Mona’s guidebook
Neighborhoods
Qaiserbagh complex comprises many grand heritage monuments of Lucknow that were built in the Nawabi era. It was built by Wajid Ali Shah (1847-1856), the last Nawab of Awadh. Wajid Ali Shah started the construction of the Kaiserbagh as soon as he ascended the throne in 1847. Wajid Ali Shah was a great patron of poetry and music. In the Kaiserbagh he dreamed of a palace complex that would be a paradise on earth with large gardens that would be an ideal place for his very many dance dramas and indulge his general poetic temperament. It rivalled the wonders of the world in its luxurious design. Situated in the heart of the city, one such elegant building is the Safed Baradari which was constructed in the year 1854 by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. It is also known as Qasr-ul-Aza that means a place of mourning. Constructed in white marble, Safed Baradari is a wondrously decorative structure which has 12 outlets. It has a spacious hall ornamented with delicate chandeliers and intrinsic architectural motifs. It’s beauty has fascinated so many to such an extent that prominent films like Umrao Jaan, Tanu Weds Manu, etc were shot here. Safed Baradari was built as an Imambara or a place of mourning for observing azadaari. Court for petitions and claims by the officers and nobles of the deposed king’s reign was held here by the Britishers after the annexation of Awadh in the year 1856. During the revolt of 1857, it was used as an important meeting place by the freedom fighters. Most portions of the palace were destroyed by the attack of British in 1858, but some structures in its ruined state are still preserved. The Baradari is now used for hosting exhibitions, Culture festivals, weddings and receptions. Other beautiful monuments in this area are the Lakhi Gate in front of and behind the Safed Baradari. The quadrangle of the Kaiserbagh palace complex is flanked by yellow buildings on its three sides. These double storied buildings with large courtyards and no windows on the exterior were once used as the residence for royal ladies and are now the property of Taluqdars (aristocrats who formed the ruling elite during Mughal and British times). One such residence is of the filmmaker, fashion designer, poet, artist, revivalist, and social worker Muzaffar Ali, the Raja of Kotwara, famous for the movie Umrao Jaan. He and his wife Meera Ali still live here. You can book a private visit of his residence through Tornos. Other beautiful monuments in this area are the Bhatkhande Music School, and the Tomb of Nawaab Saadat Ali Khan and his daughter Murshid Zadi. A visit to all these monuments will take about 1 hour at a minimum. There is no entrance fee for most of these monuments, except for Muzaffar Ali's house visit.
Qaisar Bagh
Qaiserbagh complex comprises many grand heritage monuments of Lucknow that were built in the Nawabi era. It was built by Wajid Ali Shah (1847-1856), the last Nawab of Awadh. Wajid Ali Shah started the construction of the Kaiserbagh as soon as he ascended the throne in 1847. Wajid Ali Shah was a great patron of poetry and music. In the Kaiserbagh he dreamed of a palace complex that would be a paradise on earth with large gardens that would be an ideal place for his very many dance dramas and indulge his general poetic temperament. It rivalled the wonders of the world in its luxurious design. Situated in the heart of the city, one such elegant building is the Safed Baradari which was constructed in the year 1854 by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. It is also known as Qasr-ul-Aza that means a place of mourning. Constructed in white marble, Safed Baradari is a wondrously decorative structure which has 12 outlets. It has a spacious hall ornamented with delicate chandeliers and intrinsic architectural motifs. It’s beauty has fascinated so many to such an extent that prominent films like Umrao Jaan, Tanu Weds Manu, etc were shot here. Safed Baradari was built as an Imambara or a place of mourning for observing azadaari. Court for petitions and claims by the officers and nobles of the deposed king’s reign was held here by the Britishers after the annexation of Awadh in the year 1856. During the revolt of 1857, it was used as an important meeting place by the freedom fighters. Most portions of the palace were destroyed by the attack of British in 1858, but some structures in its ruined state are still preserved. The Baradari is now used for hosting exhibitions, Culture festivals, weddings and receptions. Other beautiful monuments in this area are the Lakhi Gate in front of and behind the Safed Baradari. The quadrangle of the Kaiserbagh palace complex is flanked by yellow buildings on its three sides. These double storied buildings with large courtyards and no windows on the exterior were once used as the residence for royal ladies and are now the property of Taluqdars (aristocrats who formed the ruling elite during Mughal and British times). One such residence is of the filmmaker, fashion designer, poet, artist, revivalist, and social worker Muzaffar Ali, the Raja of Kotwara, famous for the movie Umrao Jaan. He and his wife Meera Ali still live here. You can book a private visit of his residence through Tornos. Other beautiful monuments in this area are the Bhatkhande Music School, and the Tomb of Nawaab Saadat Ali Khan and his daughter Murshid Zadi. A visit to all these monuments will take about 1 hour at a minimum. There is no entrance fee for most of these monuments, except for Muzaffar Ali's house visit.