RESIDENCY

RESIDENCY

The Residency complex, situated atop the erstwhile highest point of Lucknow, was constructed during the reigns of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daulah and Nawab Saadat Ali Khan II, spanning the years 1780 to 1800. This imposing edifice, a testament to the architectural prowess of the era, originally consisted of a three-storeyed structure, surmounted by a tower bearing the flagstaff, from which successive Union Jacks were flown prior to independence.
The building’s design incorporated wide verandahs to shield the interior from the solar glare, while a suite of underground rooms, or tehkhanas, remained cool and dark, despite the limited ventilation afforded by narrow slits in the upper walls. The absence of a guard contingent was rectified by Captain John Baillie, who petitioned for and secured the construction of the Baillie Guard Gate, garrisoned by a company from Mariaon.
The Residency complex encompassed an array of structures, each imbued with historical significance, including the Banquet Hall, Treasury, Dr. Fayrer’s House, Church, a Mosque and others. The Marquess of Hastings recorded his dining experience with Major Baillie at the Residency in 1814. Subsequent developments included the addition of gardens, houses, barracks, and stables, which collectively formed a self-contained complex.
The Lucknow Residency suffered considerable damage during the 1857 War of Independence but has since undergone meticulous restoration. The sprawling heritage campus, now a centrally protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India, is home to a collection of historically significant structures, each narrating tales of valor and resistance.
The ruined building, now surrounded by lawns and flowerbeds, serves as a poignant tourist attraction, while the adjacent cemetery, containing the graves of hundreds of individuals, including Henry Montgomery Lawrence, stands as a testament to the siege that ensued the first war of independence.
The 1857 Memorial Museum, situated within the complex, managed and operated by the Archaeological Survey of India offers a comprehensive overview of the freedom struggle, with exhibits and videos showcasing the resilience and patriotism of those who fought for independence. The museum’s detailed descriptions and captivating visuals bring to life the events of the uprising, rendering it an indispensable destination for scholars, historians, and enthusiasts alike.

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