Lucknow: The City of Nawabs

Lucknow: The City of Nawabs

 “Kabhi fursat mile to ana hamare sheher, Hum bhi abhi waise hi hai aur waisa hi hai Lucknow”

Outline

The beautiful city situated in the banks of “Gomti River” has been the magnetism point for its visitors. This city is popular in the world for its “Nawabi Tehzeeb” and a unique blend of ancient and modern culture. It was the capital of Nawabs in eighteenth to nineteenth century formerly and capital of Uttar Pradesh currently. The city is an architectural hub for many individuals starting from Nawabs to Akhilesh yadav (Former CM). It is the second largest city after Delhi in northern India. It continues to be in the path of expansion in the field of education, commerce, technology, culture, tourism, and poetry.

Geographical location

The city is about 123 meters above the sea level and covers the area as large as 2,528 square kilometres. The city is also surrounded by beautiful towns on its outskirts like Barabanki in the east, Unnao in the west, Raibarelly in south and sitapur in the north.

Etymology

According to Hindu mythology the city is named after lord Laxmana (Brother of lord Rama). It is believed that Laxmana had an estate in this area. It was known as the city of Laxmana (Laxmanpuri). There are various other theories about its Etymology but no one has authentic claim. The best one is stated above.

Temperature and climate

Lucknow provides the flavour of almost every season. The year starts from dry winters and carry them till last of February. The hot summers blaze their flame from March to June. The showers of rain begin to fall from July to September. The winter temperature ranges from 3 degrees to 25 degree centigrade. The summers are quite hot with temperatures ranges from 40 degree to 45 degree centigrade.

Culture

Lucknow is multicultural city and a home for people from different languages, religion and caste. The city is a symbol of Hindu Muslim unity. The modern day Lucknowites are fascinated towards the western culture but you can still get glimpse of sophistication, politeness, courteous nature (popularly known as adab) in their behaviour. They are modernising themselves without neglecting social and traditional values. Politeness can be understood from their language that Lucknowites do not use the word “Main” (means I), they prefer saying “Hum” (means we) because the word “I” sounds like the feeling of dominance.

Clothing or outfits

Lucknow is famous for its embroidery works which consist of many disciplines like Zari, Zardozi, Chickan, Gota (decorative laces) etc. The chickan karigari is almost 400 year old and still it is implemented with great skill in this region of India. There are about 3000 entrepreneurs betrothed in this skill making India the largest manufacturer and exporter. The black cloth of Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia is embroided by the skilled workers of Lucknow.

The women preferred gharara, lehnga, sharara, saree etc to wear. The most famous is Ghararas. It is basically a long and loose trouser with a Kurty (shirt). The head is covered with dupatta which is decorated with beautiful Laces and embroidery. The men over here preferred Kurtapaijama, Sherwani etc. jeans and T-shirts are now in fashion among the youth.

Language

The Hindi is chosen as the endorsed language of Lucknow. But Urdu leaves its sweetness on many tongues even today. Urdu has always been the first choice of Shayars (Poets). The government has taken innovative steps to promote this traditional language by including it in sign boards. Awadhi is very much popular in the rural areas of this city. English is also understood and used by many as this language is a medium of education now days.

Local Food and Cuisine

Lucknow has always made a mark on this sub-continent for its delicious food. The food here is mostly inspired from Mughal traditions. This city once acknowledged to be the land of Nawabs is now transforming itself to the land of Kababs. TheKababs comes in different versions and styles like Seekh (Kakori), Shami (Syrian), Galavati, Ghutwa (Chopped) are very popular among masses of non-vegetarian creed. Other than this Biryani is one of the finest foodsin Lucknow. The older areas of Lucknow can bring the traditional Mughal zests. By the same token Sheermal and Kabab, Nahari and Kulcha, Kheer, Jalebis, Chaat, Kofta, Samosa, Qulfi, Petha, Kachori and Khasta are the major source of attraction for foodies.

Shopping destinations

The central shopping areas in the city comprisesNakkhas, Kaiserbagh, Aminabad, Nishatganj, Yahiyaganj, Aliganj, Hazratganj, Alambagh, Gomtinagar and Indira nagar. Areas like Aminabad, Nakkhas and Alambagh are famed for its street Shopping.Modern Malls and Supermarkets are the new trend in Lucknow. It includes Saharaganj, Phoenix, SRS City Mall Fun Republic, and Riverside Mall etc.

List of Places to visit

1) Rumi Darwaza

2) Asafi Imambada (Bara Imambara)

3) Chhota Imambada

4) Jama Masjid

5) Clock Tower

6) Hussainabad Picture Gallery

7) Shahnajaf Imambara

8) Residency

9) Shaheed Smarak (Martyrs' Memorial)

10) Dilkusha

11) Lord Hanuman Temples of Aliganj

12) Charbagh Railway Station

13) Vidhan Bhawan

14) Indira Gandhi Planetarium

15) Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Park

16) Chhatar Manzil

17) Kukrail Reserve Forest

18) Zoo

19) Kalagaon (Arts Village)

20) and Dewa Sharif