Located in the heart of India, the beautiful city of Lakes, Bhopal is Sadar Manzil spread across a land of 200 acres on the Shamla Hills situated near Shaukat Mahal. Believed to be used as a public hall by the rulers of Bhopal, the inlay work of the floors of Sadar Manzil is similar to the Diwan-e-Khas of Red Fort in Delhi. The monument is set amidst the most picturesque gardens and oriental landscapes that glorify the history of architecture and culture of Bhopal.
About Sadar Manzil
Sadar Manzil was the main hub of public assemblies where the erstwhile nawabs of the city would meet and address the people on important occasions. However, after Independence, the Manzil was abandoned and it took a long time to restore the collapsed structure. The charm of the Sadar Manzil soars even today as the intricate carvings in the ceilings and archways hint at its former grandeur and opulence. It treasures the authentic Bhopali Mughal architecture with the oriental and occidental style of structure blended with a fusion of Indo-Western and European art.
Sadar Manzil and its Surroundings
Sadar Manzil is surrounded by the supreme beauties of Bhopal. Built near the Upper Lake of Bhopal providing an exquisite view of the lake and the greenery of Bhopal, Sadar Manzil is also a neighbour to Gohar Mahal, Taj-ul-Masjid and mainly Shaukhat Mahal.
The Shaukat Mahal and Sadar Manzil lie at the entrance of the Chowk area being the heart of the city. Residing side by side with each other, the Shaukat Mahal is an unusual mixture of Indo-Islamic and European architecture while Sadar Manzil is simple yet prominent. The Sadar Manzil and its surroundings stand as the predominant part of the walled city of Old Bhopal making them not only a site of beauty but also for architectural curiosity.
History of Sadar Manzil
Constructed in 1898 AD by the Nawab Shah Jahan Begum, Sadar Manzil was converted into the Darbar Hall of the state by Nawab Sultan Jahan Begum after the death of her mother Nawab Shah Jahan Begum in 1901. Sardar Manzil stands out among Bhopal’s numerous instances of Islamic architecture. The red-brick building was designed by the Bourbon Dynasty of French descendants and blends Western and Asian styles of architecture. Sardar Manzil served as a courtroom to the Nawab during the era of their rule. The area appears grand thanks to the intricately carved arches, lush green gardens with exotic flora, and the oriental architectural style.
Architecture of Sadar Manzil
Sardar Manzil’s aesthetic charm attracts many tourists to Bhopal. A wooden door at the entrance opens up into a large courtyard adorned by a fountain. The Sadar Manzil has a fascinating effect because the Gothic and post-renaissance architectural styles were skillfully employed in its construction. The rectangular open space includes a stage as well as rooms on either side. The large podium, which once was the seat of a ruler, presently overlooks the garden. The gardens give the Manzil an exquisite appearance, despite the building’s ostentatious appearance. The ceilings of Sadar Manzil are glorified by some magnificent paintings. During the restoration, the workers used jaggery, surki, lime, marble powder, jute, fenugreek, urad dal etc. instead of cement-concrete to repair the main floor. A glimpse of the tribal culture of various states of India can be seen on this floor which was re-carved by the artisans from Rajasthan.
Sadar Manzil – Over the Years
Being a 125-year-old building, Sadar Manzil has withstood centuries and ages. Sadar Manzil was constructed in all its splendour in 1898 AD by the then Nawab, Shah Jahan Begum. Many British Viceroys and important political leaders after the independence of the country have visited here. In the year 1953, during the Chief Ministership of the late Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, the Municipal Corporation of Bhopal City was established in Darbar Hall. For a long time, it was the headquarters of the municipal corporation until the headquarters shifted and the building now houses the offices of the Fire Department, which is just opposite the building.
Built in the early 19th century it was used by the Nawabs of Bhopal for important public gatherings and proclaimations. Even during the renovations, the royal monument has not lost its grand appeal. Presently the building has fallen into disuse and parts of it are being used as Govt offices. One corridor in the building still has some beautiful intricate artwork on the ceiling.
Renovation of Sadar Manzil
After spending more than 5 crore of public money on restoration, Bhopal Smart City Development Corporation Limited (BSCDCL) leased out the city’s prime heritage property in 2022 for 30 years in PPP mode. Sadar Manzil is now to house a gallery, performance area, museum, etc. Sadar Manzil with its area for a museum is now set to share a lot of history with its visitors. The building will host many remarkable performances with the artists of the city gracing the performance space to be built. Sadar Manzil will also inhabit restrooms and cafeterias for the visitors along with the galleries, exhibition and performance areas. The plan is to make Sadar Manzil a well-preserved Public Plaza housing multi-user activities and spaces that highlight the vast richness of the history of Bhopal.
Served as a structure with an abundance of culture and history of Bhopal, Sadar Manzil will soon become a cultural bridge between people of old and new Bhopal setting an example of creating a commercial centre while preserving the heritage of the structure.
Reference List:
- सदर मंज़िल भोपाल (no date) सदर मंज़िल भोपाल – भारतकोश, ज्ञान का हिन्दी महासागर. Available at: https://m.bharatdiscovery.org/india/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%B0_%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%BC%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B2_%E0%A4%AD%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B2 (Accessed: 12 July 2024).
- Sardar Manzil (no date) Holidify. Available at: https://www.holidify.com/places/bhopal/sardar-manzil-sightseeing-120681.html#:~:text=Sardar%20Manzil%20%2C%20Bhopal%20Overview&text=The%20red%2Dbrick%20structure%20is,courtroom%20was%20this%20picturesque%20monument. (Accessed: 12 July 2024).
- Shaukat Mahal and sadar (no date) Shaukat Mahal and Sadar Bhopal. Available at: https://www.mptourandtravels.com/museums-of-mp/shaukat-mahal-and-sadar-bhopal.html (Accessed: 14 July 2024).
- Heritage Hotel : 125 साल पुरानी इमारत में 22 कमरे- 1 दरबार हॉल के साथ बनेगा 5 स्टार हेरिटेज होटल, ये होगी खासियत: Sadar Manzil: Building which was built by Nawab Shahjahan Begum, will now be built as a heritage hotel. (2024) Patrika News. Available at: https://www.patrika.com/bhopal-news/sadar-manzil-building-which-was-built-by-nawab-shahjahan-begum-will-now-be-built-as-a-heritage-hotel-8757980 (Accessed: 14 July 2024).
