Lucknow's Architectural Heritage: The Story Behind Amir-ud-Daulah Library
In a fascinating revelation at the 17th edition of the Lucknow Sanatkada Festival, architect Neeta Das shared the hidden history of one of the city's most iconic landmarks. During the 'Stone, Story, City' session held on Saturday, in conversation with historian Nimra Rizvi, Das disclosed that the Amir-ud-Daulah Public Library stands on the historic site of a pavilion named Lanka, which was demolished during the British colonial period.
The Lost Pavilion of Kaisarbagh
Das explained that Lanka was once a popular and significant pavilion within the Kaisarbagh complex, originally constructed under the patronage of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, the last ruler of Awadh. This architectural gem, however, met its demise when the British authorities razed it during their occupation, erasing a piece of Lucknow's royal legacy.
The Birth of a Hybrid Architectural Marvel
Following the destruction of the Lanka pavilion, the current library building emerged on the same hallowed ground. The construction was funded through contributions from Raja Mahmodabad and various local taluqdars (landholders), showcasing community effort in preserving cultural memory. Notably, the design was executed by skilled 'kaarigars' (craftsmen), whose invaluable contributions, as Das pointed out, remain largely undocumented in mainstream historical records.
The building itself represents a deliberate fusion of British and Islamic architectural styles. While structurally planned as a typical colonial-era library, its visual elements were carefully crafted to resonate with local cultural sensibilities. "The aim was to dress British architecture in a form acceptable to Indian society," Das remarked, highlighting how this intentional hybrid design later became recognized as colonial or Indo-Islamic architecture.
Preserving Urban Memory and Cultural Identity
Reflecting on her career motivations, Das shared that she decided early on to put Lucknow on the world map, describing the city as a "living space of culture, language, architecture, and memory." When questioned about the challenges of heritage conservation in India, she offered a poignant observation: "Our stories survive, but our structures disappear." She emphasized that preserving urban memory is not merely about maintaining buildings but is essential for understanding historical continuity and cultural identity.
This revelation underscores the layered history embedded in Lucknow's urban landscape, where modern institutions often rest upon foundations rich with forgotten narratives. The Amir-ud-Daulah library thus stands not just as a repository of books but as a testament to resilience, adaptation, and the enduring spirit of Lucknow's architectural and cultural heritage.
