Etymology of Rumi Darwaza
Rumi Darwaza is said to be influenced by a similar gateway which stands in present-day Istanbul in Turkey. The now Islam-based city was once the prosperous capital Byzantine of the East Roman Empire, and this tie of architectural influence led to the corruption of the word Rome and became Rumi in India.
History of Rumi Darwaza
Now a landmark for the city of Lucknow, the great Rumi Darwaza was once built keeping a very noble and thoughtful idea in mind by the then Nawab. In 1748, the Awadh region along with a large portion of North India was going through a terrible phrase of famine and depression. Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daula thus decided to set on certain construction projects as a food-for-work campaign which would generate employment for the common people and thus help the economy as well people's standard of living to get better a bit. He engineered the making ofBara Imambaraand along with that the towering gateway - Rumi Darwaza. It did not take long to build the structures. Within two years, the fruit of labour was gracing the gateway to the Old City of Lucknow which was quite a feat given the critical situations.
Architecture of Rumi Darwaza
Rumi Darwaza might just look like all the other Islamic structures that dominate the old cities of North India, but its style is quite different than that of the Mughal or the Sultanate ones. The architecture of Rumi Darwaza is distinctive and in sync with the Nawabi gharana popular in the Awadhi region. Unlike the Mughals, who used red stone, the Nawabs of Lucknow used limestone which was much easy for carving intricately detailed designs than hard stone.
The top of the Rumi Darwaza at 60 feet height has a small octagonal place which is called the chhatri or umbrella ? it looks over both sides of the gate from the absolute top. A staircase leads up to it, or so it did in the old days. So it can be assumed that this was either used for vigilance, or to light up the gate with a big lantern at night, which is the more popular history.
The whole structure of the massive door is decked with ornate patterns of flowers and leaves and other detailed designs that speak explicitly of the great craftsmanship of that time. It has four minarets at four corners, and it stretches out on both sides taking up almost the shape of a building rather than a gate.
What To Expect at Rumi Darwaza
Rumi Darwaza is known for its true Awadhi style of architecture dating back to 1700s. Even though weak and decaying, it is still one of the biggest landmarks of Lucknow and stands tall and proud. If you visit at night, Rumi Darwaza is lit up and the archway can be witnessed in all its 250 years old glory. Do not forget to click pictures as the memory of the trip should remain with you forever, as well as a souvenir of the history.
How to Reach Rumi Darwaza
Being located near the city's heart, reaching Rumi Darwaza is not a trouble at all. Hire a rickshaw or a taxi, or a car from your hotel (if you don't know your way around) and reach there in a jiffy. It is only 5.5 km from the Lucknow Junction which is the nearest railway station.
Top Tourist Places in Lucknow
Hazratganj Market
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Rumi Darwaza
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