Lucknow is popular for its archaic buildings, its rustic heritage and a rich culture but there are several facts about the city that are unknown to most people. So, read these 21 amazing facts listed below and see how well you know your city:
Chessboard of Charbagh
The Charbagh Railway Station of Lucknow is approximately 97 years old and is one of the most beautiful specimens of Awadhi, Mughlai and Rajputana school of architecture. The station complex has been so designed that it looks like a chessboard from above!
Edged in History
Lucknow Railway Station is the place where Mahatma Gandhi met Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru for the very first time in December 1916, even before the Railway Station started its operations in 1923.
Home to monument that defies laws of physics
The Bada Imambara in Lucknow defies the law of gravity. It is the world's largest foyer that stands without external beams and supports.
From Lakshmanpur to Lucknow
Legend says that Lucknow was a part of the ancient province of Lakshmanpur which was ruled over by Lord Rama's brother Laksham. Since then, Lucknow's name has gone through several processes of nomenclature; the city's name changed from Lakshampuri to Laksmnaut to Laksnaut to Laksnau to Laknau and finally Lucknow.
Tallest Clocktower
The Lucknow Ghantaghar of Husainabad is the highest clock tower in India, standing proudly at a height of 130 meters.
Culture and Art
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Lucknow has been a cradle to the Indian classical dance form of Kathak and has given birth to various dancers of this artform. Besides, that several great musicians were also cultured in the Nawab's court and some of the greatest poets and musicians were born and trained in the city.
The Site of Anarchism
Though Lucknow is pretty known for its typical Awadhi culture which evolved during the Mughal era, not many are aware of the fact that this was among the first sites of the first rebellion for a free and independent India. Yes, you read that right! The City of Nawabs is the birthplace of Anarchism.
Longest Race Course
India's longest race-course of 3.5km track length happens to be in the city of Lucknow.
1st STD call in the country
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Lucknow is the first city in India to have connected an STD- Subscriber Trunk Dialing call. These calls are used to connect operators from other Indian states.
Biggest Asian Park
Lucknow houses the largest park in the Asian continent- the Janeshwar Mishra Park. Located at one of the prime locations in Gomti Nagar, this park took 2 long years of construction and is inspired by the Hyde Park in London.
Preserving Wildlife
The Kukrail garden in Lucknow is a breeding spot of an endangered crocodile species.
The wondrous Gomti
Lucknow stands at the bank of the river Gomti, a tributary of the Holy Ganges. This is also the only river in the country that does not originate from the mountains but flows perennially, all year long!
The Jewels of Gomti
Lucknow's Gomti river is the only water body that furnishes a peculiar yet beautiful white stone known as the Gomti Chakra which is believed to be the harbinger of the good and positive. This stone is also said to correct vastu doshas and is used in many religious rituals in the city.
World's Largest School
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The City Montessori School in the city is the biggest school in the whole world, which brings Lucknow onto the International Educational Map. This Lucknow School is a part of the Guinness Book World Record with its never-ending list branches.
World Heritage Site
La Martiniere College in Lucknow is one of the oldest schools in college that still ranks in the Top 5 educational institutes of the city. With its legacy of 219 years, the school's main building known as Constantia is a UNESCO World Heritage site!
Set of 9000 eyes!
Lucknow is India's first 'CCTV City'. Initially, the cityscape was brought under the surveillance of over 9000 CCTV cameras in 2015, way before any other Indian city had such an elaborate monitoring system.
Invisible wiring
One may never find any loose wires in the Hazratganj area of the city. All electrical wirings in this space are underground.
The Highway Connect
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Lucknow is a nexus of highways – Four national highways originate at Hazratganj intersection. These are NH-24, NH-25, NH-56 and NH-28.
The intricacy of Chikankari
The threadwork embroidery of the of Chikankari, a 400-year art is Lucknow's gift to the world. This cloth embroidery technique has not only been preserved but the city also happens to be the biggest manufacturers of this beautiful and intricate thread work.
Bada Mangal Celebrations
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The Bada Mangal celebrations are unique and limited to the city. Lucknow is the only city in the country to observe a celebration on each Tuesday where more than 8 lakh devotees visit the Bada Mangal Temple in the Hindu month of Jyestha and food (langar) is fed in every street of the city.
The Lucknawi Food
The Awadhi cuisine of Lucknow is boon to the food culture of India. Famous for its varieties of biryani and kebabs, Lucknow is known for adding zaika and zing to every foody's platter!
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