Chattar Manzil has derived its name from its umbrella-shaped dome. Built by the Nawabs of Lucknow, its construction has some elements of European architecture. The construction of the edifice commenced during the reign of the Nawab of Lucknow, Ghazi-ud-din Haider.Owing to his demise before the construction of the edifice, his work was completed by his son Nasir-ud-din Haider. Large underground rooms and a dome surmounted by a gilt umbrella compose the edifice. The edifice was remodelled to serve as the office of the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI).