Lucknow

Lucknow, a city of India, capital of the province of Oudh (q.v.), on the Giimti, 42 miles N.E. of Cawnpur. Viewed from the outside, the town presents an imposing appearance; but in reality the streets are narrow and crowded, and the buildings, which produce a striking effect from a distance, are seen on a nearer view to possess all the worst faults of architectural design. The most magnificent edifice is the Imambara or mausoleum of Asaf-ud-daula, the fourth Nawab of the Oudh dynasty, erected in 1784. There are also two fine mosques, four gorgeous royal tombs, two large palaces, an observatory, etc. Canning College was established in 1864. The Martiniere College is intended for the sons of soldiers, and has a branch for the education of girls. The manufactures include gold and silver brocade (made from small wires), muslins and other textile fabrics, glass-work, and moulding in clay. There are also railway workshops and a paper factory, and the town has a large trade in grain, cotton, salt, molasses, and leather.

Lucknow is memorable for the gallant defence maintained by the garrison during the Mutiny; it was besieged by the rebels from July, 1857, to March, 1858, when they were finally defeated by Sir Colin Campbell. [Laweence, Outeam.]