DILKUSHA PALACE

DILKUSHA PALACE

Dilkusha

In the lush expanse of Lucknow, south of the esteemed La Martiniere College, stands the erstwhile Dilkusha Palace, a testament to the region’s storied past. This majestic edifice, whose nomenclature translates to “heart’s delight,” was originally accessed via a stately avenue of towering trees, which bordered a winding drive culminating in an arched gateway, adorned with elegant pilasters. The palace itself, now a hauntingly beautiful ruin, was erected by the visionary Saadat Ali Khan during his reign from 1798 to 1814, as a hunting lodge and royal retreat. Surrounding the palace, a vast park teemed with an assortment of wildlife, including deer, providing a tranquil oasis for the noble classes.

Within the palace’s storied walls, a historic balloon ascent took place in 1830, performed by an intrepid English aeronaut in the regal presence of King Nasir-ud-din Haidar, amidst a gathering of the kingdom’s esteemed nobility. Furthermore, the palace served as a favored resort for the ladies of the harem, who frequently sought refuge within its serene confines.

However, the palace’s fortunes waned following the tumultuous events of the first war of independence in 1857. Occupied by the General Commanding the Oudh Division for an extended period, the structure was subsequently deemed unsafe and partially dismantled, leaving only whispers of its original splendor. The somber aspect of the ruins is, nonetheless, mitigated by the surrounding lush green lawns, tastefully landscaped as a vibrant flower garden.

Adjacent to the palace’s southern facade lie the tombs of British officers and men who succumbed during the capture of Lucknow, including Major General Henry Havelock, who breathed his last on November 24, 1857.

In recognition of its historical significance, the monument was formally designated a national treasure via notification No. UP 1645-M/1133, dated December 22, 1920, and presently falls under the custodial care of the Archaeological Survey of India.

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