Lucknow: The City of Tehzeeb (culture)
Indian Panorama is one of the five journeys of the Maharajas’ Express, an Indian luxury train, which features Lucknow as one of its destinations. Here is a lowdown giving-out some interesting information about Lucknow - The City of Tehzeeb.
Lucknow at a Glance:
Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh was historically known as the Awadh region. Today, it is the administrative headquarters of Lucknow District and Lucknow Division. Fondly known as the ‘City of Nawabs’ or the ‘City of Tehzeeb’, it has always been a city filled with varied cultures.
The Rumi Darwaza, Lucknow photo courtesy Abhishek Shastri
Its beautiful sprawling gardens, polite mannerisms, fine-cuisine, music, and poetry (Shayari), had found a patronage in the Shia Nawabs of the city who loved Persian.
The city has been given various other names too, such as The Constantinople of India, Shiraz-i-Hind and the Golden City of the East.
Today, it is known as one of the most important cities of the country which is now emerging in various sectors like retailing, manufacturing and commercial.
Lucknow city has to offer a unique feature to its travelers, which is a perfect combination of its rich traditions and the modern growth of new-mannerisms. The same is its USP. After Kanpur, it is the second largest city of Uttar Pradesh.
History:
Vajid Ali Shah as Nawab. Wajid Ali Shah succeeded to the throne of Awadh when its glory days were at its peak and passing.
Lucknow is a historic city, which is located on the banks of river Gomti. Hindi is the official language of the city, however, here the language finds its origin from Urdu. Traditionally, it was the capital of Awadh Pradesh and was administered by the Delhi Sultanate during Mughal rule. In the later stages, it was given to the Nawabs of Awadh.
After Lord Clive defeated the armies of the Nawab of Bengal, Nawab of Awadh as well as the Mughals, it went under the rule of the East India Company. In the year 1857, it went into the hands of the British Empire.
After Lord Clive defeated the armies of the Nawab of Bengal, Nawab of Awadh as well as the Mughals, it went under the rule of the East India Company. In the year 1857, it went into the hands of the British Empire.
With the support of Maulana Abdul Bari of Firangi Mahal Lucknow, the Khilafat movement gained a lot of momentum and formed a solid footing in the city. In the year 1920, Lucknow was declared the provincial capital of the United Provinces, later known as Uttar Pradesh.
Culture and Cuisine:
Lucknow, which is considered to be The Golden City Of The East, has still kept its old -world charm absolutely intact, which is an appealing feature for the tourists. It is no exaggeration to call the capital of Uttar Pradesh, one of the finest cities of the country in terms of mannerisms and culture.
The culture of Lucknow has a great feel and is an amalgamation of complete sophistication, warmth, manners (etiquette), courtesy and a fine taste in standard of living. Many cultural traits of the city have become the landmarks of ‘Tehzeeb’.
A lot of importance here is given to dance, music, literature, Urdu poetry and drama. The Nawabs of Awadh are the ones who should be given a credit of this as they had an interest in every walk of life. They appreciated perfection in everything.
Lucknow’s cuisine, also known as Awadhi cuisine has a unique- Nawabi style. The major highlights are biryanis, kebabs and some breads (nahari-kulchas, roomali rotis and warqi parathas).
Kebabs actually a specialty, are of various types such as Tunde ke Kebabs, Kakori Kebabs, Shami Kebabs, Galawati Kebabs, Boti Kababs, Patili-ke-Kababs, Seekh Kebabs and Ghutwa Kababs. Lucknow can be called a paradise for food lovers.
Handicrafts:
Chikan is a traditional embroidery style from Lucknow, India. Literally translated, the word means embroidery.
Lucknow is extremely popular for Chikan and Lucknavi Zardozi. Both of these are two kinds of stylish and delicate Indian embroideries. The export of these rich materials, forms a significant part of the revenue to the city. There is a huge demand of both these handcrafted embroideries, not only in India but in overseas markets as well.
Along with this, the other famous industry is small scale kite-making industry. Other famous products of Lucknow are its ‘Ittars’ (perfumes) and ‘Kivam’ (a tobacco product). The markets of Lucknow are filled with other handicrafts such as silver and gold foil work, bone carving products and pottery.
Tourist Attractions:
The Great Imambara is classified as Nawabi architecture -this last phase of Mughal architecture -indicating the demise of an empire and its cultural product.
Lucknow boasts of being home to various tourist attractions. Roomi gate, Bada Imambada, Shah Mina Shah, Tare Wali Kothi, Dilkusha, Khursheed Manzil, Satkhanda, Shahi Baoli, Nadan Mahal, Banarsi Bagh, Chattar Manzil are some of well-known attractions for tourists.
Best Time to Visit:
Although the city is flocked by a large number of tourists all round the year but the best time to visit Lucknow is between the months of October to March. This is the peak season in terms of tourism. The other months witness either scorching summers or extremely chilly winters.
How to Reach Lucknow:
Lucknow is well-connected by all three modes of transport and reaching here is quite easy:
a. By Air
Lucknow has its own independent airport. Flights to Lucknow operate from various important cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Ranchi etc.
b. By Rail
There are two main railway junctions, one is at Lucknow city center and the other one is at Charbagh (around 3 kms from the city center). Trains from all major cities halt at these stations.
c. By Road
The major highways that pass through Lucknow are Lucknow N.H. – 56., N.H. – 28 and N.H. – 25. It is well-connected to important cities like Allahabad, Delhi, Agra, Kanpur etc.
If you want to travel in style to city of tehzeeb, Nawaabs and Kebabs, do so with Maharajas’ Express The Indian Panorama itinerary. This luxury train tour lets to discover the rich heritage and royal legacy of Lucknow as would a royalty.
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