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Smile that You are in the City of Nawabs…
Lucknow, the City of Nawabs, is an ancient city founded by Lord Ram’s brother Laxman. It boasts a rich history dating back to 1000 BC. Originally named Lakhanpuri, it gained prominence during the reign of Asaf-ud-daula, becoming a hub of culture and art. Key landmarks include the Residency, Roomi Gate, and Bara Imambara, reflecting its architectural heritage. The city played a pivotal role in the 1857 revolt against British rule, with historical sites still bearing witness. Modern Lucknow is rapidly expanding, featuring improved infrastructure and parks like Janeshwar Mishra Park. Known for its Dussehri mangoes and peaceful atmosphere, Lucknow attracts millions, balancing tradition with urban growth.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- Lucknow, known as the City of Nawabs, has a rich history dating back to 1000 BC.
- The city features iconic landmarks like the Residency, Roomi Gate, and Bara Imambara, showcasing its architectural beauty.
- Lucknow played a significant role in the 1857 revolt against British rule, with remnants still visible today.
- Modern Lucknow is expanding rapidly, with improved infrastructure and renowned parks like Janeshwar Mishra Park.
- The city is also famous for its Dussehri mangoes and maintains a balance between tradition and urban growth.
Lakhanpuri to Lucknow
An ancient city, believed to be established by the younger brother and most trusted person of Lord Ram, is famous for many good things. Its epic origin started from the days of Ramayana. Lord Rama appointed Laxman administrator of this region, which came to be known as Lakhanpuri. With time, the city inhabited on and around a mound, popularly known as Laxman Tila, gradually gained prominence. It became Lakhnawati, then Lucknow. The excavation in Hulaskhera in Lucknow near Mohanlal Ganj points to the historical antiquity of Lucknow, dating back to 1000 BC, more than 3000 years ago. (Inquaindia2027)
Nawabs of Lucknow
In the medieval period, Lucknow remained obscure till Asaf-ud-daula, the brat child of Bahu Begam of Faizabad came here after having a tiff with his mother. Wife of Shuja-ud-daula, Bahu Begam was an intelligent lady. She contributed a lot to the consolidation and growth of her husband’s function. Shuja-ud-daula spent his time in Faizabad and made it a beautiful and happening city. Famous contemporary writer Abdul Halim “Sharar” vividly described the past glory of Faizabad.
Asaf-ud-daula
From Asaf-ud-daula to the last Nawab Wazid Ali Shah, the last ruler of Oudh, Lucknow saw a glorious time in every field. It is why it is the sobriquet City of Nawabs. People had enough to lead a decent life and were keen in art and culture. During the rule of Asaf-ud-daula, Lucknow flourished and became a seat of art, culture, etiquette and cuisine. The capital shifted in 1755 from Faizabad to Lucknow. Urdu poetry touched its crescendo.
Interest for buildings
Asaf-ud-daula was fond of grand buildings. He constructed many buildings, notably the Residency and Roomi Gate, the insignia of Lucknow. Built on the banks of the river Gomti, Residency stood on a small mound used mainly for English guests. A conglomerate of several palaces, “Imambara” and mosques, where later British resident officials used to live. Appointed by the British East India Company, the officials looked after the administration. The conglomerate later known as Residency. (Uttar Pradesh government)
First war of independence: 1857
It was tumultuous days for Lucknow. The exploitation and atrocities caused by the employees of the British East India Company led to a revolt that erupted in 1857. Lucknow witnessed a fierce battle. The native forces surrounded the Residency. Employees of the British East India Company and their families hid in the basement of the Residency. The scars of war are still visible on the ruins of the Residency.
Roomi Gate
A description of the City of Nawabs would be incomplete without mentioning the Roomi Gate. Sixty feet high, the imposing gate is a marvellous blend of cultures. Constructed using brick and mortar, its stucco work resembles with those of stone carving. The building complex of “Bara Imambara”, housing a labyrinthine alleyway, “Shahi Baoli”, and a grand mosque, still presents a picturesque view. The skyline of Lucknow, dotted with minarets, cupolas and gradually domes, looked imposing.
State capital
Lucknow is the state capital of Uttar Pradesh, the heartland of India and a major province. The modern city is fast expanding, and new modern buildings are fast coming up. After the declaration as the state capital, an imposing building of the Council House inaugurated by Sir Harcourt Butler in 1922. The building took six years to complete in 1928. A grand structure with a massive and ornamented dome, the building is the State Legislative Assembly, known as “Vidhan Sabha”.
Improved modern infrastructure
Broad and clean roads, many flyovers, foot overbridges, Railway Over Bridges (ROB), Underpass keep the city busy and running. The city is the seat of power and also an important defence hub. The famous Brahmos missiles manufactured. The modern city is important for its spiritual affiliation, too. Hermit Kaundilya lived here on the bank of the river Gomti. The place is now “Kudiya Ghat”. Situated near Roomi Gate, it offers a panoramic view of the Gomti River and its surroundings. The towering clock tower, constructed in 1882, is yet another important landmark in Lucknow’s coffee table book. Situated in the vicinity of King George Medical University (KGMU) campus, the tomb of Shah Meena inspires many spiritual seekers.
The river Gomti
The river Gomti is yet another insignia of the city. Quietly flowing, it witnessed many momentous occasions from the luxurious periods of Nawabs to the tumultuous time during the uprising and after. The river Gomti is a mute witness to the trial against the freedom fighters caught in the Kakori train action of 1925. The spot where the incident took place still reminds the atrocities of British rule and those who hecatomb on the altar of the motherland.
Ring Theater
Ring Theatre near the modern Hazarat Ganj is the place where the trial was carried out, sentencing Ram Prasad “Bismil”, Thakur Roshan Singh, Ashfaqullah Khan, and Rajendra Kumar Lahiri to the gallows. During the colonial period, Ring Theatre was an entertainment venue strictly for British troops. Later converted to the General Post Office (GPO) in 1932.
Hazarat Ganj
Near the GPO, yet another historical building Kothi Farhatbux is present which is the official residence of the Governor of the state named “Jan Bhawan”. There is another palatial building on the other side, Kothi Hayatbux which is the official residence of the District Magistrate (DM). The expanse between the two buildings is the famous Hazrat Ganj market. It is a posh and sophisticated place where people enjoy “Ganjing” (a local term for wandering in Hazarat Ganj).
Famous for mangoes
Lucknow is famous for its gardens and its mangoes. Dussehri mangoes of Lucknow are world famous for their sweet, rich pulp, thin rind and intoxicating aroma. These are exported to foreign countries. Areas like Mall, Malihabad are a fruit basket with lush green and dense orchards. Wandering among the trees is a nice experience.
Parks
Lucknow, the city of Nawabs, is famous for its parks and gardens. Nawabs constructed many lavish parks for their queens and concubines. Most of them have become ruins, but some have been restored. Sikander Bagh was the place where a fierce war was fought in 1857. Now it houses NBRI (National Botanical Research Institute. Vilayati Bagh, Musa Bagh, Alam Bagh Dilkusha, et cetera, have become ruins.
Janeshwar Mishra Park
Many parks have been constructed in recent times. One of them is the recently constructed Janeshwar Mishra Park. A sprawling park, JM Park is the largest park in Asia, covering 376 acres of area. Varieties of trees and avifauna give a soothing feel. It also houses the recently constructed Dinosaur Park, which is good for recreation and educational purposes.
Other parks
Other parks include Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Park, Ambedkar Park, Gautam Buddha Park, Harmony Park, Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden and a plethora of local parks created in localities, adding greenery and acting as a green lung of the city.
Modern Lucknow
With an estimated population of four million, Lucknow is a hot and happening city full of potential. Having the advantage of being a historical city, modern Lucknow is turning fast into a Smart city. New localities like Gomti Nagar in the trans Gomti area and Shushant Golf City in the cis-Gomti area are sprawling, organised and equipped with the latest modern amenities. New areas are fast coming up in other parts of the city, expanding its boundaries. An approximately 150 Km long outer Ring Road encircles the district, easing the traffic snarls considerably in the city and facilitating fast heavy vehicle movement.
Clean and organised
The city is clean, organised and peaceful. The law and order are well under control, thanks to the able state government. People are sensitive, cooperative and well-behaved. They understand their duty in keeping the city clean, tidy and in proper order. The green cover is increasing because of public awareness and plantation drives. Trees are planted and are being taken care of. The increased green cover has improved the air quality index.
An orderly, clean and peaceful city showcases the people’s attitude. It reflects their responsive and responsible behaviour. It is a collective effort. With this, every citizen can make a positive contribution which every denizen is doing.
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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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