CENTRE OF POWER This magnificent structure is not only an assembly house for UP's legislative brains but also a telling story of how power centre shifted from Allahabad to Lucknow, writes M Tariq Khan
LUCKNOW: January 05
Almost 35 years younger than the legislative legacy it inherited, the Vidhan Bhawan is the crown among the many celebrated architectural jewels of Lucknow. Majestic and imposing, the historic building radiates the aura that it symbolizes as the seat of power and governance.
A pretty opulent edifice even by 'Nawabi' standards given that it cost Rs 18 lakh (official records show Rs 21 lakh was sanctioned) and six years to build just to accommodate 123 members of the legislative council in the early nineties. But, money was the last thing on the minds of deep-pocketed Taluqdars led by the Raja of Mahmudabad, who longed for Lucknow instead of Allahabad as the capital of the then United Provinces of Agra and Awadh.The United Province Governor Sir Harcourt Butler had little choice before the combined clout of these blue-blooded campaigners but to bow to their demand. He affirmed the city's claim as the new state capital by laying the foundation stone of this landmark building on December 15, 1922. Designed by Sir Swinon Jacob and Heera Singh, Messers Martin and Company were entrusted with the job to give shape this elegant and artistic architectural Odyssey made of cream coloured sandstone and marble ferried from Agra and Jaipur.
What catches you in awe at the outset is the sheer size and
symmetry of this sprawling, double storeyed structure that has
labyrinthine, never-ending galleries with myriad chambers on either
side. The main entry is through a crescent-shaped portico that leads to
the central hall of the building with long, projecting galleries and a
beautiful ribbed dome in the middle capped by a cupola. The central
chamber is large and circular in shape. Though out of bounds for
commoners, the dome offers a spectacular view of the city's skyline.
From the inside, this octagonal dome is embellished with vibrant and
dancing peacocks in stucco. The massive, strong Chunar sandstone Gothic
arches and chambers exude strength. Its thick walls are replete with
Roman figurines, sculptures and various types of arms and delicately
carved motifs that have been placed in the niches of the facades.
After Independence, the emblem of Uttar Pradesh consisting of the bow and arrow of Arjuna, the river Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, and the traditional pair of fish, was carved on a white stone slab and embedded on the main building.
"It is one of the finest specimens of Indo-European architecture in the state," writes WH Siddiqui in his book "Lucknow: The Historic City." The building, home to both the houses of the Vidhan Sabha now, was first occupied in 1928.
Official records show that originally, there was a provision for
only about 250 seats in the Council Chamber. However, after
Independence, when the strength of the Legislative Assembly, which had
by then come to occupy it, was raised to more than 400, the seating
arrangement was changed to accommodate the increased members. This
historic Council Chamber has now been made fully air-conditioned and
equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system.
The central chamber is large and circular in shape.
The dome offers a spectacular view of the city's skyline.
From the inside, this octagonal dome is embellished with vibrant and dancing peacocks in stucco.
The massive, strong Chunar sandstone Gothic arches and chambers exude strength.
Its thick walls are replete with Roman figurines, sculptures and various types of arms and delicately carved motifs that have been placed in the niches of the facades.
After Independence, the emblem of Uttar Pradesh consisting of the bow and arrow of Arjuna, the river Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, and the traditional pair of fish, was carved on a white stone slab and embedded on the main building.
"It is one of the finest specimens of Indo-European architecture in the state," writes WH Siddiqui in his book "Lucknow: The Historic City." The building, home to both the houses of the Vidhan Sabha now, was first occupied in 1928.
Official records show that originally, there was a provision for
only about 250 seats in the Council Chamber. However, after
Independence, when the strength of the Legislative Assembly, which had
by then come to occupy it, was raised to more than 400, the seating
arrangement was changed to accommodate the increased members. This
historic Council Chamber has now been made fully air-conditioned and
equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system.STONES TELL A STORY
he main entry is through a crescent-shaped portico that leads to the central hall of the building.The central chamber is large and circular in shape.
The dome offers a spectacular view of the city's skyline.
From the inside, this octagonal dome is embellished with vibrant and dancing peacocks in stucco.
The massive, strong Chunar sandstone Gothic arches and chambers exude strength.
Its thick walls are replete with Roman figurines, sculptures and various types of arms and delicately carved motifs that have been placed in the niches of the facades.
After Independence, the emblem of Uttar Pradesh consisting of the
bow and arrow of Arjuna, the river Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, and the
traditional pair of fish, was carved on a white stone slab and embedded
on the main building.
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