2—WILAITI BAGH.
The Wilaiti Bagh was laid out by Nasir-ud-din Haidar (1827-1837) and planted with different exotics, hence its name. In the time of Wajid Ali Shah, this garden was in a very flourishing condition and formed a pleasant retreat for the ladies of the seraglio, who were entirely screened from observation by the high masonry walls that enclosed it on three sides, the fourth, facing the river Gumti, which flows past it, being left open.
The garden is contiguous to the Dilkusha Palace, but there is nothing left to convey the faintest idea of its pristine beauty. It contains the ruins of a summer house, but besides this and the graves of a few soldiers who fell in the relief, or capture, of Lucknow, nothing is to be seen.
3.—DILKUSHA PALACE.
The Dilkusha Palace (heart’s delight) stands on an elevated piece of ground south of La Martiniere. The approach to it was through an avenue of mighty trees, bordering a drive which led to a gateway in the wall, arched over, and ornamented by pilasters. It was built by Sadat Ali Khan (1798-1814) as a hunting box and country residence, around which he laid out an extensive park and stocked it with deer and other game. In 1830 a balloon ascent was made from this place, by an Englishman, in the presence of King, Nasir-ud-din Haidar, and a vast assemblage of the King's nobles. It was also a favorite resort for the ladies of the harem, who used frequently to reside here.
“A country seat where Kings of Oudh of yore
Fled city heat with their barbaric Court,
Encircled by a park where Eastern dames
Screened from strange eyes indulged in listless sport.”
During the investment of the Residency this position was held in force by the rebels; on Sir Colin Campbell’s advance to the relief it was captured (see para. 102).
After the mutiny the building was, for many years, occupied by the General Commanding the Oudh Division, but, subsequently, the structure, being considered unsafe, was partially demolished, and no idea can be formed of its original grandeur from its dilapidated condition. Its gloomy appearance is in a great measure relieved by the surrounding grounds. tastefully laid out as a flower garden. On the south of the ruins there are a few tombs of Officers and men who fell in the capture of Lucknow. It was here that Sir Henry Havelock died on 24th November, 1857 (see para. 114).
