Kaiserbagh is Wajed Ali Shah's most magnificent and spacious contribution to Lucknow. This sprawling complex consisted large, medium and small structures in the form of large rows of living quarters, royal mansions, baradaris, and cupolas. Almost half of the Kaiserbagh has withstood the vagaries of the time and has somewhat survived.
Wajid Ali Shah of Lucknow is better known as an acclaimed singer and a poet rather than a good administrator. He devoted his life for fulfilling his artistic talents, which paved way for some of the prettiest monuments in the city. Kaiserbagh Palace was his dream project and the Nawab expected that it would be enlisted as the 8th wonder. Remarkable for its architectural excellence, the Kaiserbagh Palace proffers Hindu umbrellas, ionic columns, Moorish minarets, lanterns, banisters and pediments.
The center of the palace holds a highly decorated structure called Baradari, which was formerly covered with Silver. Elegant look of the palace is largely complimented by the Mughal style pavilions, gilt crowns and European style statues. During the first war of Independence the palace had been subjected to fierce attack and has lost much of its splendor. Though a relic of a past glory, this amazing citadel allures people with its never ending charm.
Few important structures comprising Kaiserbagh are:
Jaloo Khana - It was a massive gate on the northern side where Awadh Gymkhana is located now.
Lakhi Gate - At the end of China Bazar with built-in quarters on the top.
Huzur Bagh - This was the royal garden surrounded on three sides by the king's apartments. The main building was Shahenshah Manzil, which faced the south. It is one of the buildings, which now stands in front of the Lucknow Development Authority office.
Chandiwali Baradari - This Baradari was near Huzoor Bagh. It was the Baradari where Prince Brijis Qadar was installed on the royal throne on 12th July 1857.
Wazir Manzil - This was behind Shahenshah Manzil, which was used as the 'reception' for waiting courtiers and visitors.
Lanka - now Amir ud Daula Library
Patthar wali Baradari - now Bhatkhande University
Sufaid Baradari
Maqbara Amjad Ali Shah - located towards western end of Hazratganj
