How Lucknow City Got Its Name: The Fascinating History Behind It
Admittedly, every corner of India is rich in folklore, but the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, ‘Lucknow’, shines a bit brighter than the rest with its shimmering glory. A city boastful of ancient culture and cuisines, not to mention its impeccable architecture, it’s often quoted as “The City of Nawabs.” But, as fascinating as the city itself, is how it got its name. ‘Lucknow’ embodies a culture that blends with incredible historical events and the evolution of civilization.
His sibling and aide, Lakshman from the epic Ramayana, along with his brother Rama and wife Sita enacted the most famous piece of folklore. Rama, after his conquering battle against the villain Ravana, is said to have rewarded Lakshman with a portion of his kingdom, which he promptly settled as his own, founding what is now known as ‘Lucknow’ as a perfect tribute for his brother.
Many believe that the word ‘Lucknow’ originated from two words: ‘Lakshmanpur’ or ‘Lakhanpur’, which means Lakshman’s city. With time, it transformed into ‘Lakhnau’ in Hindi and Urdu, and then lucknower in British English. This adds to the cultural and historical importance of the city making it a place one must visit.
1. The Change Of Names Is Based On Historical Events Of The City
Legends speak of Lakshmana, an important person of Indian epics and his stories, and while his story’s belief is profound, there is a more complex standard of how the city of Lucknow received its name. The city holds all history from ancient times and thus forged many names throughout its timeline.
Lucknow during the medieval time was a city in the region of Awadh, which was claimed by a lot of ruling regions, such as the Mughal Empire and the Delhi sultanate. The prominence of the city started to surface during the time period when the Nawabs of Awadh were reigning in the 18th century. But, centuries prior to this the city was referred to as ‘Lakhanpur’ or ‘Lakshmanpur,’ which is also the name it received from older texts.
The term “Lakhnau” became associated with the city during the time of the Delhi Sultanate. It is widely believed that it is derived from a title of a local king or chieftain who held power in the region known as Lakhan. After some time, the term was popular during the Mughal period as well.
2. The British Influence
The British East India Company sought to influence the culture and identity of Lucknow. As the British began conquering parts of India in the 1900s, they began changing the spelling and pronunciation of many local names into Anglicized versions for easier use. “Lakhnau” became “Lucknow.” They also transformed Lucknow into one of the foremost administrative and cultural cities, which increased the importance of Lucknow in the history of India.
3. Lucknow Under the Nawabs
Along with the rest of India, the seat of the Awadh Empire also used to be Lucknow and the rulers from the 18th to 19th century greatly influenced the culture and buildings in the city. Nowadays, the flag of India features the symbol of Ashoka Chakra, representing progress. That is the reason why the Nawabs of the region always focused on art, music, food, and especially literature, which the rest of India looked up to. They enjoyed extravagant living, and so did the rest of the world and as proof of it, the Bara Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, and Chota Imambara came into existence which are now amongst the top sites to see in India.
Nawabs shaped the city’s name by using “Lakhnau” to represent their culture, which is considered as majestic and sophisticated. The name became representative of the Nawabi lifestyle which includes diplomacy, grace, and high regard for artistic works.
4. Lucknow Today: Fusion of Heritage and Modernity
Presently, Lucknow is an exquisite city that perfectly integrates its historical past with contemporary features. The word “Lucknow” brings to mind busy markets, spicy kebabs, and it’s marvelous monuments. It is a city that has seen kingdoms flourish and decay, the fight for freedom, and the face of modern-day struggles, and still manages to boast a strong sense of self.
The tale of how Lucknow got its name serves as a reminder of how the city’s determination has ensured its survival throughout various historical periods. It matters not whether it is based on mythology, history, or evolution. The word “Lucknow” evokes a sensation of joy and culture, providing inspiration to the people residing or visiting.
Chronicles of Names
The story behind the creation of the name “Lucknow” is captivating as it shows the development of the city. It evolved from its mythological connections in the Ramayana to the changes brought about by the Nawabs and the British. The name embodies the culture, history, and spirituality of the city. Contemporary Lucknow has become a metaphor for the glorious history of India and the modern advancements of the country. The city takes pride in its name and relates to what it stands for. Everyone, from the history buffs to the culture vultures or even just the simple inquisitive tourist, are drawn to the name of this exceptional city and its remarkable inspirational story.
