LUKNOW WAS THE MOST PROSPEROUS CITY, TWO HUNDRED YEARS AGO

A traveler who visted Lucknow in 1850 refered to it as the Constantinople of the east.

It was the most prosperous business centre in South Asia. Dhaka muslin from Bengal, bronze articles from Moradabad, bangles from Hyderabad – almost anything was available there.

Foreigners brought gold from outside and minted coins in India for paying for the merchandise of India.

Lucknow was also a centre of writers and poets. The Mughal Emperor in Delhi was only a figure head. Real power was in Lucknow where the fiercest battle raged during the freedom war of 1857.

The telegraphic communication and the powerful artillery saved the British forces. Regiments from Madras were called to reinforce those guarding Lucknow. The Nawab of Lucknow was in London to meet the Crown, with some grievances.

At the end of the war, Lucknow was plundered and destoyed by the angry, victorious soldiers.