The double storeyed structure was simple but attractive in design, consisting of spacious halls, high ceilings with wooden beams and rafters, spiral stair cases (probably first time in India) and imposing double columns. The large hall was tastefully embellished with white and blue European tiles. The building is constructed on a rectangular ground plan with lakhauri bricks laid in lime mortar and coated with thick lime plaster.
The Nawabs used this place to entertain their European guests. It was also used as Hunting Place by the royal family and European guests. After the demise of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in December 1798 AD, a Darbar was held here and Sir John Shore, declared Saadat Ali Khan as the rightful successor to the throne.
After the annexation of Avadh in 1856 AD, the place was frequently used by the British, particularly by army officials for various celebrations.
How to Reach: The building is presently of the Military Diary and is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India. You have to sign a register ( and provide Taxi/car number) maintained at the entry point near Railway crossing before entering the area. Please see below map of the place. You have to take your own vehicle/taxi as there is no public conveyance is available.
In brief : Bibiapur Kothi,
Location: Military Dairy Farm, Dilkusha, Lucknow, right bank of the Gomti, on the outskirts of the city
Constructed by : Nawab Asaf-ud-daula,
Direction : General Claude Martin
Used by : British Resident as Country House/entertainment House/Guest House and also as Hunting resort by the Royal family
History: It is the place where Nawab Saadat Ali Khan was declared as the Nawab of Awadh by Sir John Shore on 21 January 1798 after he accepted the terms and conditions of Company.
What's special: Tourist spot in Lucknow.
1.Serpentine Wooden Staircases, probably constructed in India for the first time (Present Position: damaged).
2.Bibiyapur Kothi - remains of a two storied beautiful building. It reflects french architectural influence
*Major General Claude Martin (4 January 1735 – 13 September 1800) was an officer in the French, and later the British army. His architectural skills were much in demand at Lucknow and his nearness to Nawab Asaf-ud-daula gave him a unique opportunity to design and construct beautiful buildings in Lucknow. You may like to visit his most famous building in Lucknow - The Constantia.