It originated in the 18th century as the residence of the remarkable French mercenary General Claude Martin, better known as the benefactor of the La Martiniere schools. It was acquired by Nawab Asif-ud-daula, the Nawab of Avadh. As the indisposed Saadat Ali Khan's health recovered after residing in the Claude Martin Kothi, the building was renamed Farhat Baksh (giver of delight) and became the centre of activities right until the end of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah's reign upto 1856.


The present Chattar Manzil is an extension of the Farhat Baksh Palace. Its construction was started by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan, continued by Ghazi-ud-din Haider, completed by Nasir-ud-din Haider in the early 19th century and subsequently became the palace of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. This magnificient 7-storeyed building has 5 floors above ground level and 2 below and constitutes completely homogenous synthesis of Muslim, French and Italian architecture.

In 1853, Chattar Manzil was a stronghold of those who revolted against British authority. Under the British, it became a select United Services Club and after India's Independence, an MLA hostel. On Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru's suggestion, Chattar Manzil was handed over in 1949 to the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research for setting up the Central Drug Research Institute. In its earlier years, activities in this building set traditions in music and dance, today its activities are providing leadership in drug research.

- History