URBAN RENEWAL AND CONSERVATION

TRADITIONAL CITY OF LUCKNOW

-A case of chawk bazaar lucknow
By: kavita, 2013mud008

Lucknow was historically known as the Awadh region, has

always been a multicultural city, a vibrant city and is among
the top 10 fastest growing metro cities of India.
Historically it was a rich centre of Hindu and Urdu literature.
Lucknow is the political and administrative capital of Uttar
Pradesh.
Lucknow is bravely struggling to retain its old world charm
while at the same time acquiring a modern life style.
Regarded as the one of the finest cities of India.
lucknow represents a culture that combines emotional
warmth a high degree of sophistication, courtesy and a love
for gracious living.

Now the old city of Lucknow is losing balance between the

carrying capacity i e . the existing infrastructure base of the
are and prevailing activity structure.

SITE INTRODUCTION
Lucknow is known for its rich history and culture manifest not
just in its many magnificent Monuments but an intrinsic part of
its lifestyle.
Origin:

mythological beginnings: as mentioned in literature of Ramayan,

lucknow is the kingdom of lakshman, younger brother of Shri
Ramchandra. originally known as lakhan puri.
Lucknow came into existence around thirteenth century when Emperor
Akbar divided the Mughal Empire into twelve provinces and chose
Lucknow as the seat of Government for Oudh - the most prosperous
province of the empire.
In the late 18th century, the Shia Nawabs of Lucknow built several
imposing structures, commercial and trading centres that increased
the grandeur and opulence of the city. At the time of the first war of
independence in 1857, the city suffered a lot of damages and the old
past was replaced with new developments during the British period.
After independence the city experienced tremendous growth and the
distinct Lucknow culture composite, refined, rich and vibrant is
slowly disappearing.
Along with this rich history, lucknow is a birthplace of very fine crafts &
Nawabi cuisines, - chikinkari , zari-dosi, meena kari, dam biryani
,kabebs, etc are some of them. All these flourished around royal court.

ARCHITECTURE:

CULTURE:
Lucknow, this name is a reflection of architectural wonders of Lakhauri bricks, the fragrance of
itra, soothing-lyrical notes, the tinkling of dancing bells, the mouth-watering dussheri mangoes,
and of course its unparallel tradition Mehman Nawazi. Known for its cultured language, attire,
etiquette and lifestyle Lucknow is also known as the City of Ada and Adab. The pillar on which this
tehzeeb raises itself is the Urdu language.
Gazals, Urdu poetry, drama, dance forms, festivals, milling chowks and various exciting games like
Kabutarbazi, Patangbazi and Baterbazi.
Under the royal patronage the various arts forms which originated here, namely the, Kathak, Thumri,
Khayal, Dadra, Gazals, Qawwalies and Sher-o-Shairi reached never before heights.
Lucknow also came to be recognized as an important centre of Islamic learning. The Urdu language
was polished and gained an important and irreplaceable place in the culture of Lucknow.

Crafts
CRAFT:
The Nawabs of Lucknow were great patrons of arts and artists. The most well known of them are the
Chikankari work(hand embroidery),Zardozi and Kamdani works,Jewellery, enamelling work, Bidri and
Zarbuland silver works .
There are some other crafts like gota weaving, dyeing and calico print, chandivarq (Siver) making, Ivory
work and bone carvings is also widely appreciated. Fine pottery, Attar (Itr) or perfumes, Lucknowi Paan,
Zarda (tobacco).
Kite flying ,Woodwork and construction of tazias, made of zari work, gold and silver papers are creations
of master craftsmen to commemorate the solemn occasion of Moharrum.
This makes Lucknow a shoppers delight thats hard to resist. This is a clear indication of the capacity these
arts and art forms have of generating employment, attracting tourists and conserving the invaluable
traditions of a spectacular city

Crafts

CUISINE:

The cuisine of Lucknow has its own distinct individuality and identity. The traditional food of Lucknow was
highly patronized by the Mughals thus giving it a very royal touch. Every detail was accounted for and it
was made sure that the food looked fit for the kings. A very high degree of flair and finesse was required
to cook the elaborate Lucknow cuisine.
The style of cooking was called as Dum style. This basically means that food was cooked on low flame.
This style is carried on till date. The blending of spices in the right proportion and the right way was also
not easy.
The most famous dishes of Lucknow are kormas, kaliya, nahari-kulchas, zarda, sheermal, roomali rotis
and warqi parathas, Some of the most famous (and delicious!) varieties of Kebabs are Kakori Kebabs,
tunde kebab Shami Kebabs, Boti Kebabs, Patili-ke-Kababs, Ghutwa Kebabs and Seekh Kebabs.

lucknow is the city of Nawabs and Kebabs, Biryani and Shervani , Tehzeeb and TameeZ

CHAWK BAZAAR:
Chowk is one of the oldest markets as well as
residential place in Lucknow.
It still retains some of its old Nawabi glamour
and harmony blended with modern type of
business and culture.
Around five hundred shops of the area, sell
Chikan Garments, Jewellery - gold and silver
utensils, etc.
Other intricate items like beautiful knives,
handmade lampshades, ivory shirt pins and small
toys. Itra made of flowers, Jardoji clothes and
handmade nagra shoes, chappals are also
available near Gol Darwaja.

HISTORICAL EVOLUTION
Lucknow has never been the capital city of a large and important kingdom and thus there no strong
urban and architectural expression of power. Instead it developed through spontaneous additions
and accretions by consecutive rulers over the centuries. The river imposed an order on the city
and Important buildings and complexes were located on its banks. The meandering of the river
organizes the city structure in a gentle curve, Lucknow dates back to the seventh century BC,
though there are no existing structures from this period the valiant brother of the mythological
king Ram Chandra. Lakshman there still exists a mound near the river called the Lakshman ka tila
that is a reminder of the city's origin.

PRE-BRLTISH PERIOD
Historic records of Lucknow are available from 1031 AD when
Lucknow was attacked by Muslim king for the first time.
In 1530, the Afghan ruler in Delhi, Sher Shah Suri established a
silver and copper mint in Lucknow. The city grew rapidly of this
time and several important buildings inducing the Machhi
Bhawan and the Panch Mahal were built. It flourished as a
centre for trade and commerce .

Macchi bhawan

it added some new residential areas under the next emperor Jahangir During the reign of the
king Aurangzeb in Delhi, the staunch Muslim king, a mosque was built on the famous mound,
Lakshman ka Tila.
In 1720, Saadat Khan was the appointed ruler of Lucknow and a representative of one of the last
Mughal kings. He founded the Awadh dynasty and proclaimed himself the Nawab of Awadh,
this marked the beginning of an important time in the history of Lucknow when it was no longer a
subordinate province of Delhi.

In 1754, he was succeeded by Nawab Shujaud Daula who refused to transfer revenues to Delhi.
He moved the capital to Faizabad.
Lucknow became a much smaller town, with two main areas of living one near Chowk and the
other close to Machhi Bhawan. The rest of the city became overgrown and covered by green area.

His successor Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula moved the capital back to lucknow in 1775. he made
extensive additions to the city building sever buildings and gardens. Some of the prominent
tourist attraction in Lucknow today were build in his regime.
His successor Nawab Saadat Ali Khan was announced by the British in 1798 and was succeeded by
his son Nawab Ghazi-ud-din Haider in 1814. Lucknow flourished and grew towards the southeast
part of the city.
He was succeeded by Nawab Nasir-ud-din who was replaced by Mohammed Ali Shah and finally by
Wajid All Shah (1847-56).

THE BRITISH PERIOD

The first war of independence was in 1857. The British were

kept prisoner in the residency and other English homes for
several days till military support arrived to help them. The city
of Lucknow was taken over by the British east India Company
and Wajid Ali shah had to sign a treaty surrendering the
exclusive governance of his territories. The British proceeded
to make several changes in the city of Lucknow. Two fifth of
the city was demolished. New roads were built and all
buildings were exception of old historic buildings.

AFTER INDEPENDENCE:
When got it independence in 1947, great increase in the
population of refugee after the national partition. Congestion
in the order part of the city is further increased. Over a decade
lucknow has grown stronger as a administrative town.

mughals
Colonial

Evolution of lucknow

Map of lucknow 1858

Glimpses of historic lucknow

Study area is the chawk , lucknow- the

oldest part of lucknow. The pre Nawabi,
medieval city, developed in the right
angled to the river and guarded by the
Macchi Bhawan fort on the southern
bank.
Chawk , the main marketplace to the
southeast became the centre of
expanding town in the other direction

Chawk which in Sanskrit means the

space at junction of crossroads, existed as
a linear market place before the
beginning of nawabi rule in lucknow.
Lying on the trade route which linked it
with other town in avadh- kanpur and
faizabad.
Main spine of lucknow chawk has two
gates at its both the ends namely Akbari
darwaza and Gol darwaza.

Strategic importance of chawk bazaar

The street has been built in the time of Asaf- ud duala, but probably it
is of earlier dates, because the southern gate, Akbari gate was build in
the reign of Akbar.
It was the place which had the presence of the courtesans, aristocrats,
nobles, nawabs, jagirdaars, taluqadaars. mahajans and highly places
officers of Nawabi administration and was supposedly connoisseurs of
arts and crafts.
Chawk gathered not only commerce but also institutions of religion
and learning and most colourful of all, houses of courtesans known as
kothas.
The courtesans was accomplished in dance and music. The chawk
became British red light area. They were packed away in early 50ths in
the government orders.

Chawk today:
It still retains some of its old nawabi glamour and harmony blended with
modern type of business and culture. Chawk if the market in old city
region which typically defines the lucknow art forms.
The half a mile stretch of the street between two gateways of gol darwaza
and akbari darwaza has became a symbolic of old lucknow selling even
today the traditionally crafted goods and exotic delicacies
Around five hundred shops of the area, sell chikan garments, jewellery gold and silver utensils, etc.
Other intricate items like beautiful knives, handmade lampshades, ivory
shirt pins and small toys. Itra made of flowers, jardoji clothes and
handmade nagra shoes, chappals are also available near gol darwaja.

the sense of place is strengthened by the

arched gateways and the domes and minarets
of 5 mosques in the area. One of which, Tehsin
Miya ki Masjid, reputed to be the third largest
mosque in the city, dominates the skyline of
chawk, with its angular placement with respect
to the street, it is visually prominent landmark.
There is also a sarai( resting place travellers), a
baoli( well with rooms around it), Saudagar
Imambara, and a holy tomb ( of shahmina).
Firnagi Mahal ( meaning foreign place) and
most famous school of Arabic learning in India
and the centre of orthodox Islamic scholarship.
There is also kotwali, the old police
station/residential mansions which act as
landmarks include khun khun ki kothi, famous
jewellers and bankers of lucknow, near gol
darwaza, old hena building, home of Asgar Ali
itra wales perfumes. other residential
courtyards where block printing for textiles is
done, lie in the cul de sacs of the mail streets of
chawk.

Other senses are also assailed from the vibrant

colours, rich aromas and numerous sounds. This
is clearly a tactile space forth proximate senses.
The open merchandise displayed on the shop
plinths, the sight of silver foil makers, halwai and
embroidered (chikan) as they work, makes it an
informative and transparent environment.
There is a concentration of trades along certain
stretches of the street with area near one gateway
dominated by chikan works and the other by
terra cotta shops, tobacconists and silver foil
makers. Then there is a lane called phool wali
gali where about 24 shops shells flowers.
the space of commerce has attracted other
institutions,
making
it
multifaceted,
a
characteristic of preindustrial urbanity.
The main street is always thronged with people
king things, buying and selling, eating delicacies:
Makkhan Malai, and kebabs and just hanging out.
The courtesans are gone now , the huge kiosks
lining Gol darwaza have been torn down and
many building repaired. Yet it catch a glimpses of
old lucknow, its high perceptual density keeps the
visitors alert and curious.

Heritage of sights, sounds, smells & sapidity.

Urban fabric
These streets can be categories into primary, secondary, and
tertiary. Primary streets or the main roods 10-15 mts wide.
Secondary streets which is the main spine of the market is 4-6
m wide approx. tertiary streets are very narrow, having width of
1.2-2.5m approx.
The urban fabric is very tightly knit in the old city so that the
street feels like a elongated courtyard carved out of dense
building mass. With the width varying between 4 6 meters,
the horizontal to vertical ratio of street width to building
height increases from 2:3 to 1:2.

The buildings are 2- 3 stories in height,

frequently with a balcony on the second floor,
due to slide meanderings, there is no views
down the entire length of the street.
A strong sense on enclosure makes chawk
kinaesthetically stimulating.
the sense of place is strengthened by the
arched gateways and the domes and minarets of
5 mosques in the area

Land use pattern:

The street is commercial spine with

most of the properties of mixed use
type, with shops on ground and
residential households on upper floor.
the maximum percentage of land use
is that of mixed use around 55%, then
residential 30% and the pure
commercial is around 15 % . With
supporting informal activities.

Building height:
The building floors along the street
varies from ground to third floor.
Ground floor: 8.65%
G+1: 50.5%
G+2: 35.8 %
G+3: 4.9 %

Typology of Open spaces

Chowk is a densely packed area with
very less open space. Broadly the open
spaces within the area can be classified
as under two heads- community level
open space and household level open
space.
The community level open space are
the Hiran park which was once on a
hillock and was panned as a park. The
other
one
is
the
space
around the police station near Gol
darwaza which is at present being
utilized as parking space. The space
around the mandir complex /
and Darul Shlfa complex also acts as
open space for the community. The
household open spaces are the
courtyards of respective residence.

Typology of structures:
The streets can be characterised by building of
different styles pertaining to their usage and
activity.
these are majorly of nawabi period with typical
architectural features of indo islamic style. Eg
arches, depiction of fish etc. Most of the
buildings belongs to courtesans and old nawabs.

Building ownership:
The ownership within the area can be categoried
as public, private and trust owned. Public
owned buildings are less. These trust belong to
both muslim or non muslim eg, hussainabad
improvement trust, jain trust and bolenath trust.
Theprivate owner in this area is multiple, most
of the shops are rented on minimal rents.
trust owned: 40%
Privately owned:54%
Public owned: 4-5 %

Typologies of Activities
The activity pattern for any can be
based on various factors including:
economic activity pattern, cultural
activities
and
social
activity.
Chowk is a wholesale market which
specializes in chikan kari work. So the
activities happening in the area are
based on the economic factors which
have a cultural background to them,
since all the art forms heritage of that
area.
For the case of chiKanKari embroidery,
the printing is done in household level
and the final product which comes
through various level of manufacturing
is retailed or wholesaled. And other
crafts which flourished under nawabs
clearly seen in chawk market.

ISSUES:
1- LOSS OF HISTORICITY:
One of the issue pertaining to the place is the excessive,
uncontrolled, unchecked commercialization of the spine.
This street was not designed with the aim to cater a such a large
amount of commercial activities. the excessive commercialization
eating up the old and traditional building and richness of the fabric.
which are slowly being brought down and converted into
commercial and office complex.
Present Development in the form of concrete frame structures are
coming up due to which historicity is being lost and there is
deterioration of the buildings and the space.
Apart from built resources which are tangible, there are intangible
resources as well for eg., the famous cuisine of chowk, its cultural
character which included dance and music etc. and since, the street
has not been promoted or encouraged in terms of its intangible
resources, its rich heritage is under threat and its Cultural identity is
being lost.
Due to the unmanaged governmental policies and negligence in
terms of the potential of tourism in Chawk area. The tourist count
is minimal which could have been appreciable since most of the
lucknow rich heritage monuments are situated nearby chawk area.
There is lack of proper space for the informal activities happening
there.

2-DEGRADED STREET FACADE

The excessive display of advertisements as a Part of the
commercialization of the streets, etc. and deteriorating the
overall aesthetic look of the area, rendering it unattractive and
less charming for the visitors to visit the lanes Visitors lack visual
access to the permanent traditional shops along the spine due to
rich heritage fabric which itself is deteriorating in the course of
time.
3- CONGESTION
The excessive use of the street has led to lot of traffic ingress into
the area rendering movement of the people almost impossible
during the daytime and especially peak hours. width of the street
varies at places from 6m to 3m approx.
Due to the organic nature of the spine, width of the street is
varying which creates issues related to congestion. Loading and
unloading of goods is difficult.
High Population and Buildup Density, with around 90% built-up
areas which has led to no Space for further development
No Parking space for the residents, shopkeepers and
visitors ,Lot of congestion is created since most of the vehicle, of
shopkeeper, are parked on the street itself.

4 encroachment
Encroachment has come up along the street. The
shops have been encroached to around 0.6m along
the plinth and same is for the upper floors of the
buildings in the form of projected balconies or
hoardings. Encroachment has led to issues of
congestion, deterioration of street facade etc.
hoarding and other projections also make visual
obstruction.
5 lack of open space
There is lack of recreation space for
the children since there is just one
open playground within the area
known as Hiran Park and there to and
there is no sitting space for the
visitors or the residences.

6-multiple ownership
The successive fragmentation of the properties and multiple ownership renders the tax collection
and provision of various services difficult. Multiple ownership has led to the degradation of the
place as it restricts the overall growth of the place.
Area inside the inside the King Unani Hospital complex have Been converted Into a row of
commercial shops, however the original building is intact.
Similarly a well has been filled up and the space has been encroached for commercial purposes
The heavy strain upon the infrastructure facilities has made the area more problematic.
The condition of the streets and the dirty drains are poor and solid waste management need
urgent attention.
Lack of physical infrastructure like sewerage, water supply , underground electric lines.
Sewerage is been dumped into drainage, which is creating inappropriate environmental
conditions.

There are some thoughts about protecting such vivid cultural and historical value of
past, In City Development Plan of Lucknow.
To revive the lost glory of heritage zones like Kaiserbagh, Hussainabad and La
Martiniere including Hazratganj, Residency, Chowk, Dilkhusha, for the benefit of the
city and the country culturally, and as a core ingredient of a vibrant tourism sector.
Among the top tourist destinations in India by positioning Lucknow as a major Nawabi
and Raj heritage hub that provides a holistic tourist experience through skilful
amalgamation of HISTORIC MONUMENTS, CULTURE, FOOD AND CRAFTS.

Explore, Research and Revive the Tangible and Intangible Heritage.

The first and foremost aim of the plan is revive the tangible and intangible heritage of the area.

To Convert the Heritage area into a Pollution free Zone:

This is proposed by cordoning off the selected area and turning it into a walking zone where
motorized vehicles will be prohibited from entering. Only horse driven tongas and manual
rickshaws will be allowed as conveyance within the area.
To Recreate the Style and Ambience of the Oudhi Era with its Art and Architecture through
Intermittent Shops and Show.
to merge the tangible and intangible heritage of the area to form a complete package. The
proposed area includes Lakshman Hillock, Bara Imambara, Roomi Darwaza, Picture gallery, Clock
Tower, Hussainabad Gate I, Chota Imambara, Hussainabad Gate II and Jama Masjid. All these
monuments are intermitted with gardens and parks. The proposal can involves maintaining
these green zones and converting part of these areas into amphitheatres, arenas, theatres etc.
These areas will be used by artisans for performances like kathak recitals, tabla recitals, sitar
recitals, quawwali and mushayaras, folk dance and music, ethnic fashion shows and many
more events.
The Complete Heritage Zone:
The Heritage zone apart from the architectural heritage of the city must include:
dance and music recitals, sham e awadh, kite flying, light and sound show, heritage walk and
cuisine displays, kaboor bazi, mushayara, haat bazaar, over all ambience.

Thank you..