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.Lal Kothi (Raj Bhavan), Bhopal. freepressjournal.in
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Lavishly built in royal style in 1880 by the ruler Begum Shahjehan on the outskirts of Bhopal city, Lal kothi is a declared heritage structure i the present state of Madhya Pradesh, It was intended for the comfortable stay of the British Agent under the crown administration, London. There was need for Guest House for higher officials from the Raj. Upon sighing an agreement between the British and the ruler Nawab Major Mohammad Khan (1818-19), in the follow-up, a political Agent had been appointed by the British Indian Government to be stationed at Sehore along with a British Armed Force to beef up the protection of the state. in unison with the ruler's forces. The place where Raj Bhavan stands now was once a military cantonment; hence there was prohibition for construction of private buildings in this area.
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| Lal Kothi -Raj Bhavan, Bhopal, MP> jagran.com |
In the city of Bhopal Lal Kothi happened to be the first structure with the roof made of red China clay 'Kavelus', and rest of the building painted in red. Hence the name
Lal Kothi, here,
lal refers to the red color. The same name has been in use even now since its contraction. On 1 June 1949 Bhopal became part of the Indian Union, after having been a princely state for about 250 years. From 1949 till a956, Lal Kothi served as the Commissioner's House - official residence of the Chief Commissioner. In 1956, the Bhopal state became integrated as part of Madhya Pradesh.
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Interior. Lal Kothi (Raj Bhavan), Bhopal. asianage.com.
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| old image. Lal Kothi (Raj Bhavan), Bhopal, MP.governor.mp.gov.in/ |
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.Lal Kothi (Raj Bhavan), old image.Bhopal. governor.mp.gov.
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Lal Kothi, built at a cost of about Rs.72,878 on a plot of 15,423 sq. ft. (0.354 acres) in 1880, is one of the oldest Kothis in India and the ruler Begum Shah Jehan completed the work with the help of European engineers. As part of Muslim tradition the foundation stone for small mosque near the Kothi was laid before the construction work had started - a custom common among the Muslim states.
The ruler of the erstwhile Bhopal state had sought the help of the British and PWD authorities for the interior decoration work, etc., of the Lal Kothi that was built in the Indo-European style of design. A Austate Cook (a French water works Engineer), at Bhopal. along with Mr. Cook took care of the project. The latter was in charge of Construction of Lal Kothi. In the early 19th century, the city of Bhopal was within he confines of Fort Fatehgarh (the remnants of this fort still exist) around Hamidia Hospital and Gandhi Medical College).The most prominent British higher-ups who visited Lal Kothi during the colonial period included: The first British national was Col. C.H.E. Ward, advisor and Chief Minister to Shahjahan Begum, Sir Hugh Daily, resident, central India visited Lal Kothi. He emphasized that only the Union Jack should fly on the Lal Kothi;.British Viceroy Marquess of Lansdowne came on 20th Nov 1891 and Earl of Elgin, the Viceroy came on 4th Nov 1895
Tit-Bits:
Raj Bhavan Pachmarhi -
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| Raj Bhavan at Pachmarhi, MP. governor.mp.gov.in |
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Raj Bhavan, Pachmarhi,MP.. governor.mp.gov.in/
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pillars.Raj Bhavan at Pachmarhi, MP. governor.mp.gov.in
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This is an extension of Raj Bhavan of Madhya Pradesh at Bhopal. The building at Pachmarhi used to be the summer residence of the Governor more than 40 years ago. It was built in 1887 on a land of 22.84 acres Initial Cost of construction was Rs. 91,344. It underwent renovation between 1933 and 1958. Between 1910-11, a dance hall was built at a cost of
Rs. 14,392. In the following hear came up came up
Council Chamber - now Durbar Hall-. Besides, there are quarters for the staff members of the Raj Bhavan on the campus.
http://governor.mp.gov.in/raj_pach_pho2.aspx
http://governor.mp.gov.in/raj_hist.aspx
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 - Governor's residence, Bhopal, MP - a heritage site well preserved){kind=link}