What historic site is the Amir-ud-Daulah library in Lucknow built upon?

The Amir-ud-Daulah library in Lucknow is built upon the historic site of a pavilion named Lanka, which was demolished during the British period.

What architectural styles does the Amir-ud-Daulah library feature?

The Amir-ud-Daulah library features a blend of British and Islamic architectural styles, designed to be acceptable to Indian society.

Why is preserving urban memory important according to architect Neeta Das?

Architect Neeta Das emphasizes that preserving urban memory is essential for understanding history and identity, noting that while stories survive, structures disappear.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Colonial Walls, Indian Soul: Library's Tale

Colonial Walls, Indian Soul: Library's Tale

1 Feb

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Summary

Amir-ud-Daulah library built on demolished historic pavilion site.
Hybrid design blends British and Islamic architecture.
Architect stresses need to preserve urban memory and structures.

Colonial Walls, Indian Soul: Library's Tale

The iconic Amir-ud-Daulah library in Lucknow stands on the historic site of the Lanka pavilion, which was demolished during the British period. Architect Neeta Das shared this during a session at the 17th Lucknow Sanatkada Festival. The Lanka pavilion, built by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, was razed by the British. The library was subsequently constructed on the same location with funding from Raja Mahmodabad and local taluqdars.

Das explained that the library's design deliberately merges British architectural planning with Islamic visual elements to align with local cultural sensibilities. This hybrid approach aimed to present British architecture in a form acceptable to Indian society, leading to the style later known as colonial or Indo-Islamic architecture. Das highlighted her career-long dedication to placing Lucknow on the world map due to its rich culture, language, architecture, and memory.

Addressing the weakness of heritage conservation in India, Das lamented, "Our stories survive, but our structures disappear." She underscored the essential role of preserving urban memory for comprehending history and identity.