Surprisingly, the story of Lucknow began not so very long ago. Though the city traces its origin to the Suryavanshi dynasty of Ayodhya in ancient times, and derives its name from Lakshmana (the brother of Lord Rama), Lucknow actually came into prominence during the 18th century. In 1732, Muhammad Shah, one of the later kings of the once-powerful Mughal dynasty, appointed Mohammed Amir Saadat Khan, a Persian adventurer of noble lineage, to the viceroyalty of the area known as Avadh, of which Lucknow was a part. Saadat Khan was the founder of the famous dynasty known as the Nawab Wazirs-a dynasty that changed the face of this hitherto little-known place. Under his successors, Lucknow flowered as never before and all but became the cultural nerve center of northern India. The rapid growth of Lucknow dates from 1755 when the fourth Nawab, Asaf-ud-Daula, transferred the capital of Avadh from Faizabad to Lucknow and set about gifting to the city some of its most splendid architectural marvels, a tradition that was sustained by this successors. During this period, Lucknow also established its prominent place in the field of poetry, music, and dance. A colorful local culture, incorporating fairs and festivals, also flourished alongside. But what really set Lucknow apart from others was a certain elegance and grace of lifestyle. A romantic and courtly ambience became a part of the city. In fact, even today the city breathes history, and the sound of laughter and music, the tinkling of ankle bells and the mellifluous rendering of Urdu poetry (shairi) still echo and reverberate through the long corridors of time. Even today, when one wanders through the city, s/he will encounter the kind of refined courtesy and polish that seems to belong to another age.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location: | Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Population: | 2,817,105 |
| Religion: | Hinduism 71.71 % | Islam 26.36 % | Christianity 0.58 % | Sikhism 0.76 % | Jainism 0.17 % | Buddhism 0.10 % |
| Area: | 349 Km2 (135 sq mi) |
| Language: | Hindi, Urdu and Awadhi |
| Weather | 33° C - 10° C |
| Ideal Duration | 2-3 Days |
| Best Time | Oct-Mar |
| Nearest Airport | Lucknow |
Lucknow is known all over the world for the tehjeeb or the courteous behaviour of its people. It is a rare city. Few places in the world are endowed with such rich cultural traditions, as is this romantic city of the nawabs. Whether it is history, architecture, music, dance, handicrafts, etiquette, or sports, Lucknow has its own story to tell.
Lucknow today, nestling on the banks of the river Gomti, is a modern, bustling metropolis and serves as the capital of the large north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. But despite the changes it has undergone over the decades, it still retains the vestige of the culture that once made it one of the most celebrated cities of the land. It represents a harmonized blend of the old and the new; it has the advantages of a big, modern city, without any of the disadvantages. There is a profusion of parks and gardens redolent with nostalgia of another time. More importantly, residents of Lucknow have an extremely relaxed and laid-back attitude to life. So even though Lucknow is a big city today, there is none of the mad rush and hectic pace that one normally expects in a busy metropolis.
The capital of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow has long been a seat of administration and culture. Second only to Delhi in importance in the region, and the seventh largest city in India, Lucknow is easily accessible from all major cities in the country. Its literacy rate is much higher than what it is in the rest of the state too. All this has ensured its prominence as a centre of business and industry, education and research as well as tourism.
Lucknow’s period charm, together with lingering traces of its famed courtly etiquette, sets it apart from other cities in India. No wonder films such as Umrao Jaan, Shatranj ke Khiladi and Junoon, which showcased the city’s history and culture, left their mark on Indian cinema.
Lucknow, today, is an amalgam of the ancient and the modern, both existing side by side to give special flavour to the city. Along with the latest in aerospace technology, handicrafts occupy their own niche; if the craze for cricket has spread across society, traditional wrestling retains its own fan following; and modern monuments vie for attention with the city’s more historic landmarks.
Vibrant and cosmopolitan Lucknow earned fame as the seat of the Nawabs of Awadh in 18th century. Its history and heritage, however, goes back much further. The city is believed to have been founded by Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Ram, who gave his name to it. As Lucknow grew it came under the rule of various kingdoms including the Delhi Sultans and the Mughals. The city finally came into its own in the 18th and 19th centuries as the capital of the Nawabs of Awadh, who were feudatories of Mughals. They lavished such attention on it that it came to be known as the “Golden City” and “Constantinople of the East”. The disintegration of the Mughal Empire made Awadh a kingdom in its own right.
The rise of the East India Company in India ushered in a new era which saw the fall of Awadh and the state being annexed to British India in 1856. The last Nawab, Wajid Ali Shah, was exiled to Kolkatta. The next year, Lucknow emerged as one of the main centres of the Revolt of 1857. In the fierce fighting that ensued much of the historic city was battered. The British regained control of Luknow and it later became the capital of the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh. Lucknow continued to play an important role and after independence was named capital of the new state of Uttar Pradesh.
| Tour Package | Duration |
|---|---|
| Lucknow Sightseeing Tour Package | 03 Days & 02 Nights |
| Best of Uttar Pradesh Tour Package | 13 Days & 12 Nights |
| Varanasi Bodhgaya Chitrakoot Tour Package | 07 Days & 06 Nights |
| Agra Lucknow Weekend Tour Package | 03 Days & 02 Nights |
Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh and the architectural hub of Northern India. The skyline is crowded with buildings that showcase a fascinating range of ancient styles, most of which date back to Mughal or British rule. The city itself is famous for many aspects of its rich culture, from music, poetry, and embroidery to technology, finance and pharmaceuticals. From those rich roots, we’ve dug up the top 10 sights and things to do in Lucknow.
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Food & CultureOne of the most populated states in the country is popular for its diversity especially diversity in Culture of Uttar Pradesh is quite popular among Indians.
Destination GuideRead out the History of Uttar Pradesh, the birthplace of India's first Prime Minister has played a great role in the struggle for Independence.
Food & CultureUttar Pradesh, one of the most colorful states in India is Reckoned for organizing several fairs and festivals with great zeal and enthusiasm.
Travel TipsUttar Pradesh, one of the most visited states in India is teeming with a plethora of key attractions and the best time to visit Uttar Pradesh.
Food & CultureUttar Pradesh is famous for its outfits. Visit this North Indian state if you are also keen to try out the traditional dresses of Uttar Pradesh.
Travel TipsIn the land of legends, and are confused about How to Reach Uttar Pradesh then check this detailed article offering you proper guidance.
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