Kothi Noor Baksh or House of Light — the name in itself will sound like the source of light making an ardent adventurer travel through the misty time and into the rich history enveloping the city cozily.

Well, that could be one way to put it. For Lucknowites, the historical and glorious places to visit are abundant but so many lesser-explored narratives also surround us here. This particular kothi is one fine example of how architecturally and historically-rich legacies elude us and that is exactly why we're here engage in the discourse.

Located in Lucknow's Hazratganj, Kothi Noor Baksh is believed to have been built by Saadat Ali Khan (1798-1814), the sixth Nawab of Oudh. It is said to have been in constructed as a Maktab or school for the Nawab's grandson. While others say that the nawabs used it as a lodging.

Another legend goes that the site was built by his son Ghazi-ud-din Haider and then passed onto the grandson. Similar tales dictate similar historical narratives. And whatever it may be, the resonance of Awadhi imprints in the structure gathers immense appreciation in itself, whilst speaking volumes of glory, beauty, and renaissance.

The structure also finds its place in the history of India's Independence struggle, sometime between 1857-58, when it was utilised as the then Deputy Commissioner's dwelling. Today, the grandeur of a kothi stands as the district magistrate's residence and camp office.

Location: Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Opposite Sarojni Naidu Park, Hazratganj