Architecture of Lucknow

The Lucknow School of Architecture was an experiment by the resurgent Nawabs of Awadh. It was an attempt to preserve the Mughal school of architecture by experimenting with different materials and innovating new concepts.

Among the extant architecture there are religious buildings such as imambaras, mosques and other Islamic shrines, and secular structures like enclosed gardens, baradaris, palace complexes.

The following are distinct features of Lucknow architecture :

• Use of Fish as an auspicious and decorative motif especially on Gates
• The use of Chattar ( umbrella ) as in the Chattar Manzil
• The Baradari ( the twelve doorway pavilions)
• Rumi Darwaza, the signature structure of Lucknow
• Enclosed Baghs like Sikandar Bagh
• Vaulted halls such as the Asafi Imambara
• The labyrinth Bhulbhulaiyan
• Taikhanas
• Use of lakhauri bricks.