Lucknow - Places to see

Constantia – soaring ceilings and cool interiors. This enormous edifice is a lone sentinel watching over a vast 400 acres of carefully nurtured woodland designed by the Frenchman, Major General Claude Martin as his country residence. Aminabad – its bazaars are enthralling. They spill onto the streets spreading their wares near the roadside. In these narrow lanes you can buy ittars (perfumes made from oils), colourful jhaalar (tasselled borders), fruits, sweets, antique furniture and furnishings, utensils, dress materials, electronic goods and even vegetables.

The Shah Najaf Imambara, is situated on the southern bank of the river Gomti, is a ten minutes walk from Hazratgunj. The low, beautiful building is a close replica of the tomb of Hazrat Ali, at Najaf Ashraf in Iraq. Buried within this mausoleum are the remains of Nawab Ghazi-ud-din Haider and his three wives. Machchi Bhawan – carries the emblem of two fishes, the Nawabs coat of arms, and is featured on most buildings. Built by Nawab Sadat Khan Burhan-ul-Mulk as a fort housing gracious buildings with extravagantly vaulted halls and remarkable arches. King George V laid the foundation stone of a medical college on its ruins in 1905.

The Chattar Manzil also known as Farhad Baksh was designed by Claude Martin as his town house. Today the space is occupied by Central Drug Research Institute. Under the building’s lower terrace, overlooking the Gomti, were the taikhanas (underground chambers) cooled by the waters of the Gomti lapping against the building’s inner walls. The last Nawab of Avadh was a scholar, connoisseur of the arts. Qaisarbagh complex was his crowning architectural contribution. This palace no longer exists. The main square is still extant but in a dilapidated condition.

Chandiwali Baradari (house of 12 doors) was once generously decorated with silver. Originally built to host poetry-reading sessions, musical soirees and dance-dramas it is now hired out for weddings and other sundry functions. The Lanka palace houses the Amir-ud-Daulah Library.

Sikandar Bagh – a handsome two-storied, Grecian style building constructed in the middle of an extensive, and superbly planned garden reminiscent of the famous Shalimar Gardens. The gateway is well preserved and decorated in relief with the Avadhi emblem. It also has some floral work in white against a yellow background, making it a very impressive structure. Built as an abode for Wajid Ali Shah’s favourite wife, Begum Sikandar Mahal, the garden now houses the National Botanical Research
Institute of India. The maqbaras of Sadat Ali Khan and his wife are remarkable examples of Indian architecture, dreamed in Italian and built by Sadat Ali Khan for his wife Begum Khurshidzadi, and daughter. Gazi-ud-din Haider erected the larger, more ornate tomb for his father Sadat Ali Khan.

The Residency, was chosen for its high elevation and close proximity to the river Gomti, it became the home of the British Residents to the courts of the Nawab Wazirs of Avadh. Today it consists of 53 acres of roofless buildings, and a large number of memorials. Nawab Asaf-ud-Daulah erected the magnificent 60 ft high Rumi Darwaza as part of a famine relief programme. Thousands preferring an income from hard labour, to begging worked on it not using any wood or iron in its construction – the entrance to the Bara Imambara. The Naubat Khana, where seven musicians play thrice a day to honour the dead. The largest vaulted roof in Asia, its acoustics are so acute that a whisper from one end of its gallery above the main hall is clearly audible at the other, 162 feet away. The Chota Imambara was erected by the third Nawab, Mohammad Ali Shah as a mausoleum for his daughter, Zebunisa. Its glittering onion shaped brass-dome and the ornate architecture of the building is a gem of beauty and understated elegance. The main prayer hall is profusely decorated with large mirrors of the finest Belgian glass, sparkling crystal chandeliers, and colourful lamps. .

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