Qila Mahmudabad’s kothi in WMF endangered list

Besides this historical site,three other heritage sites from India have been cited in this list — Chikten Castle,Kargil; Dechen Namgyal Gonpa,Nyoma and the Civic Centre of Shimla. The NGO started identifying such buildings in 1996.

The kothi is a part of the 20-acre Qila in Mahmudabad Estate founded by Raja Mahmud Khan in 1677 AD.

It is situated in Mahmudabad,a small town in Sitapur district,around 60 km from Lucknow. It is a four-storied building with an area of 6,285 sq m. The procession of Muharram in the town starts from here.

The owner of Qila Mahmudabad,Mohammad Amir Mohammad Khan,said the kothi is of great historical significance as it was the administrative and residential block for the rulers of Mahmudabad throughout the Mughal period and subsequently the British period. It played an important role during the First War of Independence in 1857.

Begum Hazrat Mahal had stayed here while escaping from Lucknow to Nepal. In 1857,the Kothi was destroyed by the British because of the royal family’s involvement in the war against them. Major damage to the existing building occurred in an earthquake in 1932.

Asheesh Srivastava,Conservation Architect of ANB Consultants in Lucknow,who proposed this building for the programme,said: “This kothi is a leading example of the palace architecture of Awadh. The architectural planning has seen a successful incorporation of Rajasthani,Mughal and colonial elements.”  

“As of now the building has been listed among the endangered buildings across the world. We will now seek financial support from NGOs and government organisations to restore and rejuvenate the kothi,” added Asheesh.

The WMF will provide technical expertise for revitalisation of the building.