Lucknow named after “Lakshmana” brother of Lord Ram from Ramayana changed from Lakshmanpuri to Lakhanpur and later to Lucknow also known as Awadh. Awadh ruled by Delhi Sultanate from 1350 to Britishers till 1947 has a vast history. Situated on the banks of river Gomti, City of Nawabs is famous for its Adab and Tehjeeb (Phele Aap) has rich cultural heritage with great architectural features and also a great destination for foodies that’s why it’s also known as City of Kebabs where city serves a great variety of kebabs famous all over the globe. Special type of fabric manufactured here coincidentally also known as “CHICKEN” is very famous. Eating chicken to wearing chicken anything can happen in Lucknow.
Architecture
Architecture in Lucknow show different styles of iconic buildings from the era of Mughals to Britishers and major part of the architecture lies in the old part of the city beside the Gomti river. Many other old dilapidated architectural buildings are easy to find in Lucknow.
- Rumi Darwaza & Bada Imambada
Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula’s reign saw a devastating famine resulting in an economic crisis. The Nawab then started the work for the Asafi Imambada or the Bada Imambada in 1784 as a part of the food-for-work programme. This delayed the conpletion till the famine was over. The Nawab’s generosity and philanthropy earned him the quote “Jisko na de Moula, usko de Asaf-ud-Doula” (Whosever not got from God, he gets from Asaf-ud-Doula). The Rumi Darwaza is the main gateway to the Bada Imambada and has been derived from Roman and named because the gateway’s design has resemblance to Roman architecture.
- Chota Imambada & Clock Tower
The Chota Imambara built in 1838 by the third Nawab of Awadh also known as Hussainabad Imambara, the monument was meant to serve as the mausoleum for its founder. Imambada with the Persian and Indo-Islamic structural designs, the monument is famous for its golden dome, gold-edged mirrors and silver throne. Several turrets and minarets are also located in the monument.In the complex are housed tombs of Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah and other members of his family. Arabic calligraphy adorns the walls of the monument. The interior of the monument is decorated with intricate glass works. Ornamental lamps and Belgian chandeliers are lit on the eve of Muharam. The watch tower called Satkhanda or Husainabad Clock Tower of seven storeys is located outside the Imambara. As the construction of the tower was abandoned when Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah died, it has only four storeys, though it is called Satkhanda was built for moon watching and it’s a replica to the Big Ben in London.
- Residency
The Residency, also called as the British Residency and Residency Complex, is a group of several buildings in a common precinct in the city of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was the residence of the British Resident General serving in the court of the Nawab. The Residency is located in the mid of the city, in the vicinity of other monuments. It was constructed by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan II, fifth Nawab of the province of Awadh. It has a great part in the history of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 which now exists as ruins.
Food
- Tunday Kebab
Food in Lucknow is incomplete without the famous “Tunday Kababi” which is famous for its Galouti Kebabs along with other different varieties of Kebabs and other non-veg dishes. Its been prepared since 17th century from the times of Nawabs in Lucknow. Located in the busy streets of Aminabad, Tunday Kebabi has major attraction of tourists for its cuisines. The secret recipe of preparing kebabs is with the variety of 160 spices to give an immaculate flavour to the dish.
- Idrees-Ki-Biryani
Another place famous for its secret recipe of biryani is “Idrees-ki-biryani” serving since generations, since 1968 a love place for Biryani lovers. Again, located on busy streets of Chowk looks like an ordinary restaurant but serves the best biryani in the whole city. An overcrowded place for foodies.
- Rahim Ki Nihari
Opened in 1890 its famous for its Nihari & Kulche and has been 130 years serving the city. What Tunday is to Kebabs and Idrees is to biryani, Rahim is to Nihari. Started as a normal breakfast joint and later growed to a famous food pointin the city. Everyone is surprised to see the crowd even today queued up early in the morning. It is located on phool wali gali near Tehseen Masjid in Chowk. You can also try paaye, sheermal, kakori kabab, parsande, seekh kabab & kheer.
- Prakash Ki Kulfi & Sharma Ki Chai – and many other food points are very famous in Lucknow along with the country.
Lucknow-It’s not only about kebabs, biryanis, monuments, etc its even more when you visit it and explore the city. The city with its Adab and Tehjeeb has been a much more.
“Muskuraiye Aap Lucknow me hai”
(Smile because you are in Lucknow)
Picture Credits - Ayush Srivastava(@clickstars_pixelhouse)
Umang Yadav 