During the fag end of Mughal rule, Delhi became a notional capital of the North India. LUCKNOW was the real hub of all activities: commercal, literary and cultural! This fact is sometimes ignored in history text books. An European who visited India in very early times, likened this city to Constantinople. All manufactored goods first came to Lucknow and then transprted to Surat, for export to the world outside.
Nawab of Lucknow was much more powerful than Bahadurshaw Safar, who was defeated and banished to Burma, more as a triumphant gesture, than out of any strategic consideration.
During the war of independence, the commander of the British forces in Lucknow was a worried man. He wanted to avoid a conflict at any cost. He was peace loving by nature.
The Nawab had gone to London to represent his case, along with a large retinue.When he reached England, the war over and the Crown very angry with all Indians; yet he was poltely received with courtsy, as he had no role in the war.
The British commander of Lucknow found himself surrounded by vastly superior numbers of soldiers opposing his rule. They were on the opposite side of the river waiting to cross it, not knowing the exact strength of the enemy. Luckily for the British, telegraphic messages had gone to their forces in Madras and reinforcements were expected any day. Days passed, every day a loss to Indians. When we actually started crossing the river, the enemy kept cool and began firing artillery only when we came very near, causing maximum damage. We lost.
Then was the most ruthless revenge by the British forces who destroyed the whole, old, historic city; burning, looting and killing everything before their eyes! It was like a beautifully decorated marriage pandal being burnt by fire.Only ashes remained…..
Nawab of Lucknow was much more powerful than Bahadurshaw Safar, who was defeated and banished to Burma, more as a triumphant gesture, than out of any strategic consideration.
During the war of independence, the commander of the British forces in Lucknow was a worried man. He wanted to avoid a conflict at any cost. He was peace loving by nature.
The Nawab had gone to London to represent his case, along with a large retinue.When he reached England, the war over and the Crown very angry with all Indians; yet he was poltely received with courtsy, as he had no role in the war.
The British commander of Lucknow found himself surrounded by vastly superior numbers of soldiers opposing his rule. They were on the opposite side of the river waiting to cross it, not knowing the exact strength of the enemy. Luckily for the British, telegraphic messages had gone to their forces in Madras and reinforcements were expected any day. Days passed, every day a loss to Indians. When we actually started crossing the river, the enemy kept cool and began firing artillery only when we came very near, causing maximum damage. We lost.
Then was the most ruthless revenge by the British forces who destroyed the whole, old, historic city; burning, looting and killing everything before their eyes! It was like a beautifully decorated marriage pandal being burnt by fire.Only ashes remained…..
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