URBAN RENEWAL AND CONSERVATIONTRADITIONAL 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:

‘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.

CULTURE:

Crafts

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 that’s 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

CRAFT:

Crafts

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.

CUISINE:

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 .

•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.

Macchi bhawan

•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.

Evolution of lucknow Map of lucknow 1858

mughals

Colonial

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.

•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.

Strategic importance of chawk bazaar

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 wale’s 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.

•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.

Urban fabric

•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 spacearound 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..