Uttar Pradesh • 5 monuments
A magnificent piece of architecture basking in its centuries old glory, Chhota Imambara is the pride of Lucknow. Also known as Hussainabad Imambara, this fascinating monument was built by Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah under his food for work campaign to help the local people fight famine. Later, it served as the mausoleum for the Nawab and his family members. With its brass dome and numerous white turrets and minarets, the monument earned the designation of ‘Kremlin of India’ from a Russian prince. Special festive decorations earn it the title of Palace of Lights. Arabic calligraphy, inimitable glass work, globe-shaped lamps and collection of Belgian chandeliers are indeed the main highlights of the structure constructed in Persian and Indo-Islamic architectural styles. Other key attractions include a four-storey tower called Satkhanda, fluted pillars, ornamental candle stands, silver mimbar, gold framed-mirrors and a royal throne. A mosque is also located within the complex where non-Muslims are restricted to enter.
Designated as India’s tallest clock tower, Husainabad Clock Tower is also known as Satkhanda Tower. Standing 221 ft. in a beautiful garden which also accommodates a small lake, the tower was constructed using gunmetal by the British architect Roskell Payne in 1887. The tower was erected to commemorate the visit of Sir George Cooper, the first Lieutenant Governor of Avadh and most of its components were imported from London. Portraying the beautiful Victorian-Gothic style of architecture, the tower has four dials counted among India’s largest. The pendulum with 14 ft. length and dials in the shape of a 12-petal flower are among the most striking features of the structure. The tower’s principal clock went silent few decades ago, but was recently repaired to preserve this glorious heritage structure. One can hear two gongs, one sounding every 15 min. and other after every hour. Located close to the bank of River Gomti, the clock tower is undoubtedly the Lucknow’s pride. One can also explore other fascinating heritage sites like Chhota Imambara and Bara Imambara nearby.
An architectural marvel, Bara Imambara is astonishing in design and a real visual treat to the eyes. The main attraction of the structure is its 170 feet long hall which stands at the height of 55 feet from the ground without being supported by beams or girders. Because of its gravity-defying construction, the monument is counted among the most amazing arched constructions of the world. Another noteworthy attraction of this place is its dark maze, popularly called bhul-bhulaiya, with hundreds of labyrinthine passages and 489 identical doorways. It can be thrilling to get lost in the maze and find the way out. The complex also houses attractions like Asfi Mosque and a fascinating step well. Also called Asafi Imambara after Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, who ordered its construction, the monument also houses tombs of Asaf and Kifayat-Ullah, the chief architect of this wonder. It is believed that there are secret tunnel passages here that can take one to places as far as Delhi.
Constructed as British Resident General’s residence in the beginning of the 19th century, British Residency witnessed the unfortunate incident of the First Independence War of India in 1857. Located near the bank of River Gomti, it is a popular monument in the form of ruins which portray the signs of the infamous Siege of Lucknow in which over 2,000 British soldiers and their family members were killed. Today, the Residency accommodates a museum with main highlights in the form of gold coins and paintings. An old dungeon and a nearby cemetery are other important sights of this monument. Kaisarbagh Palace, an astronomical observatory and tombs of Nawabs are also located nearby.
Described as the soul of Lucknow, Kaiserbagh Palace today stands just as a reminiscent of the original glory it once boasted of. Built from 1848 to 1850 by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, the palace once became the foremost glory of the region called Awadh. Wajid Ali, who was the last ruler of the region, was a great poet and an eager admirer of art and architecture and the palace was his biggest contribution in boosting the region’s tourism value. Unfortunately, the region fell into the hands of British, who considering the palace as the stronghold of local rulers decided to raze it completely. Most of the structures and sections within the complex were destroyed in 1857-58. Today, however, huge numbers of tourists visit the ruins to explore minarets, Hindu cenotaphs, columns, banisters and pediments among other leftovers. Two massive gateways (called lakhi doors because each was constructed using hefty cost of a lakh) with astounding images of fishes and mermaids greet the visitors. A white stone structure called Baradari, which was once entirely covered with silver, is the biggest highlight here. It is indeed an outstanding experience to wander through these ruins that speak a ton about the magnificence of the city.
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