Lucknow is a city synonymous with the Nawabi Culture. The splendour and magnificence of the Nawabi Era has been etched in literature and art by writers, poets, historians and artists alike. The mystic magic of Lucknow’s literary, and cultural charm has caught the fancy of many an art connoisseur. Known for its Adab and Tehzeeb (cultural refinement), Lucknow is also renowned for its legendary hospitality, leisurely way of life, striking edifices steeped in history, and world renowned cuisine.
As a part of Educational Excursion, a visit was planned to the Lucknow Picture Gallery, on 12th April, 2014, to give the school children a glimpse of the material heritage of Old Lucknow. Material Heritage comprises of artefacts, coins, paintings, and architecture.
The visit to the Picture Gallery was part of Staford School’s effort of building in its children the awareness and appreciation of the material heritage of Lucknow. The young Stafordians were initiated into the history of Lucknow by the guide Noorul Haque during this trip, where they got to see life size paintings of the Nawabs, the erstwhile rulers of Awadh, as the state was then called. The ancient paintings spoke volumes of the perfection and finesse of the artists who painted portraits of Nawab Adil Shah, Nawab Saadat Ali Khan, and Nawab Wajid Ali Shah to mention a few. The children also got an opportunity to appreciate the novelities of one of Lucknow’s several ‘baradaris’ a term literally translated as a building with 12 doorways.
This picture gallery housed in a red baradari built by Nawab Mohammad Ali Shah is located near the famous Clock Tower, and part of the historical heritage and important monumental edifices of Lucknow. The young Stafordians were mersmerized by the breath taking view from the portico of the Picture Gallery which sketched the outline of the ‘Old city’ highlighting it with the Clock Tower, Jama Masjid, Chota Imambara and Rumi Gate forming the sky line in the distance. The trip would be one to remember and very much in keeping with the upcoming Heritage Day.