My Pretty India: History

Sunday, 10 November 2013

History

The history of Lucknow is various centuries old. Lucknow and its neighbouring areas were known as Awadh or Oudh. It was called the ‘Granary of India’ and was a wealthy kingdom. The region has been ruled by the Delhi Sultanate, Sharqi Sultanate, Mughal empire, Nawabs of Awadh, the East India Company and the British before gaining independence in 1947.

As I read from various sources and was quite astonished myself to know that ‘Lucknow’ has derived its name from the younger brother of Lord Rama, Lakshaman, who was also called Lakhan lovingly. At Lord Rama’s orders, Lakshman has set up his capital in the area and the place was known as Lakshamanpur or Lakhanmau. As time passed, the city came to be known as Lakhnau and after the arrival of britishers, it came to be known as Lucknow.

For the pride of every Lucknowite, the city was one of the main participants in the national struggle for freedom and was one of the major centres of the First war of Indian Independence in 1857. During those years, Lucknow emerged as an important city in North India.

A major role in the city’s culture has been played by ‘Nawabs’ due to which the city has got its famous title. ‘Nawab’ meaning ‘assistant’ were actually the governors appointed by the Mughal empire to assist in managing the administration. Under the reigns of the Nawabs, the inherent culture of Lucknow flourished and it marked the beginning of a tradition which is still popular. The most important contribution given by Nawabs has been the composite culture that has been known as the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb.

The history of Lucknow, as the rest of India, is actually much more wide and detailed and has many chapters. But, the brief which we should all know is the above. In the later parts, I will write about other important aspects of the Lucknow city.