Latest news with #Nawab
News18
6 days ago
- Business
- News18
How Rich Was The Nawab Of Lucknow? His Palace Is Worth Rs 10,000 Crore Today
Last Updated: Wajid Ali Shah, last Nawab of Awadh, ruled from 1847-1856 and his Kaiserbagh Palace cost Rs 80 lakh then, equivalent to Rs 10,000 crore today The phrase 'Are you the Nawab of Lucknow?" might sound like a teasing taunt today, but behind the jibe lies a real legacy of unparalleled opulence, cultural grandeur, and royal indulgence. Nearly 250 years after his rule, the name of the last Nawab of Awadh, Wajid Ali Shah, still resonates as a symbol of immense wealth – so vast that modern estimates peg it in the range of thousands of crores. Wajid Ali Shah, who reigned from 1847 to 1856, may have ruled for just nine years, but he left behind a towering legacy; one built not only on palatial architecture and artistic patronage, but also on an economy powered by agriculture, trade, and tax revenues. Though there is no official audit of his wealth, historians and archival records suggest his possessions were nothing short of staggering by any era's standards. Among his most magnificent achievements was the Kaiserbagh Palace complex, constructed between 1848 and 1850 at a then-astronomical cost of Rs 80 lakh. Adjusted for today's value, that figure hovers around Rs 10,000 crore, making it one of the most opulent royal estates of the time. And this was just one of many palaces under his rule. The Nawab's court was sprawling and expensive. It included hundreds of wives, concubines, courtiers, artists, musicians, and servants. His taste for the finer things extended beyond architecture and poetry; he had an exotic menagerie that included monkeys, bears, and no fewer than 18,000 pigeons. His gardens weren't merely decorative, they were stages for grand dramas, elaborate dances, and poetic recitals that showcased the Nawab's deep patronage of art and culture. After the British annexed Awadh in 1856, Wajid Ali Shah was forcibly exiled to Matiaburj in Kolkata. But exile didn't exactly mean poverty, at least not at first. The British government granted him an annual pension of Rs 12 lakh, a significant amount at the time, to sustain his royal lifestyle. However, his expenses far exceeded this amount. According to an 1874 report by a correspondent of The New York Times, the Nawab's residence in Kolkata housed more than 7,000 people including courtesans, bodyguards, pets, and attendants. He even leased additional bungalows to support his lifestyle, indicating that he still retained private wealth even after his kingdom was snatched away. When Royals Fell Into Debt The grandeur couldn't last forever. Along with confiscating much of his wealth, the British government also imposed a colossal debt of £2 million (roughly Rs 20 crore in today's value) on the Nawab. While the pension continued, the burden of debt and the loss of steady revenue from Awadh steadily eroded the fortune. The British took control of many of his lands, palaces, and treasures. Historians believe that the total value of assets seized by the East India Company – including properties, gold, artifacts, and cultural relics – could today amount to over Rs 2 lakh crore. Years later, descendants of the royal family including Begum Wilayat Mahal demanded compensation from the government, alleging that their ancestral properties had been wrongfully confiscated. These demands, however, were mired in legal ambiguity and never resulted in substantial redress. Despite the fall of his kingdom, Wajid Ali Shah remains a legend. His patronage of the arts gave rise to modern Kathak and enriched Hindustani music. And though his crown was taken, his legacy of elegance, extravagance, and poetic melancholy still defines the cultural memory of Lucknow. First Published: June 17, 2025, 18:59 IST
The Hindu
07-06-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Champions Way bags the Nawab M Arshad Ali Khan Memorial Cup
S. Narredu trained Champions Way (Suraj up), won the Nawab M Arshad Ali Khan Memorial Cup (1,400m), the main event of the races held here on Saturday (June 7). The winner is owned by Mr. Teja Gollapudi & M/s. Blazing Saddles(PF). The results 1. SANTORINI STAR PLATE (1,400m): MASTER WAY (P. Sai Kumar) 1, Princess Jasmine (Suhas K) 2, Sunlit Path (Ramswarup) 3 and Double Scotch (I. Chisty) 4. 3-1/2, 6-1/4 and 2-1/2. 1m 27.27s. Rs. 47 (w), 17, 14 and 12 (p), SHP: 39, THP: 46, FP: 440, Q: 264, Trinella: 708/182, Exacta: 4,845/3,069. Favourite: Sunlit Path. Owners: Mr. M. Sridhar & M/S. Seabliss Racing LLP. Trainer: Umar Shariff S. 2. ASCOT PLATE (1,400m): ELYSIUM (Akshay K) 1, Kiss Of Grey (Yash) 2, Machiavellian (A. Prakash) 3 and Royal Jewel (Mustakim Alam) 4. 12, 1 and 3-1/4. 1m 25.10s. Rs. 14 (w), 11, 19 and 14 (p), SHP: 40, THP: 43, FP: 48, Q: 56, Trinella: 123/39, Exacta: 430/277. Favourite: Elysium. Owners: M/s. DT. Racing & Breeding LLP, Mr. Mukul A. Sonawala, Mr. S.R. Sanas & Sarainaga Racing Pvt Ltd. Trainer: S. Attaollahi. 3. RARE GEM PLATE (Div. II), (1,200m): DARRION (G. Vivek) 1, Quebec (N. Darshan) 2, Anchorage (C.A. Brisson) 3 and Glorious Spectre (R. Robert) 4. Not run: Lorven's Glory. 6, 1-1/4 and 1/2. 1m 12.90s. Rs. 31 (w), 13, 12 and 16 (p), SHP: 36, THP: 36, FP: 66, Q: 26, Trinella: 221/163, Exacta: 494/181. Favourite: Quebec. Owner: Mr. P. Arun Kumar. Trainer: Pradeep Annaiah. 4. BRIG R.C.R. HILL MEMORIAL TROPHY (1,800m): EAGLE DAY (G. Vivek) 1, Gordon (A.A. Vikrant) 2, Mindful (Yash) 3 and Scarlette Lady (Akshay K) 4. Not run: Ibrahimovic. 3-3/4, 2 and 4. 1m 50.68s. Rs. 19 (w), 10, 34 and 17 (p), SHP: 127, THP: 41, FP: 261, Q: 193, Trinella: 702/186, Exacta: 1,763/843. Favourite: Eagle Day. Owners: Mr. Vijay B. Shirke, Mrs. Vijay B. Shirke, Mr. Jay V. Shirke, Darashaw Bloodstock Pvt Ltd rep. by Mrs. Daisy K.D.B. Mehta, Mr. Dara K. Mehta, M/s. DT Racing & Breeding LLP rep. by Mr. D.R. Thacker. Trainer: P. Shroff. 5. NAWAB M ARSHAD ALI KHAN MEMORIAL CUP (1,400m): CHAMPIONS WAY (Suraj) 1, Kalamitsi (Ramswarup) 2, Bharat (Vinod Shinde) 3 and Glorious King (Aleemuddin) 4. Hd, 2-1/2 and 1-1/4. 1m 24.25s. Rs. 18 (w), 13, 10 and 30 (p), SHP: 28, THP: 48, FP: 45, Q: 21, Trinella: 169/93, Exacta: 366/133. Favourite: Champions Way. Owners: Mr. Teja Gollapudi & M/s. Blazing Saddles(PF). Trainer: S. Narredu. 6. RARE GEM PLATE (Div. I), (1,200m): DON CARLOS (Trevor) 1, The Grey Geranium (R. Pradeep) 2, Able One (Shivam) 3 and Small Dreams (Pavan) 4. 6-1/4, Nk and Lnk. 1m 13.18s. Rs. 22 (w), 12, 56 and 53 (p), SHP: 235, THP: 153, FP: 1,047, Q: 352, Trinella: 14,976/10,697, Exacta: 31,209/26,751. Favourite: Don Carlos. Owners: Five Stars Shipping Co Pvt Ltd, M/s. DT Racing & Breeding LLP & Mr. Rama Seshu Eyunni. Trainer: S. Attaollahi. 7. MANJRI STUD PLATE (1,200m): MAZAL TOV (Antony) 1, Dynamic Force (Sai Kiran) 2, Gimmler (I. Chisty) 3 and Lauterbrunnen (Ramswarup) 4. 1-1/2, 1-3/4 and Snk. 1m 13.11s. Rs. 25 (w), 18, 28 and 17 (p), SHP: 84, THP: 69, FP: 243, Q: 233, Trinella: 517/172, Exacta: 2,863/1,295. Favourite: Mazal Tov. Owners: Mr. Marthand Singh Mahindra, Mrs. Rina Mahindra, Mr. Sp. Thirunavukkarasu, Mr. G. Surendranath & Mrs. Deepa Devaney. Trainer: Neil B. Devaney. Jackpot: Rs. 485 (1,021 tkts); Runner-up: 88 (2,413 tkts); Treble (i): 65 (152 tkts); (ii): 106 (120 tkts).
News18
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Chand Nawab's Classic Railway Blooper Resurfaces On Eid al-Adha, Internet Says 'Evergreen'
Last Updated: The clip reminded some people of actor Nawazuddin Siddique as he played Nawab's role in a Salman Khan starrer movie. Pakistani reporter Chand Nawab is again getting viral as people celebrate Eid al-Adha. Nawab became an internet sensation after a blooper of him reporting at a railway station took the internet by storm. The clip, originally from 2008, shows him repeatedly attempting to deliver a piece to the camera while being interrupted by passengers walking past. His frustrated yet humorous delivery and genuine reactions made the clip wildly popular across South Asia. The video is again being circulated on the social media platform. An X user shared the clip with the caption, 'Eid is incomplete without this video." Social Media Reaction Several social media users also reacted to the clip. While some called it 'evergreen", for some, it reminded them of actor Nawazuddin Siddique as he played Nawab's role in a Salman Khan starrer movie. Nawazuddin perfectly captured the essence of the real Chand Nawab — the quirky charm, stammering delivery, and kind-hearted spirit. The film even recreated a scene similar to the original viral railway station clip. Eid al-Adha Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the two major Islamic festivals. It honors the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to God. The festival is being observed on June 7 this year. According to Islamic tradition, God was testing Ibrahim's faith by asking him to sacrifice his beloved son. As Prophet Ibrahim was about to obey God's order, God stopped him at the very last moment and asked him to sacrifice a ram (male ship) instead. First Published: June 07, 2025, 16:42 IST
NDTV
30-05-2025
- NDTV
Bhool Bhulaiya In Lucknow: This 240-Year-Old Maze Still Baffles Tourists Every Day
Right in the middle of Lucknow, yes, the land of kebabs, tehzeeb, and royal drama, stands one of India's most mind-bending historical spots. Welcome to Bhool Bhulaiya, the insane labyrinth tucked inside the iconic Bara Imambara. With endless corridors, identical doors that love to confuse, and secrets buried in silence, this place is no regular monument. Built back in the 18th century under Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, it is both a work of architectural genius and a solid reflection of Lucknow's cultural roots. Whether you are into history, architecture, or just want your brain to do cartwheels, Bhool Bhulaiya is the plot twist you did not see coming. So, if you are planning to visit one of India's most iconic heritage sites, keep these wild facts in mind. Here Are 8 Fascinating Facts About Bhool Bhulaiya: 1. Built To Beat A Famine, Not Just Show Off Grandeur In 1784, when a severe famine gripped Awadh, Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula launched a project that would feed his people with dignity. Instead of handing out alms, he commissioned the construction of the Bara Imambara, including Bhool Bhulaiya, to create jobs for thousands. According to historians, this was no ordinary relief plan. Labourers built by day, and nobles worked by night, dismantling and rebuilding the same sections. It was a way to keep employment going for as long as possible. Functional, thoughtful, and way ahead of its time. 2. It's Over 1,000 Corridors Bhool Bhulaiya is not your average maze. With more than 1,000 winding passageways and 489 identical doorways, it was designed to confuse. Many of the paths loop back or hit a dead end, and the symmetry plays tricks on even the sharpest eyes. Veteran visitors still advise one thing: do not enter without a guide, unless you want to spend the afternoon trying to find your way out - and possibly missing lunch. 3. No Pillars. Just Brilliance. The central hall of the Bara Imambara is an engineering marvel. It stretches 170 feet long and 55 feet wide, and here is the kicker - there are no supporting pillars holding up the massive ceiling. Instead, it rests on the clever design of the maze above, which distributes weight and adds structure. This technique continues to puzzle modern architects, and it is a major reason the site remains one of Lucknow's most famous architectural landmarks. 4. A Monument Born From A Design Challenge The Nawab did not settle for any regular layout. He hosted a design competition, and the winner was Kifayatullah, an architect from Delhi. His design combined Mughal and Persian elements, with smart usage of ventilation, natural light, and sound engineering. Today, his tomb rests within the Imambara complex - a quiet reminder that this was as much an artistic feat as it was a structural one. 5. The Whispering Gallery Is Not A Myth Bhool Bhulaiya is home to a whispering gallery, where even a faint murmur at one end can be heard loud and clear at the other. According to Lucknow Tourism's official blog, this feature was used by the Nawab and his people for private communication and surveillance, kind of like old-school spy tech, minus the wires. The acoustic design is so precise, it still works flawlessly after 240 years. 6. The Tunnels Might Be Sealed, But The Stories Are Not Local legends say the monument once had hidden tunnels connecting to Delhi, Faizabad, and beyond. While no one can confirm how far they went - and most are now sealed - the myth remains deeply woven into Bhool Bhulaiya's lore. Whether or not you believe the tales, it is clear that this monument holds secrets beyond what meets the eye. 7. Not Just A Monument - It's A Living Space Of Faith The Imambara is not just a historical site; it continues to serve as a place of worship and reflection. At the centre of the main hall lies the tomb of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, and the complex remains significant for the Shia Muslim community. Tourists and devotees share the space, so a moment of quiet respect goes a long way when visiting. 8. India's Only Historical Maze? Quite Possibly. There is no other heritage maze in India like this one. Its unique mix of architectural finesse, cultural relevance, and sheer mystery makes Bhool Bhulaiya stand alone. Whether you come for the history, the thrill, or the sheer beauty, you will not walk away unimpressed. When Is The Best Time To Visit Bhool Bhulaiya? From October to March, Lucknow's weather is cooler and pleasant, ideal for long walks through the maze and exploring the full Bara Imambara complex without breaking a sweat. Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays) | 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM How To Get There The Bara Imambara is located right in the centre of Lucknow, and it is easily accessible by taxis, auto-rickshaws, buses, and app-based cab services. Nearest Railway Station: Lucknow Junction Nearest Airport: Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, 14 km away Here's 6 Quick Tips Before You Go: 1. Hire a Guide: Seriously. It is not just about directions. They will make the stories come alive. 2. Footwear: Shoes off before entry, so wear something easy to slip on and off. 3. Dress Code: Modest clothing is appreciated. Lightweight, breathable fabrics that cover shoulders and knees work well. 4. Claustrophobic? The maze is tight in parts. Take a deep breath before entering if you are not fond of confined spaces. 5. Water Bottle: It takes a good 2-3 hours to explore fully. Stay hydrated. 6. Whispering Gallery: Do not leave without testing the acoustics. It is one of the most surreal parts of the whole experience.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Was Nawab of Awadh Wajid Ali Shah poisoned to death?
While living in Calcutta on an annual pension of Rs 12 lakh given by the British, the last Nawab of Awadh, Wajid Ali Shah, died at 10 pm on Sep 21, 1887. A few historians like Mirza Ali Azhar suspect that Wajid Ali's death was not natural but a murder, the conspiracy of which was hatched by the British to save money which was given to him as regular pension. Mirza Ali Azhar says, 'For the past few days, he was practically restored to health.' On the day of Wajid Ali's death, he was reading a book when Hakim Abdul Ali gave him a medicine ('chutney'). After he left, only two persons remained in the room – Zulfiqar-ud-Daulah who was practically blind and Fateh Makandar, who after some time went out to bring 'hukkah' as the Nawab wanted to smoke. At this juncture, his trusted officer Munsarim-ud-Daulah reached the room as though he was waiting for this opportunity and asked the Nawab to take some more medicine from his hand. It is suspected that he had mixed poison in it. Initially, the Nawab refused to take it and said that the 'haqeem' had just given him that but when Munsarim-ud-Daulah insisted, the Nawab consumed the 'chutney'. After some time, the Nawab's condition became serious. Nawab probably realized that his end had come so he twice asked for pen, paper and ink-pot to write but Munsarim-ud-Daulah did not follow his command as he was afraid that Nawab might write something against him. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Resort com tudo incluído na Bahia Palladium Hotel Group Undo After the death of Wajid Ali, the historian says that Munsarim-ud-Daulah was followed by a mob of old women who cried aloud: 'O! Langda Munshi (Munsarim-ud-Daulah was called 'Langda' as he limped), may God turn you into a leper! You have killed our protector, may you and your children suffer for it. May God turn you blind.' (The writer Ravi Bhatt is a well-known historian and the author of 'The Life and Times of the Nawabs of Lucknow')
