The Eye of the storm: Lucknow and the First war of Independence

Overview

Lucknow's role in the Indian freedom struggle is unique because of its participation in the ‘1857 uprising’. What started out as a mutiny by Indian soldiers, and was also joined by many residents of the city, who wanted to get rid of the British, this uprising is also known as the first war of Independence,. During the unrest, every monument present in Lucknow played pivotal roles in the battle that spanned over a year. Today, one can visit these magnificent buildings and experience first-hand narratives of soldiers and civilians who fought to make India a free nation.

Why you will love it

• Spending a day learning about Lucknow’s role in the Indian freedom
• Wandering through the city streets which saw a lot of action through the year-long uprising against the British.
• Interacting with survivors of the battle with the British who proudly narrate their stories.
• Browsing through a war museum
• Discovering the grand regal architecture of the city

What you will experience

We take you on a ride through Lucknow’s history of those tumultuous days when grand British structures and gardens became battlegrounds for brave Indian soldiers fighting British rule. The walk introduces you to the stories of war heroes, war strategies, and quick retreats and fierce battles. Pour over hurriedly drawn maps of the time to follow routes taken by armies.

Relive with us the early days of the Indian freedom struggle through various narratives of the Lucknow’s landmark settings. Amongst them: The Residency - which served as the residence for the British Resident General who was a representative in the court of the Nawab. It was a refuge for British residents during the Revolt of 1857; the Chattar Manzil Palace Complex – was the palatial residence of the rulers of Awadh and their wives; Quaiser Baag Palace Complex- is home to the Chhatar Manzil Mansion, the tomb of Saadat Ali Khan, and the Safed Baradari palace. It now lies in ruins;  Sikandar Bagh – is a villa and garden enclosed by a fortified wall, with loopholes, gateway and corner bastions; Dilkusha Kothi - the remains of an eighteenth-century house built in the English Baroque style in the quiet Dilkusha area of Lucknow in India. Today there are only a few towers that still remain;  La Martinière College- was founded in 1845 and La Martinière Girls' College was established in 1869.