Lucknow is the capital city of Uttar Pradesh and it has always been a multicultural city. Courtly manners, beautiful gardens, poetry, music, and fine cuisine patronized by the Persian-loving Shia Nawabs of the city are well known amongst Indians and students of South Asian culture and history. Lucknow is popularly known as the The City of Nawabs.It is also known as the Golden City of the East, Shiraz-i-Hind and The Constantinople of India.
Geography of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Situated in the heart of the great Gangetic plain, Lucknow city is surrounded by its rural towns and villages like the orchard town of Malihabad, historic Kakori, Mohanlal ganj, Gosainganj, Chinhat, Itaunja. On its eastern side lies Barabanki District, on the western side is Unnao District, on the southern side Raebareli District, and on the northern side the Sitapur and Hardoi districts. The Gomti River, the chief geographical feature, meanders through the city, dividing it into the Trans-Gomti and Cis-Gomti regions. Lucknow city is located in the seismic zone
Lucknow How to reach
By Air - Lucknow airport is at Amausi, located about 15 km from the city center.Daily flights from Delhi and Tuesday, Saturday to Mumbai, Monday, Wednesday and Friday to Patna and Ranchi, daily to Varanasi.
By Rail - Lucknow is serviced by the Northern and NE Railway networks. Charbagh Station, 3km from town centre.
By Road - Lucknow is on the crossroads of National Highways 24, 25 and 28 running east, west and south. It is well connected by road with major cities like Agra (363 km), Allahabad (225 km), Calcutta (985 km), Delhi (497 km), Kanpur (79 km) and Varanasi (305 km).
Languages spoken: Hindi, Urdu, Awadhi, Braj, Bhojpuri and English
Uttar Pradesh is a microcosm of the entire Indian nation in its diversity. Multi ethnic, multi religious and multi cultural, Uttar Pradesh has absorbed many an immigrant culture and race within its borders and created a unique cultural heritage found nowhere else in the country. Its people belong to many religions and come from distant parts of the country but have had the latitude to recreate their own native cultures. Afghans, Kashmiris, Bengalis, Parsis and Punjabi immigrants settled here. Christians, Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists all found the freedom to practise their religions and pass it on to successive generations.
One of the least developed states in the country; it has some highly industrialised pockets. While it is secular, liberal and progressive, at the same time it is deeply rooted in social and religious traditions and taboos. While its diversity is its strength, it is often equally divisive although rarely parochial. Inherently secular in character, it is also the place where religious buildings are torn down by rampaging fundamentalists.
Religion
The majority of the people are Hindus while a large percentage of the minority practice Islam. There are also a fair number of Christians in Uttar Pradesh.
Culture of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh has been the cultural seat of the country for a very long time. The history of Uttar Pradesh is fascinating, and it has shaped a rich cultural heritage of the state that has emerged as the focal point of the Indian culture. The Mauryans, the Mughals, the British, etc. all brought with them their own cultural traits.
A cultured, genteel lifestyle was the essence of the rule of the Muslim Nawabs of Awadh. Music, dance, literature, poetry, arts and crafts flourished under royal patronage. Women were encouraged to learn the fine arts and to read and write, albeit within the ‘purdah’. Litterateurs, painters, dancers and musicians created masterpieces in their respective genres.
Writers like Munshi Premchand, Mahadevi Verma, Srikant Verma, poets like Suryakant Tripathi ‘Nirala’, Harivanshrai Bacchan, Sumitra Nandan Pant, Mahavir Prasad Dwiwedi, and Upendranath ‘Ashk’; artistes of the stature of the shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan, Kathak wizard Birju Maharaj, tabla maestro Kishan Maharaj, the legendary Baba Allaudin Khan and his disciples Pt. Ravi Shankar and Ustad Vilayat Khan; ghazal singers Begum Akhtar, Rasoolan Bai, Girija Devi and many more have lived and practised their art and craft here.
Uttar Pradesh is the place where one of the six foremost classical dances of India, the Kathak, flourished. The word Katha, from which the name is derived, means story. It originated in northern India, during the 7th century A.D. Kathak has very intricate and complex movements of hands and feet along with facial expressions. The footwork is accompanied by the music of various percussion instruments such as tabla and pakhwaj, which are native to north India.
Folk arts of Uttar Pradesh include these theatrical forms-
Braj Raslila, which is associated with the life of the lover-God, Lord Krishna
Ramlila is another such art form dealing with the life of Lord Rama
Charukala is another folk dance of the state. The dance of Charkula involves a female dancer balancing a column of lighted deepikas over her head while dancing.
Rasiya describes the love of Radha and Shri Krishna. Charkula and Rasiya are native arts of the Braj region of the state.
Crafts
One of the important crafts of Uttar Pradesh is Chikankari, which entails delicate and traditional hand embroidery. This form of handicrafts is mainly practiced in Lucknow. It is done on fabrics like chiffon, doruya, muslin, organza, organdie and silk. Chikan saris and Kurtas make the perfect summer wear.
Zardoji embroidery is another unique art where the embroidery is done in three dimensions. Zari works of Benaras are famous the world over.
Pottery and exquisite metal ware products are also created on a large scale in Uttar Pradesh.
Carpet weaving is also an important cultural expression of Uttar Pradesh. The state caters to 90 percent of the country's carpets and the carpet weaving centers in the state are primarily located around Mirzapur, Khamaria and Bhadohi.
Metal Ware
Brassware Uttar Pradesh is the largest Brass and Copper producing state in India. In domestic-ware each of the 'lotas' (small water-pots) is known by the name of its origin, like Etawah, Banaras, Sitapur, etc. The ritual articles are largely in copper. Moradabad in U P is famous for art metalwork and known for it's coloured enamelling and intricate engravings.
Pottery
Glazed pottery with white background and blue and green patterns is developed in Khurja, Chunar and Rampur in Uttar Pradesh. UP produces some of the finest Chunar black clay pottery. This is inlaid with silver paint in intricate designs. The art that is perfected in Nizamabad, has high gloss and lustre derived from a powder called kabiz made from the mud of rice fields. Khurja is also well known for its cheap and tough tableware.
Terracotta
Gorakhpur has villages where clay figures of animals are done and is is famous for its ornately decorated terracotta horse. The potter creates the basic form by throwing separate pieces on the wheel and then joining them.
Jewellery
Lucknow is well known for its jewellery and enamelling work. Exquisite silverware's with patterns of hunting scenes, snakes and roses are very popular. The Bidri and Zarbuland silver works of Lucknow find expression on excellent pieces of huqqa farshi, jewel boxes, trays, bowls, cufflinks, cigarette holders, etc. Renowned ivory and bone carvings with motifs of flowers, leaves, creepers, trees, birds and animals are widely produced in Lucknow. The master craftsmen create intricate items like knives, lampshades, shirt pins and small toys.
Perfume
'Attars' or perfumes are also produced in Lucknow from the 19th century. The Lucknow perfumers experimented and succeeded in making attar with delicate and lasting fragrances those are made from various aromatic herbs, spices, sandal oil, musk, essence of flowers, and leaves. The famous Lucknow fragrances are khus, keora, chameli, zafran and agar.
Painting
The tradition of painting in Uttar Pradesh goes back to pre-historic times. The cave paintings of Sonbhadra and Chitrakoot depict scenes of hunting, war, festivals, dances, romantic life and animals. The golden period of Painting in UP was the Mughal Era. The art of painting attained its peak during the reign of Jahangir. The Mughal style of painting remains one of the greatest achievements of Asian culture and is unique in its concept, presentation and style.
The art of painting reached the epitome of perfection in the area of Bundelkhand when the King of Orchha reconstructed the temple of Keshav Dev in Mathura. The paintings of Mathura, Gokul, Vrindavan and Govardhan depict scenes from the life of Lord Krishna.
Another major pre-modern painting tradition of UP is known as the Garhwal School which was patronized by the Kings of Garhwal.
Music
Uttar Pradesh was the land of the great sages and hermits and the singing of ancient hymns and mantras laid the basic tradition of music, which has blossomed into a musical tradition. The medieval age saw the emergence of two distinct strands of music. One was the court music that found patronage in the Courts like Agra, Fatehpur-Sikri, Lucknow, Jaunpur, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Banda and Datiya. The second was the religious tradition emerging from the Bhakti Cult rooted and flowered in centres like Mathura, Vrindavan and Ayodhya. Rulers and musicians from Uttar Pradesh contributed to the prosperity of Hindustani music.
Cultural heritage
Some scholars are of the view that the Rig Veda was composed in the Gangetic valley. But even if this be not true, it is generally accepted that a substantial portion of the Vedic literature had its origin here in its many hermitages, which were seats of learning. Some of the big names in Hindu sacred literature, such as Yajnavalkya, Vashishtha, Vishwamitra, Valmiki, Attriyea, Bharadwaja, Kapil and Vyas lived in these sylvan retreats of Uttar Pradesh and inspired millions through the ages. Uttar Pradesh's greatest gifts to humanity are the two epics, 'Ramayana' and 'Mahabharata'. From the epic age, the territory of Uttar Pradesh being watered by several fresh streams of culture, the two most significant being those generated by the teachings of the Buddha and Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankar.
Brahmanical culture eclipsed by the more virile and vigorous Buddhism. Culture in all its manifestations served the ends of religion. The fountainheads of Brahmanical culture were centered at holy places as Kashi, Ayodhya, Prayag, Mathura and the Himalayan hermitages. Mathura has proved to be a veritable store-house of buried ancient art, both of the Brahmanical and Buddhist varieties and Kashi, which has withstood the ravages of times, of living Hindu art.
Festivals
The important Hindu festivals of Uttar Pradesh are Navaratri, Diwali, Shivaratri, Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami
Karva Chauth: This festival of fasting and feasting falls on nine days after Dussehra, on the fourth day of the Karva Chauthdark fortnight of Kartika. Karva Chauth is held by married Hindu woman for the safety and prosperity of their husbands.
Annakoot is celebrated which is devoted to feasting and Govardhan Puja in the evening and rounded up next day by Bhaiya Dooj when sisters apply vermilion tika (auspicious mark) on the forehead of their brothers who reward them with money.
Shitla Ashtami, which falls on eighth day after Holi, is devoted to the goddess of small-pox, followed by Ram Navami on Chaitra Sudi Navami, commemorating the birth of Lord Rama; Baisakhi Purnima, a big bathing day; Bargadee Amavasya in Jaistha Dussehra, another great bathing day; Guru Purnima in Asadh when Vyas Puja is held and Nag Panchami dedicated to the worship of the Snake God, Shesha.
Janmashtami is the most important Hindu festival celebrating the birthday of Lord Krishna. This festival is followed by Hartalika Teej, Ganesh Chaturthi, Anant Chaturdashi, and Pitra Visarjan Amavasya devoted to making of oblations to the Pitras (dead ancestors) and is called Pitra Paksha. Bharat Milap which is celebrated during the month of October or November is performed at Nati Imli on the day following Vijayadashmi (Dusshera). It pertains to the episode of the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, and his reunion with his brother Bharat.
Muslim Festivals
The most solemn and colourful Muslim function held in the state is Muharram, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Holi Prophet. In all cities and towns Muslims take out impressive processions of colourfully decorated tazias, replicas of the martyr's tomb at Karbala. The most solemn and impressive Muharram is observed in Lucknow, where gold and silver replicas of old Nawabi times are brought out and men beat their breasts in mourning constantly until blood oozes out. The two Imambaras and Shah Najaf are beautifully illuminated for two days. An impressive event is a fire-walking feat held in one of the Imambaras. After the burial of the tazias on the tenth day, a gathering of mourners in utter darkness is held, known as Majlis Sham-i-Ghariban, one of the most soul-stirring events among Muharram observances. The other occasions of religious importance for Muslims are Id-Ul-Fitr, Ramzan (a month devoted to fasting), Chehlum, Bara Wafat, Shah-i-Barat and Id-Uz-Zuha.
Cuisine of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
The cuisine of Uttar Pradesh is just as diverse as its geography. Ranging from simple every day fare to rich, elaborate banquets, the cuisine of Uttar Pradesh has absorbed and adapted a variety of cuisines to create an entire feast of wonderful dishes. Many of the Hindu communities are staunch vegetarians and they have created a vast variety of vegetarian dishes ranging from the all time favourite 'puri-aloo' or potatoes and fried wheat bread to savouries and divine desserts and sweetmeats. The Muslims, Kashmiris, Kayasthas and Christian communities cook up a storm of non-vegetarian dishes including a delectable selection of breads, kababs, curries and biryanis. The Muslim cuisine, of northern Uttar Pradesh is very different from the Mughlai food of Delhi. The Nawabs of Oudh were great gourmets and encouraged their master chefs to create new styles of cooking like the famous 'Dum Pukht' of Lucknow where the food is sealed in large pots called 'Handis', placed over a slow fire and left to cook in its own juices. When opened, these dishes release the most fragrant and delicious aromas. Lucknow and its neighbouring towns were put on the culinary map of India thanks to these rich curries, melt in the mouth kababs, fragrant rice biryanis and pulaos and an eclectic variety of leavened and unleavened breads.
Places of interest in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
The 60 feet high Rumi Gate was constructed under Nawab Asafl-us-Daula in 1786. It is said to be identical in design to an ancient portal at Constantinople. Its uppermost part consists of an eight faceted chhatri, approachable by a staircase.
Also known as the Bara Imambara, it was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784 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 has large underground passages which have been blocked up. A staircase from outside leads to a series of labyrinths known as Bhool-Bhulaiyan which is a complicated entanglement of zig-zag pass. Visitors are advised to visit only with authorized guides. Within the compound of the Imambara is the grand Asafi Mosque. Shahi Baoli is another attraction here.
Timing : Sunrise to SunsetThough Popularly called as the Chhota Imambara, the Hussainabad Imambara stands to the west of Bara Imambara. Built by Nawab Mohammad Ali Shah (1837-42), it is more ornate in design with exquisite chandeliers, gilt-edged mirrors, silver mimbar and colourful stuccos which adorn the interiors. A golden dome and fine calligraphy on the exterior of the building makes it a truly exceptional monument of Mughal architecture (open : 0600 hrs to 1700 hrs.).
The construction of Jama Masjid, to the north-west of Hussainabad Imambara, was started in 1832 AD during the reign of Mohammad Ali Shah but was completed after his death by his begum, Nawab Malika Janah. It is entirely free from the pseudo-Italian art then in vogue in Lucknow and reflects the Mughal style of architecture.
Near Rumi Darwaza, this 221 ft. high Clock Tower was built in 1887 to mark the arrival of Sir George Couper, the first Lieutenant Governor of the United Province of Awadh.
Nawab Mohammad Ali Shah built it as a 'Baradari' - literally meaning 'having 12 doorways.' It is now used as a gallery for display of life size portraits of the Nawabs of Avadh (Open : 0800 hrs to 1700 hrs.).
Near the Clock Tower, housed in an imposing building, is a picture gallery which has a fine collection of portraits of the rules of Awadh.
Built for the British Resident during 1780-1800, it was originally a large complex of many buildings. It was the scene of dramatic events during the first war of independence in 1857. The main building overlooks the river Gomti and is surrounded by terraced lawns and gardens. Today, only the scarred ruins bear witness to the turmoil of 1857. SOUND & LIGHT SHOW is an added attraction here. Entry fee : Rs. 5.00 (Indian), Rs. 100.00 (Foreigner).
The construction of the Kaiserbagh palace complex was started in 1848 by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah and was completed in 1850. The buildings on three sides of the Kaiserbagh quadrangle, once provided quarters for the ladies of Wajid Ali Shah's harem. In the centre stands the white Baradari, a grand white stone edifice which was earlier paved with silver.
The imposing twin tombs of Nawab Saadat Ali Khan and his wife Khurshid Zadi, stand near the historical Begum Hazrat Mahal Park.
On the bank of the river Gomti, stands in a beautiful park, this white marble memorial, dedicated to the martyrs who laid down their lives during the Freedom Movement of India.
There are two highly revered Lord Hanuman temples in Aliganj locality, one built in 1783 and the other built in 1798 by Chhatar Kunwar, the queen mother of nawab Saadat Ali Khan. "Bara Mangal" fair (May -June) is held here on a grand Scale.
Overpowering in dimensions yet aesthetically designed, Charbagh railway station built in 1914 incorporates the best of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. It gives an ideal traditional warm welcome to every visitor.
Its foundation was laid in 1922 by Sir Harcourt Butler and the construction was completed in six years. Its octagonal shaped chamber has a domed roof decorated with peacocks in fully plumed splendor.
This Gurudwara is associated with the memories of Guru Teg Bahadurji and Guru Govind Singhji who had stayed here in 1671 and 1672, respectively. An art gallery depicting various events of Sikh Panth has been established here.
Located at Sikanderbagh, where a pitched battle was fought during the first war of independence in 1857. The botanical garden is open to public from 9.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Closed on Saturday and Sunday.
The Finest and the largest example of European funerary monument in the subcontinent, La Martiniere is associated with its rather strange and romantic past. Built and designed by French soldier turned architect-Claude Martin, It incorporates the features of Italian architecture, fusing them with native architectural attributes of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Today it houses one of the leading educational instructions of the city.
Christ Church, All Saints Church, St. Joseph's Cathedral Church, Assembly of God's Church, Lalbagh Church, Isabella Thoburn Church, St. Agnes Church.
There are several Jain temples in the city. Prominent among them are the Lord Shantinath and Lord Padma Prabhu Temple in Churivali Gali locality, the Lord Parshwanath Temple in Sondhitola, Lord Sambhawnath Temple in Phulwali gali (Chowk), five temple in Dadabari premises at Thakurganj and the Jain temple in Daliganj-Besides Jain temples, Buddha temples on Gautam Buddha Road and at Risaldar Park are worth visiting.
Situated at Suraj kund Park, it is a novel attraction of the city. The Saturn shaped building of the planetarium is unique of its kind. This completely air-conditioned planetarium has a state of art projection system, which gives special effects while projecting. Art projecting system, digital sound and lift-ramp for handicapped persons are the other worth mentioning facilities available here. Show timings (40 minute duration-based on title "Our world & beyond") : 01.00 pm to 1.40 pm- reserved for school bookings. 2.00 p.m. (in English), 3.00 p.m., 4.00 p.m., 5.00 p.m., 6.00 p.m. (all in Hindu). Closed on Mondays. Entry fee : Rs. 25.00 (for public), Rs. 15.00 (for students if they come through the schools in a group of 100 or more). No entry fee for handicapped. Tel: 2629176, 2627416
Other places of interest include Maharaja Bijli Pasi Quila, Nadan Mahal, Chhatar Manzil, Moti Mahal, Alambagh Palace, Bari Kaliji Temple, Kalibari, Koneshwar Temple, Siddhanath Temple, Chhachhi Kuan Temple, Tikait Rai Talab, Buddha Park, Neebu Park, Hathi Park, Globe Park, Begum Hazrat Mahal Park, Surya Kund, Buddheshwar Temple, Mankameshwar Temple, Baba Bhutnath Temple, Ram Krishna Math, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Smritika, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Park, Chandrika Devi Temple, etc.
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Park is constructed by LDA in Gomtinagar, Lucknow. This park is devoted to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia who was a great Socialist and Philosopher. This park is designed and constructed by Lucknow Development Authority and is spread over Eighty acres of land.
An artificial lake is developed in the area of 15,000 Sq. Meters of land having one attractive tower in the park. The park is constructed under the norms and guidelines of ecology accordingly trees are planted all over in the garden.
Entrance Fee: Rs. 5/- per head (Fee unto 12 years children)
Parking Fee: Rs. 10/- Car, Rs. 5/- Scooter, Rs. 2/- Cycle
Park Timing: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm
Derives its name from one of the begums of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, Sikandar Mahal. It was 120 square yards in area surrounded by a high wall, with a summer house in its centre. The place had also been associated with the war of independence activities. The National Botanical Garden has been set up here after independence.
The "Umbrella Palace" stands near the present Hanuman Setu. It derives its name from the guilt dome with a covering umbrella, which gives a special magnificence to the complex, constructed by Nawab Ghazi-ud-din Haider and completed by his son Nasir-ud-din Haider. Today it houses the Central Drug Research Institute (C.D.R.I.).
On the outskirts of Lucknow, it has been developed by the Forest Department. Kukrail houses a deer park and one of the nurseries of the endangered species of Crocodiles in India. One of the favorite picnic spots in Lucknow, it boasts of a Children's Park, Cafeteria and Rest House. A variety of birds and Black Bucks can also be seen in their natural habitats.
On the outskirts of Lucknow, it has been developed by the Forest Department. Kukrail houses a deer park and one of the nurseries of the endangered species of Crocodiles in India. One of the favorite picnic spots in Lucknow, it boasts of a Children's Park, Cafeteria and Rest House. A variety of birds and Black Bucks can also be seen in their natural habitats.
A multipurpose museum for children between the age group of four to fourteen years. Visiting hours: 10.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Closed on Monday.
Established by the Department of Culture, U.P. Govt., it preserves a rare collection of 1600 artifacts which includes numerous photographs. It also houses a rich library. It is now situated in its new building next to the state Museum. Timing: 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Closed on Monday.
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. Timing: 10.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
Regional science centre, set up in 1989, by the National Council f Science Museum on as sprawling 10 acre land at sector 'E' (Ekta Vihar, Aliganj Ext.), has now been upgraded to a Regional Science City. An aesthetically designed new sing has been built in the midst of the lush green surroundings of the science park. Three large exciting galleries on the themes 'UNDERWATER EXPLORATION BIOTECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTION' and 'BEING HUMAN' have been set up in the new wing along with the state of art facilities like a large format Scimax Theatre and a 3-D Science Show.
Kalagaon's goal is to gift awareness to the people for village tourism, country life, folk tradition, folk art & craft, culture, music, and the festivals of the country life. The guests are also served with traditional meals (Jeyee-Leyee), sitting on the 'patas'- on the ground, so that they enjoy the traditional Indian village life. It is situated at Anora, Faizabad Road, Lucknow.
Bihar became the first state in India to have separate web page for every city and village in the state on its website www.brandbihar.com (Now www.brandbharat.com)
See the record in Limca Book of Records 2012 on Page No. 217