History
A Brief History of Lucknow
The antiquity of Lucknow’s origins can be traced back to the era of the Suryavanshi Dynasty, with the city forming an integral part of the ancient Majhajanpada of Kosal, ruled by the Suryavanshi ( Ikshvaku) dynasty with their capital at Ayodhya and later at Shravasti.. According to tradition, the town was christened Lakhanapuri in honor of Lakshmana, Maryada Purushottam Bhagwan Shri Ramchadra’s dutiful and doting brother, which later devolved into Lukhnau and eventually its current designation, Lucknow. The presence of the Lakshmana Tila, a mound situated northwest of the town, lends credence to this narrative. However, the precise date of the district’s formation in its present configuration remains uncertain due to the absence of definitive records.
Commencing circa 1350, the city of Lucknow, in conjunction with extensive tracts of the Awadh territory, underwent successive dominations by a sequence of imperial entities, notably: the Delhi Sultanate, the Sharqi Sultanate, the majestic Mughal Empire, the indigenous Nawabs of Awadh, the enterprising British East India Company, and ultimately, the British Raj, each leaving an indelible imprint upon the region’s rich cultural and historical tapestry.
The Kingdom of Avadh was formally annexed by the East India Company in 1856, precipitating a summary settlement that was subsequently obliterated by the Great Rising of 1857, which also destroyed all critical records. The Ain-i-Akbari, a contemporary historical account, reveals that the city’s significance began to manifest in 1580 A.D., when the Mughal Emperor Jalal-ud-din Mohammad Akbar established the administrative province of Oudh. The appointment of Shaukat Jung (1680-1739) as Nawab Wazir in 1722 marked the inception of the dynasty of Nawabs, with the capital of Oudh initially situated in Faizabad. However, the later Nawab Asaf-ud-daulah’s decision to relocate the capital to Lucknow in 1775 elevated the city to its esteemed status as a capital.
Lucknow’s storied past is replete with legendary narratives and historical landmarks that attract visitors from diverse regions. The city’s architectural landscape is punctuated by magnificent edifices that testify to the ingenuity of the Nawabs. The decline of Mughal power, precipitated by the ransacking of Delhi by Nadir Shah, the incursions of Sikhs, Marathas, and Rohillas, and the occupation of Delhi by British troops in 1803, led to the ascendancy of provincial governors and the concomitant growth of Oudh’s independence. This, in turn, facilitated the migration of artists and cultural luminaries from the Mughal court, who found patronage in the burgeoning court of Oudh, thereby cultivating a unique cultural ethos characterized by courtly etiquette and refinement.
The rulers of Oudh, particularly the nawabs, devoted considerable resources and energy to architectural endeavors, embellishing their capital, Lucknow, with majestic structures that endured the test of time. Over the span of a century, the city was transformed into a treasure trove of architectural splendour, boasting numerous Palaces, Monumental Gateways, Mosques, Imambadas, Karbalas, and other impressive monuments. Nawab Asaf-ud-Daulah (1775-1797) and Nawab Saadat Ali Khan (1798-1814) were prolific builders who surpassed their predecessors in their patronage of religious architecture, resulting in the emergence of more than a hundred monuments within the city, most of which are now under the conservation of the Archaeological Survey of India.
Asaf-ud-Daulah’s reign marked the apogee of Lucknow and Oudh’s artistic grandeur. Driven by a desire to outdo his contemporaries, he lavished vast sums on architectural pursuits and constructed imposing palatial and religious edifices to proclaim the magnificence of his dynasty. The resultant architectural landscape, characterized by grand palaces, mosques, and mausoleums, forged the aesthetic and stylistic identity of the kingdom of Oudh. This distinct style drew inspiration from the Mughal architectural tradition, infused with European elements.
Notable examples of Asaf-ud-Daulah’s architectural legacy include the Bara Imambada (1785-1791), the Rumi Gate (1784), believed to have been modelled after Istanbul’s sublime porte (Bab-i-Humayun), and the Bibiyapur Kothi, designed by General Claude Martin as a hunting retreat for the Nawab. The legend of Asaf-ud-Daulah’s generosity, encapsulated in the poetic phrase “Jisko na de Maula, us ko de Asaf-ud-Daulah” underscores his commissioning of the Bara Imambada’s construction.
The process of Europeanization began during Asaf-ud-Daulah’s reign, as evidenced by his request to British Resident John Bristow to design a house in the European style. Major General Claude Martin played a pivotal role in designing the blueprint. The subsequent integration of European elements into Oudh’s architecture yielded a distinct style that synthesized regional and European traditions. This trend continued under Saadat Ali Khan, who employed Captain McLeod, and Ghazi-ud-din Haider, who collaborated with William Tricket for similar pursuits.
The architectural trajectory of Oudh’s rulers exemplifies the complex dynamics of cultural exchange and synthesis that defined the region during this period. The reigns of Saadat Ali Khan, Ghazi-ud-din Haider, and Wajid Ali Shah witnessed a gradual hybridization of architectural styles, with European elements increasingly incorporated into traditional designs. This is evident in the construction of buildings such as the Khursheed Manzil, Chattar Manzil, Chota Chattar Manzil, Moti Mahal, and Chaumukhi Kothi, which showcased a unique blend of styles.
Ghazi-ud-din Haider’s contributions to Oudh’s architectural landscape were significant, with the authorization of monuments like the Chhota Chattar Manzil, parts of the Moti Mahal Complex, and the Shah Najaf Imambada. Nasiruddin Haider’s completion of the Chattar Manzil complex and construction of Kothi Darshan Bilas further solidified this trend. Wajid Ali Shah’s commissions, including the Sikandarbagh Palace, Qaiserbagh Palace Compound, and the Mausoleum of his father, King Amjad Ali Shah, exemplified the culmination of this hybridized style.
The exposure to European architectural influences, particularly through the works of Claude Martin, had a profound impact on local builders and masons, who became adept in incorporating these elements into their designs. The resultant monuments serve as a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage, offering a glimpse into the past. The remnants of these structures, though weathered by time, continue to evoke the grandeur of the Nawabi era, characterized by the munificence of Asaf-ud-Daulah and the romanticism of Wajid Ali Shah.
Contemporary accounts, such as those of William Howard Russell, an Irish reporter who visited Lucknow in 1857, attest to the city’s striking beauty and architectural splendor. Russell’s observations, alongside those of 19th-century writer Tota Ram Shiyan, who documented the numerous royal edifices in northern Lucknow, underscore the significance of Oudh’s architectural legacy, much of which was destroyed in 1857. These accounts serve as a poignant reminder of the transience of cultural heritage and the importance of preserving historical monuments for future generations.
In the intervening centuries since the ancient times, to the reign of the Nawabs, Lucknow has undergone a profound transformation, evolving from a bastion of Mughal and Indo-European architecture to a vibrant, cosmopolitan city. The once-quaint capital of Oudh has blossomed into a thriving metropolis, embracing modernity while retaining the essence of its storied past.
Today, Lucknow, capital of Uttar Pradesh, has a sprawling Secretariat, Vidhan Sabha, and a plethora of governmental institutions. The city’s landscape has been redefined by the advent of shopping malls, upscale residential complexes, and the efficient Metro Rail system, which has streamlined connectivity and facilitated growth.
As a hub of commerce, education, and culture, Lucknow attracts visitors and settlers from across the country. The city’s famed hospitality, embodied in its traditional Awadhi cuisine and warm welcomes, continues to enchant travelers. From the majestic Bara Imambada to the sleek, modern architecture of the Gomti Nagar Riverfront, Lucknow’s skyline is a testament to its capacity for adaptation and progress.
Despite the inevitable challenges of urbanization, Lucknow’s cultural heritage remains intact, with conservation efforts aimed at preserving its historic monuments and traditional chikan craftsmen’s workshops. As the city hurtles forward, its rich legacy serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of cultural synthesis and the indomitable spirit of its people.
In this contemporary era, Lucknow stands as a vibrant exemplar of India’s urban renaissance as a city where ancient traditions and modern aspirations blend seamlessly, forging a unique identity that honors its past while embracing the promise of a brighter future.