BIBIYAPUR KOTHI

Bibiyapur Kothi

In the erstwhile realm of Awadh, nestled on the right bank of the Gomti River, lies the Bibiyapur Kothi, a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage. Situated a few kilometers southeast of the city, in proximity to the Dilkusha Palace, this majestic edifice stands as a poignant reminder of a bygone era. Once a thriving hub of activity, the Bibiyapur House, now abandoned and forlorn, was constructed under the patronage of Major General Claude Martin for the illustrious Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, who utilized it as a hunting lodge and occasional residence.

This stately structure served as a guest house for incoming British Residents, facilitating a seamless transition of power. Notably, it was from within these hallowed halls that Sir John Shore, later Lord Teignmouth, issued the deposition orders of Wazir Ali, the purported son of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, in 1798. Concurrently, Shore summoned Sa’adat Ali Khan from Benares, welcoming him with a grand durbar at Bibiyapur, prior to his ceremonial procession to the city, where he was proclaimed the rightful Nawab.

The Bibiyapur Kothi’s architectural design is a masterful blend of simplicity and elegance, featuring spacious halls, lofty ceilings adorned with wooden beams and rafters, spiral staircases, and imposing double columns. The grand hall was tastefully embellished with white and blue European tiles, adding an air of sophistication to the ambiance. Constructed on a rectangular ground plan, the building’s lakhauri bricks were laid in lime mortar and coated with thick lime plaster, a testament to the ingenuity of its creators.

Throughout its storied past, the Bibiyapur House played host to numerous European dignitaries, as the Nawabs utilized this venue to entertain their esteemed guests. Following the demise of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in December 1797, a darbar was convened here, wherein Sir John Shore declared Saadat Ali Khan the rightful successor to the throne. Subsequent to the annexation of Awadh in 1856 AD, the British, particularly army officials, frequently utilized the premises for various celebrations. The auxiliary rooms, situated north of the main building, were likely employed by the servants.

Presently, the Bibiyapur Kothi stands as a protected monument, safeguarded by the Archaeological Survey of India under Notification No. UP448/924, dated 05.04.1917, ensuring the preservation of this cultural treasure for posterity.

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