Indo Islamic Heritage

Butler Palace

Butler Palace: A Forgotten Gem of Lucknow?s Royal Past In the heart of Lucknow, hidden beneath layers of time and neglect, stands the Butler Palace, a testament to the city?s rich architectural legacy.

In the heart of Lucknow, hidden beneath layers of time and neglect, stands the Butler Palace, a testament to the city?s rich architectural legacy. Built in 1907, this magnificent structure was once the residence of Sir Harcourt Butler, a distinguished British administrator who played a significant role in shaping modern education in India. The palace was gifted to him by his close friend, Raja Mohammad Ali Mohammad Khan of Mehmoodabad, a noble patron of grand architecture. Designed by Sardar Hira Singh, Butler Palace is an architectural marvel infused with Rajasthani elegance, featuring intricately carved chhatris (umbrella-like structures) made of marble. Spanning a vast expanse, the palace originally consisted of three sections, each radiating an air of opulence and regal charm. Adding to its grandeur, the entrance of the palace, known as "Purana Darwaza," once stood tall as a gateway to history, though today, it bears the marks of time and neglect. The foundation stone of Butler Palace was laid by Sir Harcourt Butler himself in 1915, and for decades, the palace echoed with tales of power, friendship, and historical transitions. After India?s independence, the palace found new purposes?first housing the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow for its postgraduate programs, and later, serving as a library for the Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR) until 2005. However, legal disputes and abandonment have since cast a shadow over this architectural jewel. Though currently closed to visitors, Butler Palace remains an emblem of Lucknow?s regal past. Its towering yet melancholic presence reminds us of an era where art, architecture, and intellect flourished. With restoration, it could once again stand as a proud heritage site, drawing admirers to its intricate beauty and forgotten grandeur. For now, it remains a silent witness to time, waiting for a new dawn to reclaim its lost splendor.

Year of Built: 1907

Address: VX36+G2W, Jankipuram, Butler Colony, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001

Country: India

State: Uttar Pradesh

District: Lucknow

Pincode: 226001

Longitude: 80.9599? E

Latitude: 26.8548? N