Cultural Impact of Tourism in Lucknow

Sabeena Rizvi
Research Scholar, Institute of Tourism Studies, University of Lucknow, Lucknow
Abstract:

Culture is an important element to boost tourism in any region. It creates

distinctiveness in a crowded global market of tourism products. Culture plays an important
role in building tourism strategies to boost economy of that particular area or city. Lucknow,
the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is so rich in its culture that covers all the aspects like
architecture, cuisine, music, dance, textile, handicrafts, religion and many more. This paper
has been written to prove the tourism in Lucknow is very much dependent on its culture.

Keywords: culture, tourism, Lucknow

Introduction

Tourism is regarded as a positive force for the preservation of nature and culture.
Culture and tourism have a mutually beneficial relationship which can strengthen the
attractiveness and competitiveness of tourism destinations. Culture is increasingly an
important element of the tourism product, which creates distinctiveness. The tourism
provides an important means of enhancing culture and creating income which can support
and strengthen cultural heritage, cultural production and creativity. Creating a strong
relationship between tourism and culture can therefore help tourism destinations to become
more attractive as well as more competitive. 'Cultural tourism' is a form of tourism concerned
with a country or region's culture, specifically the lifestyle of the people in the region, the
history of its peoples, their art, architecture, religion, and other elements that help shape their
way of life. Cultural tourism includes tourism and cultural facilities such as museums and
theatres. It can also include tourism the traditions of indigenous cultural communities and
their values and lifestyle. Cultural tourism can be defined as 'the movement of persons to
cultural attractions away from their normal place of residence, with the intention to gather
new information and experiences to satisfy their cultural needs' (Richards, 1996). Culture is
both specific and general in nature. Culture is always shared as it is passed as a heritage
(Rizwan, 2006). Cultural tourism has a number of characteristics. As compared to
recreational tourists, cultural tourists come in contact with a much wider section of the native
population. One of the most striking characteristics of tourism is the way it promotes self-
awareness, pride, self-confidence and solidarity among those being visited. As a result of
tourism, the arts and crafts of native peoples have changed in style and form, and also in the

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 Cultural Impact of Tourism in Lucknow

Sabeena Rizvi
Research Scholar, Institute of Tourism Studies, University of Lucknow, Lucknow
purpose for which they are produced. Arte facts formerly produced for religious or
ceremonial purposes are now produced for sale.

Cultural Influence:

From the very beginning of Nawabi era, Lucknow has seen the days of luxury and
flamboyance with every Nawab who came to rule the city. Be it the heavily ornamented
gateway Rumi Darwaza or the extravagant beauty of Bara Imambara, Nawabs of Lucknow
established new architecture at that time. Their active participation in the socio-cultural
activities has given Lucknow a new name as 'City of Tehzeeb' (Etiquette and Manner). The
architectural genius of the Nawabs reflects not only through the buildings and monuments
such as Imambaras, Baulies, Gardens, Mansions, Hawelis, Mausoleums, Palaces etc.. but also
in its poetry, dastan goi, cock fights, kite flying, kathak, tabla, sitar, soz, theatre, cuisine,
attire, language, courtesy and etiquettes. The immense effluence and love for the art of the
Nawabs have created new horizons for dance, music and literature in India. This was the time
when Urdu poets flourished the most and mesmerized the world with their excellent poetry
under the patronage of Nawabs. The admiration for the art and music of the Nawabs
promoted Kathak dance and Hindustani Classical music. The Dastarkhans of the Lucknow
courts are still proverbial. Cultural refinement was thus, not just confined to the courts but
thrived even on the streets and by-lanes of this ancient and historical city.

The influence of British rule can be seen and felt throughout the city. The clock
tower, Victoria Memorial, Charbagh Railway Station, Lucknow university and Lucknow
Medical College are a few examples. Modern Lucknow, spreads evenly on both sides of river
Gomti, is a perfect blend of the ancient with the modern, as many glitzy shopping arcades
coexist with old monuments. The most culturally rich area of the city is the old Lucknow
which is known as Chowk. Lucknow has always been a multicultural city. Courtly manners,
beautiful gardens, poetry, music, and fine cuisine patronized by the Persian-loving Shia
Nawabs of the city are well known. Lucknow is popularly known as the City of Nawabs. It is
also known as the Golden City of the East, Shiraz-e-Hind and The Constantinople of India.

History, culture and religion were the forces that metamorphosed Lucknow and made
it as tourism product. The uniqueness of the city can be attributed to these three factors.

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 Cultural Impact of Tourism in Lucknow

Sabeena Rizvi
Research Scholar, Institute of Tourism Studies, University of Lucknow, Lucknow
Awadh had been a traditional stronghold of the Sufic doctrine of Wahdat-al- Wajid unity of
being which made everyone believe in the essential unity of all phenomenons. Be it ethnic
Hindus, the minority Sunnis, the Shiite rulers or the forced upon white races they all mixed
up and amalgamated. There were certain basic points around which culture nurtured and their
relation with religion that helped this last composite city to develop (Rizwan, 2006). World
over people may or may not be aware of the tangible culture of Lucknow but when it comes
to lingual characteristics everyone acknowledges Lucknow. To an extent that 'Lingual
tourism' can be thought of with the variety of Urdu prose and poetry which Lucknow holds
(Rizwan, 2006). In the literary eye of Lucknow, Mushaira or recitations of their verses by
poets played a very important role. Mushairas was the furious public display rivalry between
poets and was given an open event etymologically the word implies contestation. Though it is
much to the entertainment of the people yet it is becoming rare. The Muslims at Deva Mela,
Urs of famous saint attract thousands on Mushaira day. The Lucknow marsiyas were
sustained narratives of substantial length on a particular hero or incident. Masnavi was
another significant literary development. They were long narrative poems and the subject was
diverse romantic epic, historical or sufistic. A separate school Lakhnaviyat developed. The
poets had earlier spiritual and divine element.

The cultural heritage of Lucknow is not confined to buildings, architecture, gardens,

water tanks and ponds but it is spread among the people and known as Nazakat and Nafasat.
The buildings, architecture and other cultural places also demonstrate the socio-cultural life
of the Nawabi Rulers as well as the common man. The Nawabs of Lucknow were renowned
country wide for the distinctive culture they developed in Lucknow - an exaggerated version
of the highly Persianised Indo-Mughal style of living and consumption that had flourished in
the imperial court in Delhi. Lucknow gained a reputation as a centre for the finest cuisine, for
more local Urdu poets that lived in the rest of India, for music and dance, for religious men
and literatures, for fairs and grand Moharram processions, and for what was considered the
best in taste, manners refinement, and cultures.

Together with music, dance in Lucknow developed strongly and became a pre-
eminent art. Dance is common to every nationality and has existed since time immemorial.
Sophisticated, attractive women danced to music in the presence of the Pharaohs of Egypt.
There are two groups of male dancers in Lucknow: the Hindu kathaks and rahas dancers, and

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 Cultural Impact of Tourism in Lucknow

Sabeena Rizvi
Research Scholar, Institute of Tourism Studies, University of Lucknow, Lucknow
the Kashmiri Muslim bhands. The real dancers are the kathaks, and the Kashmiri dancing
troupes, in order to give life to their performances, have apparently introduced a young boy
who wears his hair long like a woman and dances with such animation and vivacity that his
activities arouse the spectators.

In almost all forms of art and entertainment, Lucknow developed its own variety, be it
poetry, music, dance, storytelling, fashion, animal combats and gastronomy. The Dastarkhans
of the Lucknow courts are still proverbial. In fact the master chefs excelled in their talents to
such a great extent that they are believed to have received salaries more than that of the Prime
Minister himself.

Cuisines of Lucknow:

Lucknow is still considered to be the root of all Indian cuisine as most of the top chefs
of Mughal food which is generally representation of Islamic food in India are related to
Lucknow. Broadly, there are three categories of cooks in Lucknow. The bawarchis cook food
in large quantities. The rakabdars cook in small gourmet quantities. The nanfus makes a
variety of rotis, chapatis, naans, sheermals, kulchas and taftans. Normally, one cook does not
prepare the entire meal.

Food occupies the highest position in most cultures and religions. Lucknow has been
blessed with a rich and varied cultural heritage and it has been home to a wide variety of
foods. The Dastarkhwan has emerged as a living force of Avadh cuisine. It plays an integral
role in the life of people of the region. The cuisines of Lucknow include veg and non-veg
varieties besides a variety of breads, sweet dishes and curd dishes.

Costumes and Textiles:

Awadh has historically been most important regions in India, politically, religiously
and socially, and holds a vital position with respect to the development of Indian fashion.
Fashion is reflection of the contemporary tastes of society, preferences, trends and styles. The
era of Nawabs was particularly influential of the evolution fashion. Royalty set traditions,
customs and trends in Awadh (Swaroop, 2012). The aristocracy of Lucknow gained immense
wealth with the feudal system and spent extravagantly on their dresses. This had an impact on
the dresses of the courtiers, Taluqdars and Awadhi people in general. Jamas, Choga,
Angarkha, Patka and Pagri, Topi were some of the men’s costumes of the early Nawabs of

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 Cultural Impact of Tourism in Lucknow

Sabeena Rizvi
Research Scholar, Institute of Tourism Studies, University of Lucknow, Lucknow
Lucknow. Later on, Kurtas, Salwars, Dupattas, Kameez were added in the costumes of
Awadh. Malmal, Jamdani, Brocads, Makhmal and Jamavar were the main texiles which
weer used for preparing of costumes. The Chikankari which was patronaged by Nawabs is
still popular.

Chikan is a fine art of embroidery made with white untwisted yarn with the help of a
needle on a fine cloth. It is done on viol, silk, cambric, georgette, terry cotton etc. It was
mainly done by women folk. At first, designs are printed on the cloth with washable colours
while different stitches or embroidery work is done on cloth. This is a

Chikankari is one of the finest traditional embroideries of India, a symbol of

Lucknowi culture and elegant courts of Nawabs of Awadh. It appeared in Lucknow in late
18th century and its exquisite aesthetic and craftsmenship have sustained the traditions to
present day. Chikankari is not just about embroidery but its legendery fineness is based on a
creative blend of delicate embroidery with very fine dress making and sewing techniques.
Over the past two centuries, Lucknowi Chikan has evolved several distinct forms. These
include the sophisticated constumes for the elites of the past, the embroidered goods for
export to the West during colonaial times, the cheap productions for the vast Indian and
international markets, and the redefined, sophisticated chikan embroidery for the
contemporary high fashion luxury market (Manfredi, 2017).

Music and Musicians:

Music forms an integral part of any societal culture and reflects the pattern and the
contemporary life styles. It comes as a great surprise to many to learn that Indian Music as we
known it today, though rooted in Natyashashtra, an early treatise on the dramatic arts, is in
fact a relatively recent phenomenon. The general principles of the melodies (rag) and
rhythmic (tal) systems seem only to have become crystallized in a form that would be
recognizable to modern scholars and musicians after the fourteenth and fifteenth century AD
and North Indian music's most popular and widely heard forms of today-khayal, thumri, the
instruments gat, sitar, sarod, table are actually creatin of the last three centuries.
"Nevertheless, the crucial formation period for modern Hindustani music lasted from about
1720 to 1860; and for much of the time one of the most important and influential centre to
patronage for the arts was the city of Lucknow, the capital of Awadh for the large period.

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 Cultural Impact of Tourism in Lucknow

Sabeena Rizvi
Research Scholar, Institute of Tourism Studies, University of Lucknow, Lucknow
Different Nawabs and Kings encouraged the musicians of their time as it acquired great
height.

Religious and Spiritual Centres:

The public places of Lucknow have been unique in several senses and the advent of
modern housing complexes, markets, malls and multiplexes could not eliminate the historical
and cultural characteristics of urban public places. The public places were developed and
patronaged by Mughals and Nawabs. These places are also characterized by traditional
products, craftsmanship, artisans, profession, trade, store houses, gardens, gates and markets.

Temples of Lucknow region are shown in Table 3.2. Lucknow is a multi-religious

society. There are a number of temples, gurudwaras, churches, mosques, Imambararas,
karbalas, mazars and maqbaras. The famous temples include Surya Mandir, Mari Mata
Mandir, Gulachin Mandir, Raidas Mandir, Mankameshwar Mandir, Kali Bari Temple, Shani
Dev Temple, Jhulelal Temple, Chandrika Devi Temple, Budheshwar Mahadev Temple,
Hanuman Temple, Koneshwar Mahadev Temple, Ram Krishna Math, Sheetla Mata Temple
etc.

Table: 3.2
Temples of Lucknow Region
Temple Location

Surya Mandir Nabiullah Road, Near Dali Ganj Crossing

Surya Kund Nabiullah Road, Near Dali Ganj Bridge

Mari Mata Mandir Lal Pul/Pacca Pul

Shiv Shakti Sai Mandir Bada Chandganj, Near Kapoorthala

Gulachin Mandir Kursi Road, Vikas Nagar

Panch Mukhi Hanuman Mandir Kursi Road, Vikas Nagar

Raidas Mandir Railway Crossing, Nirala Nagar

Mankameshwar Mandir Daliganj

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 Cultural Impact of Tourism in Lucknow

Sabeena Rizvi
Research Scholar, Institute of Tourism Studies, University of Lucknow, Lucknow
Maha Saraswati Temple Shukla Ghat of River Gomti

Shiv Temple Mohanlal Ganj

Kali Badi Temple Ghasiyari Mandi, Cantt Road

Vaishno Devi Temple Kaiserbagh Bus Stand

Hari Om Temple Lalbagh

Sanidev Temple Rana Pratap Marg, Near Clark Hotel

Jhulelal Temple Karonda Ghat River Gomti

Buddheswar Mahadev Temple Mohaan Road

Chandrika Devi Temple Near Kathwara Village, Near Bakshi Ka

Talab

Old Hanuman Temple Aliganj

New Hanuman Temple Aliganj, Kapoorthala Crossing

Venkateshwar Temple Kanpur Road

Bhagwan Ayyappa Temple Gomti Nagar

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple Bank of River Gomti, Near Lucknow

University

Late Hanuman Mandir Panchwati Ghat of River Gomti

Sandohan Devi Temple Chaupatiya

Koneshwar Mahadev Temple Chowk

Badi Kali Ji Mandir Chowk

Choti Kali Ji Mandir Chowk

Shyam Temple Bank of River Gomti on Birbal Sahni Marg

Ram Krishna Math Nirala Nagar

Maharishi Balmiki Mandir Nishatganj

Batuk Bhairon Temple Jhau Lal Ka Pul

Sheetla Mata Mandir Mehndi Ganj

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 Cultural Impact of Tourism in Lucknow

Sabeena Rizvi
Research Scholar, Institute of Tourism Studies, University of Lucknow, Lucknow
Arya Samaj Mandir Rakabganj

Bhuiyan Devi Mandir Ganesh Ganj

Santoshi Mata Mandir Ganesh Ganj

Dakshin Mukhi Hanuman Mandir Hazratganj

Balaji Mandir Rajajipuram

Nepali Mandir Chowk

Tulsi Manas Mandir Krishna Nagar

Bhootnath Mandir Indira Nagar

Source: Nadeem Hasnain, 2016

Gurudwara, ghat and churches of Lucknow region are shown in Table 3.3. Naka
Hindola Gurudwara a nd Yahiyaganj Gurudwara are famous gurudwaras of Lucknow.
Besides, there are other number of gurudwaras which attract people from different religions
and sects. One of the oldest ghats which were name after Rishi Koundlya is Kudiaghat which
is near Rumi Darwaza, Bara Imambara and Pucca Pul. Other famous ghats are Devraha
Ghat, Lalumal Ghat, Pipra Ghat, Gulala Ghat, Bhainsakund Ghat, Kala Kothi Ghat and
Chhatmela Ghat. Gulala Ghat and Bhainsakund Ghat are known for funeral. The churches in
Lucknow have also added important feature to the socio-cultural and religious life of the city.
There are a number of churches and out of them Christ Church, Catholic Church, Methodist
Church, Epiphamy Church, Seventh Day Adventurist Church and Dua Ka Ghar are famous
churches of Lucknow.

Table: 3.3
Gurudwara, Ghat and Churches of Lucknow Region
Centre Location

Gurudwara

Gurudwara Naka Hindola

Gurudwara Yahiyaganj

Ghat

Kudiya Ghat Near Pacca Pul

Devraha Ghat Behind Hotel Clarks Awadh

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 Cultural Impact of Tourism in Lucknow

Sabeena Rizvi
Research Scholar, Institute of Tourism Studies, University of Lucknow, Lucknow

Karondha Ghat Adjacent to Chhatar Manzil

Shukla Ghat Near Patang Park

Panchwati Ghat Hanuman Temple

Lallu Mal Ghat Daliganj Bridge

Visarjan Ghat Lucknow University

Pipra Ghat Keshav Nagar

Gulala Ghat Thakurganj

Bhaisa Kund Ghat Nishatganj Bridge

Kalakothi Ghat Gomti Nagar

Chhat Mela Ghat Near Nishatganj Bridge

Churches

Cathedral Church Hazratganj

Christ Church Near Raj Bhawan

7th Day Adventst Church Vidhan Sabha Marg

Central Methodist Church Cantonment Road

Epiphamy Church Lalbagh

Source: Nadeem Hasnain, 2016

Mosques, Imambara and Karbala of Lucknow region are shown in Table 3.4. During
the Mughal and Nawabi period, a number of mosques, imambaras and karbalas were
developed in Lucknow city. Asif Masjid was built by Nawab Asifudolla which is
magnificient in its architecture. The second mosque is Jama Masjid which is situated near
chhota imambara. It was built by Nawab Mohammad Ali Shah during 1837-1842 AD. Bara
Imambara was built by Nawab Asifudoula in 1784. It is a massive structure with a Hall of
162 ft long and 54 ft wide. It has a labyrinth called Bhoolbhuliya which was basically
developed on the upper storeys of Bara Imambara for security forces. Shanajaf Imambara is
another magnificent building built by Nawab Ghaziuddin Haider on the bank of river Gomti.
There are .many other imambaras and karbalas in Lucknow city. The famous karbalas
include Karbala Mallika Jahan, Karbala Nasiruddin Haider, Karbala Kazman, Karbala
Abbass Bagh, Karbala Imdad Hussain Khan, etc. Firangi Mahal nd Darul Ulaam Nadwatul

9
 Cultural Impact of Tourism in Lucknow

Sabeena Rizvi
Research Scholar, Institute of Tourism Studies, University of Lucknow, Lucknow
Ulema is one of the major education centres of urdu and oriental studies. Lucknow has also
honour of establishing first university of Urdu Farsi in Uttar Pradesh. Dewa , Jais ,
Gorakhpur, and Banaras are famous for promoting knowledge but Firangi Mahal has able to
achieve fame and excellence in the coutry. Some scholors regarded it as first university of
oriental studies of the world. Nadwa College is one of the major education centres of Sunni
Muslim.

Table: 3.4
Mosques, Imambara and Karbala of Lucknow Region
Centre Location

Mosques

Asifi Masjid Bada Imambara Complex

Jama Masjid Near Chhota Imambara

Teele Wali Masjid Bank of River Gomti, Pacca Pul

Imambara

Bada Imambara Hardoi Road

Bhoolbhuliya Bada Imambara

Imambara Shahnajaf Shahnajaf Road

Imambara Sibtainabad Hazratganj

Imambara Quasim Ali Khan Near Peer Bukhara, Chowk

Imambara Zainul Abidin Khan Chowk

Imambara Raja Jhaulal Thakurganj

Imambara Mallika Zamania Golaganj

Imambara Mughal Saheb Rustam Nagar

Imambara Agha Baqar Victoria Street, Near Medical College

Imambara Ghulfran Maab Victoria Street, Near Medical College

Imambara Taqi Saheb Chowk

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 Cultural Impact of Tourism in Lucknow

Sabeena Rizvi
Research Scholar, Institute of Tourism Studies, University of Lucknow, Lucknow
Imambara Nazim Saheb Victoria Street, Nakhas

Karbala

Karbala Mallika Jahan Aisbagh

Karbala Nassruddin Haider Daliganj

Karbala Dayanutdaula Kazmain

Karbala Abbas Bagh Hardoi Road

Karlaba Imam Hussain Khan Rajajipuram

Karbala Mushi Fazal Hussain Bulaki Adda

Karbala Mishri Ki Bagiya Radha Gram, Hardoi Road

Mazar and Maqbara

Shahmeena Near KG Medical College

Shah Qayaamuddin Abbasi Campus of Medical College

Syed Qayamuddin – Khamman Pir Charbagh Railway Station

Shah Pir Mohammad Sadar Bazar

Moosa Bagh Hardoi Road

Maqbara

Maqbara Sheikh Abdul Rehman Yahiyaganj

Maqbara Sadaat Gali Khan Kaiserbagh

Maqbara Amjad Ali Shah Hazratganj, Opposite Halwasiya Market

Maqbara Aliya Gola Ganj

Maqbara Ali Shah Kuli Khan Noor Badi, Kashmiri Mohalla

Maqbara Hakim Mehndi Near City Station

Spiritual Centre

Firangi Mahal Chowk

Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ullema Behind Lucknow University

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 Cultural Impact of Tourism in Lucknow

Sabeena Rizvi
Research Scholar, Institute of Tourism Studies, University of Lucknow, Lucknow
Source: Nadeem Hasnain, 2016

Objectives and Methods:

Present paper purports to examine the cultural contribution of tourism in Lucknow. It

also aims to assess the cultural impact of tourism in Lucknow. The paper is based on
secondary data and pertinent literature complied from published and documented sources
including websites. Time series data analysis has been ensured. The data has been also
depicted in charts and graphs.

Tourist Arrivals:

Tourist place-wise tourist arrival in Lucknow region is shown in Table 3.5. Lucknow
region accounted for 2.80 per cent in tourist arrivals in the state. In the Lucknow region,
Lucknow alone constituted more than 3/4th share while Kanpur Nagar, Kannauj and Bithoor
accounted for significant share. During the period of 2010-2015, highest growth of tourist
arrivals was reported in Kannauj followed by Bithoor and Kanpur Nagar. There has been
significant growth in tourists arrival in Lucknow region during the period of 2013 to 2017.
During 2017, tourists arrival in Lucknow region was reported to be 12.64 million while it was
recorded 6.99 million in 2013. Tourists arrival in Lucknow city was reported 5.06 million
during 2017 while it was recorded 4.72 million during 2013.

Table: 3.5

Tourist Place-wise Tourists Arrival in Lucknow Region

(In Lakh)

Tourist Place 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Lucknow 41.19 41.39 41.97 47.16 49.42 43.92 49.23 50.61

Hardoi 0.11 0.11 0.11 0.11 0.11 0.11 0.11 0.11

Lakhimpur Kheri 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.13 0.12 0.13 0.13 0.13

Sitapur 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07

Raebarelli 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.08 0.08

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 Cultural Impact of Tourism in Lucknow

Sabeena Rizvi
Research Scholar, Institute of Tourism Studies, University of Lucknow, Lucknow

Unnao 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07

Golagokaran 1.85 1.85 1.85 1.85 1.85 1.86 1.86 1.86

Nath

Dudhwa 0.09 0.08 0.17 0.17 0.20 0.21 0.22 0.22

Neemsar 0.03 0.03 0.03 12.90 13.60 16.30 18.40 19.21

Kanpur Nagar 2.67 3.07 3.12 3.27 4.52 4.53 4.58 27.63

Kanpur Dehat 0.44 0.45 0.46 0.48 0.50 0.56 0.58 0.68

Bithoor 1.42 1.45 1.46 1.51 2.35 2.54 2.54 10.86

Kampil 0.19 0.19 0.19 0.22 0.24 0.29 0.30 0.90

Sankisa 0.88 0.89 0.89 1.04 1.06 1.11 1.13 2.26

Kannauj 0.83 0.83 0.84 0.87 1.03 2.86 2.90 5.59

Total 50.04 50.69 51.45 69.93 76.22 74.62 82.26 126.42

Source: Directorate of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh, 2016.

Chart 3.1

Tourists Arrival in Lucknow Region

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 Cultural Impact of Tourism in Lucknow

Sabeena Rizvi
Research Scholar, Institute of Tourism Studies, University of Lucknow, Lucknow
60
50
40
30 2010
20 2011
2012
10
2013
0 2014
w oi ri ur lli ao ath wa sar gar hat or pi
l sa uj 2015
kno ard Khe itap are nn N dh
em Na De tho am nki nna
Lu
c H ur S aeb U an Du
Ne pur pur Bi K Sa Ka
m
p R kar n n
i o
kh lag Ka Ka
La G o

There has been growth of 5.86 per cent in tourists arrival in Lucknow during the
period of 2007 to 2015. However, growth in foreign tourists arrival was recorded as high as
64.09 per cent during the corresponding period. Number of foreign tourists increased from
35353 in 2007 to 58014 in 2015. However, domestic tourists increased from 41.14 lakh in
2007 to 43.34 lakh in 2015. There has been decline in the number of tourists in Lucknow
during 2015 as compared to 2014. It shows that foreign tourists prefer Lucknow region as
tourism destination. It will likely to have positive impact on tourism development as foreign
tourists have higher spending as compared to domestic tourists (Table 3.6).

Table: 3.6
Tourists Arrival in Lucknow
(In Lakh)
Year Indian Foreign Total
2007 41.14 0.35 41.49
2008 43.43 0.36 43.79
2009 39.92 0.38 40.30
2010 40.76 0.43 41.19
2011 40.95 0.44 41.39
2012 41.50 0.46 41.97
2013 46.61 0.56 47.16
2014 48.84 0.58 49.42
2015 43.34 0.58 43.92
2016 48.70 0.59 49.29
2017 49.99 0.61 50.61

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 Cultural Impact of Tourism in Lucknow

Sabeena Rizvi
Research Scholar, Institute of Tourism Studies, University of Lucknow, Lucknow

Source: Directorate of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh, 2018

Chart 3.2
Share of Foreign Tourists in Total Tourists Arrival in Lucknow
100% 0.35 0.36 0.38 0.43 0.44 0.46 0.56 0.58 0.58
90%

80%

70%

60%

50% 41.14 43.43 39.92 40.76 40.95 41.5 46.61 48.84 43.34
40%

30%

20%

10%

0%
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Indian Foreign

Tourist place-wise tourist arrival in Lucknow is shown in Table 3.7. Imambara,

Residency and State museum are the major tourist places in Lucknow where a large number
of tourists have visited during 2015.

Table: 3.7
Tourist Place-wise Tourists Arrival in Lucknow
Tourist Place 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Imambara/ 537978 634884 660599 708499 681225
Picture Gallery
Residency 295719 308034 401011 410831 411298
Zoo 1110941 1137967 1188355 1197477 1221372
Museum 224624 250182 267233 278285 278794
Indira Gandhi 59271 62449 63379 65385 65429
Planetarium
Total 2227533 2393516 2580577 2660477 2657118

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 Cultural Impact of Tourism in Lucknow

Sabeena Rizvi
Research Scholar, Institute of Tourism Studies, University of Lucknow, Lucknow
Source: Directorate of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh, 2016
Conclusion
Lucknow is a city of profound cultural heritage. It is a city which has seen it all
whether it was the Mughals, the Nawabs or the Britishers. A city witnessed the first war of
independence in 1857 and it still keeps the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb. For Lucknow, culture is
not just in its architecture but in its every nook and corner. It is in the language, attire, food,
folklore, music and the life of its people. The historic city of Lucknow was once the seat of
Indo-Muslim civilisation- the legacy of the Nawabs of Awadh. Lucknow is also important for
its role in the 1857 War of Independence, an event that largely transformed the morphology
of the city and was the cause of destruction of much of its historic fabric. The architectural
genius of the Nawabs reflects not only through the buildings and monuments like the
Imambaras, Baulies, Gardens, Mansions, Hawelis, Mausoleums, Palaces et al. but also in its
poetry, dastan goi, cock fights, kite flying, kathak, tabla, sitar, soz, theatre, cuisine, attire,
language, courtesy and etiquettes. The immense effluence and love the Nawabs had for art,
created new horizons for dance, music and literature in India. This was the time when Urdu
poets flourished the most and mesmerized the world with their excellent poetry under the
wise patronage of the Nawabs. The admiration for the art and music of the Nawabs
encouraged and inspired the practice of Kathak dance and Hindustani Classical music thus
making it an immensely popular form of art in India at that time. In almost all forms of art
and entertainment, Lucknow developed its own variety, be it poetry, music, dance,
storytelling, fashion, animal combats and gastronomy. The Dastarkhans of the Lucknow
courts are still proverbial. In fact the master chefs excelled in their talents. The region of
Oudh was of extreme importance and therefore the British occupied it. The influence can be
seen throughout the city. The clock tower, Victoria Memorial, Charbagh Railway Station,
Lucknow University and Lucknow Medical College are just a few of the examples. Lucknow
has never ever lost its relevance in the Indian history and culture. Today, Lucknow is a
vibrant city and is the second largest city in Uttar Pradesh. The city has vast potential for
development of cultural tourism.

References

Richards, G. (1996): Cultural Tourism In Europe, Cab International, Wallingford.

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 Cultural Impact of Tourism in Lucknow

Sabeena Rizvi
Research Scholar, Institute of Tourism Studies, University of Lucknow, Lucknow
Rizwan, S.A. (2006): Islamic Culture As A Tourism Product- A Case Study Of Lucknow.
Unpublished Thesis. University Of Lucknow.
Swarup, Sushama (2012): Costumes and Textiles of Awadh, Roli Books, New Delhi.
Manfredi, Paola (2017): Chikankari : A Lucknow Tradition, Niyogi Books, New Delhi.
Hasnain, Nadeem (2016): The Other Lucknow, Vani Prakashan, New Delhi.

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