The article details the author’s adaptation to life in Lucknow. Initially, he felt detached. Over time, this feeling evolved into an appreciation for the city’s rich culture and history. JM Park emerges as his favorite spot, representing tranquility amid urban chaos. Lucknow, often called the “City of Nawabs,” stands out for its transformation from an ancient hub to a modern city. This change highlights its culinary delights and architectural charm. It retains its old-world appeal. Historical accounts reveal the city’s origins as Laxmanpuri. They highlight its role in the 1857 revolt. These accounts show Lucknow’s transformation into a bustling modern center. Despite rapid development, Lucknow manages to blend tradition with contemporary living, offering a unique lifestyle experience.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- The author adapts to life in Lucknow, evolving from detachment to appreciation for its culture and history.
- Lucknow, rich in culinary delights and architecture, transitions from its ancient roots as Laxmanpuri to a modern urban center.
- The city blends tradition with contemporary living, offering a unique lifestyle despite rapid development.
- Historical events, including the 1857 revolt, highlight Lucknow’s significance and transformation over time.
- Modern Lucknow hosts a mix of economic activities and maintains its old-world charm, providing diverse experiences to residents and tourists.
Start of a Day
Though it was six o’clock in the morning, the sun was ablaze. Sitting beside the window, I was in deep thought while the train was running at a moderate speed. After a while, I noticed a decline in the train’s speed, but the train of thought didn’t stop. Ultimately, the wheels screeched, and the train halted. Getting off, I stretched my body and scanned the platform. The location was going to be my permanent residence. I came out of the station. The city had started running. A broken briefcase and a few bucks in my pocket were all that I had. A new phase of life was to start. After making arrangements for my stay, I began a new journey, leaving the old city behind.
The New City
Crowds, cacophony of traffic, and chaos. It appeared everyone was in a hurry and wanted to rush. A mediocre city pretending to be a Metropolitan one. I started peregrinating to have a feel of the city and soon reached the building where I had to join the job. After the formalities were over, a desk was allotted to me. Taking the seat, I looked around. It was a hall where several people were busy doing their work. Precisely ten to fifteen people were there. A lone person was sitting watchfully on a dais-type table. While writing on papers and files laid before him, he was keeping a close eye on everyone present in that hall. I was also one of them.
A new chapter had started. It was the city that I liked. My city! I repeated it several times. It gave me a sense of attachment and belonging.
Permanent Place: Lucknow
Before settling here, I had a few occasions to visit this city. Lucknow was not new to me, but I had seen it from a visitor’s perspective. Now, I was to settle here permanently. For an emotionally inclined person like me, it was hard to accept the reality; attachment to the former city appeared stronger. Nevertheless, it changed soon. After a few days of “acclimatisation”, life started running on rails. I started enjoying the new city. Lucknow became an integral part of my life.
Brief History Of Lucknow
(a) From Laxmanpuri To Lucknow
Lucknow needs no introduction. It is an ancient city. Excavations at Hulaskhera (Mohanlalganj, Lucknow) reveal Lucknow’s antiquity, about 3000 years. The city is believed to have been established by Laxman Ji, the younger brother of Lord Rama. Initially known as “Laxmanpuri”, it changed to “Lakhnawati” and ultimately Lucknow. The city, known for its cuisine, etiquette, culture, language and literature, started as a small town on the bank of the river Gomti. During the medieval period, Akbar awarded it to Shekhs who came here and made a bastion embellished with stucco of fish. In all, fifty-two fishes were sculpted, terming the palace as “Macchi Baavan” (Fifty-two fishes). It later became “Macchi Bhawan”. In current times, the building houses the world-famous King George Medical University.
(B) Arrival of Asaf-Ud-Daula
Lucknow gained prominence when Asaf-Ud-Daula came here from Faizabad, after a tiff with his mother, Bahu Begam. He established his empire and constructed several edifices, some of which are the insignia of this city. Abdul Haleem Sharar, a noted contemporary writer of the time, vividly wrote about the then Faizabad in his iconic book “Gujista Lucknow“. The medieval rulers of the “Awadh” region were called “Nawab”. They aimed to expand and beautify the area. Passionate about grand, aesthetic structures and gardens, they built lush gardens, orchards, beautiful ponds, lakes, and meticulously planned large palatial residences.
(C) Brewing Resentment
Residents of Lucknow lived a lavish life. It was the time when the British East India Company had established itself in India. The company employees used to treat the natives like slaves and extract money. The atrocities became routine. Inhuman treatment, suppression, oppression and discrimination of natives were normal. Awadh was simmering.
(D) 1857: War of Freedom and Lucknow
It was the summer of 1857 when the simmering bowl burst. In Bengal, sepoy Mangal Pandey revolted against the use of controversial gun cartridges. Lucknow and its surrounding areas united and waged an armed rebellion against the East India Company. Bread and lotus (“Roti aur Kamal ka phool”) were the code for freedom. Lucknow saw heavy fighting around Alambagh, Sikandarbagh and Residency areas. Native forces gained control for a few days. Reinforcement came from Kanpur, which regained whites’ control. A reign of terror became the order of the day. (Britannica)
(E) Last Nawab Arrested
The last defunct, inefficient and weak “Nawab” Wazid Ali Shah was arrested. He was deported to Matiya Burj in Calcutta (Modern Kolkata), where he took his last breath. Lucknow and its surrounding area came under British rule after Queen Victoria’s Declaration in 1858. The declaration was read out in a grand “Durbar”, organised in Allahabad (Now Prayagraj) at Minto Park (Now Madan Mohan Malviya Park).
Lucknow Is Changing Fast
Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is also the most populous and important city (population in 2026 is approximately 3.00 million). It houses the imposing Council House (Vidhan Sabha) and many government offices. It is the seat of power and is properly developed. The denizens have a quality of life with modern facilities. Modern Lucknow is fast expanding. Once a sleepy town where life travelled easily and slowly, the city is experiencing a noticeable developmental change. Sloughing its old skin, the city has emerged in a shining and entirely new Avatar. Modern means of communication, transportation, excellent roads with underpasses, and ROBs make it convenient for denizens to commute easily.
(1) Hub of economic activities
Famous for its chicken embroidery, Lucknow is witnessing fast-paced all-around development. Having great potential, improved facilities and infrastructure, the city has emerged as a hub of manufacturing units. Taking a great leap, Lucknow has started producing BrahMos Missiles. Ashok Leyland started manufacturing Electric Buses in Lucknow. These and many others are adding their share to the city’s economy. Mahindra and Mahindra, Tata Motors, and Pepsico, et cetera, are producing their products from the soil of this city.
Old World Charm and Lucknow
(A) Identity
Despite fast-paced development, Lucknow still holds its old-world charm. With grand old buildings and spots, the city offers a great place to delve into history and culture. The reduction of old gardens and green spaces has been countered by the establishment of extensive and expansive gardens. The district is known for its sweet and juicy Dussehari mangoes, muskmelon and sweetmeats like “Rewdi” and “Gazak”. The city offers many places to spend quality time with friends and family. One can enjoy blissful solitude in a garden.
(B) City Taught many Things
Lucknow taught ways of life. It gave shelter, care and, above all, livelihood. Apart from changing physically, the city’s population has also changed substantially. People migrate from various districts. They come from other states of the country to earn their livelihood and make this place their home.
(C)Unique City
The city’s historical background and ancient origins make it truly unique. It is a blend of politeness, ornamental language, Urdu poetry, old edifice and modernity. The city roads are now flooded with cars, bikes and rickshaws. It is good that despite the pressure of modernity, the city has successfully kept its originality. It is fighting to keep its old-world charm.
(D) Changing Attitude
The expanding city offers many things to a tourist and its denizens alike. Sprawling gardens to small green areas, theme parks to famous markets. People have a lot of choices. Hanging out in restaurants is still a charm for many. Bargaining for garments on the streets of famous Hazaratganj or Aminabad attracts especially teenagers and youngsters.
(E) Mall-Culture
A comparably new culture has emerged. It is the so-called “Mall-Culture”. While the craze is gradually fading, many still choose to spend time in malls and enjoy dining. Life is moving swiftly, and so are the people who want to experience everything instantly. They are in a hurry to gulp, not chewing and enjoying it slowly. It seems essential, as in a mad rush, fear of being left behind looms large. The natural outcome is “me first”. Yet, some people search for tranquillity and solitude. Those who want an open ambience prefer to go to any garden.
Nature’s Lap: JM Park
Some prefer to visit gardens for peaceful and verdurous surroundings. Lucknow has long been the city of “Baag” (Gardens). A recently developed sprawling JM Park (Janeshwar Mishra Park) covers a space of 376 acres of land. It houses many things, including a play area for children and an open gym with rubberised jogging tracks. Here, the lush green plants, fragrant Plumeria, and chirping of birds act as healers. People can enjoy long blissful moments in the vicinity of Nature. It is the favourite place for many. Walk carefully along the serpentine promenade among various plants. Pass through the green tunnel formed by tall bamboo trees. Spend almost a whole day conversing and reflecting. It is a soothing and self-healing process. The natural world caresses and soothes the agitated mindset, and one feels rejuvenated.
Further reads:
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Kamal Kishore Srivastava
A retired government officer turned writer and photographer, Kamal Kishore Srivastava is a regular blogger and essayist who explores life’s deeper meanings through immersive reflections on nature, impermanence, and happiness. On his blog Nature’s Narrative, he blends philosophical storytelling with practical insights. Writing 1,200–1,500 words or more regularly, Kamal is committed to refining his craft, expanding his audience, and building a sustainable space where thought and feeling intersect.
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