LUCKNOW, Uttar Pradesh

Main Attraction: Bara Imambara (Asafi Imambara)

Bara Imambara (Asafi Imambara) located at the bank of Gomati River & surrounded by lush gardens, built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784, it is one of the top visited and most famous historical places of Lucknow. The fourth Nawab of Awadh, Asaf-ud-Daulah, who decided to build the Imambara as an act of religious piety and a measure of relief for his poor subjects affected by the severe famine of 1783-84.

A unique structure of Mughals engineering, architecture and lifestyle still alive in culture which offers a spectacular view of Lucknow city from the terrace of the historical monument, contains world’s largest hall without any physical support (beams or pillar), courtyards, holy mosque, embellished entrance, and a mystery/confusing place ‘Bhul Bhullaiya‘ which is a must see tourist attraction in Lucknow.

The arched roof of main hall of the Imambara is acclaimed as an architectural wonder, because no beams or intervening supports appear to hold the 16 ft. thick slab which is estimated to be 2,00,000 tons in weight. Apart from the magnificence of its structure, the Bara Imambara has a curious attraction in the form of Bhul Bhulaiya. It is a labyrinth [built over the galleries that support the roof] with a series of closed narrow passages and an intricate network that connects them to four sets of staircases that suddenly change direction, going up or down to confuse.

Brief History

Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh is named after the city of Lucknow. It is state headquarter of Uttar Pradesh Government. It has always been a seat of art, literature, culture and learning. In ancient times, it formed a part of Kaushal Kingdom and later on it was annexed to Avadh state. Various legends have been associated with the origin of the name Lucknow. It is said that the city was named after the name of Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Rama. In the north-west of the city, near the Harding’s bridge there still exists a mound on the right bank of the river Gomati which is called Lakshman tila. It is traditionally accepted though, no such recorded evidence is however, available supporting this theory. Some of the scholars are of the opinion that the city was named after a milk man (Ahir) named Lakhana, who became rich as a result of the spiritual blessing of a Muslim saint.

There are no historical records corroborating above theories. It is one of the oldest city of India. Before 2001 census it is the capital town of Uttar Pradesh & Uttranchal both. It is said that its original name was Lakshmanpuri,, then Lakhanpur and Lakhanawati before assuming the present name as Lucknow. It has already been described, Lucknow formed part of ancient Kosala kingdom (Kosala Maha Janapada), which was spread in the north of the foot of Nepal hills and in the east it was bounded by the river Sadanira, on the south it was bounded by Sayandilea. There is a mention about existence of Kosala kingdom in the Buddhist text, ‘Arunguttara Nikaya’. Various clans and dynasties have ruled this region during different times. Saiyed Salar Masud, deputed by his uncle Mahmood of Ghazni, is said to be the first Muslim who invaded this region. Some times during 1031-1033 A.D. he made satrikh in Barabanki district his headquarters. Bhars, Pasis and Rajputs also ruled this region. Latter on Muslims settled in the district in the beginning of the 13th century with the arrival of sheikhs of Kasmandi Kalan. 

The Kidwai Sheikhs of Jeggaur settled in 52 villages pargana Lucknow. The early sultans of Delhi annexed Avadh to their kingdom and thereafter Lucknow continued to be under the sultan of Delhi. However, it gained a significant prominence during the times of Tuglaqs. Sin-ul–Mulk son of Mahru, was appointed the Governor of Avadh, Zafrabad and Alakhnau (Lucknow). Lucknow came under the rule of Khwaja Jahan of the Sharki dynasty of Jaunpur in 1934. After the fall of Sharki dynasty of Jaunpur, Lucknow was annexed again with the kingdom of Lodhi Sultans of Delhi. Babar defeated Ibrahim Lodhi in 1526 and became the first Mughal Emperor of India. His son Humanyun took over the charge of Lucknow in the same year. But in 1527 he left the assignment to assist his father in the battle to be fought with Rana Sanga, the famous Rajput king. Taking the advantage of his absence the Afghans Captured Lucknow from the possession of Mughals, but it was only a temporary affair. Babar reoccupied Lucknow during 1528. During Akbar’s regime Lucknow got more importance for its developmental activities which continued even in Jahangir’s reign Lucknow formed a part of Suba of Avadh. Jahangir visited Lucknow, during his father’s reign and named a locality as Mirza Mandi. It is said that Aurangzeb also visited Lucknow on his way back from Ayodhya to Delhi and built a mosque on Lakshman Tila. Shah Peer Mohammad, a contemporary saint, who migrated from Jaunpur, died here and lays buried near this mosque.

Sadat Khan Burhan-ul–Mulk whose original name was Mir Mohammad Amin was the founder of Avadh dynasty. He belonged to a noble saiyed family who claimed to be the descendent of Prophet Mohammed. His father came to India in 1701with the eldest son Mohd. Baquer and settled in Patna. Later on Mir Mohammad Amin also visited this country in 1708 to see his father and elder brother but his father expired before his arrival. Consequently both the brothers, Mohammad Baquer and Mir Mohammad Amin left for Delhi. Initially Mir Mohammad joined the service of an Amin. For some time he worked under Sarbuland Khan, Faujdar of Katra Manikpur, but soon after he managed to get a post of Mansab under Farrukh Siyar. He played a key role in over throwing saiyed brothers. For his meritorious services he was awarded the title of Sadat Khan Bahadur in 1720 and in 1722 he was appointed governor of Avadh. At that moment Lucknow was under the influence of Shaikhzadas. Sadat Khan settled the disturbed fortunes of his territory, with the might of sword, and established his court at Faizabad, Nawab Burhan –ul-mulk (Sadat Khan) was summoned to Delhi in the wake of Nadir shah’s invasion, where he died a natural death in 1739 A.D.

Sadat Khan was succeeded by his son-in-law Mohammad Muqim, under the title of Abul Mansur Khan Safdar Jung. Safdar Jung’s rule of 15 years saw no peace as due to continuous struggle with the Bangash Pathan’s Farrukhabad. Safdarjung had to leave Delhi due to court conspiracies. He returned to Avadh in 1,753, but died within a year at Paper ghat near Sultanpur in 1,754. His mausoleum in Delhi is one of the finest pieces of architecture of that period.

Safdarjung was succeeded by his son Jalal-ud-din Haider Shuja-ud-daula, who stayed mostly at Faizabad. He supported Mir Kasim in the battle of Baksar in 1,764 but was defeated, which compelled him to enter into a treaty with the East – India Company, in addition to payment of 50 lakh of rupees. This was the advent of British on the soil of Avadh. The 1st British resident Mr. Middleton entered the court of Nawab Wazeer in 1,773. Safdar Jung was a restless, impulsive and ambition ruler who not only brought violent disturbances but also momentous vicissitudes for his reign. From the time of Shuja-ud-daula onwards, the Nawabs surrendered their independence little by little, over the coming years. Shuja-uddaula’s wife Bahu Begum,was a woman of great distinction and rank, who contributed significantly towards the growth and consolidation of her husband’s government. During the days of Shuja-ud-daula, Faizabad attained a prosperity which it never saw again. Suja died in 1,774 and was laid to rest at this mausoleum at Gulab Bari, Faizabad.

The occession of Asif-ud-daula, the forth Nawab Wazir of Avadh, brought a great change in Avadh politics. The capital was finally shifted from Faizabad to Lucknow in 1,755 which contributed to its significant growth. The most important outcome of Asif-ud-daula’s reign of the count at Lucknow was the emergence of a powerful shia culture which is still in constant interaction with the shia heart lands of Iran and Iraq. Asaf-ud-daula was also a great builder. He built the ‘Daulat Khana’ as a residence for himself to that west of Macchi Bhawan, the Rumi Darvaza and the incomparable Bara Imanbara. The Nawab departed for his heavenly abode in 1,797 and was laid to rest in his magnificent Imambara. Wazir –Ali-the son of Asifud- daula assumed rulership after him, but within four months of his rule he was alienated by the British and his subjects and was finally deposed and imprisoned in the Chunar fort, where he died.

Yamin-ud-daula Nawab Sadat Ali Khan was the son of Asaf-ud-daula. Who was crowned on 21st Jan., 1798 at a grand darbar at Bibiyapur palace, by Sir John Shore. As a mark of gratitude he ceded half of Avadh kingdom to the British in 1801. The Avadh style was gradually abandoned during reign of Sadat Ali Khan and European innovations were adopted largely. The result was that Lucknow became rendezvous for more distinguished people than ever before. In 1814 Nawab Sadat Ali Khan died and was buried at his tomb with his wife Khursheed Zadi in the twin tombs of Qaisherbagh adjoining the begums Hazrat Mahal park. Ghazi-ud-din Haider (1814-1827), Nasir-ud-din Haider(1827-1837), Mohammad Ali Shah (1837- 1842), Amjad Ali Shah(1842-1847) were the successor of each other respectively.

The construction of famous Chhota Imambara was started in the period of Muhammad Ali Shah. Amjad Ali Shah’s eldest son, Wazid Ali Sah, who was eventually destined to the last ruler of Avadh, ascended to the throne of Avadh in 1847. Wazid Ali Shah was a great patron of singers, musicians, dancers and artists. He was also greatly interested in architecture. He started building the Qaiserbagh palace complex. Wazid Ali shah was a weak king and unable to face the threat passed by British. Consequently the British speeded up their efforts to take Avadh in their grip. Colonel Sleeman was appointed as Resident in 1849 and was authorised by Lord Dollhouzie to tour entire Avadh and report the general condition of the people. Afterwards General Outram was sent to Lucknow as officiating Resident in December, 1854 and was directed to submit a report on the affair of Avadh. The king of Avadh refused to sign the treaty with the British for surrendering his kingdom to the East India Company. The king himself resigned and there after passed his life in exile as pensioner of the company. Major Glceps Outram took the charge of administration of Avadh on 7th February, 1856. Thus, the Avadh came under the rule of East India Company. The last king of Avadh left Avadh for Calcutta on 14th of March, 1856 and died there in 1887.

Lucknow has been the main centre of activities relating to first mutiny for freedom of India in 1857. On 17th January, 1857 Maulvi Ahmad Ullah Shah, who was also known as Sikandar Shah came to Lucknow after being expelled from Agra. There he preached people to fight against the British rule. Battles were fought at Malihabad, Lucknow, Chinhat and Alambagh against the British forces. The forces of Avadh fought the battle under the leadership of Begum Hazarat Mahal and the forces of Rajas and Nawabs revolted not only in Lucknow but at other places as well. Prominent places among them were Kanpur, Bithur, Kalpi, Jhansi, Gwalior, Meerut and Delhi. After this revolt, the control of the East India Company came to an end and the British crown assumed the charge of Indian Government.

After the first meeting for freedom in 1857, many other important events had also taken place in Lucknow. For instance, the session of Indian National Congress was held in Lucknow in 1899 with R. C. Dutt as the president of the Congress and later on, in 1916 as well, Lucknow was venue of the session of Indian National Congress and Muslim League. The leader of both the parties sorted out their difference and chalked out a common programme for political reforms. This is prominently known as the Lucknow pact. During the Non-cooperation movement of 1920-21 the people of Avadh took active part by organising boycott of foreign goods, picketing of liquor shops and boycotting of schools and colleges. Mahatma Gandhi himself visited Lucknow city on 20th October, 1920. Among the main political figures prominent in these days were Ganga Prasad Verma, A.P. Sen, Rai Rajeshwar Bali, Jagat Narain and others. On 9th August, 1925 the famous Kakori Train Dacoity ( known as ‘Kakori case’) took place. At Kakori Railway station some persons belonging to Revolutionary party stopped the 8-Down Moradabad-Lucknow passenger train by pulling the alarm chain and forcibly took away a sum of Rs. 4,67,916 from the Guard’s compartment. Ram Prasad Bismil, Roshan Singh, Rajendra Nath Lahri, Ashfaqullah Khan, Sachindra Nath Bakshi and Jagesh Chatterje were prominent leaders of the Revolutionary party. In fact, these revolutionaries wanted to make India free from the British slavery by any means whether non-violent or violent. The 49th session of the India National Congress was held at Lucknow in 1936 under the president ship of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

People of Lucknow participated in Quit India Movement in 1942 on large scale. Thus Lucknow has been the main centre of political activities during India’s freedom struggle. It is also known for social and cultural harmony religious tolerance and Hindu –Muslim unity.