About Architecture of Lucknow
Architecture of Lucknow is mostly Nawabi in its style and origin, and reflects the architectural style of 18th and 19th century India. This city was located in the Awadh region and was popularly referred to as the city of the Nawabs. It was also under the rule of the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals. During the first war of independence Lucknow was an important center. Lucknow prospered under Nawab Asaf Ud Daulah. The history of Lucknow`s architecture commenced when Nawab Asaf Ud Daula (1775-1798) shifted the headquarters of his government from Faizabad to Lucknow. Following the migration of learned men, poets, artists and soldiers from Delhi and Faizabad, this new centre became the nucleus of an urbane, literate and sophisticated society. In the last decades of the eighteenth century, the exodus from Delhi carried with it the descendants of those master architects and craftsmen who had been employed for generations by the Mughal emperors of Delhi. It was the later Mughal tradition of architecture which was brought to Lucknow and which deeply influenced its style of buildings.
The Lucknow school of architecture was propagated by the Nawab of Awadh and it was done mainly to preserve the Mughal School of architecture by incorporating some innovative concepts. Lucknow is the heartland of Indian Shiya Muslim and this fact is reflected in the architectural creations of the place. Islamic architecture is predominant in the capital city of Lucknow.
Stages of Lucknow Architecture
In view of the historical development of the city, the growth of Lucknow`s architecture may be studied in three phases. Firstly, there are monuments dating to the Sur and Mughal eras.
The second phase of Lucknow`s architecture includes the Nawabi era, i.e. 1775-1856. This phase has been further sub-divided into two, the first of which dates from 1775 to 1800, encompassing the reigns of Nawab Asaf Ud Daula and Nawab Saadat Ali Khan. Though there was excessive building activity during this time, architecturally it was a traditional phase. On the one hand it represents the adaptation of later Mughal architecture, which was itself already in decline. On the other hand it was also the time when Claude Martin, an influential European in the court of the Nawab, and the engineers of the British East India Company were creating buildings in Lucknow. So during this time while Asaf Ud Daula was building his magnificent Imambara Asafi, Martin was building palaces with European elements, which were to have a deep impact on the architecture of Lucknow.
Asaf Ud Daula`s successor, Nawab Saadat Ali, was particularly captivated with the European lifestyle. He encouraged the construction of European buildings and took active interest in designing his own palaces.
In the second phase of Nawabi architecture (1800-1856) are those monuments, which belong to the first half of the nineteenth century, before Awadh was annexed by the British. These monuments are characterised by a hybrid style, incorporating Indo-Muslim and European elements.
The third phase comprises those monuments raised by the British between 1857 and 1947.
Style of Lucknow Architecture
Various regional and local building techniques mingled to give the architecture a distinctive character of its own. A number of influences have shaped the architecture of Lucknow, such as the prevalence of Persian ideology and European styles of construction. The Mughal influence has been the greatest and elements of Shiite faith are prominently seen in the architecture of Lucknow. The distinctive features of Lucknow architecture is the application of fish as a decorative pattern especially in the gates of the buildings. Of the secular structures the Umbrella Palace is a prominent architectural establishment. The magnificent building has large underground rooms and a dome surmounted by a gilt umbrella. This use of umbrella is an exclusive style of Lucknow. The Sikandar Bagh is a renowned garden architecture of Lucknow. There is a small pavilion in the middle of the garden which was utilised for the performances of music and dances. The use of sandstone and thick lime plaster with floral and geometric motifs carved in relief are also notable features of Awadh architecture, and an important religious monument in which these elements appear is the great Jama Masjid erected by Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah. The massiveness and grandeur of this mosque are unparalleled in Awadh. Structurally, it follows the conventional plan of a Mughal mosque with minarets at the side. However its facade and its lofty recessed arched entrance, with colourful paintings, are true expressions of Awadh architecture. These are also noticeable in the Rumi Darwaza, the Sikandar Bagh Gate and the Jilokhana gates of the Husainabad Imambara. The majestic Islamic structural designs of the monuments and buildings of Lucknow are truly awe-inspiring.
Types of Lucknow Architecture
The architecture of Lucknow is categorised in two broad groups like the religious buildings which encompasses mosques, the Imambaras, Karbalas and other Islamic shrines and the secular architectural specimens such as the enclosed gardens, the palace complexes and the Baradaris. The palaces built by the Nawabs for their own use were essentially traditional in their design and layout, and much less "European" than the "Kothis". The kothis, which were European in style, were situated on the outskirts of the city, and were smaller in scale. They were rarely used, for their design and layout corresponded little with the lifestyles of the Nawabs and their families. The baradari was another popular type of building found in Lucknow. The Baradari (a pavilion with twelve openings) has been in use since the fourteenth century. The Sultans of Delhi, the Rajput kings and the Mughal emperors and noblemen built baradaris inside forts and palaces, in the sylvan outskirts of cities, in Shikargahs (hunting parks), gardens, and along river banks. They also built Baradaris in the midst of lakes or tanks, known as Jal Mahals.
The religious buildings of Lucknow consist of the Asafi Imambara or the Bara Imambara and the Chhota Imambara which are of great architectural importance. The renowned Bhul Bhulaiya forms a part of the Asafi Imambara complex. The architecture reflects the embellished Mughal style. The structural design of the building is devoid of any European elements or the use of iron. The architecture of the Chhota Imambara is of the Charbagh pattern, i.e., the Mughal garden architectural style. The design pattern used in the monument is Indo-Islamic in nature but incorporates a generous quantity of Persian crafts. The Jami Masjid Friday mosque of Lucknow is a relatively new structure and thus it has many embellishments in the Mannerist style. The exterior has stucco instead of brick finish, which makes it appear darker, while the interior is bright and colourful.
Among some of the outstanding architectural marvels of Lucknow are the Asafi Imambara, along with its towering mosque and the imposing Rumi Darwaza, the Constantia or La Martiniere, which though not a royal edifice, is of great significance as being the most outstanding example of the European style of architecture. The two mausoleums of Nawab Saadat Ali Khan and his Queen Khurshizadi are classic examples of the later Mughal tomb, also seen in Delhi, Allahabad, Haryana and Punjab, the great Jama Masjid erected by Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah etc.
Influences on Architecture of Lucknow
Influences on the architecture of Lucknow are primarily Muslim in nature. Even though it stemmed forth from the architectural tradition of Delhi, the architecture of Lucknow was more than just an adaptation. There were a number of regional and local building techniques which got mixed together and provided the Lucknow architecture with a distinctive character of its own.
Several historical and social factors also contributed to the development of Lucknow`s architectural style. The social structure of the city was responsible for the peculiar and distinctive development of art, architecture and culture. After the establishment of the new capital of Awadh, the Mughal nobility was dominated by the Iranis. Their influence extended over the political and social scenario in Delhi and Lucknow alike. The influential nobles in Lucknow were Shias of Iranian origin. Thus, Persian ideologies dominated and the Nawabs freely allowed the use of animal motifs in the ornamentation of their buildings. The domination of the Shiite faith was responsible for the construction of the grand Imambaras and Karbalas, which form the distinctive and most outstanding religious monuments of Lucknow.
The appointment of the British Resident and the increasing presence of Europeans in Lucknow also had a deep impact. In the sphere of architecture, their presence gave rise to a hybrid style. Rather interesting observations have been made by scholars regarding the incorporation of European architectural styles by the Lucknow Nawabs. Even though on the face of it, the tendency towards Mughal architectural styles seemed to indicate a move away from the old and established social order associated with Mughal custom and culture, in reality the picture was quite different. The adoption of these new techniques actually reflected a kind of deep tension felt by the Nawabs, where they were being pulled between the values established by the Mughals and the need to appear modern and worthy of self-governance in the eyes of the Company.
Lucknow was also one of the key centres of the war of 1857. The long siege of the Residency made the British aware that radical changes were needed in the layout of the city, for their position to be safe-guarded. These changes were made with meticulous precision, immediately after the war in 1857, and the face of the city was transformed.
Given these combined influences, certain building types became especially popular in Lucknow. Imambaras and Karbalas, for which Lucknow is famous, are the outstanding religious monuments and reflect the predominance of the Shiite faith. Among the secular buildings are numerous palaces, kothis and baradaris with gardens.
British Architecture in Lucknow
British architecture in Lucknow, though it was mostly constructed during colonial times, also finds reflection in some of the older Mughal and Nawabi constructions. The Europeans had mercantile associations with Lucknow from the time of Akbar and Jahangir, and thus their influence had been a constant factor since those days. A French trader had built a mansion, popularly called Farangi Mahal during the days of Mughal rule, though there is no evidence of any churches being built in Lucknow during the Mughal era. General Claude Martin, a French fortune-seeker who was favoured by Nawab Asaf Ud Daula, settled in Lucknow and built, in 1794, an impressive palace on the right bank of Gomti River at the outskirts of the city. He might have constructed a chapel in the vicinity, but it seems to have been destroyed in 1857, as was the case with his tomb. Following these early periods in Lucknow, significant European architecture is to be seen in Lucknow, most of it dating back to the Colonial period. These constructions, especially the churches, are of historical and architectural importance.
Christ Church : This beautiful church was built by the British during the last decade of the nineteenth century or the early part of twentieth century. It is situated in the posh locality of Hazratganj, not far from Raj Bhavan. Following the conventional plan, it has beautiful railings at the roof level, besides a three-storeyed square tower and tall spire crowned by a metallic cross. The church has the additional feature of an engaged, five-storeyed pointed tower. The doors and windows have Gothic arches with arabesque frames for stained glass panels. The prayer hall of the church is very impressive for its spaciousness and lofty recessed arches supported on tall circular pilasters. It also has a beautifully designed wooden altar. The elegant window behind the altar has stained glass panels depicting holy figures.
Church of the Epiphany : 
The impressive Church of the Epiphany was built in 1877. Its facade is remarkable for the five-storeyed tower, which rises above the main entrance. The tower is flanked by two solid turrets, and its steep verticality is balanced by smaller tapering towers at the four corners. The arched windows and rectangular ventilators are regular features of the tower. The prayer hall resembles that of Christ Church. The wooden altar, the tri-arched windows and pillared arches are additional features of interest.
Old Methodist Church : Situated in the Lai Bagh area, this is one of the oldest churches in the city. It was one William Butler who brought Methodism to India, and started a Christian service in Lucknow in 1858. But it was in 1870 that the congregation was formally organised and the great Evangelist, Taylor, preached his first sermon in this church. The construction of the church building commenced in 1875, while J.H. Messmore was pastor, and it was completed in 1877. Eighty per cent of the funds were raised from within India. The parsonage was built in 1894 while Stanley Jones was pastor, and the Duncan White Institute (named after the Anglo-Indian member from whose estate most of the donations came) was added to accommodate Sunday school classes and other small group activities.
The cruciform plan of the church follows the conventional pattern. The tri-arched opening of the portico has a slanting roof, crowned by a series of ornamental crosses. The recessed pointed arch is Gothic in form. The church is built in brick and covered with white lime plaster. The structure is remarkable for its square, three-storeyed tower with a conical spire and a metallic cross. The middle storey has double sets of arched windows and circular ventilators on all sides. The slanting roofs are decorated with ornamental crosses.
Central Methodist Church : 
The Central Methodist Church is reported to have been established in 1892. The imposing building has a projecting portico, a square tower with circular ventilators and Indo-European parapets with small solid towers at the corners. The spacious prayer hall has tri-arched windows, the central ones being larger in size.
Husainabad Clock Tower : This is the most striking landmark of old Lucknow. Being one of the early British monuments in the city, this square brick tower was built in 1881 at the cost of rupees one lakh and seventeen thousand. It is decorated with arches, projecting galleries, parapets and floral moulding. The 78-meter high Clock Tower is the tallest one of its kind. According to historical records, the blueprint of the Tower was prepared by Mr. R. Byne and the large clock was assembled by Mr. J.W. Besison from Lingate Hill, London. The clock`s components are made of gunmetal, and its principal wheel has a diameter of 8 meters. It has a 4.6- meter long pendulum, which is made from an alloy of iron and zinc. This alloy acts as a thermostat and maintains the length of the pendulum in changing weather. There is a clock on each face of the tower. On its top is a beautiful brass weather clock. Installed before the advent of electricity, it was provided with two large copper lanterns, which were lit at night and could be lowered by a rope and pulley.
Victoria Memorial : Among the notable structures raised by the British is the elegant marble stall standing in the area now renamed Begum Hazrat Mahal Park. The British constructed a series of buildings in different parts of India to honour Queen Victoria, the first British sovereign of the subcontinent. This kiosk, built in the Indo-European style, is one of them. The monument is erected over a red sandstone platform, approachable from all sides by a wide stairway with projecting mouldings. The sandstone platform is also notable for four impressive octagonal kiosks at the corners.
The central domed marble Chhatri is built over a raised platform supported on fluted shafts and beautiful arches whose fringes are decorated with lotus buds. The projecting eaves and elegant brackets are topped by raised parapets with Mughal merlon designs. The bulbous marble dome crowned by a lotus finial is balanced by four small square kiosks. It is said to have been erected in 1880.
A statue of Begam Hazrat Mahal has been installed on a marble pedestal in the centre of the Chhatri in recent years. The entire area is now popularly known as Hazrat Mahal Park, where important social and political functions are organised.
Char Bagh Railway Station : Situated in the historic Char Bagh area, which was developed during the time of Nawab Asaf Ud Daula, it is the most impressive railway station in northern India. Built on a raised plinth, it has a rectangular ground plan, with projecting porticoes. There are several towers and clusters of circular Awadhi domes. Designed by Mr. Jacob, its foundation was laid on 21 March 1914. The entire complex was completed at a cost of rupees seventy lakhs. The wide, raised platforms have several halls and rooms for official purposes, besides waiting rooms and refreshment room which, until a few years ago, had elegant British furniture.
Lucknow University : Lord Canning was responsible for the demolition of the historic Machhi Bhavan Fort and many other stately edifices in Lucknow after the revolt of 1857. Among the new public buildings which were constructed during his tenure was a school, erected in 1864, to fulfil the aspirations of the Taluqdars of Awadh. It was named the Canning High School. Situated in the historic Badshah Bagh area, it later became Canning College and formed the nucleus of Lucknow University in the 1920s.
The imposing structure of Canning College, built in 1878, bears European architectural elements. Built on a raised platform, with lofty brick walls coated with thick plaster, it has projecting balconies, porticoes and low circular domes of the regional variety. The University has since expanded and there are several large blocks for the different faculties as well as hostels with spacious halls and rooms on both floors.
Vidhan Sabha (The Council House) : This imposing Indo-European building is now the Vidhan Sabha. Its foundation was laid in 1922 by Sir Harcourt Butler, the then Governor of the United Provinces. Built with carved grey Chunar sandstone blocks, the circular building was completed in six years at the cost of rupees eighteen lakhs. Most of the money came from the Taluqdars of Awadh, who made lavish donations.
The modern double-storeyed monument is rightly considered to be one of the finest specimens of Indo-European architecture in the state. The facade of the edifice is in the form of a crescent with projecting galleries, and large Gothic arches. The central ribbed dome, crowned by a cupola, is remarkable for its delicately carved motifs. The tri-arched facade of the portico is also notable for its size and symmetry. Since independence, it has housed the Vidhan Sabha. The emblem of Uttar Pradesh -consisting of the bow and arrow of Arjuna, the hero of the Mahabharata, the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, and the traditional pair offish-was carved on a white stone slab.
Thus British Architecture in Lucknow is quite significant and has left a rather indelible mark on the artistic landscape of the city.
Nawabi Architecture in Lucknow
Nawabi architecture in Lucknow is quite grand and it is the most prominent architectural style seen all over the city. Despite their limited resources, the Nawabs were passionate builders and within a short span of time the city was adorned with stately edifices, palaces, pleasure pavilions with gardens, bazaars, katras and mosques. Materials such as marble and sandstone of the Mathura and Sikri varieties were scarcely used. The buildings were constructed with Lakhauri bricks and lime mortar, and decorated with stucco and plaster, occasionally carved in relief with floral and geometric motifs, and colourfully painted. Therefore, the buildings of Lucknow cannot be justly compared in their appearance and finish, with the lustrous Mughal masterpieces of Agra and Delhi.
The artists seemed to have discarded the use of stone or marble, the building materials hitherto mainly employed, and reverted to a brick and rubble foundation faced with stucco, by which means they were able to produce architectural projects of great size and imposing appearance but at considerably less cost, expenditure of effort, and in a shorter space of time. In using this technique the artisans displayed exceptional technical skill, and the delicate execution of ornamental details and mouldings, consisting mostly of foliated and incised designs, gradually became the redeeming feature of Nawabi architecture.
The master builders of Lucknow achieved proficiency in their work. The stucco ornamentation used in Lucknow was partly composed of mother of pearl and shells deposited in lake beds, and its shine was finer than that of marble. The stability and strength of the brick masonry and plasterwork was so great that a wall could only be shattered after heavy shelling.
Lucknow`s architectural style therefore assumed its own distinctive characteristics. The sculpted patterns, painted decorations and bold stucco relief on the facade, cornices and interior surfaces of buildings constituted the impressive revival of an art which thrived in the Deccani Kingdom in the seventeenth century. Among the ornamental motifs, the most prominently and extensively used was that of the fish.
Most of the domes were crowned by gilded copper, gold-plated or terracotta-coloured finials. The lower portions of the domes were in the foliated form of the Awadh crown and some of the finials were superimposed by a Chatr or Chhatar (canopy) as in the case of Chhatar Manzil. This embellishment was also frequently used in the buildings of Rampur. Balustrades of terracotta were also a special feature of Lucknow`s monuments.
So were flying buttresses on the top of many square buildings.
The gateways of Lucknow are yet another impressive feature of its architecture. Usually erected as entrances to monumental complexes and pleasure gardens, these remarkable structures consist of recessed arches rising from the same base, and covered with arabesque details.
Other notable features are the massive vaulted roofs, the hidden cells or labyrinths and subterranean chambers and Baolis (step-wells). The multiple underground chambers of the Asafi Imambara and the subterranean chambers of Chhatar Manzil remain unparalleled.
Another notable aspect of Lucknow`s architecture was the landscaping around monuments, which had made it a city of gardens and parks. Most of them have been ravaged by time but some of their ornamental gateways and enclosures bear testimony to their erstwhile beauty and grandeur. Contemporary accounts and travelogues also describe the charm and splendour of the monuments and gardens.
