Concealed in greenery in Delhi’s Chanakyapuri area, lies a slice of history which was once the abode of the self-proclaimed lineages of the Awadhi Nawab. Known as the Malcha Mahal, the 14th-century lodge was constructed by Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq. The historic structure misses the eye of most tourists. It has not come under protection yet under the Archaeological Survey of India. Now, the archaeology sector of the Delhi government is planning to restore the lodge.
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The Tughlaq-Era Lodge Was Also Inhibited By The Begam Of Awadh
During the era of the Tughlaqs, the Malcha Mahal used to be a hunting lodge. As per sources, the Government of India transferred the palace to the hands of Begum Wilayat Mahal of Awadh in 1985. Begum Wilayat Mahal was the self-proclaimed granddaughter of Wajid Ali Shah, the last Nawab of Awadh. After the lodge’s ownership by the Begum, it came to be known as Wilayat Mahal. Her children Sakina Mahal and Prince Ali Raza lived in the Mahal after that. Prince Ali Raza passed away in 2017. Sakina Mahal had passed away earlier. Since the demise of Prince Ali Raza, the palace is in ruins.
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The Lodge Will Appeal To History Buffs
By renovating the lodge, the government is aiming to add it to the list of popular heritage spots in the capital. The striking architecture of Malcha Mahal will especially appeal to travellers who love history. The archaeology sector also has plans to hire experts who can work on the project. Meanwhile, did you know that Potato In Kolkata Biryani Has Its Roots To The Nawabs?