Note: The palace is being renovated and conserved by the State Archaeological Department. The Uttar Pradesh government is planning to open two museums and a library there.
Chhatar Manzil is a historical monument on the banks of the Gomti River in Lucknow. The place is popularly referred to as “Umbrella Palace” because of its remarkable dome, which is covered in an Umbrella-like structure.
Chhatar Manzil is a beautiful structure that shines with European and Nawabi architectural heritage and serves as a residence for Awadh rulers and their wives.
With its beauty, prestige, and incredible design, it’s more than a building—like a time machine that takes us back to the Mughal era.
Chhatar Manzil is one of the most visited historical places in Lucknow, sharing tales of the past with the visitors.
History
Nawab Ghazi Uddin Haider constructed Lucknow’s iconic Chhatar Manzil Palace. After his passing, his son Nawab Nasir-ud-din Haider completed the construction of Chhatar Manzil Palace.
This majestic palace served as a royal residence for the rulers of Awadh. However, after Nawab Wajid Ali Shah’s relocation to Qaiserbagh, the palace ceased to be the Nawabi residence.
Throughout its history, Chhatar Manzil has witnessed many changes, passing through the hands of Nawabs of Awadh like Sadat Ali Khan, Wajid Ali Khan, and the British. Starting in the 1780s, the building underwent several alterations.
Chhatar Manzil emerged as a crucial center for Indian revolutionaries during the Rebellion of 1857. It became the rebels’ headquarters, showcasing their opposition against colonial rule.
Unfortunately, during the uprising of the 1857 revolt, a portion of Chhatar Manzil was damaged. Afterward, the building was given by the government to an American non-profit organization, which operated it as a recreational club until 1947.
Chhatar Manzil is recognized as a historical landmark in Lucknow, having witnessed a range of happenings and transformations, from being a Nawabi house for a while to being a symbol of revolt 1857 and later used for various other purposes.
Architecture
The beautiful historical site, Chhatar Manzil is the perfect example of the Indo-European Awadh architectural style, showing a unique combination of various cultural influences. The palace got its name from the unique chhatris or umbrella-shaped domes that top the octagonal towers.
The Chhatar Manzil consists of Bari Chhatar Manzil and Chotti Chhatar Manzil; however, only the former stands today.
This architectural wonder, which rises to a height of five stories, has two underground levels that open right onto the banks of the Gomti River. The vast underground rooms are remarkably well-ventilated because they link to outdoors two octagonal towers. These underground areas provide a cool relief, particularly in the summer heat, because they are close to the Gomti River as you can also see in the image below.
The lower part of the building is decorated with European designs, such as elegant arches, huge domes, and detailed floral designs. The upper part reveals the charm of Indo-Islamic influences, with their minarets, chhatris, and intricate jali work.
The entire structure reflects beauty with its vast underground rooms and a dome on top that has a golden umbrella. This must-visit tourist attraction in Lucknow also has a beautiful garden that people often talk about named, Gulshan-e-Iram or the Garden of Paradise.
Interesting facts about Chhatar Manzil
- The term ‘Chhatar’ means Umbrella.
- Chattar Manzil was formerly known as Farhat Bakhsh Palace.
- Nawab Saadat Ali Khan named the palace after his mother, Chatter Kunwar.
- Chhatar Manzil is also referred to as the Umbrella Palace.
- Chattar Manzil played a crucial role as a center for Indian revolutionaries during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
- Only the Bari Chhatar Manzil exists today.
- After the 1857 mutiny, the British took over the palace and established a club and library there.
- Chhatar manzil is crafted from sandstone.
Entry fee and Timing for Chhatar Manzil
No entry fee is charged from visitors here. The Chhatar Manzil is open all days of the week from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, except on weekends.
How to reach Chhatar Manzil
- By Airport: The distance between Chhatar Manzil and Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport is 16 km and it takes almost 43 min to reach there.
- By Railway: The distance between Chhatar Manzil and Lucknow Station is 4.3 km and it takes almost 18 min to reach there.
- By Bus: The distance between Chhatar Manzil and Charbagh bus station is 4.7 km and it takes almost 20 min to reach there.
FAQs
Q1: Who built Chhatar Manzil?
Ans. It was constructed by Nawab Ghazi Uddin Haider. After his passing, his son Nawab Nasir-ud-din Haider completed the construction.
Q2: Why was Chhatar Manzil built?
Ans. Nawab Sadat Ali Khan wanted to build this monument in memory of his mother, Chhatar Kunwar.
Q3: What is the entry fee for Chhatar Manzil?
Ans. There is no entry fee charged for visiting Chhatar Manzil.
Q4: Why is Chhatar Manzil referred to as “Umbrella Palace”?
Ans. It is referred to as Umbrella Palace because of its remarkable dome which is covered in an Umbrella-like structure.
