Raj Bhavan (Uttar Pradesh)

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Raj Bhavan (Hindi for Government House) is the official residence of the Governor of Uttar Pradesh. It is located in the capital city of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The present governor of Uttar Pradesh is T.V. Rajeswar

The Raj Bhavan of Uttar Pradesh in Lucknow is over 200 years old.

1 History
2 Building
3 See also
4 External links

[edit] History

Raj Bhavan used to be Kothi Hayat Baksh and Major General Claude Martin drew the layout of this building.

In the year 1798 after Nawab Asaf-ud-daula, the East India Company made Sadaat Ali Khan as new ruler. The new ruler liked very much the buildings built up in European style by Major General Claude Martin . As per the wishes of Saadat Ali Khan the contract for construction of Kothi was undertaken by Major General Claude Martin. Kothi Hayat Baksh is such a state of the art created in partnership jointly by both of them.

Major General Claude Martin made this as his residence and he used this building for his safety guards and also for the safety of his armory.

Before the independence itself Kothi Hayat Baksh was declared as a Government House, the official residence of Governor of United Provinces of Agra and Oudh.

After independence its name change to Raj Bhavan

[edit] Building

The two storied palatial building of Lucknow city was constructed in the eastern side of the city surrounded by greenery. Hayat Baksh means, life giving. The buildings constructed under influence of East India Company used to be different than the traditional Indian style of architecture and these buildings were called Kothis. In Indian style of architecture, it was essential to have courtyard in the house, for which no provision has been made in these Kothis. Kothis normally were two storied, with long straight plain wall without any design. The only place for artistic work were the doors and windows, the Gothic style was used for beautification of doors and windows.

Kothi Hayat Baksh is an airy palatial building with all four sides surrounded with high roofed varandas. Only Raj darbar inside the Kothi is made as per Indian art and sculpture, whereas remaining portion of the Bhavan is completely influenced by western style. The mehrab of Dewan khanas are decorated with flower strips and are painted beautifully with golden colour.

In 1873 under the direction of Sir George Cooper beautiful lawns, fountains and also beautiful sitting rooms were attached

In 1907, one portion of this Kothi was demolished for making bathroom, a beautiful dancing room was also added, which was very famous and was known for dancing festival celebrated by European couples. This dancing room made by precious and costly wood is Banquet Hall which is used as dining hall now.