Moti Mahal Lucknow Monuments : Moti Mahal situated on Rana Pratap Marg is a story of love and war. It is not called Moti Mahal for nothing. In fact, in the 18th century, Nawab Saadat Ali Khan had built a luxurious palace on the right bank of the Gomti. The appearance and luster of its dome was like a pearl, hence it was called Moti Mahal. There is another story related to this as well. According to which his wife Moti Begum lived in it. The first Begum’s name was Tat Mahal which was changed by the Nawab. The foundation of the Moti Mahal was laid in competition with the Sheeshmahal built by Asafuddaulah.
Many marriages of the Nawab had taken place in Banaras. Among them, Saadat Ali Khan was very fond of Tat Mahal. Saadat Ali Khan had built Moti Mahal for them only. Before living in Motimahal, Tat Mahal used to live in Daulat Sarai. He had a special attraction towards pearl jewellery. For this reason, the Nawab had created a pearl aura for the Begum on the dome of Motimahal with the glow of oyster. After the passing away of the Nawab, she moved to the Tatmahal Baoli house and spent the rest of her life there. The Nawab also built two other palaces which are known as Shah Manzil and Mubarak Manzil.
Scene Of Devastation After Gadar
After the Gadar, a scene of devastation started appearing in Moti Mahal. After that devastation its beauty was lost. It had become the property of Maharaja Balrampur. Later it was renovated due to which its texture changed. Although the walls of the palace are the same old.
The Bridge Was Behind Moti Mahal
In those days, there was a boat bridge on Gomti behind Moti Mahal. Across the bridge was the bungalow of an English Brigadier. The Shah Manzil was built on the west side of the Moti Mahal, in whose courtyard the fighting of small animals was seen.Emperor Shah used to watch this fight with his friends from the terrace of the Manzil. The ground in front was called Hazari Bagh. When Havelak captured Moti Mahal, the rebels crossed the river through this bridge.
Ghats Of Moti Mahal Were Famous
Moti Mahal was built in 1866 on the plan of Mr. Bruce Engineer, which has now been demolished. All the ghats on the banks of this bridge are famous as Moti Mahal Ghat. Mr. Jackson used to be a barrister after getting a palace repaired in the east of these ghats. Now that palace has been taken over by King Oil. The ground in front of it was called Moti Mahal Ground where the stadium is now built.
Pathar Ki Jubaani
There is a stone at the western corner of Moti Mahal’s boundary wall, which mentions that the first meeting of the English auxiliary forces with Sir James Outram and Sir Henry Havelock and the local British army of the Residency took place at that place. This meeting took place on 17 November 1857.
Other Things Related To The Building
Emperor Ghaziuddin Haider was lying ill in Moti Mahal itself. When his wife Badshah Begum came to see him, he did not utter a word and covered himself with a scarf. On the same night, on October 18, 1827, he died in the same palace. Dr. Bartram and Brigadier Cooper were executed on 27 September 1857 in the courtyard of Moti Mahal. Colin Campbell was wounded in front of this palace. During the mutiny, Captain Crump, who had the armory of Madras, was killed here. On the night of 25 September 1857, General Havelock’s army was camped in Moti Mahal, which had heavy guns, all the weapons and many wounded soldiers.
Current Status
Now the offices of Moti Ke Lal Nehru Memorial Society, Bharat Seva Sansthan, Education Committee and Deputy Child Welfare Council etc. have opened. The mausoleum of freedom fighter and former Chandrabhanu Gupta is also built in this area.