The Residency

The first place that we went to in Lucknow is called the Residency (spelled Rejidenci in Hindi transliteration- the ‘j’ and ‘z’ songs are often confused in Hindi, or the ‘z’ sound doesn’t exist, the closest letter being ‘j’).

Regardless, this site was quite literally the residence of important British officials. It’s where the Commissioner (aka Governor of Lucknow) of the East India Company for the region lived. It was built by the Nawab (uslim rulers of princely states in India), who were thrown out when the East India Company took control over Lucknow. It’s located on the top of a hill, making it a prime location for the British in terms of a military advantage, which they, of course, needed (especially in 1857). In 1857, there were a series of mutinies across India, often known in the West as the Sepoy Rebellions. This conflict began for several reasons, one of which was the cartridges used for gun powder, which was said to be made of pig and cow fat (which violates both the Muslim and Hindu traditions, respectively). Therefore, participating as a soldier in the British army (hired as mercenary types) caused soldiers to violate their religious beliefs. Obviously, this was not the only cause of rebellions, and there was a certain degree of discontent with the British anyway, but this was the final straw for soldiers, beginning a wave of revolt across India. In the museum that we visited, this was recognized as the 1857 War of Independence.

During this War of Independence, the entire complex was held under siege for several months, resulting in the eventual withdrawal of the British from Lucknow. Many buildings were shelled, which you can see in the pictures of the complex that I’ve included below. 

 the arches at the mosque inside the residency complex.

 you can see the damage on the residence here. Look at those cannonball holes!

 more arches at the mosque- so pretty!