If you've seen buildings like Hyderabad House, Jodhpur House, or Bikaner House in Delhi, you might assume they’re just government offices. But they have a royal past.

Between 1910 and 1930, more than 25 State Houses were built in Lutyens' Delhi. These were designed by famous architects like Edwin Lutyens for Indian kings and princes to stay during their visits to the capital during British rule.

After India’s independence in 1947, these buildings were repurposed:

• Hyderabad House - Now used by the Prime Minister to host foreign dignitaries.

• Jaipur House - Converted into the National Gallery of Modern Art.

• Patiala House - Serves as a major district court complex.

• Baroda House - Head office of Northern Railways.

• Bikaner House - A cultural centre for exhibitions and events.

• Travancore House - Promotes Kerala’s art and heritage.

• Jodhpur House - Used by the Ministry of Defence.

• Dholpur House - Office of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

These buildings are not just part of Delhi’s architecture-they’re living symbols of how royalty, history, and governance come together in modern India.