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Lucknow
Lucknow is popularly known as the City of Nawabs, for erstwhile Awadh was under the strong reigns of Mughal Kings and Nawabs who looked after its culture, administration and political standing. Often regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in terms of historical significance, the saga of this city is incomplete without the narration of its inkiest past; The Siege of Awadh.
A lot is known about the Revolt of 1857, and Lucknow's pivotal role in the Indian uprising against the British East India Company, for the testimony of the city's bravery and valor stands in the ruins of the British Residency in the heart of the old city. Unravel all that remains under the wraps of history and learn the truth behind the bullets that are still etched in the walls of the Lucknow Residency:
The British Residency
The Britsh Residency was set up in 1764, post the alliance of the Nawab of Lucknow with that of Bengal after the Battle of Buxar. In order to not lose face in one of the richest Province, Awadh, a representative of the British known as the General Resident was appointed and stationed at the complex which is now called the British Residency.
33-Acre PlotÂ
With the rising power of the Resident General assumed the role of a quasi ruler in Awadh and the then Nawab of the Province ceded half of the land to the British which included royal palaces and open spaces. Spread for over 33 acres, the Residency became a city within the city!
Bailey Guard Gates
The Nawab also built an enormous gate for the King-Maker Resident General who had helped him to acquire the throne. These gates were called the Bailey Guard Gates named after the then Resident Genreal, John Bailey. These gates were the stepping stones to the establishment of a huge living complex which included a banquet hall, school, an officer's mess, post office, places of worship, cemetery, horse stables, sheep house, gardens and parks!
Civil Township
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The conversion of this administrative complex into a massive civil township is pinned on the French General and Founder of La Martiniere College in Lucknow, Major General Claude Martin. He built a number of houses around the complex which were rented only to Europeans.
The British Headquarters
With the deposition of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah in 1856, the British Residency converted into the most powerful headquarter in the city. All the politcal and administrative control of the city now lay in the hands of the British. What the British couldn't control was how the people of the city viewed the Residency; as a symbol of British Tyranny.
The Siege of LucknowÂ
When the rising momentum of the Revolt of 1857 reached Lucknow, 8000 soldiers of the British Army and several local landowner surrounded the Residency that was a refuge to all the Europeans in the city. For 6 months, the Residency was guarded by virtue of its elevated establishment, however, the spirit of the Indian was undefeated and the British had to evacuate the complex.
Bullet Marks
The signs of revolt are still etched into the walls of the complex. From bullet marks to canon attacks, the ruins of the building is a remembrance of the anger and dissatisfaction of the people of Lucknow against the British.
The GraveyardÂ
Around 2000 people, includings soldiers, officers, women and children died within these 6 months. Though, the Revolt of 1857 was a national phenomenon, nowhere was the destruction as brutal as it was in Lucknow.
Historical Records
A museum that records this chapter of the Lucknow History stands in the ruins of the complex today and is open for all who wish to learn what transpired within the now broken walls of a once pristine Residency.
Today, the Residency stands as a landmark of tourist attraction with its mowed gardens and parks. It stands as a memorial to those who fought for freedom and who died denying it. The land is and the ruins are now under the management of the Archaeological Survey of India and exists as a monument of national importance.
The Bada Imambara is one of the most magnificent structures in Lucknow. Known primarily for its Bhool Bhulaiya, the labyrinth, this building holds a great cultural, religious and historic significance and value. With its chambers laced with secrets, a perplexing yet astonishing echo system and porous walls, the Imambara is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the heart of the old city! Check out these amazing facts about Bada Imambara that will want to make you visit it soon!
Asafi Imambara
Bara Imambara is one of the major landmarks of Lucknow that symbolises the magnificence of the city's culture and rich heritage. It was built under the rule of Asaf-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Awadh region and is also called Asafi Imambara for the grave of the Nawab is under the structure canopy. It is now used by Shia Muslims for the purpose of Azadari or Muhorram.
Master Plan
In 1784 a major famine struck the Awadh region; rendering the people of the province rather helpless. It was then that the Nawab of Awadh, Asaf-us-Daula decided to involve all the people into the construction of this monument. It is believed that labour class spent the day constructing and in the evening, the aristocracy would come and destroy it! This ensured work to all classes of people for a long, long time!
Magnificence Personified
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The construction and famine both lasted for 11 years and so did the employment scheme! It is believed 20,000 men were involved in the making of this monument!
Defying Gravity
Its central hall is said to be the largest vaulted chamber in the world and it certainly defies all laws of Physics and gravity! This central foyer ceiling has no beams and support to hold it to its glory. In simpler words, Bada Imambara is an architectural wonder!
One of a Kind
This classical site has no pivotal support and unlike most Persian or Mughal structures, it done not have any dome or minaret. It is, however, majorly dominated by a number of archways and windows.
The Peculiar Making
Save the interior galleries of this monument, there is no woodwork in the entire structure. It is a surprise as to how the structure stands because it is independent of any metal beams and support wires!
Bhool Bhulaiya
The biggest attraction of the Bada Imambara is the infamous Bhool Bhulaiya! With 1024 ways of going in and only 2 to come out, this maze is situated on the top of the Imambara. With its multiple, serpentine identical stairs, corridors and doorways, that open onto rooftop balconies, this is said to be the support system of the beam-less structure.
Asafi Mosque
On the premises, to the west of the Bada Imambara stands the Asafi Mosque. This building is dedicated as a tomb to Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula and is the epitome of Mughal architecture with no trace of any western influence!
Shahi Baoli
On the Eastern side of the magnificent Bada Imambara is the Shahi Baoli or the step-wise well. This is said to be the secret surveillance system of the Nawab and his officials, for if you stand in the inner Eastern chamber of the well, you can see the reflection of those approaching the well from the other side in the water. As most guides will tell, it is the Nawab's live CCTV camera!
To know more such quirky, interesting and historic facts about the city of Lucknow, its monuments and wonders, follow KnockenseLucknow on Instagram!