Lucknow's European architecture is an exquisite mix of styles – Neo-Classical, Gothic, Indo-Saracenic, with the Nawabs starting it and the British adding their twists. But here's the twist – Kolkata had a role in shaping this architectural beauty.
In the 1700s, Lucknow's architects turned to Kolkata's European-style buildings for inspiration, weaving Calcutta's charm into the city's fabric.
As Dr Neeta Das, a conservation architect who re-traced the Qaiserbagh complex in Lucknow, reveals this unexpected exchange left an indelible mark on Lucknow's architecture. In the 1700s, when the architects in Lucknow were making new constructions, they came to visit Calcutta to refer to its European architecture here. So a part of Lucknow was built with Calcutta, she adds.
Long before Lucknow's famed kebabs and nawabi charm, Lucknow was already calling out to Bengalis. Way back in the 1820s, Nawab Nasir-ud-Daula's Tara Wali Kothi observatory drew them in. Post-1857, as the British Raj took hold, Bengalis seized new opportunities, making their mark on the city's cultural tapestry.
Even today, many Bengalis, both skilled professionals and workers seeking opportunities, form a crucial part of Lucknow. These distinct Bengali neighbourhoods have contributed significantly to the city's composite culture through their unique cultural presence.
Historian and documentary filmmaker Eshan Sharma says: "The earliest recorded group of people from Bengal to arrive in Lucknow consisted of Kalicharan Chattopadhyaya, Durgacharan Bandyopadhyay, Chandrashekhar Mitra, and Madhav Das. Their arrival took place during the reign of Nawab Nasir-ud-din Haider Shah between 1827 and 1837. Trained in astrology and astronomy, they were appointed to serve at the royal observatory, where their responsibilities included maintaining scientific instruments, observing celestial phenomena, and preparing horoscopes for the Awadh court."
Experts say migration to Lucknow or Kolkata isn't new, but the real turning point was when Nawab Nawab Nasir-ud-Daula set up Tara Wali Kothi. This drew four Bengal experts to Awadh, kinda kickstarting a trend. From Model House Park, Hewett Road and Makboolganj to Sunderbagh, Lucknow's Bengali hubs have been buzzing since then. Over time, they've spread to Rabindrapalli, Aashiyana, Nazarbagh, Aliganj, Pathak Road and beyond.
From vast historical events that have shaped this connection to the individual stories of people, food, culture, and art, the cultural bond between Lucknow and Kolkata has continuously evolved over time. Now, the Mahindra Sanatkada Lucknow Festival 2026 will seek to see Lucknow through different lenses, uncovering its many nuances.
Tasveer Hasan, director, Mahindra Sanatkada Lucknow Festival, says generations of Bengalis who made Lucknow their home, whether it was before Independence or in more recent years, represent a unique cross-cultural fusion. They share a deep love for Awadhi culture while carrying a part of Calcutta within them. This lives on through their language, culture, traditions, and the food, especially their fondness for mishti (sweets).
ARCHITECT OF 'CHHOTA LUCKNOW'
Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was the bridge between Lucknow and Calcutta. His mission to reclaim Awadh may have failed, but it sparked a cultural exchange that still resonates.
Hasan says contrary to popular belief, Nawab Wajid Ali Shah's move to Bengal was a strategic bid to reclaim Awadh. Post-1857 revolt, he was let out of Fort William and recreated Lucknow's splour on the Hooghly River, bringing its culture and architecture to Calcutta.
The place lit up with ustaagars crafting exquisite clothes, kite makers flying high, Lucknow's spices wafting aromas, khayal and thumri melodies filling the air, kathak rhythms echoing. It was like a slice of Lucknow transplanted in Kolkata.
TAGOREAN LEGACY
Rabindranath Tagore's visits to Lucknow between 1914 and 1935 weren't just fleeting stops – they willed a deep connection, leaving an indelible mark on the city's cultural psyche. To this day, Lucknow cherishes that bond, keeping the Tagore vibes alive.
Mahindra Sanatkada Lucknow Festival 2026 will present Taki Sanad Rahe, a series that looks back at people from the past who shaped cultural conversations across the literary, artistic, and social traditions of Lucknow and Kolkata.
Tagore's Nobel win lit up India's literary scene, and just a month later, Salik Lucknawi was born in Lucknow. This progressive writer and Padma Shri awardee's roots in the city gave him a strong grasp of Urdu and Persian. Salik Lucknawi's move to Kolkata for higher education turned him into a cultural powerhouse. He soaked in the city's vibrant atmosphere, witnessing and participating in some of the 20th century's most pivotal moments and cultural shifts.
DURGA PUJA ROOTS
In 1856, the British annexation of Awadh played a key role in bringing the cities of Lucknow and Calcutta closer. The British encouraged Bengalis to move to Awadh, among the other places, as they were better suited to British administrative systems. Over time, Bengalis became part of Lucknow's administration and culture, introducing Durga Pujo and a shared fondness for rosogulla. Historian Eshan Sharma says, "Kalicharan Chattopadhyaya, one of the earliest recorded group of people from Bengal to arrive in Lucknow, played a significant role in introducing the public observance of Durga Puja and Kali Puja in the city."
BIRYANI: SAME DISH, DIFFERENT VIBE
Biryani in Lucknow and Kolkata is like two different love stories – same dish, different flavours. Lucknow's is all about delicate spices and tender meat, while Kolkata's brings potatoes and eggs to the party. Soumyadeep Roy, a visual artist from Kolkata, Soumyadeep Roy hits it right -- beyond the differences, it's the shared love for food that ties Lucknow and Kolkata together.
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