With its age-old culture and history, Lucknow is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts. The city, with its beautiful and intricate monuments, stands as a testament to the royal grandeur of the now-bygone era of the "Nawabs of Awadh" and the oppressive colonial regime of the British Empire. From the breathtaking Bara Imambara to the charming Residency, each location will surely leave you spellbound. Whether you're a history buff or not, you'll fall in love with the historical gems this city has to offer.
Enormous and magnificent, to say the least, the Bara Imambra in Lucknow is the cultural high point of the city. It seems as if the whole city is centred around this timeless wonder of history. Standing in the centre of a large complex, the Imambara's construction was carried out in 1785 by the then nawab Asaf ud Daula. The most fascinating fact about this place is that its central hall is the largest vaulted chamber in the world, which is around 180 feet wide and doesn't have any pillars in the middle to hold it.
If you go by its name, you might think it's a small monument in size. If you believe that, then you are mistaken cause there is nothing small about the Chhota Imamambra. It's called so only because it's smaller in size when compared to the Bara imambara. Its construction happened between 1837 to 1842. Known for its spectacular gold-plated dome and turrets, this imambara is an exquisite example of craftsmanship. The monument was built under the orders of the then-third ruler of Lucknow, Mohammad Ali Shah, who, along with several other family members, rest within the tombs in the imambara itself.
The British Residency, also known as The Residency, is a well-known historical site in Lucknow situated close to other notable buildings like the High Court Building, Tehri Kothi, and Shaheed Smarak. Lovely terraced lawns and gardens surround the main structure with a view of the Gomti River. The Archaeological Survey of India has designated it as a protected monument even though it is currently in ruins. The British Residency was the location where British citizens sought safety during the 1857 revolt.
One of Lucknow's most magnificent architectural designs is undoubtedly the famous Rumi Darwaza. A similar gateway constructed by Constantinople and formerly stood in Turkey is considered a major inspiration for the design. Sometimes called the Turkish gate, it stands at sixty feet. This massive gate, which has now become a prominent feature in the city, once marked the entrance to Old Lucknow. It was built in the eighteenth century by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daulah.
Hussainabad Clock Tower, another piece of Lucknow's legacy, lies between Rumi Darwaza and Chota Imambara. Since it was constructed in 1887 to honour Sir George Couper, the first Lieutenant Governor of the United Province of Awadh, it has dominated Lucknow's landscape, standing at 221 feet. This clock tower is among the tallest ones in the country.
One of the only monuments in Lucknow with baroque architecture is the Dilkusha Kothi, formerly among the largest structures in the city. This monument was constructed in the 19th century by the Nawab Saadat Ali Khan in the style of Seaton Delavel, an English country home built in 1721. The building seems even more attractive due to the exquisitely designed garden that surrounds it.
If architecture treats your sore eyes, you should also check out Jama Masjid in the city. Not only that, though! In addition, it is a significant religious centre that is always bustling with pious Shia Muslims on certain occasions.
Beginning in 1837, under the reign of Muhammad Ali Shah, the building's construction was halted upon the ruler's passing. Nonetheless, Nawab Malika Janah assumed responsibility for seeing the project through to completion. The mosque is still regarded as one of Lucknow's finest specimens of Mughal architecture.