Construction of residences was a domain where Nawabs and other nobility had free flowing ideas, often based on fantasies and their admiration of other constrictions world over. The best part was that they were not bound by religious compulsions and orthodoxies or any style-inheritance of earlier constructions. This was the reason that Awadh got a kind of very unique hybrid style that was full of amalgamation of architecture and largely in the late 18th and through the mid 19th century Indo-European influences are evident, rather call it ‘Awadhi-European’. The architects not only enjoyed freedom but also understood the taste of the people who commissioned the buildings, even though these were a simple housing quarter of a common subject. Roughly around eighty houses or bungalows were constructed in Lucknow by the Nawabs and their courtiers from 1775 till 1856, the span when Nawabs ruled from Lucknow.
One of the houses of late phase was built by Nawab Sadat Ali Khan on the banks of Gomti to accommodate the Commander-in-Chief, the General. Thus in the course of time it came to be known as the ‘Jarnail Kothi’. A huge bungalow (or call it a small palace) was built by Nawab Sadat Ali Khan just by the side of Chateau de Lyon (Farhat Baksh), ahead of Chattar Manzil.
It was a double floor large bungalow, well ventilated, reflecting typical British architectural style. Jarnail Kothi had 13 Roman arches decorated with serpent head motifs. The Kothi, had several underground passages leading to nearby Chattar Manzil and Farhat Baksh, access to which was gained through the doors in the cellars. Jarnail Kothi, being the residence of the ‘General’ throughout the span of Nawabi rule in Awadh, had been one of the most significant seats of administration of the city.
Lal or Surkh is the word for the colour red. Since the Baradari was painted inside and outside in red thus it was known as Surkh or Lal Baradari. This two storeyed structure with a large pillared hall on the top was built by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan to serve as his Durbar Hall (Hall of Audience). Mookherji calls the structure ‘Lal Baradwari’ and attributes its architecture to Kifayat-ullh, well known as the architect for the Asafi Imamabara that was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daulah.
The architecture of Lucknow is so rich in its cultural and architectural heritage that it has become an inherent part in the hearts of the people and has won worldwide recognition and fame. The regal charm of Lucknow city is powered by the royal construction and architecture that gives city the title of city of Nawabs. The architectural heritage is the legacy that needs to be maintained in a way that it continues to stay a part of the city for the future generations to be understood, evaluate and appreciate.
The responsibility lies with the authorities as well as the people to work to renovate the architectural relics of the city that are dying a slow and quiet death, continuing the neglect
Lucknow, the seat of the nawabs of Awadh, is home to several magnificent monuments. The 60 feet high Rumi Gate in Lucknow was constructed during the reign of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784. It was built by Nawab Asaf-us-Daula to generate employment during the famine of 1784. It is said to be identical in design to an ancient portal at Constantinople in Turkey and is also referred to as Turkish Gate.
It is a huge ornate structure, marked by an eight faceted chhatri in its uppermost part. In earlier times it was used to mark the entrance to the Old Lucknow City. It is now adopted as a symbol of the city of Lucknow.
This large structure was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784 and is one of the architectural wonders of that era. Its central hall is said to be the largest vaulted chamber in the world. Except for the galleries in the interior, there is no woodwork in the entire structure. It is now used by Shia Muslims for the purpose of Azadari.
It has large underground passages which have been blocked up. A staircase from outside leads to a series of labyrinths known as Bhool-Bhulaiya, which is a complicated entanglement of zig-zag passages. Visitors are allowed to visit only with authorized guides. Within the compound of the Imambara is the grand Asafi Mosque. Shahi Baoli is another attraction here.
A large historical garden in which tombs of Shah Begum, Jahangir's Rajput wife; Khusro Mirza, Jahangir's eldest son and Nithar Begum and Jahangir's daughter are located. It was also associated with the freedom struggle of India.
01. Farhat Baksh Kothi
02. Chattar ManziChattar Manzi
03. Lal Baradari
04. Gulistan-e-Eram
05. Darshan Vilas Kothi
06. Neil Memorial
07. Globe Park
08. Victoria Memorial
09. Nawab Sadaat Ali Khan & khurshid Zadi Tomb
10. Bhatkhande
11. Italian Bridge
12. Kotwara House
13. Lakhi Gate
14. Roshan-ud-Daulah Kothi
15. Safed Baradari (Kaiserbagh Baradari)
16. Eastern Gate
17. Amir-ud-Daulah Library
