Historical Raj Bhavan (Lal Kothi) - Governor's residence, Bhopal, MP - a heritage site well preserved

.Lal Kothi (Raj Bhavan), Bhopal. freepressjournal.in

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. 

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. 

Interior. Lal Kothi (Raj Bhavan), Bhopal. asianage.com.

old image. Lal Kothi (Raj Bhavan), Bhopal, MP.governor.mp.gov.in/

.Lal Kothi (Raj Bhavan), old image.Bhopal. governor.mp.gov.

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

Raj Bhavan at Pachmarhi, MP. governor.mp.gov.in

Raj Bhavan,   Pachmarhi,MP.. governor.mp.gov.in/

pillars.Raj Bhavan at Pachmarhi, MP. governor.mp.gov.in

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