As Lucknow commemorates a significant milestone—250 years of being a capital city—a prominent historian has shed light on the foundational role played by the Nawabs of Awadh in crafting its unique composite culture. Historian Ravi Bhatt, speaking at an event in Gomtinagar, emphasized that the Nawabs were instrumental in nurturing the famed Ganga-Jamuni ‘tehzeeb’, the shared Hindu-Muslim cultural tradition that continues to define the soul of Lucknow.
The Nawabs' Vision: From Political Capital to Cultural Heart
Ravi Bhatt addressed a gathering organized by The Club of Lucknow, explaining that the city's ascent as a preeminent cultural hub began in the 18th century following its establishment as the capital of Awadh. With political power shifting away from Delhi, the Nawabs consciously diverted their focus towards institution-building. Their courts became fertile grounds for arts, literature, and social practices that transcended community lines.
"With political authority shifting from Delhi, the nawabs focused on building institutions that supported art, literature, and social practices across communities," Bhatt stated. "Their courts encouraged interaction between different traditions, which gradually shaped a common cultural space." This deliberate patronage, he argued, was key to Lucknow's evolution beyond a mere administrative center into a melting pot of syncretic traditions.
Governance, Welfare, and Cultural Expression
To illustrate the deep connection between governance and culture, Bhatt pointed to the reign of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula. He cited the construction of iconic structures like the Bada Imambara, which served purposes far beyond the religious or administrative. These grand projects were also designed as humanitarian initiatives to provide employment and support to the populace during times of famine and hardship.
"These initiatives reflected an approach where public welfare and cultural expression went together," the historian explained. This philosophy ensured that cultural development was not an elite pursuit but was intertwined with the socio-economic well-being of the common people, further cementing a shared civic identity.
Understanding Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb in Modern Lucknow
Delving into the essence of Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb, Bhatt described it as a distinctive way of life visible in Lucknow's festivals, language, cuisine, and social etiquette. It represents a seamless blend where Hindu and Muslim customs have influenced and enriched each other over centuries, rather than existing in isolation.
He also highlighted the specific etiquette tradition, or ‘tehzeeb’, of Awadh, which evolved through both courtly norms and everyday interactions. A prime example of this cultural synthesis was the growth of Urdu poetry in Lucknow, which skillfully absorbed local Indian themes while drawing from sophisticated Persian literary forms, creating a new and vibrant literary voice.
Bhatt concluded by stressing the importance of understanding this historical process today. As Lucknow undergoes rapid social and urban transformation, such discussions are vital to help the city stay connected to the rich cultural roots that give it a unique character. Revisiting this past, he noted, offers valuable perspectives for navigating the future.
