Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, 300 kms from Varanasi and 500 kms from New Delhi, is well connected with rail, road and air network with all major cites of India. This bustling city, famous for its Nawabi era finesse and amazing food, is a unique mix of the ancient and the modern culture. It is home to extraordinary monuments depicting a fascinating blend of ancient, colonial and oriental architecture.
Lucknow was the epicenter of the 1857 War of Independence, and much before that, it was the seat of a line of nawabs who gave the city its unique identity. Literature, cuisine, performing arts and tehzeeb put Lucknow a cut above the rest – and the world acknowledges it. Among the magnificent monuments in Lucknow are Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, Kaiserbagh Heritage Zone, Residency and Dilkusha. Chikan embroidery and zardozi have made Lucknow a brand in global fashion. Kebabs and biryani are the two lip-smacking delicacies that beckon visitors again and again.
Bara Imambara
This large structure was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1786-91 and is one of the architectural wonders of that era. Its central hall is said to be the largest vaulted chamber in the world. Except for the galleries in the interior, there is no woodwork in the entire structure. It is now used by Shia Muslims for the purpose of Azadari. It is believed that the construction of this grand building was started in 1785 when a devastating famine had hit Awadh, and the nawab’s objective was to provide employment for people in the region for almost a decade while the famine lasted. It has large underground passages which have been blocked up. A staircase from outside leads to a series of labyrinths known as Bhool-Bhulaiyan is a complicated entanglement of zigzag passages. Within the compound of the Imambara is the grand Asafi Mosque. Shahi Baoli is another attraction here.
Chhota Imambara
A golden dome and fine calligraphy on the exterior of the building makes it truly exceptional monument of Mughal architecture. It is decorated and lit up during special occasions. The Chhota Imambara also known as Hussainabad Imambara stands to the west of Bara Imambara and was built by Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah (1837-42). It is more ornate in design with gilded dome, several turrets, exquisite chandeliers said to be brought from Belgium, gilt-edged mirrors and colorful stuccos which adorn the interiors. The tombs of Muhammad Ali Shah and other members of his family are inside the Imambara.
Residency
Built for the British resident during the rule of Nawab Saadat Ali Khan in 1780-1800, it was originally a large complex of many buildings including residential quarters, armory, stables, dispensaries, worship places and so on. It was the scene of dramatic events during the first war of independence in 1857 also known as Siege of Lucknow. It began on July 1 and continued until November 17, 1857. The main building overlooks the river Gomti and is surrounded by terraced lawns and gardens. Now, only the scarred ruins bear witness to the turmoil of 1857. The cemetery at the nearby ruined church has the graves of 2000 men, women and children, including that of Sir Henry Lawrence who died during the siege. There is also a Residency Museum situated within the campus of this building.
Gandhi Museum
Situated near Residency, the Gandhi Museum gives an insight into the different aspects of Mahatma Gandhi’s life. There is a rich library in the same premises having a collection of some 18,000 books.
State Museum
The State Museum in Lucknow is the oldest and largest multipurpose museum of Uttar Pradesh, established in 1863. It has hundreds of antiquities and other exhibits on display. Its areas of acquisition include art and archaeology, paintings, manuscripts, numismatics and anthropology.
Hazratganj
Hazratganj, main market of Lucknow, contains shopping complexes, restaurants, hotels, theaters and offices, cafes, offices; is famous for its evening. In 1827 Nawab Nasir-ud-Din Haidar Shah laid the foundation of the Ganj market by introducing the China Bazaar and Kaptaan Bazaar which sold goods from China, Japan and Belgium. The famous Taar Wali Kothi, the Dargah of 12 Imams at Khas Mukaam, the Choti Chattar Manzil, the Saawan-Bhadoh Mahal (the present location of zoo), and the stunning Baradari, which was earlier situated between Kaiserbagh, Darulshafa, and Lalbagh also emerged during his regime. In 1842, the name of the area was changed to Hazratganj after Nawab Amjad Ali Shah, who was popularly known by his alias ‘Hazrat’. After the First War of Independence in 1857, Britishers took over the city and Hazratganj was modeled after London’s Queen Street. Many old Mughal style buildings were demolished and new European structures came up.
