Lucknow, the ‘golden city
of the east’ retains an old world charm that fascinates one
an all. Regarded as one of the finest cities of India, Lucknow
emanates a culture that combines emotional warmth, a high degree
of sophistication, courtesy and a love for gracious living.
Lucknow is the capital city of Uttar Pradesh. A city which saw
great rulers and dynasties come and go, and in the process leave
indelible impressions. Excavations at Lucknow have revealed a
civilization of the pre-Christian era.
Lying on the banks of river Gomti, this beautiful city was the
capital of the Wazirs and Nawabs of Avadh (Oudh) two centuries
ago. It was once the pivot of a unique culture, art and etiquette
– an ethos so unique that the term “Lucknavi”
culture still continues to be a by-word for gracious living. The
dynasty of Avadh was founded by a Persian named Saadat Khan in
1739 and the laudable work was carried on by his successors till
1814 after which it began to deteriorate. During the reign of
Asaf-ud-Daula (1775-1797), Lucknow was at its zenith. It was
practically the “Paris of India”, the country’s
centre of art and culture. The year 1857 saw a mutinous Lucknow.
The bullet-pierced walls of the Residency speak of the six
tumultuous months of the 1857 uprising. The great Imambara, with
the Central Hall measuring 162 feet by 53 feet, is one of the
largest vaulted galleries in the world.
Lucknow is a city synonymous with the Nawabi Culture. The
imperialistic splendor and magnificence of the Nawabi Era has
been glorified and eulogized down the ages by writers, poets and
historians alike.
Tremors of time have not effaced Lucknow of its cultural heritage
and traditions, which once contributed in creating the city
incomparable in its times. As the 18th century seat of the Nawabs
of Avadh, Lucknow flourished becoming an important political and
cultural center, rivaling Delhi in its patronage to art and
literature. It was during this time that culture and architecture
synthesized emerging in a distinct form now so typical to the
Lucknow culture.
