiling walls dripping with grandeur while maintaining enough airflow.

The tale of friendship 

The story dates back to 1907. Sir Harcourt Butler was serving as the Deputy Commissioner of Awadh. Even though he had his official residence palace ''Hayat Baksh'' he had a longing desire to live in a palace facing the Gomati River. So one fine day, his close friend Raja Mohammad Ali Mohammad Khan, the Raja of Mahmoodabad, fulfilled the desire of his dear friend by building him a palace.  

The foundation stone of the Palace was laid by Butler Saheb himself. The prepossessing, ever-flowing Gomati River and the nearby beautiful surroundings of the Palace attracted the elite of Lucknow. The Palace also served as a guest house for many politicians during and after the independence.  

Rarely in history, a palace has been built for the comfort of a friend. Every day Butler Sahab rode on his horse to this Palace and enjoyed his evening in the traditional 'Lakhnavi' style. 

 

Conclusion

The palace is renowned for being a gorgeous mansion with a lawn that sprawls wild and a stagnant lake with water pouring every monsoon, aside from being caught up in a protracted legal fight. 

The Chhatar Manzil was recently taken under the archaeological department's wing and is still being rebuilt today, with floors discovered belowground and puzzles being answered.

Similar care must be given to the Butler palace as well. Let's hope the archaeological department starts looking at the mansion soon enough. It needs to be renovated.

 


 

Yashita Arora

Just wait and watch how thing unveil.