South Asian Business news and information

The recent movie of Aishwarya Rai titled “Umraao Jaan,” is based on a story in Lucknow. Still now, if you ask any typical Indian about Lucknow, there is a good possibility you would hear a “Shayar” (Urdu poem) or any beautiful Urdu quotation. This is Lucknow, one of the major cultural hubs of India. Not only is the city famous for its beautiful monuments, but also for the Urdu culture and Urdu poets.  

Presently, Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh and a city with beautiful monuments:  mosque, temple, palatial buildings. Home to 2,541,101 people, Lucknow is situated at the center of Uttar Pradesh, 500 kilometers from New Delhi. The Gomti River divides the city into two portions.  

The naming of Lucknow has two stories. According to one story, the name originated from “Lakshman,” the devoted brother of Lord Ram. He gave this territory to his brother and the early name of Lucknow was Lakshmanpur. Janmejaya, King Yudhishtir’s grandson, gave this place to saints. For a long time, this city was under the rule of Hindu kings. In 11^th century, Muslims tried to capture the city. Finally,  Mahmud Ghaznavi conquered Lucknow in 1018.

Since I am talking about Lucknow, it is necessary to talk about the Nawabs because they have great contributions in Lucknow, which is also known as the “City of Nawabs.” The Nawab’s flourished during the Mughal reign. At that time, Nawabs ruled Bengal, Arcot and Bhopal and Oudh. Oudh is in Lucknow and the Nawabs of Oudh built many mosques and palaces. Famous monuments like the Bara Imambara, the Chhota Imambara, and the Roomi Darwaza are built by the Nawabs.

Biotechnology and IT are two major industries in Lucknow city. India’s Ministry of Science has decided to build a Biotech park and the city is also developed under the Smart city project. Lucknow is also famous for its artistic garments.

Lucknow is well connected by air, rail and road. The Amausi Airport situated about 20 kilometers from the city, has flights going to all the major cities of India. The Railway Station is situated at Charbagh and the bus station is situated near the railway station.

• Foods: Since I enjoy eating, I am starting with foods. Lucknow is famous for kababs and birianis. Tunde-ke-kabab, Rahim-ke-kulche nihari, Bismillah-ki-biryani, Radhey-ki malai gilori and lassi, Raja-ki-thandai, Sharma-ki-chaat are some of the famous dishes.
• Bara Imambara: Built in 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, this building was like a rehabilitation centre. Asaf-ud-Daula was a great philanthropist.  
• Clock Tower: Constructed in 1887, it is the tallest clock tower and a great land mark of British Architecture. It is 221 feet tall and was built by Nawab Nasir-ud-din Haider to celebrate the arrival of Sir George Couper, the first lieutenant governor of Oudh.
  
• Lakshman Tila: Situated on the north of the Imambara complex, this area is considered to be the earliest human habitations in Lucknow city.
• Rumi Darwaza: This gate is also known as the Turkish Gateway. It is a bearer of the genius of local craftsmen.
• La Martiniere: It is one of the oldest schools of the world. 
  
• Other major sites include: Chattar Manzil, Jama Masjid, Moti Mahal etc.

For more information check the following websites:

http://www.tajmahaltourism.com

http://travel.mapsofindia.com