Lucknow
Lucknow is a city synonymous with the Nawabi Culture. The imperialistic
splendor and magnificence of the Nawabi Era has been glorified and eulogized
down the ages by writers, poets and historians alike.
At the same time its mystical elegance and amorous ethos has caught the
fascination of many world famous romantics. Known for its Adab and Tehzeeb
(cultural refinement), Lucknow is also associated with its legendary hospitality,
leisurely moods of life, fabled edifices steeped in history, world-renowned
cuisine and exquisite Sham-e-Avadh.
Tremors of time have not effaced Lucknow of its cultural heritage and traditions,
which once contributed in creating the city incomparable in its times. As
the 18th century seat of the Nawabs of Avadh, Lucknow flourished becoming
an important political and cultural center, rivaling Delhi in its patronage
to art and literature. It was during this time that culture and architecture
synthesized emerging in a distinct form now so typical to the Lucknow culture.
The peace and prosperity under the governance of the nawabs brought about
a cultural renaissance in Avadh. Musicians and dancers flocked to Lucknow
giving birth to new musical forms and instruments under the patronage of
the royalty. Art form like Kathak, Thumri, Khayal, Dadra, Qawalis, Ghazals
and Shero Shairi saw their finest hour. In this era major stress was laid
on even minor detail like the art of dressing, apparels(libaas) and jewelry
all symbolic of a genteel lifestyle.
The legacy of the exquisite embroidery still lives on with equal zestin
today's modern era. Culinary skills, too, reached heights of excellence
as the nawabs were not only gracious hosts but also extremely fond of good
nutritious food. Thus emerged the skillful art of slow cooking.
The royalty of Avadh was also famous for indulging in extravagant pastimes
like elephant and rooster fights and kite flying, a game that still evokes
passionate involvement among the flyers and the bystander alike. The field
of architecture saw re-interpretation of the existing styles and experimentation
in the fusion of the occidental and the oriental style of architecture.
The magnificent skyline of the city is living examples of the nawab's architectural
ingenuity.
Modern Lucknow, spread evenly on both sides of river Gomti,
is a perfect
blend of the ancient with the modern, as many glitzy shopping arcades coexist
with the old monuments.
The greatest attraction of Lucknow, where the past jostles with the present,
is its unique ability to achieve harmony amidst disorder and to assimilate
the new into the old.
Lucknow Tourism Reservation Form
