Sikander Bagh, Lucknow

October 1, 2024

Before the day’s breakfast, six Victoria Crosses?

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This event took place on November 16th, 1857, and it was the 93rd in India.

The history of the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders and of Britain as a whole was significantly impacted by the First War of Independence, also referred to as the Indian Mutiny or the Indian Uprising. India served as the center of the British Empire, and changes there had an effect on British trade and establishment. A common misconception is that the Uprising began when new cartridges lubricated with animal fat were introduced. These cartridges violated the religious beliefs of the native soldiers, or “sepoys.” This may have been the catalyst, but a growing suspicion of Britain and its intentions in India preceded it. The idea that British rule was trying to eradicate indigenous religions and the caste system led to a rise in mistrust of the authority held by the East India Company.

On September 20, 1857, the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders, diverted from their duties in China, landed in Calcutta. After that, they traveled 600 miles to Cawnpore. Rebels had massacred a large number of people in Cawnpore one month earlier; they then took refuge in the Governor’s Residence in Lucknow.

To liberate those under siege in the Residency, the 934-man Regiment assembled on November 14 south of Lucknow. The main attack began at six a.m. on November 16 against the Sikandar Bagh, a large mansion with a walled garden. The Sikandar Bagh was a vital site for the sepoys. The soldiers of the 93rd eventually succeeded in breaching the wall after more than an hour. Intense, close-quarters combat characterized by extreme violence on both sides ensued. Three o’clock was the end of the operation.

Victoria CrossSix members of the 93rd were awarded the Victoria Cross for their actions on November 16, 1857. Queen Victoria instituted this new award in 1856 for bravery “in the presence of the enemy,” and it was first presented in June of 1857. Because the day’s activities started early, there’s a common misconception that all six VCs were earned “before breakfast.”

  1. Captain William George Drummond Stewart
    “For outstanding bravery in leading an assault and seizing two guns in Lucknow, securing the position of the mess house.”
  2. Private Peter Grant
    “For extraordinary bravery on a personal level at the Sikandar Bagh, where he killed five enemy assailants trying to pursue Lieutenant Colonel Ewart while the latter was removing a captured color.”
  3. Private David Mackay
    “After facing extremely stubborn resistance at the Sikandar Bagh in Lucknow, for great personal gallantry in capturing an enemy’s color.” Later, during the Shah Najaf’s capture, he suffered serious injuries.
  4. Lance Corporal John Dunley
    Because he was the first person to enter one of the breaches in the Sikandar Bagh at Lucknow on November 16, 1857, with Captain Burroughs, whom he bravely backed up against overwhelming odds.
  5. Colour Sergeant James Munro
    For selfless bravery at the Sikandar Bagh, where he swiftly raced to save Captain Walsh of the same Corps from certain death after he was wounded. He transported Walsh to a safe haven, where the Sergeant was brought in moments later with serious injuries.
  6. Sergeant John Paton
    “For outstanding bravery at Lucknow when circling the Shah Najaf in the face of intense fire and finding a breach on the other side, to which he subsequently led the Regiment, enabling the taking of that crucial position.”

September 6, 2024

Team Building with Tornos

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Are your employees sick of the daily grind at work? It’s time to put on your team together and plan a great outdoor/off-site! Our engaging treasure hunts are a great way to combat staff fatigue and foster a lively workplace atmosphere. Our treasure hunts are the secret ingredient to turning your team around, whether you’re trying to invigorate seasoned workers or onboard new hires. Similarly, our social team activates aim to impact society in addition to having fun. Your team will be fortifying their relationships and boosting team spirit as they solve puzzles, overcome obstacles, and explore the city. We will plan and curate a variety of practical activities that will increase overall teamwork and foster stronger relationships within your team. A few of our Team Building Activities…

Treasure Hunt

Take a deep dive into the city and solve some heart-pounding puzzles. Locate hints, demonstrate your aptitude at solving puzzles, and take on challenging tasks against your competing colleagues. Corporate treasure hunt is a great way to discover the city and finally assemble at a common point for a final declaration of result. It is the most fun filled activity that helps your company’s team unite and reunite while cooperation and collective brain storming is the key take away from this group building exercise.

Social Team Activity

Creating activities that combine enjoyment, cooperation, and social impact. Build up your group while giving back to the community in a significant way. With our Social Team Activities, we provide a distinctive method of team building. These experiences are meant to make your team feel better, and they go beyond simple cooperation by giving your team the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to society. Take part in a range of practical activities that will increase overall teamwork and foster stronger relationships within your team.

Learning Activities

Learning is great fun and after learning there is a competition too that puts your learning to test. You lose or you win you still take away learning. We curate a host of learning experiences that range from cooking, embroidery, basket weaving, clay pottery making and many more. There can also be multiple activates for large offsite incentives but all have one common goal to build a strong team that has a belonging and imbibes all that the company stands for.

Intra-team Competition

Through an array of interesting, competitive, and enjoyable outdoor activities, our Intra-team Competition aims to test and build team’s spirit. Captains will be chosen or assigned at random to build and lead teams, encouraging strategic thinking and leadership from the outset. Competitors will face a range of sporting / cooking / music / art events spread across many locations in an atmosphere that encourages innovation, dexterity, and cooperation. Our games are intended to boost morale, communication, and team cohesiveness in addition to being enjoyable.

Reach us on info@tornosindia.com to discuss your offsite

Lucknow’s Wrestling Women – a tradition kept alive

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The tradition of women’s kushti (wrestling), known as ‘Hapa’ in the local dialect, has been a part of Lucknow’s Ahimamau village for over 200 years. During this event, women, including those dressed in saris, engage in wrestling matches on the mud-rings (it is just a patch demarcated for the purpose) to win both the bout and to seek the blessings of the divine. This event takes place each year, the following day of Nag Panchami, and as a part of this ritual women curse their opponents while onlookers sing folk songs with explicit and suggestive lyrics. It is believed that this ritual is a way to honor the Goddesses Kali and the Goddess Bhawani. Participation in the competition is exclusively for women and closely resembles a rural Indian wedding. Women adorn elaborate wedding attire with extravagant jewelry and elaborate makeup before taking part in the wrestling match.

As a tradition, women are not allowed to launder their wrestling attire on the same day, as it is believed that keeping the mud-stained clothes in the house for a day will bring them prosperity. None of them are professional wrestlers, but have upheld this tradition that dates back two centuries or even more. It signifies women’s empowerment. Since it’s the Panchami (Sanskrit for ‘five’) celebrations, the wrestling matches consist of five rounds, and each woman participates in five folk songs and five rounds of cuss words during the competition.

There is also a disciplinary committee consisting of five women ensures that no male enters the ground though men and boys secretly watch the women fight from their rooftops and windows and enjoy the spectacle equally. This disciplinary committee also ensures that no one is injured while wrestling or an dress (sari) malfunctions during the matches. This is a day for women of Ahimamau village to display their strength and build stronger bonds among themselves. Even a daughter-in-law who usually wears a veil can challenge her mother-in-law, and vice versa, on this day. In fact then the match is interesting as the two often, even in their real life do not go along well. In this form of wrestling, nobody really loses as the winner receives a new sari as a prize, while the loser gets rupees fifty as a participation reward or to get her clothes washed later.

Even 70 year olds compete or if they can’t they play the dholak (drum musical  instrument), rallying the wrestlers and encouraging the women to voice their support with fervor. The more they express themselves, the more the Goddess Kali appreciates the courage.

These women are not professional wrestlers, their skills have been honed by watching their mothers, grandmothers and by watching other women participate in the tradition of engaging in Hapa. Though Hapa continues to attract quite a few in spite of a grand village fair that also takes place in the village alongside the wrestling match venue, it is a fading tradition, and the younger generation have lost interest in following this tradition nor is it a form of entertainment anymore with the internet taking Indian villages by storm.

Arti in Ayodhya

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– by appointment

The name ‘Arti’ (also spelt as ‘aarti) is derived from the Sanskrit term, ‘ārātrika’ which means something that dispels darkness, (this darkness is the evil and bad omen rather than literally meaning ‘night’). It is believed that Arti originates from the ancient Vedic fire rituals or yajna.  Arti can range from simple act of reverence to elaborate ceremonies, but it almost always involves a flame or light. The frequency of performance can be up to eight times a day with varying traditions and temples. It is a customary practice during most Hindu ceremonies and events, often entailing the circling of a diyas (lamps) clockwise in front of an idol, picture, plant, river that denotes a deity, accompanied by hymns and prayers. Diyas used for the arti ritual are typically crafted from brass, clay or sometimes precious metals like silver and gold. These are filled with ghee or oil and a cotton wick is placed to light it. At times camphor too is used as a medium to light the arti. The act of arti involves gently moving the lamp as a gesture of respect and appreciation, allowing worshippers to connect with the divine presence. Once the lamp has been waved in front of the deity, it is presented to the devotees attending arti who then cup their hands and swiftly passes them over the flame. Following this, the devotee raises their palms to their forehead to purify themselves and establish a spiritual connection with the deity.

A very privileged Arti Ceremony is arranged by Tornos in Ayodhya with special arrangements on the banks of the river Saryu and often in a temple dedicated to Lord Rama. Our guests not only witness the ceremony but also get a chance to participate in the ritual and above all, this ceremony by Tornos is conducted by a priest for the health, wealth and the wellbeing of the guests of the day. As this is an exclusive arrangement for our guests, it can be scheduled anytime based on the day’s programme.

 

Cost : On request – info@tornosindia.com
Starting Time : Any time as scheduled
Expected Duration : 45 min – 1 hours
Remarks : This is an exclusive and privileged Arti experience that can be conducted on an exclusive basis at a prominent temple in Ayodhya that operates every day by appointment and pre-booking.

This activity is in a temple thus maintaining decorum and basic religious etiquette is of utmost importance.

August 15, 2024

“Tourism beyond Numbers” by Prateek Hira

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Numbers are quite contradictory to the idea of sustainable tourism but surprisingly, we only use numbers to measure the success of tourism for a destination and for the business of tourism too. Destinations boast the number of arrivals to show success, travel businesses use numbers by way of number of tourists handled and the amount of turnover in their balance sheets to rate their success. Airlines and airports use passenger data to proclaim their success. Even government rewards are based on numbers, highest foreign exchange earnings, maximum tourist arrivals, passengers handled and so on. Quite a ‘number world’ we live in, where higher the number, higher the success.

The question we need to ask ourselves now is, should ‘number’ be the only parameter to measure success in tourism?

A very difficult and perplexing question indeed, especially in today’s context, when we are all living in a world that’s driven by economy and where ‘sustainability’ or ’responsibility’ is becoming merely a marketing gimmick, at least for most of us, rather than it being seriously considered for our ourselves and more for our future generations.

Given that ‘number’ is success in tourism, the terms ‘over-tourism’ should have had no meaning and the recent worrying reports of over-tourism in the hill states of India, particularly Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand  or the international destinations like Venice in Italy, Amsterdam in Netherlands, Machu Picchu in Peru or Barcelona in Spain may then qualify for an award rather than stir our thoughts about the harm it may cause or it has caused to the ecosystem, which includes local communities apart from the local ecology and the burden on the existing infrastructure. It has also been proven that It adversely affects the economy, instead of boosting it.

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) very aptly has defined over-tourism as “the impact of tourism on a destination, or parts thereof that excessively influence perceived quality of life of citizens and/or quality of visitor experiences in a negative way”. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, around 150 countries may have or are just about to surpass the tourist arrival figures of pre-pandemic year 2019. So here ‘numbers’ are a curse rather than being a blessing.

Each destination competes with another to grow its number of tourist arrivals. In India we feel ashamed quoting our foreign tourist arrivals and we often feel jealous of the smaller destinations that are very tiny but do big numbers. This statement should definitely not be read as if we do not want more numbers or that India is sufficient in terms of foreign tourist arrivals. We ought to understand that India is too large a country and deserves to have much more than what it has but at the same time, it also deserves to have much better quality of tourists than what it gets. We seldom take into account the quality of tourists and only talk about the quantity of tourists when analyzing tourist arrivals in India. As a destination, our planning is quite misplaced and haywire so our priority for tourism too is misplaced. There is absolutely no talk about the tourist spends, average stays and no micro-detailing is done for the purpose of visit and repeat leisure visitors. In absence of this analytical data, it is hard to plan tourism marketing well in India. Then, the overall experience we deliver to the incoming tourists in India, at least to the majority, is very average in many senses. Majority of our travel trade in India competes on costs, is not aligned and conducts business by way of individualistic life, projecting India as a very seasonal destination and still projecting it as a cheap destination with all things average. This though is in contrast to actually what we have on the offer at many places in India but sadly, we are all eying only ‘numbers’ ignoring everything else.

To better understand the problem of overcrowding or over-tourism at places in India, we need to understand that we have failed in equated regional tourism development, which is the core of the principles of tourism. We have for long concentrated on only a very few places in India and have refused to expand our horizons including newer destinations to our itineraries. Tour operators here have only sold (or better let’s call it, ‘oversold’) a very few places in India. This is primarily because, as operators, at least the majority of us, do not want to come out of our comfort zones. We as tour operators refuse to take any risk and just go on deriving our profits from the source where it has been flowing in from. In India, tourism was never a priority for our governments, and the new successive governments only continued doing what their predecessors did, not wanting to professionally manage tourism and intending to make it a major economic contributor to our economy. This only further complicated the problem of tourism being concentrated to few cities, not even regions or periphery of the popular destinations. Our tourism is much localised in a radius of only 15 km or so from the main attraction. Tourism marketing has been largely flawed, unplanned and unorganised and then the unplanned social media took the center stage center stage, where only a few striking images influence people all around to mindlessly rush to a destination, without giving a thought about the available infrastructure or the capacity of the destination. And sadly, we begin thumping our chests when our destinations receive huge numbers, without giving a thought to the ill effects of over-tourism including the hampered experience of tourists due to overcrowding and above all, the hardships that local residents face when huge crowds of tourists emerge at such destinations.

Andaman, Kashmir, Himachal, Uttrakhand, and the North Eastern states of India, in fact now Lakshadweep, fall in the category of fragile tourist zones due to their habitat and topography but these states are now experiencing a huge surge of domestic tourists and most of these tourists being irresponsible. Regular news about landslides, flash floods, traffic jams etc keep pouring in, but none seem to deter tourists to venture to these places in hordes and only burden the overburdened destinations.

The issue of over-concentration on only a very few destinations in India and disregarding the concept of regional development, which otherwise is the core of tourism development, is an issue that needs to be addressed very seriously, in case we want to overcome the issue of over-tourism at our select destinations and take the advantage of increasing number of tourist footfall at our destinations.

I firmly believe that volumes seldom translate into success. Sadly, this is the only way taught to us to measure our success. ‘Happiness’, ‘Comfort’, ‘Sustainability’ and ‘Responsibility’ are almost unknown words by most businesses these days. Of course business means profits, but we need to ponder upon some thoughts such as, ‘Profit at what cost, and for how long?’ Are we looking at making profits only for a short term, or are we looking at sustainable profits, where we keep earning our profits for a long time? The story of the hen laying golden eggs being cut for greed of having all the golden eggs in one go is quite relatable to the point being made here.

Travel businesses for quite some time were businesses of passion and not only businesses for profits. There are many in this domain still, who operate niche tours, have small businesses, sustainability is at the core of their values and they do not run after numbers or profits but profits are only a byproduct of pursuing their passion.

Niche operators dealing with specific genres of travel and small tour operators, operating limited tours only for the discerning travellers, who otherwise are masters of their fields and are better qualified and more capable of attracting quality tourists with higher spending ability are sadly few. They are not as valued as the large operators who boast of numbers and show huge turnovers in their books of accounts. But there is a whole world unto itself of such small niche tour operators who have stuck to their specialisations due to their passion, and have consciously refused to expand beyond a certain limit. Turnover is not always proportional to profitability. Even at a low turnover, we can make better profits, or let’s call it, ‘sensible profit’, by attracting quality tourists and offering more personalised services, newer destinations, out-of-box programmes and with a lot of repeat and loyal clients coming back to us.

Really wish we could come out of the number fixation and think more creatively to increase the revenue from tourism and at the same time, also think logically about the carrying capacity of each destination, becoming ‘responsible tourism business’ and ‘responsible tourists’.


This article is by Prateek Hira who himself is a tour operator since the last 30 years and doubles up as a tourism researcher and a teacher of tourism, teaching tourism in many Indian and foreign universities.

August 12, 2024

Kumbh Mela

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Origin of the Kumbh Mela

The Kumbh’s mythological importance is centered on the tale of the samudra manthan (Ocean Churning), where the Gods and demons churned the ocean to procure priceless jewels and the nectar of immortality. The Mandrachala Mountain turned into the churning stick while the Nagraja Vasuki served as the rope. Vishnu incarnated as a tortoise, called Kasava, to support Mount Mandrachala and prevent it from sinking into the ocean. This story symbolizes the churning of our minds to delve deeper into ourselves, the source of all power and auspicious things, ultimately leading to liberation or immortality.

The first substance to appear from the churning was a deadly poison, which Lord Shiva consumed, leading him to be known as Nilkantha. As the churning continued, Kamadhenu, Ucchaisravas, and Jayanta, the son of Lord Indra, emerged from the process. Jayanta spotted the pot filled with nectar, known as amrita kalasa, and swiftly seized it from the hands of God Dhanvantari. Seeing this, Lord Shukracharya, the demons’ Guru, alerted the demons, and they pursued Jayanta. Based on divine time calculations where a day for the Gods equals a year for mortal beings, Jayanta ran for 12 days to prevent the amrita kalasha from falling into the hands of the demons.

Over the course of twelve years, Jayanta placed the amrit kalasha at four different locations: Haridwar, Prayag, Nashik-Trimbakeshwar, and Ujjain. . At each of these places, a special astrological alignment occurred, coinciding with the Kumbh Mela festivities held there. God Brihaspati, along with his son Lord Shani and the Moon, successfully protected the nectar pot from the demons, which all ensured the nectar kumbh remained intact.

According to the Skanda Purana, Kumbh Mela is celebrated not only at the site where the pot of nectar was placed, but also where the nectar spilled while placing the pot. These drops are thought to have bestowed mystical abilities upon these locations. Kumbh Mela has been celebrated in each of the four places for as long as anyone can remember in order to gain power.

The regular Kumbh Mela occurs every 3 years, while the Ardh (half) Kumbh Mela happens every six years in Haridwar and Allahabad (Prayag). The Purna (complete) Kumbh Mela takes place every twelve years in four locations: Prayag (Allahabad), Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik, based on planetary movements. The Maha Kumbh Mela is observed in Prayag after 144 years (after 12 ‘Purna Kumbh Melas’). The decision for the Kumbh Mela venue depends on the positions of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter in different zodiac signs during that period.

Kumbh’s astrological significance has to do with the movement of planets and stars along specific alignments. According to the Vedas, the Sun is regarded as a life-giving entity or soul. The moon is revered as the ruler of the mind. Jupiter, also known as Brihaspati, is revered as the Guru of the Gods. Since Jupiter takes nearly a decade to circle the entire zodiac, the Kumbh is observed in observance at one location once every twelve years

Akharas

The Akharas, ancient Hindu ascetic sects and saints, are central to the rituals and ceremonies of the Kumbh Mela. They are more than just religious organizations; they uphold ancient customs ranging from intense self-discipline to deep spiritual lessons. Every Akhara adds to the diverse fabric of the Kumbh Mela with its distinct identity, philosophy, and practices.

The beginnings of the Akharas date back to ancient times when they were formed to safeguard and advance religious and cultural traditions during foreign invasions and societal shifts. In the medieval era, Akharas protected temples and holy places and offered a organized system for ascetics who gave up worldly life, especially during times of invasions.

The primary divisions among Akharas are Shaiva Akharas, which honor Lord Shiva, and Vaishnava Akharas, which worship Lord Vishnu. Every Akhara follows a hierarchical setup, usually headed by a Mahant (leader) or Acharya (spiritual guide) responsible for both spiritual and administrative duties.

Akharas hold immense significance in Hinduism for several reasons:

  • Preservation of Tradition
  • Spiritual Training
  • Cultural Custodians
  • Martial Heritage
  • Martial Heritage

The first to participate in the ‘Shahi Snan’ holy bath at the Kumbh Mela were the Sadhus from 13 different Akharas, including seven Shaiva, three Vaishnava, two Udasina, and one Sikh. The Akharas, esteemed groups of ascetics and saints, each with their own customs and rituals, are central to this significant occasion.

 The major Akharas that play a pivotal role in the Kumbh Mela:

  • Naga Akhara
  • Niranjani Akhara
  • Vaishnav Akhara
  • Juna Akhara
  • Mahanirvani Akhara
  • Kinnar Akhara

 Shahi Snan (Royal Bath)

In the past, it was essential for ascetics and saints in Akharas to kill in order to defend Dharma. Because bathing in the Ganga River is believed to cleanse sins, the Shahi Snan ceremony is typically reserved for the armed Ascetics and Saints in the Akharas. The tradition has persisted up to this day.

A Shahi Snan is when saints and their followers or Akharas’ ascetics bathe at a specific time on auspicious days in the river during the Kumbh Mela. Akharas and their followers demonstrate their power and opulence during the procession for Shahi Snan, or Royal bathing. Akharas march like a military unit alongside their followers riding on horses and elephants accompanied by the sounds of different musical instruments like Dhol, Tasha, Nagare, etc., earning the name Shahi Snan.

The timing for Royal bathing is determined according to the positions of the planets. The practice of Shahi Snan/Royal bathing originated between the 14th and 16th centuries. All the akharas are eager to have the first chance to bathe during the Royal Bathing ceremony. In order to prevent any conflicts among akharas, each akhara follows a specific schedule in a particular order. According to the most recent information, there are scheduled to be 7 Shahi Snan at the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela in 2025. In Kumbh Mela Prayagraj 2025, the Shahi Snan days typically include Paush Poornima, Makar Sankranti Snan, Mauni Amavasya Snan, Basant Panchami Snan, Achla Saptami,  Maghi Poornima & Mahashivratri Snan. Additionally, it is thought that taking a sacred bath during the royal bathing ceremony at the Kumbh Mela can result in achieving immortality.

After finishing the Shahi Snan the devotee and other people start taking Holy Dip in the River and wash off their sins.

Dates of Shahi Snans (Main bathing dates)

S.No. Name of Festival Date / Day
1. Paush Poornima 13 January 2025 – Monday
2. Makar Sankranti 14 January 2025 – Tuesday
3. Mauni Amavasya 29 January 2025 – Wednesday
4. Basant Panchami 3 February 2025 – Monday
5. Achla Saptami 4 February 2025 – Tuesday
6. Maghi Purnima 12 February 2025 – Wednesday
7. Maha Shivratri 26 February 2025 – Wednesday

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Tours & Experiences – Maha Kumbh ’25

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Curated Kumbh Mela Experiences (January – February 2025)

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Tales on the Ganges (1 hr 30 mins): INR 7500 per person

A boat journey through time – Kumbh Mela has its origin deep in the formative stages of Sanatan Dharma. Embark on a captivating journey along the river and the sacred Sangam with spectacular views! Immerse yourself in the rivers’ rich tapestry as our knowledgeable storytellers unravel fascinating tales and lesser-known facts of mythology in Hindu scriptures, Sangam, the mystical river Sarswati, iconic geography among other major rivers of the world, history and culture. From the fort to the Sangam, unique stories of the bridges, to the linkages with other cities and seas, every moment is a chance to discover and deeper insights, a key piece of India’s soul.

Kumbh and beyond (2 hrs 30 mins): INR 6500 per person

Discover the multitude of layers of Ganga, Kumbh Mela and the history of Prayagraj during your journey with our storyteller. This tour shall uncover the origin and evolution of Ganges, the spectacular event of Kumbh Mela and the diverse heritage of Prayagraj. From mythology, to Mughal era, British colonial impact, independence movement and present-day living cultures and traditions in this area. This tour will give you a glimpse of all slices of deep rooted local history and culture, right at the banks of the River Ganges.

Kumbh Mela Experience (2 hrs 30 mins): INR 3500 per person

Embark on a journey to understand the essence of Kumbh Mela, its deep-rooted history, and its significance in Hinduism. This tour delves into the life of ascetics, the ritualistic river baths, and how Kumbh has served as a platform for unity across various eras in Indian history, including the Mughals and the British periods. Witness the awe-inspiring temporary structures of Kumbh and uncover its many facets.

Akhara Experience (2 hrs 30 mins): INR 6250 per person

No visit to Kumbh Mela is complete without exploring the Akharas. Our well-researched Akhara Experience offers an in-depth understanding of these ancient institutions that date back to 700 BC. Engage with ascetics, learn about their practices, and gain insights into their role within the Kumbh Mela. This experience is truly a blessing for anyone keen on understanding the spiritual backbone of the event.

Highlight of this tour: Learn about Akhara on this experience. Get privileged safe access  to Akharas on this tour (general tourists otherwise are not permitted to enter their private area) and meet ascetics to talk to them in person and understand their beliefs. Be blessed by the ascetics him/herself on this experience.

Naga Experience (2 hrs 30 mins): INR 6250 per person

Deep-dive into the fascinating world of the Nagas on this specialized tour. Discover their historical significance, from their participation in ancient wars to their role in the 1857 revolt against the British East India Company. This experience is a unique opportunity to learn about one of the most intriguing groups within the Kumbh Mela.

Highlight of this tour: Learn about the Nagas and their sub-sects on this experience. Get a privileged safe access  to Naga Akhara on this tour (general tourists otherwise are not permitted to enter their private area) and meet ascetics to talk to them in person and understand their beliefs. Be blessed by the ascetics him/herself on this experience.

Aghor Experience (2 hrs 30 mins): INR 6250 per person

Explore the mystical and the powerful world of Aghor saints, known for their intense spiritual practices. This experience offers a rare glimpse into the Aghor way of life, filled with intriguing stories and little-known facts that will both thrill and amaze you.

Highlight of this tour:  Learn about the Aghors and their sub-sects on this experience. Get a privileged safe access to the Aghor quarters set up by the cult at the Kumbh Mela (general tourists otherwise are not permitted to enter their private area) and meet ascetics to talk to them in person and understand their beliefs. Be blessed by the ascetics him/herself on this experience.

Royal Bath Experience  (11 pm to 5:30 am or until 7 am): INR 12500 per person

During this tour, one can follow renowned Saints/Ascetics/Nagas with flag to experience the Royal bath from very close and be a part of Saints’ Royal Bath procession (This is a very exclusive tour and without signing up with Kumbh Experiences, it’s not possible to experience this most essential activity of the Kumbh). For the Royal Bath Experiences you will have to join much in advance (previous night), much before the actual procession begins. This is a long overnight experience and the hardest, but the most revealing part of the Kumbh.

Joy Boat Ride (1 hr): INR 2000 per person

Enjoy a guided cruise along the river, where you’ll learn about the history and the significance of Kumbh Mela, as well as the city of Prayagraj and its earlier form when it was known as Allahabad. This leisurely ride offers stunning views and insightful commentary by a guide, making it a highlight of your Kumbh Experience.

Exploring Allahabad – The colonial journey (2 hrs 30 mins): INR 3500 per person

Explore the traces of Allahabad’s rich colonial heritage through the railways, numerous churches, administrative centres, institutions, bungalows, parks, memorials and market. Experience these in the setting of an elegantly planned city layout and wide streets, starkly different from the dense and bustling old city fabric! Discuss and discover the journey of India’s colonial past and freedom from Vijainagaram Hall to the epicenter of Swaraj at Anand Bhawan and Swaraj Bhawan. Woven through this walk are several themes that are essential to Allahabad, framed against the backdrop of the British heritage and freedom struggle.

‘Thaali’ – A privileged family meal with multi-generational stories of food and more (2 hrs): INR 7000 per person

Experience an exclusive and truly authentic north Indian meal as you are welcomed into a family’s ancestral bungalow. Savour a scrumptious, traditional meal prepared with age old recipes, of unique home cooked delicacies. The meals are curated with both the season and reason in mind! Dive deeper into the evolutionary journey of objects and processes of cooking, dining and living. Passed down from generations and preserved with care, witness the blend of the timeless and the new. Come, share a meal or two, countless stories, and pickles dating more than a hundred years.

Included in Tours & Experiences (Except Boat the Joy Boat Ride)….

  • Expert Walk Leader
  • Jute Walking Bags to put your essentials (We support downtrodden women self-help group by providing these walking bags to our clients)
  • Packaged Bottled Water
  • Dry & Wet Tissues
  • Hand Sanitiser
  • Surprise Giveaway after each experience.

Comprehensive Travel Services for Kumbh Mela (in Prayagraj/Allahabad)….

Our dedicated travel desk & concierge at the Kumbh will be operational from January to March, providing a full range of travel services to ensure the experience of visiting Kumbh in Prayagraj is smooth and hassle-free:

  • Meet & Assist Services
  • Private Transfers
  • Car Rentals
  • Sightseeing Arrangements
  • Hotel & Camp Bookings

Know more about Kumbh  |  About us  |  Tours & Experiences  |  About Prayagraj 

Stay at the ‘Sangam Nivas’ by TUTC or choose ‘Shivir’ by Vedistya (Our Recommended Luxury Camps)

Dates of Shahi Snans (Main bathing dates)

S.No. Name of Festival Date / Day
1. Paush Poornima 13 January 2025 – Monday
2. Makar Sankranti 14 January 2025 – Tuesday
3. Mauni Amavasya 29 January 2025 – Wednesday
4. Basant Panchami 3 February 2025 – Monday
5. Achla Saptami 4 February 2025 – Tuesday
6. Maghi Purnima 12 February 2025 – Wednesday
7. Maha Shivratri 26 February 2025 – Wednesday

 

Kumbh Experiences

Filed under: Home Product Box,Walks,Wow — admins @ 5:17 am

Prayagraj / Allahabad Maha Kumbh – 2025 with Tornos

Know more about Kumbh  |  About us  |  Tours & Experiences  |  About Prayagraj 

Stay at the Sangam Nivas’ by TUTC or choose ‘Shivir’ by Vedistya (Our Recommended Luxury Camps)

Our Legacy….
‘Kumbh Experiences’ is a collaborative pop-up venture of three industry giants that come together during each Kumbh at Prayagraj. Sankrit Tour Zone, Dus Dishaa and Tornos. Backed with a collective experience of 45 years in the tourism industry, Kumbh Experiences offer a wealth of researched knowledge, meaningful insight and innovation. Since 1994, Tornos has been recognized for offering unique experiential tours, while Sankrit Tour Zone has consistently promoted destinations across India with a focus on creating well-researched, out-of-the-box products for discerning travelers and Dus Dishaa has been researching and offering out-of-box immersive walking tours and experiences.

Sankrit Tour Zone LOGO
Sankrit Tour Zone Pvt Ltd. Tornos Destinations (India) Pvt Ltd. (Tornos) Dus Dishaa

This partnership between the two has given birth to Kumbh Experiences, a brand that reflects shared commitment to deliver immersive and authentic travel experiences that resonate with the spiritual essence of the Kumbh Mela. Together, Sankrit Tour Zone, Dus Dishaa and Tornos have been instrumental in promoting India as a premier travel destination, always striving to exceed the expectations of their clients.

Our Expertise….
Kumbh Mela is not just an event; it is a spiritual phenomenon that draws millions of pilgrims from around the world. At Kumbh Experiences, we understand the profound significance of this gathering and offer specialized services that cater to every aspect of the Kumbh experience. From accommodation and transportation to guided tours and exclusive access to restricted zones, we ensure that the journey to Kumbh becomes a lifetime meaningful experience.

Our deep-rooted presence in the Prayagraj (Allahabad) for Kumbh since the Kumbh of 2007 gives our guests a privileged access to the areas that are typically off-limits to tourists and accessible only for the ascetics, followers of specific cults and their spiritual leaders. This unique advantage enables us to offer our clients an insider’s perspective of the Kumbh Mela, transforming their visit into an immersive experience.

Our Commitment….
At Kumbh Experiences, our mission is to curate experiences that are not just travel itineraries but a spiritual journey that is backed by in-depth knowledge as a take-away. We take pride in our ability to offer well-researched and meticulously planned products around Kumbh in Prayagraj (Allahabad) that cater to the needs of the most discerning travelers. Our team of experts is dedicated to ensuring that every aspect of visit to Kumbh is handled with utmost care and attention to detail, allowing our guests to focus on the spiritual and cultural significance of the event.

Our Recognitions….
all three companies ‘Sankrit Tour Zone’, ‘Dus Disha’ and ‘Tornos’ are not only respected for the work they do but are also  approved by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and the Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh. We pride in having industry affiliation and the prestigious memberships of ‘Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO)’, ‘Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)’, ‘Responsible Tourism Society of India (RTSOI)’ and the ‘Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI)’, a testament to our commitment to maintain the highest standards of service and professionalism in the travel industry.

Join us at the Maha Kumbh – 2025….
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler (or a pilgrim), Kumbh Experiences invites you to join us on a journey that transcends the ordinary and is sure to surpass your expectations. Explore the sacred rituals, immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance, and witness the awe-inspiring scale of the Kumbh Mela with a team that understands the heart and soul of this remarkable event.

Know more about Kumbh  |  About us  |  Tours & Experiences  |  About Prayagraj 

Stay at the Sangam Nivas’ by TUTC or choose ‘Shivir’ by Vedistya (Our Recommended Luxury Camps)

Dates of Shahi Snans (Main bathing dates)

S.No. Name of Festival Date / Day
1. Paush Poornima 13 January 2025 – Monday
2. Makar Sankranti 14 January 2025 – Tuesday
3. Mauni Amavasya 29 January 2025 – Wednesday
4. Basant Panchami 3 February 2025 – Monday
5. Achla Saptami 4 February 2025 – Tuesday
6. Maghi Purnima 12 February 2025 – Wednesday
7. Maha Shivratri 26 February 2025 – Wednesday

 

August 1, 2024

Some lesser known facts about the ruler of Awadh, Wajid Ali Shah

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 1:00 am

(This article has been rephrased from a report by a senior journalist, Shailvee Sharda published originally in The Times of India.)

Wajid Ali Shah, a sage: Fortune tellers were consulted when Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was born, and it was determined that he would become a yogi. The youngster was meant to become a Yogi, according to one of the astrologers. He suggested that the child’s mother dress him up like a “yogi” on his birthdays as a cure, and the custom lasted until the youngster turned 15 and got married.

Wajid Ali Shah, a connoisseur of music: When the Nawab was a toddler, no one could comfort him when he sobbed. A maid once performed a song and played an instrument. His natural love of music may have been the reason the ruse worked. Later, he studied music with some of the greatest instructors of the day, such as Thakur Prasad for Kathak and Pyare Khan (together with Basit Khan and Jaffar Khan) for vocal music.

Wajid Ali Shah, a playwright: India’s first Urdu play was not actually penned by Agha Hasan Amanat as commonly believed. In fact, Wajid Ali Shah was the true playwright of the first Urdu play and opera called ‘Qissa Radha Kanhaiya’ in 1842-43. Additionally, Wajid Ali Shah’s script contained several hidayats, which also established him as the first director of an Urdu play. Through this play, Wajid Ali Shah’s profound adoration for Krishna was unveiled, as he even portrayed the role of the Lord in various ‘Rahas’ (dance drama) presentations.

Wajid Ali Shah, betrayed by circumstances: The British always had their eyes on Awadh and believed that the Nawab’s passion for the arts could be manipulated to their advantage. Despite this, the Nawab proved to be a skilled ruler. Adapting their approach, the British schemed with local landlords to sow discord. They applied pressure by imposing a two-year deadline for reforms, causing him great anxiety and taking a toll on his health. Seizing this opportunity, they infiltrated his court and replaced his loyal supporters with their own agent. Ultimately, the Nawab found himself compelled to choose between engaging in war and relinquishing his position.

Wajid Ali Shah penned immortal Thumris: Wajid Ali Shah, also known by the pen name ‘Akhtarpiya’, penned more than 100 books during his lifetime, consisting of poems, songs, and plays. He is credited as the originator of ‘Thumri’ and his works are considered the foundation for contemporary ‘ghazal’.

Click Here To Checkout Wajid Ali Shah Walk 

July 24, 2024

Tornos’ Cook Along Session

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Cooking is an art and more so in Awadh where cooking was the most serious pursuit and the cooks were the highest paid subjects of the Nawabs.

We will curate and organise a cook-along session where a celebrated Head Chef will be in attendance. The participants (guests) will perfect an extinct dish from Awadh under expert supervision. Working tables are setup for the guests to work on, and the Chef will give instructions to follow, junior cooks will help guests follow the instructions to the T so that we can make a dish or two for the dinner at this pre-dinner session. The dish we learn and prepare is served to us at dinner later today – good bad or ugly, whatever comes out of it, we will still love it!

Cook along sessions are organised by Tornos at private homes or at the participating hotels. Participating hotels in Lucknow are, Hotel Taj Mahal, Saraca Estate and The Centrum. 

Write to us on info@tornosindia.com or call us to discuss the details, should you want us to arrange an exclusive private cook-along session in Lucknow. 

Dastangoi with Himanshu Bajpai

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Stories have been told since time immemorial through various forms – and one most enthralling and classic ways is Dastangoi – a 16th-century form of oral storytelling. Dastangoi is not merely telling a story but it’s an art form where the dastango (storyteller) creates a visual in the minds of listeners by his or her powerful oral narration. The tradition of dastangoi dates back to the times of Mughal Emperor Akbar. During those days, the language used for dastangoi was Persian. In fact, Dastangoi is itself a Persian word – where ‘dastan’ means story and ‘goi’ means to narrate a story.

In the 18th century, Dastangoi made its way from Delhi to Lucknow and it was here that it reached its zenith. In Lucknow, the distinctive art of Dastangoi got lost into oblivion after the death of Lucknow’s last Dastango Sheikh Tassaduq Hussain in 1918. However, nearly after a century this art form started getting back its swing, with rise of modern Dastango Dr. Himanshu Bajpai in the city. Himanshu Bajpai is considered as Dastangoi Maestro of modern times. He is often invited in festivals and shows which are being organised around the globe and in the city of Lucknow. Old forms of entertainment are making a comeback because of people like Himanshu, who have made it their mission to revive this art form that was on the verge of extinction.

Dr Himanshu Bajpai is a storyteller, a celebrated author and a journalist. He writes about the society and culture of the city of Lucknow. He is a well-known artist of dastangoi – the medieval form of oral storytelling in Urdu. He famously brings alive Lucknow through tales of its people, its history, its syncretic culture, traditions, festivals and even the famed mangoes. Himanshu performs much acclaimed dastan on Majaz Lakhnawi, Abdul Rahim Khanekhana, Amir Khusrau, Chandrakanta and Sagar Khayyami among others. Himanshu believes that stories keep alive the character of a city and he passionately tells these tales in his unique storytelling style. He is a treasure house of Urdu and Hindi poetry. He has completed his PhD on the Naval Kishore Press of Lucknow which was India’s largest printing press of the 19th and 20th century, which printed the biggest classics of Hindi and Urdu literature. Himanshu’s first book ‘Qissa Qissa Lucknowwa’ is about the stories of common people and everyday life of the old city of Lucknow which became an instant best-seller.

Exclusively for Tornos’ Private Gatherings Himanshu is happy to narrate an engaging story from Awadh and take us back in times when Dastanggoi was one of the most sort after forms of entertainment and social change.

Write to us on info@tornosindia.com or call us to discuss the details, should you want us to arrange an exclusive private gathering for an offsite/MICE in India. 

July 15, 2024

Lost Rivers of Lucknow

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 5:20 am

Credits : Venkatesh Dutta – Professor of Environmental Sciences at Ambedkar University, Lucknow (This article was originally published in the Magazine Civil Society). 


While working on the older Corona satellite pictures of Lucknow, I was impressed by the number of rivers that the city used to have in the early 1970s. A large network of streams is visible in satellite pictures connected with the river Gomti. There are big ponds — sometimes more than 100 hectares, holding water throughout the year.

As I looked at recent satellite pictures, I was disappointed to see that many of these rivers and ponds had disappeared due to the development of roads, colonies and shopping complexes. Apart from the Gomti, eight rivers used to flow through Lucknow, namely, the Raith, Behta, Kukrail, Bakh, Nagwa, Akraddi, Kadu and Sai. Out of these, four have disappeared in the past 50 years because houses, colonies and roads have been built on their beds. And three rivers are known as nalas or drains.

During the late 1980s and 1990s, many colonies came up on wetlands and terrace floodplains of rivers, rivulets and natural streams. Such structures caused irreversible damage to rivers and wetlands which are otherwise sought to be protected by law. Now every year, the groundwater level declines by one meter in the city as we have lost most of our natural recharge sites.

The public property of revenue villages like nalas, ponds, chakroads, pastures and the like was sold to builders and land development agencies. The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) built colonies on big ponds. According to satellite pictures 70 percent of the city’s ponds have disappeared in the past four decades. When there is rapid decline in recharge areas, how will groundwater be replenished? Agencies like the municipal corporation and LDA take the side of the builders and colonizers. In January, a case of encroachment of ponds in Gomti Nagar came up in the High Court. In Gomti Nagar extension, buildings were constructed on the land of 17 ponds with the full knowledge of the administration. Why are the people in charge playing with the future of the population?

Many smaller rivers and rivulets in India are disappearing. Many of them got converted into sewage-carrying drains, while others were encroached upon by private and government colonizers. No legal provisions have been made to protect the land adjoining these rivers. In many cases, roads and houses were built on river banks, reducing the flow path of the river. Many upcoming cities do not have a master plan, and those with master plans are least concerned about natural streams and wetlands. The choices that have been made about urban growth and governance have repeatedly ignored encroachments on the floodplains of rivers, which has led to the destruction of a number of ponds, wetlands and water systems that were once linked with the river. Our cities have also experienced an increase in the frequency and severity of flooding incidents as a direct consequence of the removal of a number of these naturally occurring sponges and the consequent lessening of the flood-carrying capacity of the rivers.

The Vishwamitri in Vadodara, Musi in Hyderabad, Godavari in Nashik, Gomti in Lucknow, Mutha in Pune, and Noyyal in Coimbatore are only some examples of how these rivers have been severely mistreated as they flow through the cities. Their smaller tributaries are disappearing fast from the map. The rapid pace of urban development with negligence toward drainage systems of our cities and their suburbs have caused the rivers to recede into the background. Sewage and industrial effluents discharged into the river, polluted storm water outfalls, and many other sources of pollution have all wreaked extensive ecological degradation.

A deeper look at the master plans of some cities reveals that urban growth is legitimizing large-scale land use changes — often transforming natural river banks into publicly accessible river promenades, similar to the highly publicised Sabarmati Riverfront Development in Ahmedabad.  Creating channels that are lined with concrete will alienate bank vegetation and prevent groundwater from getting in along the river. A more strategic priority would be to lessen the amount of impermeable surface area in the entire segment of the river.

Master plans address the rivers in a piecemeal manner, to the point of ignoring the larger watershed and hydrological network of which a river is a part. The idea of modifying the riverbanks and holding water all year long will impair the entire biological function of a perennial river that undergoes many seasonal changes; it can transform the river into an impounded pool of water that has lost all ecological integrity. Important biological niches will be lost if the riparian areas are paved over with concrete, as this would prevent vegetation from growing there.

Once upon a time, rivers and streams were focal points of our collective consciousness, celebrations, cultural identity, memories, rituals, tales, and daily needs. Now, cities are restructuring the hydrology of urban watersheds, resulting in distorted dynamics of recharge, flooding and even vegetation cover.  The administrative zones or limits are always used as the criterion to determine the development zones, while ecological boundaries are ignored in consideration during the development process. We need to reverse this trend. Ecological boundaries should get prominence over administrative boundaries in our master plans.

We need master plans that don’t merely have the purpose of making the river an amenity for humans to use; rather, the goal should be to protect the ecological integrity, improve the health of the ecosystem, enhance natural biodiversity and integrate the socio-cultural identity of the place. Smaller streams, rivulets and rivers can transform a city’s landscape and can be great natural assets. They can also improve the quality of life of people but only when we decide to protect our water endowments.

June 12, 2024

Muharram in Lucknow – Shia cultural capital.

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 10:17 am

Credits: An article by Professor Shireen Moosvi a well-known historian in India who taught history at the Aligarh Muslim University, India. This article was originally written for PressTV and has been borrowed from there with all credit being with PressTV and the author,  Professor Shireen Moosvi.


It is said that in India, Timur Lung introduced the observance of mourning in Muharram. But it was during the time of the Nawabs of Oudh who were Shia and had Lucknow as their capital that the mourning took popular and a common elaborate form and spread among the entire citizens of Lucknow irrespective of religion and caste.

Even today the Tazia (a recreation of the tomb of Imam Hussain) are made only by Hindus and the bhangis (wash-room cleaners) collect contributions and take out their Tazias. Maulana Kalb-i Husain Saheb used to begin his Majlis at Ghufran Maab’s Imambara only after one Mr. Saksena recited his soz (a form of storytelling through elegies that developed during the time of Oudh).

Lucknow remained a center of amity among Hindus and Muslims till the Sangh Parivar and its successors, the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) came to power.

The Imambaras and Karbalas built by the Nawabs of Oudh are still there, though recently under the incumbent government, some have been totally destroyed, e.g., Suppay ki Karbala where mainly the members of the family of Nawabs of Awadh were buried and converted into farmland.

Nevertheless, the Imambara of Asifuddaula, Husainabad Imambara, Ghufran Maab Imamabara, Aish Bagh Karbala, Nazim Sahab ka Imambara, Agha Baqar ka Imambara, etc., are still there besides many more lesser known ones.

The Nawabin-i-Awadh laid down many modes of mourning for the martyrs of Karbala besides Majlis and Matamhadis and nauhakhawni, the common forms of mourning where people (men and women separately) collect at home or in the Imambaras and mourn the martyrdom of the Shaheedan-i- Karbala by reciting the incidents in prose (hadis) and poetry (Marsiya, Nauha/matam) beating their chest.

From the time of Asif-ud-daula to the last ruler of the dynasty Wajid Ali Shah (who in the 1857 mutiny was imprisoned by the British and was sent to Calcutta, where his grave in an impressive Imambara built by him out of his pension paid by the British government still survives and becomes a center of mourning for martyrs of Karbala from 29th of Zilhij to 8th of Rabi-ul-Awal (Hijri months) till now.

The Nawabs of Oudh introduced many forms of mourning such as aag ka matam in which people walk bare-footed shouting “Ya Hussain” with ‘Alams in their hands, and strangely enough their soles get no burns. Majalises are – held from the 29th of Zilhij to the evening of the 8th Rabi‘-ul-Awwal at the Imambaras, Karbalas and private homes.

The mourning was not confined to Imambaras such as Asifudduala ka Imambara, Husainabad ka Imambara, Talkotray ki Karbala, Aishbagh ki Karbala and many more Imambaras and Karbala all over the old Lucknow.

A main feature of Lucknow is the Zanani Majlisain (the mourning ceremonies of the women), which women hold at home for the entire mourning period of two months and eight days.

During this period only clothes of black, green, and blue shades are worn. No bright colors at all, nor any ornaments. It is the period of sog (mourning). In Zanani Majlisain is especially known for women reciting sozkhwani, Marsiay/Hadis, Matam and Nauhakhwani at their homes.

Apart from this, the women also take out all their ornament bangles, etc. on 29th Zilhij till the evening of 8th Rabi-ul-Awwal.

Some of them themselves write and compose these (I for instance mainly recite Matam/Nauhay written by my mother, aunt, grandfather, and cousins).

The 4th of Muharram is dedicated to mourning the martyrdom of Hazrat Zainab’s sons Aun and Muhammad.

The 5th of Muharram is commemorated the martyrdom of the sons of Hazrat Muslim, and the 6th of Muharram is fixed for mourning the martyrdom of Hazrat Hur, who left Yazid’s army to join Imam Hussain’s caravan.

The 7th of Muharram is for remembering and mourning Hazrat Qasim ibn Hasan.

For mourning Hazrat Abbas, the 8th of Muharram is dedicated and his Alam with Mashk taken out through the street

Whereas, on the tenth of Muharram ‘Ashura’ all starve till the evening that is broken just before the sunset.

Even in Ghufran Maab’s Imambara, there is always a separate marked place for women, particularly during the Sham-i Ghariban. In other Imambaras too, separate arrangements are made for women.

Many more Taziyas and Taboot are taken out such as Chup Taziya in which excepting the beating of the chest and mourning views no one speaks or recites anything.

On the evening of ‘Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, Majlis-i Shama-i Ghariban is held at Ghufran Ma‘ab’s Imambara with separate arrangements for women.


And if you want to know more about Imam Hussain and the tragedy which inflicted upon him – be a part of Lucknow’s Muharram. During the Muharram, the Old Lucknow can truly transcend one to the times of Imam Hussain. Tornos offers an exclusive Muharram experience: Weeping Lucknow


May 12, 2024

Principal George Schilling of La Martiniere College

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 10:04 am

At La Martiniere College for Boys, Lucknow, the favorite pastime of the younger students during break time is to ascend the three cannons located on the eastern side of the campus.

These cannons stand out as the most notable emblems of La Martiniere’s martial heritage. However, what is not widely known is that this institution might be the sole educational facility in the world to receive a battle honor.

During the 1857 siege of Lucknow, the headmaster guided 67 students, six teachers, and the resident superintendent to protect the Residency against the rebel forces. This could be the earliest recorded instance in its history of British authorities enlisting schoolboys for military duties.

Just ten days after the May 10 uprising in Meerut, the commissioner took over the Residency and placed troops in several European locales, La Martiniere among them. Principal George Schilling relocated the entire school to Constantia, the principal building of the Martiniere complex, and strengthened its defenses.

On June 17, the commander issued an order for all European residents in Lucknow to move to the Residency. Schilling and his group moved into a banker’s house, which would later be known as the Martiniere Post. Throughout the siege, the students of La Martiniere, ranging in age from six to sixteen, valiantly held the Martiniere Post against overwhelming odds. The rebels, in a numerical advantage, had taken over surrounding buildings, firing bullets and cannonballs frequently, and had dug mines on the grounds. Yet, the students courageously returned fire and demonstrated remarkable creativity in keeping up their supply lines. Remarkably, almost all, except two from Schilling’s group, survived the siege.

In recognition of its brave role in the 1857 events, Britain in 1933 bestowed upon it an unconsecrated battle honor, a banner that reads ‘Defence of Lucknow’. Following India’s independence, the school now views the honor with mixed feelings. While numerous generations of La Martinians take great pride in their colonial martial legacy, similar to military regiments, the school’s administration has placed the flag in a locked safe. “The flag was presented in a formal parade in 1944, and its last display was in 1947,” states Satish Bhatnagar, the author of Bright Renown: La Martiniere College Lucknow. “I once inquired about the decision to conceal the honor, to which the headmaster responded that he was unsure how the Indian government would regard it.” Bhatnagar argues that the award is for valor, a quality that transcends any political affiliations. “La Martiniere fought in the battle as an institution. Few schools can claim such a legacy. Despite political differences, this symbol of courage and valor does not warrant being hidden away,” he explains.

April 12, 2024

Colin Campbell – a profile of a soldier

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 9:36 am

Colin Campbell was born in Glasgow on October 20, 1792. He was the oldest child of John Macliver, a carpenter from Glasgow, and Agnes Campbell, who came from the Campbell clan of Islay. His education was paid for by his uncle, Colonel John Campbell, who also introduced him to the Duke of York in 1807, making him a candidate for a military commission.

On May 26, 1808, Campbell was promoted to the rank of ensign in the 9th Regiment and set sail for Portugal with the 2nd battalion, as part of Sir Arthur Wellesley’s campaign. He participated in the Battle of Rolica and was there when the Battle of Vimeiro took place; he also served with his regiment during Sir John Moore’s march to Salamanca and the retreat to Corunna. Campbell was with the first battalion of the 9th Regiment during the Walcheren expedition, where he contracted malaria.

On January 28, 1809, Campbell was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, and in 1810, he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion in Gibraltar. Lieutenant-General Colin Campbell then paired Campbell with the Spanish army, where he served until December 1811. He then returned to the 2nd Battalion. In January 1813, Campbell transferred to the 1st Battalion of the 9th Regiment, under Colonel John Cameron’s command. He took part in the Battle of Vittoria and the siege of San Sebastian. On July 17, 1813, Campbell led the assault on the fortified convent of San Bartholomé; however, his attempt to storm the fortress itself was unsuccessful. He was wounded twice and was subsequently recommended for a promotion. On November 9, 1813, he was assigned a company in the 60th rifles. He received a pension of £100 a year for his injuries and was ordered to join the 7th battalion of the 60th rifles in Nova Scotia.

In five years, Campbell ascended to the rank of captain, but it wasn’t until nearly thirty years later that he reached the position of Colonel. He started his military career with the 5th battalion of the 60th Rifles in November 1816, and by the time he moved to the 21st regiment (later known as the Royal Scots Fusiliers) in April 1819, he had already established a reputation. In 1821, he was entrusted with the roles of aide-de-camp to the Governor of British Guiana and Brigade-Major for the troops stationed at Demerara. By 1825, he had become a Major.

In 1826, Campbell returned to England, leveraging his influential connections at headquarters. On 26 October 1832, he was able to purchase the rank of lieutenant-colonel, yet he persisted in his quest for a regimental command. By 1835, he succeeded in becoming the Lieutenant-Colonel of the 9th Regiment, after which he transferred to the 98th upon its return from the Cape in 1837. He led this regiment in the north of England, where it earned repeated accolades from Sir Charles Napier, the general commanding the northern frontier.

In 1841, Campbell embarked on a journey to China with the 98th, aimed at bolstering the military forces there under the command of Sir Hugh Gough. They arrived in Hong Kong on 2 June 1842 and played a significant role in the Opium Wars in China, despite being severely impacted by illness. Following the peace, his regiment was stationed in Hong Kong, where Campbell took over leadership of the troops. He was recognized with several honors, including being mentioned in dispatches, serving as aide-de-camp to the Queen, promoted to Colonel, and granted a C.B.

Colin Campbell

In January 1844, he was promoted to Brigadier-General and took over the leadership of his brigade in Chusan, where he stayed until July 25, 1846. He arrived in Calcutta on October 24, 1846, and in January 1847, he took command of another brigade at Lahore. He participated in the Sikh Wars in India, and his efforts were acknowledged with his appointment as a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in 1849. Campbell had plans to return to England and retire, expressing his desire in his diary on October 20, 1849, stating, ‘I am growing old and only fit for retirement’. However, due to the requests of Lord Dalhousie and Sir Charles Napier, he chose to stay and spent an additional three years at the frontier post. He stepped down from his command on July 25, 1846, and in March 1853, he finally returned to England after a twelve-year absence. He went on half-pay and took a year off to visit his numerous friends, including Sir Charles Napier.

On February 11, 1854, Campbell was appointed to lead one of the two brigades destined for the Crimea. He accepted the position, but by the time he reached Turkey, the brigade had become part of a division, and he was tasked with leading the Highland Brigade of the 1st Division under the Duke of Cambridge. This division included the 42nd, 79th, and 93rd Highlanders. On June 20, 1854, while stationed at Varna, he was promoted to the rank of Major-General. He arrived in the Crimea and played a crucial role in the Battle of the Alma, leading his brigade in the assault on the redoubt that had been recaptured by the enemy and defeating the final Russian columns. His only request for recognition was the right to wear the highland bonnet instead of the cocked hat of a general officer. Campbell took command at Balaclava and was instrumental in repelling the Russian infantry column from the 93rd Highlanders. However, he did not participate in the Battle of Inkerman. In December 1854, he took over the command of the First Division, which included the Guards and Highland Brigades, upon the Duke of Cambridge’s return to England. Campbell continued to lead at Balaclava, focusing on improving the living conditions for the army during the harsh winter. He received constant praise from Lord Raglan for his services, and was promoted to the rank of Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath on July 5, 1855.

On June 16, 1855, Campbell led his division into battle, and played a crucial role as the reserve commander during the Battle of the Redan on September 8. However, his career was being threatened: Lord Panmure suggested he should succeed in leading Malta’s government, and later proposed he serve under Codrington, who had never fired a shot before the Battle of the Alma. Outraged, Campbell departed from the Crimean campaign on November 3. Disappointed, he reconsidered his decisions and, by June 4, 1856, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant-General, rejoining the campaign in the Crimea to command a division under Codrington’s leadership. Campbell only led the Highland Division for a brief period before returning to Britain.

He was honored with the title of Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour, Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Maurice and St. Lazarus, and Knight of the First Class of the Order of the Medjidie. Campbell was awarded a gold sword of honor from Glasgow and honored with an honorary Doctor of Civil Laws degree from the University of Oxford.

In 1856, Campbell took charge of the south-eastern sector and in September was named inspector-general of infantry. Later that year, in December, he was sent to Berlin to place the Prince of Prussia with the Grand Cross of the Bath. By March 1857, Campbell was approached to command the forthcoming China expedition he declined.

On July 11, the news of the Indian Mutiny and the death of General Anson, the Indian army’s commander-in-chief, reached Britain. Lord Palmerston invited Campbell, who was on the verge of resigning from his post, to assume the role of commander-in-chief, which Campbell accepted. He then departed for India, reaching Calcutta in August. By this time, Major-General Archdale Wilson had reclaimed Delhi, and Havelock had captured Cawnpore, initiating preparations to relieve Lucknow. The campaign spanned over a year, concluding with India being firmly under British dominion.

On May 14, 1858, Campbell was advanced to the rank of General, and on January 15, 1858, he became colonel of the 93rd Highlanders. In June 1861, with the establishment of the Order, he was conferred the Knight’s Service Iron Cross; and by July 3, 1858, he was raised to the peerage as Lord Clyde of Clydesdale. His health was deteriorating by this time, and on June 4, 1860, with profound regret, he resigned from his duties in India.

The East India Company’s final move was to grant Campbell a yearly pension of £2,000; in July 1860, he became the colonel of the Coldstream Guards; and on 9 November 1862, he was elevated to the rank of Field Marshal. In December 1860, he received the privilege of being the city of London’s Freedom of the City; that same year, he participated in the Prussian maneuvers as a representative of the Horse Guards; and in April 1862, he led the Easter volunteer review as the commander. Campbell passed away on 14 August 1863, and his funeral took place at Westminster Abbey on 22 August.

March 12, 2024

Battle of Chinhat – SIR HENRY LAWRENCE AND RAJA OF MAHMUDABAD

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 6:29 am

Umpteen issues always get raised, when the battle of Chinhat is remembered and there are multiple views, if not directly conflicting. Was it a misadventure on the part of Sir Lawrence? Were there other factors apart from desertion, which led to a routing of British forces? And, although we know that Barakat Ahmad and Khan Ali Khan led the Indian side did Raja of Mahmudabad play any role?

There are two versions and one is by Inglis. J.W.E Inglis who took over the command after the demise of Sir Lawrence wrote a letter on 26th September 1857, to Calcutta narrating the incident of 30th June,

“On the evening of that day, several reports reached Sir Henry Lawrence that the rebel army, in no very considerable force, would march from Chinhat (a small village about eight miles distant On the road to Fyzabad) a Lucknow on the following morning and the late Brigadier –General, therefore, determined to make a strong reconnaissance in that direction, with the view if possible, of meeting the force at its disadvantage, either at the entrance of the suburb or at the bridge across, Kukrail, …”

There is another detailed account of Martin Gubbins. However, his relationship with Sir Lawrence was troublesome, and his work, Mutinies in Oudh was disputed, by George Hutchinson (1826–1899) of the Bengal Engineers, in “Narrative of the Mutinies in Oude.” Inglis when he took over command after the demise of Sir Lawrence, enquired who coaxed Sir Lawrence into that ‘misadventure’

It turned out that probably Gubbins himself was coaxing Sir Lawrence to send a force. One officer mentioned, “Sir Henry Lawrence did from time to time complain to me, that the indomitable personal courage of Mr. Gubbins, his excessive zeal and ardent temperament, had caused him to be the over-earnest, importunate and too public advocate of Military movements, which according to Sir Henry’s personal judgement could have ended disastrously.“

If we closely look at the incident of that morning, many things went against the contingent of Sir Lawrence. To quote from the letter of Inglis, “1. The troops, misled by the reports of wayfarers–who stated that there were few or no men between Lucknow and Chinhat — proceeded somewhat further than had been originally intended, and suddenly fell in with the enemy, who had up to that time eluded the vigilance of the advanced guard by concealing themselves behind a long line of trees. 2. The bank of the road was very steep and slippery and some of the wagons overturned in the ditch. 3. The 8-inch howitzer, which was to be the mainstay of the attack was lost. The elephant, which was attached to the limber, got freighted and ran away. Lieutenant Bonham seized the limber of another wagon but could not attach it. Meanwhile. Captain Hardinge brought up the proper limber with the elephant; but the animal was so restless under fire, that the utmost exertions of the untrained gunners failed to attach the trail of the howitzer to the limber. 4. The Indian forces, advanced from both sides and outflanked Sir Lawrence’s contingent. 5. 32nd advanced boldly but were met the withering fire and Col. Case was badly wounded. Lt. Brackenbury and Thomson were mortally wounded, which left the British forces in disarray and Indians got the advantage. 6. A series of successes emboldened Indian rebels at Chinhat, their morale and faith in themselves were very high. On the other side, the British forces were already on the defensive and must have been impacted by losses all around them.

Now, about the desertion, one can only say that one man’s traitor may be another man’s freedom fighter.

Another factor one must consider about the fall (or liberation, depending upon the viewpoint) of Lucknow was almost certain and the only issue was when. If we look at the chronology, Lucknow Cantonment was burnt and forces revolted on 30th May, Sitapur (3rd June) Muhamdi (4th June), Barabanki (8th June), Sultanpur and Faizabad (8th June), Salone (9th June), Bahraich (10thJune), and Gonda (16th June) had already rebelled. Thus all the districts in Awadh were up in arms, by the first half of June 1857. In the last week of June, the fall of Kanpur was the last straw, which further emboldened the rebels.

Thus, the Battle of Chinhat and the victory of the Indians should not be seen in isolation.

One significant feature of the Battle of Chinhat was the combination of forces of Taluqdars with rebellious forces. And It brings another facet of the Battle of Chinhat, the role of the Raja of Mahmudabad.

Quoting from the ‘Trial Proceedings Govt. vs Raja Jailal Singh’

“RAJA NAWAB ALI OF MAHMUDABAD LEADS THE REBELLION

On the 30th of June occurred the disaster of Chinhat which was at once followed up by the rebels flocking into the city, and by the siege of the Residency. The rebel Head Quarters were < established in the 32nd Barracks.

At this time Khan Ali Khan, an ex-Chakladar of Salone dismissed at the instance of Genl. Sleeman for his many excesses was the Naib of Nawab Ali Talookdar of Mahmudabad the first of his class who openly rebelled. Around this man’s standard, the Sitapur murderers speedily flocked; under Khan Ali Khan they fought at Chinhat; and we find this person and Burkut Ahmad. Ressaldar of Irregulars, (since killed) as their head, on arrival at Lucknow.”

February 12, 2024

The Battle of Chinhat – almost lost to collective amnesia

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 6:21 am
30th June (1857) will come and go and hardly anybody will visit Chinhat, Ismailganj, no ink will be spent by the print media nor magicians of electronic media will take a pause and travel back in time, and no odes will be sung. And it is not due to the shortage of material, Wiki has a long article, and if somebody is a job aspirant, and Googles it, many coaching sites will spring up to help with detailed answers. The Plethora of books cover it.
But my experience is, that one may pick up ten random persons in Lucknow and at least half of them will be flummoxed about this historic battle. This collective amnesia in Lucknow about 1857 is hard to understand, maybe the dominant narrative of the Nazakat, Nafasat and Nawabi period makes the valor of 1857 just a footnote. Chinhat began the long-drawn resistance of Awadh, a siege of residency and is of as much importance as Meerut, Delhi and Jhansi in the saga of 1857. It was one of the very few significant victories, the Indians achieved against the British in 1857-58.
Various accounts have varied emphasis and give diverse answers to questions like, why Lawrence decided to attack with a limited force or who was the real power behind Indian fighters.
The Battle of Chinhat was fought on the morning of 30 June 1857, between British forces and Indian rebels, at Ismailganj, near Chinhat. The British were led by The Chief Commissioner of Oude, Sir Henry Lawrence. The insurgent force, which consisted of mutineers from the East India Company’s army and retainers of local landowners, was led by Barkat Ahmad, a mutineer officer of the Company’s army. The rebels were in well-prepared positions, behind stone walls and in the village, and soon inflicted heavy casualties on Lawrence’s force, especially the 32nd Foot. The regiment’s acting commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel William Case, was killed, as were several officers. Many Indian soldiers, especially Indian artillerymen, left overturning their guns and cutting the traces on the horses.
By about 11.30 AM British Army retreated to residency and the siege of residency began. Freedom struggle in UP (Volume II) gives a detailed version and I am sharing some excerpts from there. On Tuesday, 30th June a spy informed the Chief Commissioner that seven Companies of Tilangas, two pieces of artillery driven by horses and one Risala had reached the Hanuman (Mahabir) Temple at Aliganj, which is at a distance of 2 miles from Lucknow. The rest of the army, composed of different units, and having ammunition, is marching behind in ranks. The whole army was about 15000 strong…………..(details not clear)
The Chief Commissioner ordered that because only a part of the army had reached the city, the rest should be checked while still on the way. Thereupon, 300 Sikhs, 80 horsemen, 1200 Bargandazes, 5 Companies of Tilangas, five Companies of white men, 50 heavy pieces of artillery driven by horses and bullocks with Major Carnegie, Mahmud Khan Kotwal, and the Christian clerks of the office, some on the elephant and others on horse-back, started from the Residency two to three hours before dawn. When they reached the Iron Bridge they enquired from the way-farers about the strength of the army, who said that only a portion of the army was at hand and the rest spread like a storm up to Nawabganj.
The British army advanced for some distance and reached the Kukrail River at dawn. There was no trace of the army there. Then they scolded the spy who said that the rebels stayed in the groves and were preparing for a fight. Upon this, they fired gunshots. But all the gunshots went over their heads and left them safe. Rebels thought it to be a good omen and then they gathered courage. Next, they advanced both from the right and the left and as the rebel soldiers stated, they saw Col. Hague (Hick) moving towards them in his Bagghi. The horsemen rushed towards him and he trotted his horse……….(Text not clear) Both armies met. The guns of the English armies could not be used. The English army was defeated and so it tried to retire to Ismail Ganj. But it could not do so because there was a difference of opinion. The rebel army keeping the Ganj (town) to the back, fired. When the English army could not stand as they were surrounded from all sides., it retreated.
The two armies were pitched against each other and there was a battle ranging up to Iron Bridge. The rebel horsemen pushed up to the Iron Bridge, but they were shelled by the Guns from Macchi Bhawan and residency and their advance was checked. Those who could escape the fire scattered out in the town.
Ahmadullah Shah was wounded in the foot and alighted at Rasad Khan Kothi (Observatory). Thus the control of the British ceased, in Awadh, but for the residency on 30th June 1857 and it took more than a year-long battle to restore it.
Telegram from Sir Lawrence : Went out this morning eight, miles to meet the enemy, and were defeated through misconduct, chiefly of Artillery and Cavalry, many of whom deserted. The enemy followed us up and we were besieged for four hours. Shall likely be surrounded tonight. Enemy very bold, and our Europeans very low. Looks upon his position now as ten times worse than it was yesterday. It is very critical. Unless we are relieved in 15 or 20 days, we shall hardly be able to maintain the ground.
The next part (next month) will try to provide some more details of the battle of Chinhat and explore some more issues.

January 12, 2024

Coronation of Birjis Qadr, the Last Nawab of Awadh

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 5:58 am
Fifth of July 1857, is important not only for Lucknow, Awadh but for the entire Indian Freedom Struggle, an act of defiance. The last Nawab of Awadh, Birjis Qadr, was crowned on the 5th of July 1857. Though many do not agree with this theory and consider Wajid Ali Shah as the last king of Awadh. This is an excerpt based on the Qaisar-ut-Tawarikh” Vol. II, and Freedom Struggle in Uttar Pradesh Vol. II Chapter III. (Shared by Mr. A.K. Srivastava). 
Birjis Qadr

(c) The National Trust for Scotland, Leith Hall Garden & Estate; Supplied by The Public Catalogue Foundation

On Sunday, July 5, 1857, the rains poured heavily. After 6 p.m., the army officers came with the Rajah and took their seats in Qasar-ul-Khaqan. Mirza Ramzan Ali Khan alias Mirza Birjis Qadar, riding the Tamjam used by the last King of Awadh arrived and sat on the throne of Jannat Aramgah.
The officers began to talk together. Some said the boy was very young, others that he was handsome and. delicate and therefore could not be expected to do (hard) work; others accosted him: “You should never become slothful and negligent. We make you King”. Then they said, “We put you some questions and will make you our ruler if you agree.
The first is that we will submit a petition to the King of Delhi and then you will become ours. ruler, in case, he agrees. All the conditions were agreed to, but there was a problem, the royal seal of Birjis Qadr could not be found. Then it was decided that the paper should be left behind for the next day. The Officers of the army said that one paper was not enough, and suggested that every one of them should have a scaled copy. Accordingly, the seals of other office-bearers were affixed and then it was handed over to those officers.
There was another issue should the crowning ceremony be done today or on some auspicious day? Although Miftahuddulah suggested to the Queen to postpone it for an auspicious hour, as it was the evening following Monday and the moon was in Scorpio, Mammoo Khan said that we should not delay. Thus a few minutes before sunset the King was crowned.
Shihab-ud-Din and ‘Barkat Ahmad, the Risaldars of the Risala placed the crown on Birjis Qadar’s head and offered congratulations. The officers offered their swords as Nazar. Subedar of Faizabad Artillery fired a 21-gun salute.
British authority had ceased from the first of July and the city was almost in the anarchy. A well-settled government was required not only to fight the British but also to run the administration, collect revenue provide for the salary of the army and procure ammunition. Astute negotiations, diplomacy and administrative skills were shown by Begum Hazrat Mahal, assisted by Raja Jailal Singh and others. But about that in the second part.

December 12, 2023

Tabla in Lucknow

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 5:27 am

Poorab or Khulla baaj gharana is the name given to this sarina. The Nawab of Lucknow had a strong passion for the arts, particularly music and dance.

The gharana founded by Ustad Bakshu Khan and Modu Khan moved to Lucknow from Delhi at the request of Ustad Sidhar Khan’s Delhi nephew and ruler of Lucknow, Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula.

Another reason is that Lucknow was famous for music, especially dance, at that time. They started using a mixture of tabla balls and pakhawaj (tap/word combination) to imitate the sound of bells or ‘Ghungroo’ that the dancers wear as anklets while dancing. They changed their style to a loud song called Khulla Baaj. This gharana is called Thapiya Baaj (meaning palm in Hindi) because it requires the use of fingers and palms when playing certain compositions. The sound of the palm is more intense and has taken the form of the Pakawaj. They celebrate Baayan’s open strokes. The right hand is played using the fingers on the palm and in the middle of the Tabla, unlike the Kinaar and Delhi Gharana which focus on the sides. This gharana focuses on:

• Theka vistar or Theka palta (variation of theka)

• Gat (a short or brief composition)

• Chalan (a composition with a thought pattern that is a Gat)

• Tukda (an original composition played next to the end of the solo tabla)

• Paran (composed earlier, uses thick strokes from the pakhawaj repertoire and ends with a tihai)

• Chakradar (section without expansion) formatted with thick strokes to be correct You must play three times to reach the total or less.

This gharana has many phrases from other gharanas like Kddhetita, Dhet Dhet, Kddhan, Ghadan, Ghen Tadan, Tagenna etc. . This gharana is also known for its Kathak dance. Khalifa Abid Hussain Khan, Ustad Afaq Hussain Khan, Munne Khan and Pandit Swapan Chowdhury were the bearers of this gharana. .

November 8, 2023

RAIN TEMPLE IN KANPUR THAT PREDICTS RAIN

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 6:55 am

In the heart of Uttar Pradesh, roughly just over 125 km, three and half hours from Lucknow and only 36 km, one and half hours from Kanpur, nestled in the quite village of Behta Bujurg, is a temple shrouded in mystique – the Jagannath Temple. Its distinct dome, mirroring the architectural elegance of West Bengal and Odisha, whispers tales of forgotten eras, its secrets yet to be deciphered.

Jagannath Temple, Kanpur

Jagannath Temple, Kanpur

The temple is full of paradoxes, from its design to its main God to its age. Moreover, the temple has become more famous over time because of a common faith among the locals and worshippers that it forecasts the rainy season accurately every year. A week before the rain, a stone plate in the roof of the temple’s innermost chamber becomes moist. If it stays dry, the rain that year will be mild, but if it forms drops of water on the roof, it means a good rainy season ahead. For local farmers, this phenomenon is an oracle, guiding their crucial kharif crop sowing decisions.

Adding to the mystery, the temple stands in stark contrast to surrounding ancient brick temples, most notably the Bhitargaon Dewal, believed to be from the 5th century AD. It was first recorded by Alexander Cunningham, the British founder of Archeological Survey of India, who explored the area in 1876-77. He asserted that the temple’s origins were significantly more recent.

Flowing nearby is the Arvind River, with its treasure trove of temples, adds a spiritual aura to the landscape. But the temple at Behta is different, as it is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, which is unusual for the area. Most temples nearby are for Vishnu, Shiva, or Chandrika Devi. The Behta temple also has a unique Rath Yatra festival, attracting lots of devotees every year.

Constructed entirely with stone, the Behta temple stands alone amidst the region’s brick-built neighbours. This unusual material suggests a later construction date. However, archaeologist Longhurst, visiting in 1909, discovered remnants of an ancient brick and stone temple beneath the current façade. He found carved pillars, door jambs, and even deities – Shiva, Parvati, Vishnu, Lakshmi and Ganesha – scattered around the compound. These beautifully crafted pieces, neglected and unused, hinted at a grander past. He concluded that Behta held the remnants of another, more ancient temple, its treasures repurposed for the new structure.

It presents a historical puzzle. Scholars disagree on its origin and age, leading to conflicting theories. One theory suggests, the temple is an old structure repurposed with salvaged materials from the ruined Bhitargaon temple nearby (10 minutes away). Arguments for this include the proximity of Bhitargaon and the presence of architectural elements resembling missing features from that temple. However, historian Mohammad Zaheer refutes this, citing the temple’s late Mughal-style elements and widespread stone usage at the time of its construction. Adding to the mystery, the temple’s inner sanctum features a Gupta-era-like pillar distinct from the rest. Murals of Vishnu avatars and other deities further complicate the timeline.

Buried beneath layers of history, the secrets of the Behta temple lie hidden, waiting to be unearthed. With no single theory holding definitive proof. Some believe a hidden older structure lies beneath the current one, built as protection against Muslim invasions. Despite the lack of clarity, the temple remains a thriving cultural hub, drawing devotees to its annual Rath Yatra festival. While the past of the Behta temple may be vague, its present vibrancy and unique features continue to fascinate and spark curiosity.

October 10, 2023

Guru Nanak visited Lucknow

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 10:47 am

In the bustling lanes of Naka Hindola, a historic neighbourhood of Lucknow, stands a majestic edifice that bears witness to the glorious legacy of the Sikh faith in the city of Nawabs. This is the Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, also known as Bada Gurdwara, the first and the foremost Gurdwara of Lucknow. It is not only a place of worship but also a cultural centre, a social service provider, and a symbol of communal harmony.

The Gurdwara has a special significance for the Sikhs, as it is believed to be the place where Guru Nanak Dev, the founder and the first guru of Sikhism, spent a night during his first ‘Udasi’, or spiritual journey, between 1497 and 1509. He was travelling from Haridwar to Ayodhya, and also visited Kakori, where he met Bhagat Bikhan, a medieval saint whose hymns are enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of the Sikhs. This Gurdwara in Lucknow was built in 1898 by Rai Bahadur Sardar Saligram Singh, who came to know about this historical fact and bought the land to honour the guru. The records that documented the history of the Gurdwara were lost in the flames of Partition, but the oral tradition has kept the memory alive.

The Gurdwara is also the only one in the state, if not the country, where all the festivals and events of the Sikh community are celebrated with fervour and devotion. It is here that the tradition of Nagar Kirtan, a religious procession with hymns and music, was started in the city. On the eve of Guru Nanak Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the guru, the Gurdwara is thronged by devotees who pay their respects and seek blessings. The Gurdwara is adorned with lights and flowers, and the air is filled with the fragrance of incense and the sound of prayers.

The Gurdwara has also been a refuge for many during the turbulent times of history. It provided shelter and solace to the Sikhs who faced persecution and violence during the Partition and the 1984 riots. It also organised several inter-faith conferences to promote peace and harmony and uphold the Ganga-Jamuna culture of Awadh.The Gurdwara has also been a benefactor of the poor and needy and has made significant contributions in the fields of education and healthcare. During the first lockdown due to Covid-19, it tirelessly helped the migrant workers and ensured that no one went hungry.

The Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara Naka Hindola is thus a shining example of the Sikh spirit of service, sacrifice, and solidarity. It is a beacon of hope and faith for the people of Lucknow and beyond. It is a testimony to the rich and vibrant heritage of the Sikh community in the city of Nawabs.

September 13, 2023

Lucknow in Bollywood Films

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 9:09 am

Remember Raj Kumar in Mere Huzoor (1968), shot in Lucknow, where he pronounces powerfully and skillfully: “Kaun se aise sheher mein kaun si aisi Firdaus hai jisey hum nahin jaante!”

Then came Palki’s opening song (1967), sung by Mohammad Rafi for Rajendra Kumar, “Aye sheher e Lucknow tujhe mera salaam hai” praising the historic city.

And who doesn’t know that Guru Dutt shot Chaudhvin ka Chand in 1960 in Lucknow. The movie begins by lauding Lucknow at least five times in the song: “Ye Laknau ki sar-zameen, ye rang roop ka chaman, ye husn-o-ishq ka watan, yehi to wo muqaam hai.”

The lyrics by Shakeel Badayuni, who is closely associated with the city, conclude with the words:  “Nibhaye apni shaan bhi, Badhaye dil ki shaan bhi, Hain aise meherbaan bhi, ye Lakhnau ki sar zameen.”

In Dedh Ishqiya, the Begum Para of Mehmoodabad was brought to life by Madhuri Dixit. Begum Para, extremely beautiful, poised and graceful, meets Naseeruddin Shah, the nawabi poet to dissolve into the sublime cultural richness of the city where people of different religions have been living side by side for centuries, speaking the common language of love. Many a tehzeeb shown on the silver screen is inspired by the rich sophistication of people from different walks of life.

Lucknow is said to be one of the world’s most noteworthy cities for Muslim culture, but hasn’t the culture of Hindus blended and amalgamated customarily so well? It is this most alluring blended way of life that interests the world and is more than once captured and highlighted in Hindi motion pictures time and again. One of the reasons of the profound fascination to the way of life in Lucknow is the incredibly respectful and polished way of talking of the individuals which cannot be ignored by film creators. Have you heard Agha in Sansar from 1951 say, Lucknow chalo ab rani, Bambai ka bigda paani sung by Geeta Dutt and G.M. Durrani?

Could Bollywood become what it is nowadays without the Lakhnavi touch? Customarily Lucknow has impacted Bollywood’s movies in different ways be it shooting, scriptwriting or story background. Lucknow is a city praised by Mirza Ghalib. It is the domestic of Mir Taqi Mir, Mir Anees, Mirza Dabeer, Begum Akhtar, Naushad Ali, Talat Mehmood, Kaifi Azmi, Javed Akhtar, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Sudhir Mishra, Amrit Lal Nagar, Amitabh Bhattacharya, Wajahat Mirza, Birju Maharaj, Nadira Babbar and Atul Tiwari among others. Theatre bunches have moreover been dynamic within the city playing a significant role in bringing Bollywood to its center. 

Lucknow had a huge impact on the Hindi film industry. This is evident from the fact that Pakeezah’s song ‘Chalo Dildar Chalo, Chaand ke Paar chalo’ (1972) was shot against the backdrop of the Gomti River. In the same year, a film called Gomti Ke Kinare starring Meena Kumari was also released.

Muzaffar Ali, also from Lucknow, shot one of the most famous Hindi films here, “Umrao Jaan” (1981). Recalling those days of shooting in Lucknow with Rekha, Farouque Sheikh, Naseeruddin Shah for the iconic classic, Muzaffar Ali said, “I am reminded of a Persian couplet of Emperor Akbar: ‘In the petals of the rose are not dew drops…But tears fallen from the eyes of the nightingale’ What goes into a lens is the pure heartfelt emotion; it is this that makes us stop to think what makes film worthy of a city…or cities worthy of a film and Lucknow certainly is the latter”

Satyajit Ray’s Shatranj Ke Khiladi (1977) was also shot in Lucknow and unlike most of his films in Bengali, the dialogue in this film was in Urdu and Hindi.

Interestingly on some instances, Lucknow has also been used to depict some cities of Pakistan as well, like in Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and recently in the blockbuster sequel of the franchise, Gadar 2.

Other notable movies in the city have been Ashok Kumar’s Najma (1943), Rajendra Kumar and Sadhna’s Mere Mehboob (1963) and Anwar (2007).

A range of films have also depicted the musical tradition of Lucknow and glamorized the city’s courtesans, Muslim nobility and its provincial history. Lucknow is the perfect setting for a rustic gangster movie or a serene period drama set in the early 1900s. Lucknow easily provides the backdrop for both these genres and more. The many centuries-old cultures, the fusion of art and technology, and the history behind this picturesque city make Lucknow the epitome of India that no other city can match. A particularly beloved historical drama, the hit, Shootout at Lokhandwala was filmed in Lucknow as it still conveys the Mumbai feel of the 80s.

The list of Bollywood movies shot in Lucknow over the last few years is extensive with many more in the pipeline. Some actors believe it is due to the lush greenery and hassle free shooting environment. Director Habib Faisal shot his movie called Daawat-e-Ishq with Aditya Roy Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra here (even though the story of the movie is based in Hyderabad). The movie might have chosen Lucknow as a destination so to showcase the luscious food items that are available exclusively in the lanes of Lucknow. Tanu weds Manu along with its sequel, Tanu Weds Man Returns, a popular film franchise starring Kangana Ranaut and R Madhavan was also shot here. There are many other movies in the recent years that have been shot here and every other month, continuous shooting keep on happening and with the advent of web series, Lucknow remains a favorite for shooting destinations in India.

It is widely known that Uttar Pradesh’s capital city, Lucknow, is a magnet for Hindi films, and the city’s inhabitants are equally fanatical in their admiration for the stars. Bollywood films often feature the cast and crew in Lucknow, and the local cuisine, such as biryani and Chaat, is often the most popular dish on the set. The combination of enthusiastic audiences, scenic locations, delectable cuisine, and a fusion of traditional Indian culture are some of the reasons for the enduring popularity of Bollywood in Lucknow.

 

August 13, 2023

Kitchens of Lucknow Travel to Calcutta

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 9:06 am

Manzilat, who is a great-grandchild of the Nawab of Lucknow (Wajid Ali Shah) and the Begum of Hazrat Mahal (Begum Hazrat), runs a house-restaurant that serves a variety of royal dishes, particularly Kolkata biryani, which he believes has its roots in the Lucknow region of India.

The last Nawab of Lucknow was forced to flee the city by the British in 1856. He was taken to a small town outside Calcutta, which is now Kolkata. He was heartbroken to have to leave the city he loved so much, so he decided to set up a mini Lucknow (chota) in Metiaiabruz. This helped him stay connected to the city and his memories of it. This decision will have a huge impact on the local culture of Calcutta.

Wajid Ali Shah introduced the region to various sports like kite flying, cockfighting, poetry, etc. One of the most important contributions to the local culture is food, and biryani is one of them. So what we now call Kolkata Biryani is actually Biryani from Lucknow, the city of the Nawabs.

Manzilat Fatima, the king’s great-granddaughter, explained the nature of the signature dish: “You have the Awadh biryani in Kolkata. They are like cousins ​​in a family.” For the past five years, the 55-year-old has run Manzilat’s, a family restaurant that aims to continue the royal culinary legacy.

Royal Cousins

Wajid Ali Shah was a patron of the arts, music, poetry, theatre, and gastronomy, the art of cooking and enjoying good food. “Although he was no longer a Badshah (Emperor), Wajid Ali Shah was born a Nawab. His love of gastronomy has shaped Lucknowi Biryani since he came to Kolkata, the biryani became what we enjoy today as Kolkata Biryani,” said Manzilat.

At the time, potatoes were considered a delicious nayab (exotic). Although common mortals could not afford to buy this vegetable, this vegetable was introduced into the royal kitchen. “Because it has the ability to absorb all the aroma of spices, it adds more flavor when added to dishes. This proposal was easily accepted by the king and the people. After his death, when his mulazims (workers) were unemployed, they went to the cities and this biryani spread in Kolkata became popular,” explained Manzilat.

She explained what makes Awadhi and Kolkata biryani different from other places. “Since Nawab was of a nazuk mizaz (fragile nature) spicy food was not to their taste. This makes Awadhi food delicate and light, as well as extremely aromatic and rich, compared to Hyderabadi, Muradabadi and other Southern biryanis. Others use more spices and buttermilk. We feel full even after eating one or two pieces of lukma (mouthfuls). There is a class in Awadh food!” she said with pride.

Speaking about the unique species and cooking methods she uses to cook Kolkata biryani, Manzilat explained that firstly she prepared Korma, which was added as a layer to the utensil. After that, she added a layer of boiled potatoes, savored with ghee, salt, and spices. Lastly, she added a layer of boiled rice and flavored it with ghee and saffron. She also exclaimed that when cooked in logs and matkas (clay utensils), it gave a smoky flavor.”

She went on to reveal that she cooked biryani with regularly used spices like kebab chini, nutmeg, shah jeera, mace, cardamom and cloves. And in some Awadhi specialties, she used special Awadhi spices and herbs like paan ki jad, khas ki jad, patthar ke phool (herbs). They are known to be more fragrant and strong. The only trick she said about the cooking was the ratio of spices used, it made a huge difference.

Learnt Cooking Through Letters

Manzilat recalled that when she started cooking at the age of 10, she was not interested at first. She was living with her father in Aligarh and at that time, ordering food from outside was not as relevant as it is today. So she had to cook along with a helper and would serve kacha pakka (half-cooked) food to her father. “Sometimes, there would be more water in khichdi and sometimes rice would be half-cooked. I would fail to make a perfect meal,” she said with a laugh.

Often, her mother would come to her rescue. She would write letters to Manzilat and those letters had different recipes and their cooking method written in Urdu. During vacations when they were home, Manzilat used to learn from her. “The first thing I learnt from her was shami kebab. My father relished it,” she recalled.

After marriage, Manzilat settled in Kolkata. She loved to have guests of her husband and friends of her children. Through her cooking, she developed a keen interest in food over the years. But she never thought she would make a career out of it.

In a bid to keep the legacy of royal delicacies alive, she set up Manzilat’s home diner in Kasbah of Kolkata in 2018. Manzilat expressed that, “All the Nawabs were very fond of food and Awadhi cuisine is very popular but not so popular outside Lucknow. People even in Lucknow and Metiabruz do not know the history associated with the food. I wanted to contribute towards carrying the legacy of my family before the world forgets our lineage and the relevance of food.”

With the help of four employees, Manzilat runs her home restaurant, serving gourmet food from around the world, including Japan, China, Abu Dhabi, Toronto, New Jersey and Singapore.

Her mission, as eloquently put by her is, “not to earn from a commercial set up, but to spread awareness on the history of Awadh, its last King Wajid Ali Shah, freedom fighter Begum Hazrat Mahal, and our family history. For this, I get immense love, honor, and respect, which is priceless. That is my real earning,”

July 13, 2023

Aromatic & Tasteful Bread of Lucknow – ‘Sheermal’

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Sheermal is the go-to flatbread for iftar during Ramadan, and it’s probably why it’s most popular in Muslim-populated areas.

It’s believed to have come from Persia and made its way to India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan via Silk Street. Some say it was created as a result of an experiment by a local baker named Mahmood, who’s also known for his invention of Nihari.

The Mughals brought it with them when they visited India, and they used it to fill Galouti-style kebabs for the toothless ruler of Lucknow. It’s made of all-purpose flour with saffron and is softened with milk. It has a delicate taste and pairs perfectly with fiery Nihari or Salan.

 Different Indian cities have their own unique forms of Sheermal, and it is most commonly found in the older regions. In India, Sheermal is traditionally rounded, with saffron strings, but in Bhopal it is rectangular in shape. Buffalo milk, a natural sweetener, is used to prepare a gentler dough form for Sheermal. Some chefs add kewra to it, and cloves are also used in Bhopal.

Lucknow is also home to Sheermal Wali Gali, which was set up amid the rule of the Nawabs and is an entire street filled with bakeries that let out the smell of freshly baked bread. The road is additionally home to other sorts of flatbread like naan, baqar khani and taftan. There’s a Persian saying which goes, “Nan-e-Lucknow, shireen ast”. It interprets to “Lucknow’s Sheermal is the sweetest bread”. 

Kinds of Sheermal…

Sheermal Gali is a Sheermal pardise, home to a variety of flavors, shapes as well as sizes. Some of the varieties you will find there are:

The most popular Sheermal is the slightly sweetened Everyday Sheermal, which is the most basic Sheermal available.

Baqar khani Sheermal: This is your everyday Sheermal in XL size. This Sheermal has a diameter of 10 inch or more. Saffron Sheermal is commonly used in marriages.

Hazri Sheermal: The thinnest variety available, this is mostly used as giveaways during Muharram.

The Sheermal of Zafrani is the most potent of the Sheermals, with a mild saffron flavor and a pale to dark yellow color. It is an ideal addition to kebabs.

Sheermal is a traditional Indian bread that can be customized to one’s liking, with the addition of color, saffron, and size.

Nowadays, it is baked commercially, and various recipes have been developed in various parts of India. In some cases, baking soda is used as a leavened to make the bread tenderer. Despite the inclusion of ingredients that were not included in the original recipe, such as baking soda and cardamom, and the addition of other spices, Sheermal remains a nostalgic reminder of the noble days of the Nawabs.

Ali Hussain Sheermal is known for being Lucknow’s oldest Sheermal shop. It started as ‘Mohammadu’s Jaanashin’ in the year 1830. Today, the shop is managed by the 6th-generation of this family, and the workers have been associated with it for generations.

According to legend, during the reign of the Nawab of Lucknow (Nasiruddin Haider), a man named Mahmood opened a small restaurant at the foot of the Mahal. It was here that Nihari became the star of the show. He apparently cooked a new version of paratha along with Nihari and it came to be called Sheermal. The head chef at the time was Ali Hussain who later established his own stall. From that moment on, Sheermal became an integral part of the city’s life.

June 13, 2023

The Gutsy Begum Hazrat Mahal Challenged the British

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On 6 March 1858, under the command of the British commander-in-chief, Colonel Colin Campbell, the last British assault on the ancient city of Lucknow took place. The army was composed of a mixture of Englishmen, Scottish men, Sikhs, Bengali men, and even Nepalese men.

The city, loved by successive Nawabs of India, was full of walled gardens and palaces, mosques and tombs, and tightly packed houses. Many of these fine gardens, mosques and palaces were in ruins. Some places, like Secundra bagh, which the Highlanders stormed on 6 November 1857, still bore the corpses of hundreds of defeated rebels’ sepoys.

The survivors of the rebels and the guards, the remnants of the rebellious sepoy troops from all over Northern India, the common people of the city, the warriors and the mercenaries from the surrounding hills, fought that day as fiercely as they had fought since the day they captured the city and encircled the British battalion at their Residency on the 30th of June, 1857.

 Delhi and Kanpur were under British control. The armed forces marched towards Jhansi and Gwalior. And the wild and unruly Lucknow did not seem to last much longer. By the 21st of March, it was all over.

Yes, the British did conquer many things that summer, great lands, cities, unimaginable wealth, and an empire, but there will never be anyone to claim, tame, or diminish the many gems of India that were despoiled during those scorching months.

Her name was Begum Hazrat Mahal, and this is her story…

This is a story that sounds like a best-selling novel or a big-budget movie. The poor girl who became a courtesan. The bespectacled Nawab who made the courtesan, his lover. The Begum who never gave up, even after everyone else did.

Hazrat Mahal’s birth and early life are lost to history. But what we do know is that it was a painful and tragic time. The most popular version of the story states that Hazrat Mahal was born on an undetermined date and her name was Muhammed Khanum. Her parents converted her into a dancer and sold her to the harem of the Awadh ruler.

Her life began there as a ‘Khawasin’ (maid) before she was ‘elevated’ to ‘Pari’ (fairy), and finally ‘Begum’ after she became ‘Wajid’ Ali Shah’s ‘mistress’. When she bore him a son, ‘Birjis’ Qadar,’ the ‘Tajdaar’ of the ‘Awadh’ was so delighted that he married her first to produce a legitimate successor, naming her ‘Hazrat Mahal’, the name she would go down in history to be known as.

The life of Hazrat Mahal was quite different from that of many such begums. In fact, the Nawab later divorced her as other wives came into his life. However, the real turning point in the history of Awadh and the life of the Begum occurred in 1856. That year, the East India Company took over the entire state of Awadh.

In February 1856, Awadh and many other states were annexed. The annexation itself was easy. At that time, the Awadh army was in a state of mutiny. The Nawab consented to be retired to the city. He left for Calcutta on the first day of May 1856. He arrived there on the second day of the month. He spent the remainder of his life in the city. He built a’mini Lucknow’ in exile. Hazrat Mahal along with her son did not accompany him. She was a brave and charismatic woman. She was determined to fight for her son’s rights and that of Awadh. She had the backing of courtiers, leaders, and people.

But passions alone don’t change nations’ destiny. Revolution does. And that’s exactly what was happening in North India at that time. Millions of ordinary Indians were beginning to resent the British. More than that, tens of thousands were joining the Indian army as sepoys or sahibs (soldiers) to fight for their cause. The resentment was fueled by the British’s highhandedness. It was a powder keg waiting to explode.

We all know that it all began in Meerut when a sepoy, named Mangal pandey, objected to the new cartridges for his rifle and refused to fire it. On March 29th 1857, Pandey was put to death. But the rebellion spread from there to Kanpur, to Delhi, and by June, thousands of rebellious sepoys were marching on Awadh.

Up until then, Hazrat Mahal, and her followers, including the Awadh nobility, had remained relatively silent. But, seizing the moment, they organized themselves and swept British rule from the state. They did so with the help of the local landlords, the nobility, and even the common peasants who flocked under the banner of the begum – a feat that may have surprised those who thought the fighting days of Awadh were over.

On the 5th of June, Begum Hazrat Mahal crowned her son, Birjis Qadar as the rightful king of Awadh and Raja jai Lal was named as his military commander.

The battle of chinhat, fought in a small village on the banks of a mango tree on the 30th of June 1857, saw the defeat of the British, who were roundly defeated and retreated to their fort, the Residency, in Lucknow. From that day, Awadh was declared free from British rule.

William Howard Russell’s much-quoted line from My Indian Mutiny Diary sums up his feelings at the time – “This Begum exhibits great energy and ability. She has excited all Oudh to take up the interests of her son, and the chiefs have sworn to be faithful to him. The Begum declares undying war against us.”

Hazrat Mahal assumed power for a period of ten months as her son’s regent. She was supported not only by her supporters but also by the people of Awadh and even the late Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Jafar acknowledged her rule from Delhi. She would become a popular administrator, and many Indian and British accounts attest to the fact that she was not afraid of battle. According to some accounts, the Begum would go from one camp to the next, to boost morale with fiery speeches and to take part in battles.

An 1858 issue of The Times of London said, “She is a woman of greater strategic genius and courage than any of her generals.”

To put it another way, many British histories of the battle at Musa Bagh, in Lucknow, mention that the Begum personally fought and rallied the 9,000 rebels who were fighting there. She was also sometimes seen on an elephant in battle.

Over a century and a half later, it is difficult to summarize the Begum’s leadership and inspiration. But to give you some context – at the time – the Begum controlled the largest area of the rebel lands, commanded the largest rebel army of the war, and endured the longest against the invading British, who would bring powerful imperial forces to destroy Lucknow.

There were a number of factors that worked against her. The main one was the lack of unity among the rebels. The British, on the other hand, had a single commander whose sole objective was to eliminate every single rebel force before moving on to the next one. They had unhindered supply lines, advanced technology, and much more money and raw materials than the Begum. They had support from many Indian kingdoms as well as from Nepal. The Begum had her own will, limited supplies, disparate allies, and, ultimately, a lack of firepower.

On 18 March 1858, Lucknow fell to the British. The begum had been offered pensions, rule under British rule and mercy by the British, but she had refused them all. For her, it was all or nothing. She would remain that way until the end. She escaped from Lucknow before the fall of the city, and made her way into the Himalayan forests of the north, fighting fiercely against the pursuit of the British, before seeking sanctuary in Nepal.

The British protested with the Nepali ruler, but the Nepalese ruler refused to give her up. The British offered a pension to her to return as their regent in Lucknow, but she refused. Hazrat Mahal lived in Kathmandu for 16 years, slowly losing all of her wealth. She refused to return in surrender, and when she died on 7 April 1879, she had no money for a grave.

She is buried in a tiny grave in an encircled corner of Kathmandu’s Jama Masjid – undefeatable till the end. In a small victory, her son Birjis Qadar was allowed to return to Kathmandu with a pardon after his mother’s death. Warm memories that contrast starkly with the rest of the country seems intent on ignoring this brave begum, while others such as Rani Lakshmi bai and Mangal Pandey continue to be glorified in songs and movies. A postage stamp and an offering at her grave were issued by the government, who also made a documentary about her. It hardly seems enough to pay tribute to a woman who could have lived an opulent life, but instead chose an incredibly difficult but free life.

May 13, 2023

Hanuman – the most revered God in Lucknow

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Even in the scorching heat of summer, the love story of Lucknow with Hanuman goes on. Pawan Putra fans still flock to Bada Mangal to see the monkey king. In Lucknow, Jyeshth is celebrated as the month of Hanuman (Jyeshth being the third month in the Hindu calendar) with the hymns to the king of monkeys. Bada Mangal is dedicated to the Pawan Putra we all know and like Lucknow; there are various theories about how it came to be.

Even before Superman was born, there was a god who knew that we Indians had the power to fly without wings, and that god was none other than the king of monkeys, Hanuman. If Ganesha is worshiped as vigna-harta in India, then Hanuman is also known as sankat mochan who helps people in their time of need.

Hanuman is one of the Hindu gods and an ardent devotee of Rama, who is one of the main characters in the Hindu epic Ramayana, and in various versions of the Ramayana. He is also mentioned in several other Hindu texts, including Mahabharata and various Puranas and Jain texts. In the Ramayana, Hanuman, who is a Vanara (monkey), participated in Rama’s war against Ravana, the demon king. Some texts portray him as an avatar of Lord Shiva. It is said that Hanuman is the son of the gods Anjana, Kesari, and Vayu, the God of the wind, and according to some stories, Vayu played a part in his birth.

Hanuman’s Day is celebrated every Tuesday in the month of Jyeshth. Over the years, Hanuman’s Day has come to be celebrated as a feast for the people of Lucknow, and the surrounding areas. What began as a simple affair of poori sabji and a few coolers during the summer months has now evolved into a full-fledged festival.

With over 5000 kiosks located in every village and locality of the city, the menu of Hanuman’s Day can be enjoyed by the people of all walks of life.

The menu ranges from poori-sabzi to chola bhatura and kadi-chawal. It also includes boondi, ice cream, laddoos, coldrinks, juices, halwa and kheer.

Despite the scorching heat in the city, scores of people indulge in prasad and worships on Bada Mangal. Hanuman devotees flock to temples every Tuesday during the holy month of Jyeshth in Lucknow. In a show of brotherhood and amity, both Hindus and Muslims take to the streets to celebrate the life of Hanuman. The echoing of the Hanuman Chalisa and the soothing sounds of the Sundarkand paath begin from the early morning. Some people walk for miles on their bare feet while others lie down on the roads to reach the temples to see their beloved deity.

Purana Hanuman Mandir in Aliganj is one of the finest examples of communal harmony of Awadh as it has a crescent over its dome which symbolizes the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb of Lucknow.

The festival coincides with the months of May or June in the Gregorian calendar.

All major temples in the city – Dakshinmukhi Hanuman temple in Hazratganj, Purana and Naya Mandir in Aliganj, Chachi Kuan temple in Lal Kuan, Hanuman Setu temple and the Khatu Shyamji temple on the university road are decked up with flowers and lights.

Century old traditional fairs are organized around Hanuman temples; the idol is embellished with vermillion, chameli oil, scent and flowers. A special 51-kg besan ka laddu is prepared at the Aminabad Hanuman Temple.

The police have taken special measures to ensure that traffic is not disturbed at different places. As the temperature is rising, voluntary organizations have installed water and cold drinks kiosks for the devotees. Bhandaras cost anywhere between Rs 35000 to Rs 300000.

According to the priests, the festival begins with the traditional offering of a chola to the deity. Nowadays, with the help of technology, people are able to watch darshan via webcam in some temples.

There are very few rituals in the festival, but the tradition of writing a letter to Lord Hanuman persists. The priests continue the tradition of reading these letters to Lord Hanuman in the night.

The origin of Bada Mangal is one of the most fascinating aspects of the festival. There are many fascinating stories behind the origins of the festival. The first of these stories is about the plague in Lucknow. The then Nawab of Lucknow, Asaf ud daullah, prayed for the prosperity of the people from the Monkey King. Therefore, he declared the first Tuesday of Jyeshth month as Lord Hanuman’s day.

In the second version of the legend, Lord Hanuman was accidentally shot by Bharat while attempting to procure Sanjeevani booti for Lakshman in the vicinity of Lakshmanpur, now known as Lucknow. Consequently, Hanuman fell to the ground, and the festival has been commemorated and celebrated ever since.

The most well-known theory that has found its way into books and newspapers is the one that revolves around the triumph of the Hindu god Hanuman. Bada Mangal is a festival that celebrates the birth of a child. The festival is associated with the second wife of the Nawab Shuja ud-Duallah. She had no children. She was devoutly religious to Hanuman and built a temple to him. Soon after that, she gave birth to a child and declared this festival.

April 13, 2023

Love for Lord Krishna makes Wajid Ali Shah organise a play in Lucknow

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Janmashtami is celebrated in Lucknow on Lord Krishna’s birth anniversary, and it is not uncommon to think of Wajid Ali Shah on this day. After all, Wajid Ali Shah, the last Nawab of the city, loved the concept of Krishna as the supreme lover, and his love affair with Radha symbolizes the ultimate union of the lover with the beloved and the creature with the creator.

Lyrical songs with a strong sense of intimacy and praise for Krishna were Wajid Ali shah’s favorite. Today, these songs are an integral part of Kathak, the dance form that was performed and patronized by the last ruler of Lucknow.

Wajid Ali Shah was first captivated by the tales told by professional Kathaks about Krishna’s adventures in Mathura where it is said the Hindu god grew up with a family of cattle-breeders.

Wajid Ali Shah was dethroned by the British in 1856, an event that led to a mutiny against colonial power a year later.

The King was not born with the capacity to rule. He did not ascend to the throne until he was fifteen years old. Prior to his accession to the throne, he spent his time indulging in his hobbies of music, dancing, and reading. When tutors returned home to instruct the young prince in Persian and Arabic, they would find him tapping his foot to the tune of an unseen orchestra rather than focusing on the lessons.

During his years as the heiress, he continued to write poetry and direct plays. His first play was performed in 1843 at a private function, which was about Radha and Krishna’s love story. A troupe of Brahmin artists from Mathura were cast as the main characters, with his favorite wives playing the roles of milkmaids.

 “This was an important moment in the history of Indian theatre. For the first time a Muslim monarch was directing a play about Lord Krishna and his amorous affairs, an event which could only please his many Hindu subjects,” writes Rosie Llewellyn-Jones in The Last King in India.

According to the historian, this king was entranced by the tale of Krishna. The great lover was in love with the romantic hero who loved women. Hence, the king is also called Kanhaiya. One of Krishna’s many names is Kanhaiya.

Wajid Ali Shah’s love for Krishna adds to his reputation as the syncretic monarch who celebrates Hindu festivals and traditions with pride. It also explains Wajid Ali Shah’s affection for most of his subjects.

According to John Shakespeare, a British Resident at the time, “the heir apparent temper is fickle and capricious. This makes him an unsuitable successor to the throne in the eyes of the British, even before he assumed the throne.”

The British hated him mainly because he was loved by the people of the city, which made it even more difficult for them to conquer this rich region of South Asia, home to 92 palaces; countless gardens; hundreds of temples; mosques; hundreds of markets filled with silk, satin, and grains; and above all, a culture where ‘you’ always came before ‘me’                                          

Despite his popularity with the population, there were still other grievances against him, such as his spending of his days and nights in apartments only accessible to women, and his apparent acceptance of debauchery, extravagant expenditure, and immoral activities.

When he assumed the throne in the year 1847, he wrote two lengthy and highly romantic poetry collections, entitled River of Love and the Ocean of Love, which he adapted into a musical theater performance, a highly popular folk theater tradition in the region that also tells and recreates the story of Krishna.

Kenize Mourad wrote an imaginative account of one of the performances in his book The City of Gold and Silver: “At the end of the show, Wajid Ali Shah arrived amid hoots and hollers. Waving a white muslin handkerchief in front of him, her long white hair cascades past her shoulders, and her whole body is streaked with blue powder of fine-ground turquoise, pearls, and emeralds. All around him, dressed as gopis were his beautiful fairies decked out in their finest jewels”.

At the same show, he wrote an Urdu poem in which Krishna falls in love with Radha, only to be rejected by Radha’s family, who sees Krishna as nothing but a cattle-herd. They resist their love, and Krishna is arrested. Desperately, Krishna turns away all the milkmaids, and dances the dance of despair.

An invigorating Kathak dance performance is the gift of the King to the people in the city today. He places a long silk scarf on the floor and the dancers dance along with him. His speed is incredible. He is fat, but he looks as if he is flying. He sketches figures with his feet. When the music ends, the audience is surprised to see that the cloth crumpled on the floor has the initials of the ruler.

Then, the fireworks and the celebrations follow where people from all over the city come to the Qaiserbagh Palace or the gardens of Caesar’s Palace in their finest attire. There is a long-standing relationship between the rulers and the ruled. Again they hear the king say that all evil comes from the ignorance of the people and that only by understanding each other’s culture will the people value and respect one another. This was a practice he nearly mastered in Lucknow over a century ago, but there are still those who insist on trying to define what patriotism means to us.

March 13, 2023

Delectable Lucknow Biryani

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Awadhi Biryani is a culinary delicacy born in Lucknow, India’s social capital. It is renowned for its pith, which is the delicate meat that melts in the mouth and evokes a sense of taste, typically saffron. Its prestige transcends mere food; it is a symbol of a rich history, a grand transformation, and an embodiment of delicate flavors.

It is believed that the origin of the name “Awadhi biryani” can be traced back to the establishment of the Nawab of Awadh, which took place in 1722 under the command of Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah. The Nawab, a Persian nobleman of immense discretion and military prowess, accepted the administration of the area. Under his rule, Awadh prospered as a prosperous and independent state, and Lucknow prospered as its vibrant social hub. The combination of the city’s social atmosphere and prosperity provided the ideal environment for the development of the beloved Awadhi biryani.

The region had already been introduced to biryani during the time of the Mughals; however, the quality of biryani from that period is inferior to the refined biryani from Awadhi. The Awadh Nawabs had a desire for a dish that was full of flavors and aromas; however, it had to be delicately adjusted in flavor. The challenge lay in incorporating the flavors of spices into the dish without overpowering the senses with each bite.

The Awadhi chefs created an ingenious arrangement by wrapping the entire spice list in cheesecloth. This allowed the spices to penetrate the food without overpowering it. This ingenious adaptation became the signature of the Awadhi biryani, an orchestra of spices that sang rather than shouted.

Awadhi Biryani, masterfully cooked in pakki fashion, is a masterpiece of culinary skill. This dish involves the cooking of the meat and rice separately, before joining them together and slowly cooking them to perfection. Unlike other biryani, the Awadh version does not involve the addition of whole spices, but rather concentrates on the subtle flavors. This method ensures that each grain of rice and each piece of meat is imbued with the essence of the spice, resulting in a harmonious combination of flavors.

Awadhi Biryani is delicate and one-of-a-kind. It stands out from other biryani like Hyderabadi Biryani or Thalassery Biryani because it uses sweet ingredients sparingly. It’s a mix of sweet and savory flavors without losing the authenticity of the biryani. It’s a reflection of the Nawabs’ taste and how they wanted their biryani to be delicate and not too spicy.

Biryani is a dish consisting of a rich broth composed of carefully selected meat, carefully selected for its tenderness, and a combination of fragrant spices, counted in the presence of garlic, ginger glue, and ruddy chili. When the meat is simmered for a while, its pith is incorporated into the broth, resulting in a generous base of flavor. The chefs’ skill shines through as they delicately combine garlic, ginger, and spices to create a beautiful Yakhni broth, a symphony of flavors that evokes convention and heritage. The combination of spices culminates in a waltz, with cardamom and mace intertwining to form a complex blend of flavors that epitomizes Awadhi cooking.

The quintessence of the biryani is created through the subtleties of cooking. The yakhni marinated rice is laden with flavors, drained, and topped with cream. It could be described as an orchestra of fragrances as each ingredient is presented to create a harmonious adaptation. The rice that retains its flavors and aromas is then placed in the pot where it undergoes the process of dum cooking, transforming it into a magnificently memorable work of art.

Awadhi Biryani is an integral part of the intricate embroidery of the culinary landscape of Lucknow. The journey of this delicacy would not be complete without mentioning the remarkable establishments that have elevated it to the highest level of craftsmanship. Notable names such as ‘Lalla’ and ‘Idris’ Biryani have carved their names into the annals of the city’s culinary history, offering a glimpse into the noble tastes of the Nawabs and the legacy of the city’s patronage.

Biryani is a dish that has a long history of being a delicious food. It is a testament to the noble taste of the Nawabs, the ingenuity of the chefs, and the wealth of Lucknow’s history. It is a dish that embodies the spirit of solidarity, as it brings people together to enjoy not a fair dinner, but an unforgettable experience. The delicate flavors, meticulous preparation, and the rich history of Lucknow have made Awadhi biryani more than just a fair dish; it is a social gem that continues to spread its magic across India and beyond.

February 13, 2023

THE CHESS MATCH – By Munshi Premchand

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 8:51 am

The short story (rather a play in Urdu/Hindi) originally by a great author of his times, Munshi Premchand translated and explained by Derek Davis was published in the Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, Third Series, Volume 25, Part 2, April 2015, Cambridge University Press. (The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain & Ireland was established on 15th march 1823 by the famous Sanskrit scientist, Henry Thomas Colebrooke. The society was given its royal charter on 11 August 1824 by King George IV. The charter stated that the society was to investigate matters relating to Asia and to promote science, literature, and the arts. Some of the famous members of the society were: Sir Richard Burton (from 1821-1890), the explorer, writer, and translator of ‘One Thousand and One Nines’ and the ‘Kama Sutra’. Sir Aurel Stein, the famous archaeologist, explorer, and explorer of the Silk Road. Rajendra Nath Tagore, the famous Bengal writer and poet, was a member of the society.)

About Munshi Premchand : Premchand was an Indian novelist, short story writer, and playwright. He is considered to be one of the greatest writers of modern Hindi literature. He is known for his novels, short stories, essays, and translations of foreign literature into Hindi. Premchand was born Dhanpat Rai on 31 July 1880. His pen name was Nawab Rai, but he changed it to Premchand. He is known as the “Emperor among Novelists” among Hindi writers. He wrote over a dozen novels and several short stories in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He is well-known for his modern Hindi literature. He was a pioneer in the field of social fiction in India and wrote several collections of short stories in the early 20th century. Some of his best-known works are: Godaan (1907), Karmabhoomi (1908), Gaban (1909), Mansarovar (1910), Idgah (1911), and Soz-E-Watan, (1912).

Introduction

The Chess Players (1924) is one of Premchand’s best known stories. Elegantly constructed and beautifully written, it was published like most of his work in two versions, his Urdu combining rich tradition with mastery of European form, his Hindi compelling in its sudden literary assurance. Satyajit Ray, a childhood visitor to Lucknow was so struck by a Bengali translation that he returned years later to make his film classic Shatranj ke Khiladi (1977)

THE CHESS MATCH (URDU)

It was Nawab Wajid Ali Shah’s time. Lucknow was sunk in a riot of luxury. Everyone, small and great, pursued pleasure. If dance spectaculars were staged in one place, the next man was relishing a haze of opium. In every walk of life revelry prevailed. In government, literature, social style, craftsmanship, commerce, everyone busied themselves with gratification. Pillars of the realm were slaves to wine-bibbing, poets were intoxicated with dalliance, craftsmen with turning out precious thread and fine embroidery, soldiers with partridge-fights, trades people with buying and selling eye -shadow and mouth-dye, perfume and oil, in a word the whole nation was caught in the shackles of self-indulgence. The daze of the drinking-cup clouded everyone’s eyes. No one knew what scholarly and scientific innovations were in train, where the peoples of the west were advancing by land and sea. Quail fought. Bets were being placed on partridge. Somewhere chausar was in play; the cry pau barah went up. Elsewhere battles had broken out at chess. Armies were being up-ended. The Nawab’s case was worse still. There was innovation at court in song and dance. New tricks, ever new routines were thought up to delight the spirit. So much so that, when holy men obtained charity instead of buying bread, they treated themselves to opium-blend or pure opium. Magnates’ sons studied under entertainment stars to gain proficiency in ready wit and repartee. Chess was an accepted nostrum for quickening powers of reason, acquiring presence of mind and sharpening the intellect. Even today one finds everywhere a class of persons who press the case vigorously. So if Mirza Sajjad Ali and Mir Roshan Ali spent the better part of their life sharpening their minds, no discerning person had occasion to object. As to ignoramuses, let them think what they wanted. Both gentlemen held hereditary land. They were free of concern about earning a living. What else were they to do? At daybreak the two gentlemen breakfasted and sat down at their chess-mat. They laid out the pieces and set about sharpening their minds. They were then beyond knowing when it was midday, mid-afternoon or evening. Time and again someone would come from inside the house to say food was ready. The answer was, “Right, we’re coming. Layout the spread.” But the delights of qorma and pulao” paled beside chess. Eventually, the cook was reduced to serving the food in the room and the two friends juggled the two activities in tandem, demonstrating their consummate dexterity. Sometimes the food was left untouched. It had been forgotten. Mirza Sajjad Ali’s establishment had no senior resident, so relaxed battles took place in his drawing-room. But that did not mean that the rest of Mirza’s household was happy with his pursuit. On the contrary, in the quarter, among the servants, women, maids alike a carping critique was kept up;” Very ill-fated game. Leaves a house ruined. Heaven forbid anyone form the habit, he’s no use to God, no use to man. It’s the washer man’s dog all over again: no place at home or work. “Dreadful disease”. The real bugbear was that the Begum Sahiba too increasingly raised her voice in protest at the pursuit. Her opportunities, though, were hard come by: She was still asleep when the game got underway. At night she had gone to sleep by the time the Mirza re-entered the house. She certainly vented a mindless, abusive anger. She snapped at the servants: “Master ordered betel. Has he? Tell him to come and get it himself. Lost the use of his feet. Has he?! Says he has no time now for food? Go and tip the food over his head, for him or the dogs. Who is here going to wait for him?” But the pièce de résistance was that she complained not so much about her husband as Mir Sahib. She awarded Mir Sahib Names like Loafer, Calamity or Scrounger. Possibly, in his protestations of innocence the Mirza had heaped all blame on Mir Sahib’s head.

One day the Begum Sahiba bad a headache, so she told the maid, “Go and call the Mirza. He needs to fetch medicine from the doctor’s.” “Run, be quick. My head’s splitting.” The maid went, the Mirza said: “Right, I’m just coming”. The Begum Sahiba was livid that she should have a headache and her husband is busy playing chess. Her face flushed and she told the maid to go and tell him to come at once, or she would go to the doctors herself. There was something untoward about her eyes. The Mirza was playing a gripping game. Two moves more and Mir Sahib would be checkmate. He said: “Is it that dying gasp? Can’t she show a little forbearance? Is the doctor going to dispense a magic spell to cure her headache?”

Mir Sahib ruled: “Go on, go and listen to her for a bit. Women are delicate creatures.”

Mirza: “Sure, why not go? You’re mate in two moves.”

Mir: “Don’t you count on it, my dear Sir. The move I’ve come up with will set your pieces reeling, and mate you, but go and listen. Why, pray, upset her unnecessarily over such a trifle?”

Mirza: “That’s just it. I mean to mate you.”

Mir: “I shan’t play. You go and listen first.”

Mirza: “Come on, old man. It’ll mean going to the doctor’s. There’s no headache at all. It’s a dodge to harass me.”

Mir: “Even so, you’ll have to humor her.”

Mirza: “Alright, one move and I’ll go.

Mir: “Absolutely not, until you go and listen I shan’t touch the pieces.

Mirza Sahib was forced to go inside where a groaning Begum Sahiba said: “You’re so in love with your poxy chess that you wouldn’t bestir yourself if one was dying Chess has become the other woman. Save us from initiates like you.”

Mirza: *What could I do, Mir Sahib wouldn’t let me go. I’ve only just torn myself away with great difficulties.”

Begum: “Just because he’s a loafer, does he think others are? He has a family himself, or has he disposed of them all?”

Mirza:”He’s a thoroughly bad lot. When he comes, he rides roughshod over me; I’m forced to play him.”

Begum: “Why don’t you chase him off, like a dog?”

Mirza: “Good God. He’s my equal in age, a notch or two ahead of me in rank. I have to show him consideration.”

Begum: Then I’ll chase him off. If he takes offence, so be it. Who’s keeping me in bread? Queen takes amiss, forget about bliss. (To the maid) Abbasi, go and fetch the chessboard. Tell Mir Sahib the master won’t be playing; he should kindly leave and not show his face again

Mirza: “Just the outrage we need! Why disgrace me? Stop, Abbasi. Where are you running to, wretch?”

Begum: “Why won’t you let her go? Stop her, drink my blood! You’ve stopped her, stop me, shall we see? So saying, the Begum started with a shriek for the drawing room. The Mirza’s face paled. It became a picture. He began imploring his wife: “For God’s sake. As you revere the Martyr of Karbala! See my corpse, if you set foot inside!” But the Begum Sahiba heeded not a word. She approached the drawing-room door, yet all of a sudden at the prospect of facing a strange man with no niqab, her feet failed her. She peered inside. Happily the room was empty. Mir Sahib, counsel of necessity, had rearranged a few pieces and to establish his innocence was out on the terrace at the time taking forty paces. At that, the Begum Sahiba obtained her sought-after wish. Entering, she up-ended the game sent some pieces flying under the sofa, others outside, then pulling the door shut threw the bolt. Mir Sahib was at the door, saw the pieces come flying out, then hearing the clink of bangles realized that the Begum Sahiba had run riot. He quietly went off home.

Mirza said to the Begum Sahiba: “You’ve committed an outrage.”

Begum: “If that dumbo” comes here again, I’ll throw him out on the spot. It hardly bears saying this is not a bawdy house.” If you showed as much devotion to God, you’d be a saint.” While you people are playing chess, I’m bothering my head minding hearth and household grind. Do you take me for a servant? Are you off to the doctor’s or still making up your mind?”

The Mirza left the house, going not to the doctor’s but to Mir Sahib’s house where in apologetic tones, heart brimming with anguish, and he recounted the whole story. Mir Sahib laughed and said: “I realized as much when the maid brought news of a headache, that today’s signs were not good. She seems very intemperate. I mean to say, what high-handedness! You’ve over-indulged her, it’s not right. What business is it of hers what you do elsewhere? Her job is managing the home. What right has she to interfere in men’s affairs? Take my house, no one ever objects.”

Mirza: “Fair enough. But tell me, where are we going to meet?”

Mir: “What’s the problem now? There’s an ample house to hand. Settled, our venue’s here.”

Mirza: “But how am I to win the Begum Sahiba round? She was angry enough when I was at home. If l’m away, she might not leave me alive.”

Mir: “My dear Sir, let her rail. She’ll come round of her own accord in a few days. And do be a little firmer yourself.

(2)

Mir Sahib’s Begum Sahiba for some reason approved of Mir Sahib’s invisibility about the house. She made no complaint, therefore, at all over his leisure pursuit Rather if he was sometimes late setting off or a little dozy, she would prove to him that “When the master meditates, a reminder is in order.”      For these reasons Mir Sahib was under the impression that his Begum Sahiba was extremely civil, patient by temperament and faithful but when his chess-mat was laid out in their drawing room and the Begum Sahiba’s freedom from Mir Sahib’s continuing presence was first curtailed, great anguish took hold of her. Daily she longed to peer out of the door She began deliberating how to rid herself of the affliction!

Then the mutterings started among the servants. Until now they had spent all day in idleness snoring. Coming and goings at the house were none of their business or concern. At most they had to make a few visits to the bazaar. Now it was oppression round the clock. Sometimes the order was for betel, sometimes water, sometimes ice, and sometimes replenishing tobacco. The hookah glowed perpetually like some lover with a burning heart. They all approached the Begum Sahiba: “Ma’am, the master’s chess has become the bane of our lives. We’re getting blisters on our feet from running about all day. This is a game that goes on from morning to night. A game takes half-an-hour or an hour. Over and done with, and then you know, ma’am, what an ill-fated game it is. Anyone who forms the habit never recovers. Some disaster or other is bound to fall on the house. Whole quarters are known to have been destroyed by it, one after the other. The neighbors constantly turn on us. We’re ashamed to go out of the house.” The Begum Sahiba said: “1 don’t approve of the game myself at all. But what can I do?” “What influence do I have?”

The neighborhood’s few old timers began spreading all sorts of suspicions: “Now there can be no prosperity.” If this is the plight of our notables, then God preserve the realm. Chess will be the ruin of this kingdom. The omens are dire.”

In the kingdom weeping and wailing broke out. Farmers were robbed in broad daylight. But there was no one to hear their claims for redress. All the wealth of the villages was drained away to Lucknow and spent there on procuring trappings of extravagance. Jesters, mimes, kathak dancers and entertainment stars did brisk business. Gold coins rained down in serving-wenches parlors. Grandees’ sons would toss a gold coin with each puff of the hookah. At this rate of expenditure indebtedness to the English Company grew by the day. No one was concerned to repay it, to the point where not even the annual service charge could be paid. Time and again the Resident wrote pressing letters, issued threats. But the headiness of indulgence had the local population in harness. No one lent an ear.

Well, several months went by playing chess in Mir Sahib’s drawing-room. Ever new tricks were solved, ever new defences thrown up and laid low. Sometimes as they played a private fight would develop. Recourse would be had to name-calling.” But these sweet griefs were very soon healed. Sometimes even, an offended Mirza would depart home. Mir Sahib would take up the chess-mat, go and sit inside his house and swear oaths never to touch chess again. But come morning, the two friends were back together at their places. Sleep had banished all ill-feeling.

One day, as the two friends sat negotiating the quagmire of chess, a royal cavalryman called, complete with uniform and arms, asking for Mir Sahib by name. Mir Sahib froze, his self-possession deserted him. Heaven knew what woe had befallen him. He had the house doors secured and told the servants: “Say I’m not at home.”

The cavalryman asked: “If he’s not at home, where is he? He must be hiding somewhere!”

Servant: “I don’t know. That’s your answer from the house. What’s your business?

Cavalryman: “Why should I tell you my business? He’s been summoned to His Majesty. Maybe some soldiers are wanted for the army. He’s a landholder, what a lark!”

Servant: Right, kindly go. He’ll be told.”

Cavalryman: “This isn’t pass-the-parcel. I’ll be back early tomorrow and, after I’ve

searched him out, I’ll take him with me. My orders are to present him.”

The cavalryman departed. Mir Sahib’s spirit expired. Quailing, he said to the Mirza: “What happens now?”

Mirza: “It’s a great misfortune. I trust there’s no summons for me.”

Mir: “The wretch has said he’ll be back tomorrow.”

Mirza: “lt’s quite simply the judgment of Heaven. When soldiers are called up, one might as well be dead.” In my case, the mere sound of the word war brings on a fever.”

Mir: “In my case, reckon food and water off-limits as from today.”

Mirza: “Right, here’s a plan for avoiding him. Both of us will disappear. He can scour the whole city. Starting tomorrow we’ll cross the Gomti and the game can play out in some ruin. There. Who’s to know? The great man will turn up and go back with his tail between his legs.

Mir: “Right you are! Brilliant idea! By God, we’ll cross the Gomti tomorrow and install ourselves there.

Elsewhere, the Begum Sahiba was telling the cavalryman: “You took the part magnificently!” He answered: “I make fools like that dance with a click of the fingers. Chess has consumed all his brains and bravado. Watch him hang about the house now. He’ll be off in the morning and not back till dark.”

(3)

From that day on the two friends were out of the house before dawn and, a little rug underarm, a box stuffed with betel, crossed the Gomti and settled in an old ruined mosque, perhaps a relic of Mughal times. On the way they obtained bowl, tobacco and pipe and proceeded to the mosque. They spread the rug, filled the hookah and sat at the chess-mat. They were then lost to this world and the next. “Check”, “King en prise”. With the exception of these terms, not a word escaped their lips. Even a fasting ascetic would not be seated in such a state of immersion. At midday when hunger gnawed the two great men, keeping to the lanes, would eat at a baker’s stall and, after smoking a hookah-bowl, once again, obliterated in chess, savor defeat. Sometimes, the thought of food never occurred to them.

The country’s political tangles were now becoming daily more tangled. The Company’s forces were massing on Lucknow. Commotion broke out in the town. People, each taking their children, were fleeing off to the villages. But our two chess-playing friends were untouched by cares of office or loss of property. Leaving home they kept to the Lanes, so that no eye might fall on them. Even the neighbors caught no glimpse of them. Finally, the English troops reached the outskirts of Lucknow.

One day the two friends were sitting playing, Mir Sahib’s game was faltering. Mirza Sahib had him continually in check, when suddenly the Company’s army appeared advancing up the road ahead. The Company had decreed the occupation of Lucknow. On pretext of debt, it wanted to devour the kingdom. This was a moneylender’s move which today has all weak nations hobbled by the foot.

Mir Sahib: “The English troops are coming.”

Mirza: “Let them. Get out of check. Check!”

Mir: “I want to watch a moment. Let’s look from the ridge. What towering young men. My chest trembles at the sight.”

Mirza: “You have all the time in the world. What’s the hurry? Check again!”

Mir: “There’s artillery too. There must be five thousand of them. Red faces like monkeys.”

Mirza: “My dear sir, don’t beat about the bush. That’s check!”

Mir: “You’re pretty amazing yourself. Do figure out, now the town’s surrounded. How we’re going to get home.

Mirza: “When the moment comes, we’ll see. That’s check and mate.

The army had passed. The friends laid out another game. The Mirza said: “What do we do about food today?”

Mir: “I’m fasting today. Do you fancy a bite?”

Mirza: “Not me. I’m not sure what’s happening in the city”

Mir: “Nothing will be happening in the city. People will have finished their food and be taking their case. His Majesty Jan-e Alam will also have declared a rest. Or the wine-cup may be passing round.”

This time when the two friends sat down to play it was three o’ cock. This time the Mirza’s game was faltering. Meanwhile, sounds of the returning army were heard. Nawab Wajid Ali Shah had been deposed and the army was taking him off captive. In the city there was no uproar, no massacre, not even one desperado shed a drop of blood. The Nawab took leave of his home like a weeping breast-beating girl going off to her father-in-law’s house. The Begums cried, the Nawab cried, the matrons and the maids cried and that was that. The kingdom was at an end. Never in all time had the king of any country been deposed so peaceably, so un-forcibly. At least history held no precedent. This was not the non-violence in which the angels rejoice. It was abject. It left a name at which goddesses wept. The ruler of Lucknow had been carried off captive and Lucknow was floating in a dream-world of extravagance. It was the ultimate in political collapse.

Mirza: “The tyrants have taken His Exalted Majesty prisoner.”

Mir: “May be so. You’ll be the judge. Take that, check!”

Mirza: “Do pause a moment, my good Sir. Just now my mind is not on the game. His Exalted Majesty will be weeping tear of blood. The light has gone out in Lucknow.

Mir: “He should weep. Where’s such luxury to be had in European clink.” That’s check!”

Mirza: “Nobody’s luck lasts forever. What grievous misfortune. It’s a trial from heaven”

Mir: “Yes it is. Check again. That’s it, next check is mate. You can’t escape.”

Mirza: “You’re very hard-hearted, by god. You can witness a life-diminishing catastrophe like this and feel no shock. Alas for His Majesty Jan-e-Alam! Now there’s no one left to appreciate talent. Lucknow too is now a desert.

Mir: “First save your own king’s life, and then flail yourself for His Luminous Majesty. That’s check and mate! Your hand on it!”

The army with the captured Nawab passed from view. As they went, the Mirza laid out a new game. The hurt of defeat rankles. Mir Sahib said “Come, let’s chant a marsiya on the Nawab Sahib’s pitiful plight But the Mirza’s loyalty and poetic devotion had faded with his defeat. He was impatient to avenge the loss.

(4)

It was dusk. In the mosque’s ruins bats started sounding the call. Swallows, each stuck to its nest, began the evening prayers. But the two players were locked in the game like two bloodthirsty champions jousting with death. The Mirza had managed to lose three games running and this fourth game was not looking good. Each time, vowing to win, rallying finely, he gave of his very best but move after move turned out wrong until the whole game miscarried. At this point Mir Sahib recited ghazals, sang thumris, threw out jibes and innuendos, and predicted doom in double-entendre and puns. He was as pleased as if hidden treasure had come his way. Mirza Sahib listening to these fine flourishes grew irritated and frowning repeatedly said: “Do not change your move, Sir. How can you move and immediately alter it? Think through carefully what you need to do and do it once. Why, Sir, have you been keeping your finger on my piece? Kindly let go of the piece. Until you’ve made your mind up about your move, kindly don’t handle a piece. Why, my good Sir, are you taking half-an-hour over each move? It’s not allowed. Anyone taking more than five minutes over one move, counts as mate. You’ve changed your move again? Put the piece back”

Mir Sahib’s queen was in peril. He said: “When did I move?”

Mirza: “Your move? You took it. The best thing is to put the piece back on that square.”

Mir: “Why should I? When did I take my hand off the piece?”

Mirza: “If you don’t let go of a piece till Judgment Day, how can it avoid being a move? You saw your queen was lost and started cheating.”

Mir: “You’re the cheat. Winning or losing is fate. No one wins by cheating.”

Mirza: “You’re mate in this game.”

Mir: “How can I be mate?”

Mirza: “Then put the piece back on that square, where it was before.”

Mir: “Why should I put it back? I’m not going to.”

Mirza: “You’ll have to.”

Mir: “Definitely not.”

Mirza: “Then your angels will. It’s your moment of truth.”

Matters escalated. Both held to their tune. Neither would yield. In dispute, inappropriate, unrelated matters were introduced, the burden of which was to insult and belittle. The Mirza declared: “If any of your ancestry had played chess, you would be conversant with the rules. They always cut grass. How, pray, were you to pick up chess? Status is different. It doesn’t come with the grant of an estate.

Mir: “It must have been your forebears who cut grass. In my family we’ve passed generation after generation playing chess.”

Mirza: “Come of it. Sir. You passed your time working for Nawab Ghazi ud-Din Haidar as a cook. That’s how you got your estate. Now you toy with concocting a gentleman. The making of a gentleman is no laughing-matter.”

Mir: “Why are you blackening your ancestors? They must have been the cooks. Our ancestors sat at the Nawab’s table. We were his boon-companions.”

Mirza: “The impudent know no shame”

Mir “Hold your tongue or you’ll regret it. We don’t brook such talk. Anyone glowers at me, my hand draws. His belly gets slit.”

“Mirza: “You want to see my courage, get ready. We’ll put it to the test, one way or the other.”

Mir: “Right you are! Come at it! Who’s afraid of you?”

The two friends drew sabres from their sashes. Everyone, high and low, carried daggers, knives, guns. Both were captive to luxury but they had their honor. Public spirit was their rara avis but personal courage welled within them. Their political feelings were non-existent. Why die for King, for country, for their people? Why should they interrupt their sweet sleep? But in matters of individual feeling they were utterly fearless. They were, indeed, in their element. They squared up to one another, lunged and parried. Sabres flashed, there was an audible swish, and both fell wounded. Both, writhing on the ground, gave up their lives. Two men who had shed not a teardrop for their King parted with their necks for a chess queen.

Darkness had fallen. The game was laid out. The two kings were resplendent, each on his throne. Grief overcast them, as if flailing themselves for the death of two martyrs.

On four sides there was a world of ominous silence. The ruins’ crumbling walls, broken crenellations and minarets, bowing their heads in prayer, looked on at corpses and lamented the impermanence of human life, lacking even the substance of stone and brick.

January 10, 2023

Wajid Ali Shah’s Complaint Letter to the Governor-General

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 8:48 am

The persistent vandalism of the East India Company’s officers , under Outram and Jackson, was reported to the King, by his Mahals (Queens), agents and Officers-in-charge of the King’s properties at Lucknow. Moved by the repeated reports of wanton destruction of his properties, the King sent the following letter, from Matia Burj (suburb of Calcutta) to Lord Canning, the the Governor-General of India :

“Translation of a letter from the King of Oudh to the Honourable Governor-General dated 30th day of August, 1856.” (after some editing for better understanding and reference)


I beg to inform your Lordship that so many acts of violence, oppression, and indignity have been committed upon me that even one-tenth of them was never exercised upon any of the enemies of the British Government since the establishment of its authority in India.

“ANCESTRAL MONUMENTS PULLED DOWN ” – “FURRAH BUKSH TURNED INTO A KENNEL “

The taking possession of my ancestral Kingdom of one century’s standing is an infringement of solemn treaties. Thousands of my effects have been confiscated and destroyed. While the edifices, the building of which had cost Lacs of Rupees, and which were the monuments of my ancestors, have after they had stood for six generations, been pulled down. The magnificent building “Furrah Baksh” in which the Throne is placed and which had been erected exclusively for the entertainment of the British gentlemen, has been used as a dog kennel, and a stable. Guards have been placed over my private officials, even over the Moonshee Khanah, which contains not a single document related to public affairs, excepting only the Sunuds of the (British) Government, and the correspondence between the two States.

“GODOWNS BROKEN OPEN” – “ANIMALS AUCTIONED AT LOW PRICE”

The doors of my godown which were locked up, have been broken open, and the property contained therein has been spoiled. The animals, such as horses, elephants, and bullocks have been sold by auction at a very low price. Many other acts have been committed, the mention of which would be improper and tedious.

“DISTRESSED CONDITION OF LADIES “

I would never been willing to utter a complaint on the subject, but as independent of the past acts , every day, (since my arrival at Calcutta) witnesses some fresh occurrences or indignity derogatory to me and as I see no means of obtaining redress but by a representation to your Lordship, and as it is not the part of wisdom, to conceal one’s ailments so as to render a remedy impossible, I am compelled to intimate to your Lordship that such communications from my officers employed in Lucknow have reached me, as that a perusal of them has caused me uneasiness beyond description. They are herewith enclosed.

Your Lordship will learn on a reference thereto the distressed conditions of my Mahals (or Ladies). Under these circumstances I hope that your Lordship will (in equity and the true spirit of friendship, and out of respect to the obligation of treaties) be pleased to send an order by the Electric Telegraph directing the authorities at Lucknow to refrain from causing my houses to be vacated, and from committing such acts as may affect my honor and dignity. I beg your Lordship will be pleased to set my mind at ease by informing me of the nature of the answers which your Lordship may receive from those authorities.

Every difficulty may become simple through your attention, whereas every simple one may turn out difficult through your inattention. 

December 3, 2022

Puppetry in Lucknow – ‘Gulabo-Sitabo’

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 8:43 am

A puppeteer, Meraj Alam and Narayan Srivastava carry on the tradition in spite of the tradition perishing and with no audience to appreciate this old tradition of storytelling through puppets incarnated in different characters in Lucknow. The art of Lucknow’s puppetry gained immense popularity with the release of the Amitabh Bachchan starrer Gulabo Sitabo.

‘Putli Mohalla’ was an area near Ayodhya (then a part of Awadh province) where craft persons and story-tellers engaged in crafting puppets and dolls of wood would reside with their families. This traditional art is almost dead and only a very few people are now engaged in this tradition that too, only out of their interest and not anymore as a part of their profession.   

This art form got immense patronage during the reign of Wajid Ali Shah. It was in his times that the women character of Gulabo and Sitabo through whom social causes of those times were touched upon were brought to life.

Puppets worn on gloves always were popular in the region of Awadh, especially in the capital of Lucknow. Papier-mâché and cloth were the main material used to make these puppets and the dolls were made to wear bright colour clothing, many a times traditional finery reminiscent of Awadh. The puppeteers would perform in ‘Mohollas’ (Colonies or cluster of homes) and markets, where groups would stop and gather to watch the performances and related better with the story narrated. The stories were humorous, tragic and often had some element of suspense too but the primary idea was to put across a social message.   

Another form of puppetry was the ‘rod puppetry’ that gained prominence in the seventies but by the nineties this too lost its relevance with the advent of the newer and modern entertainment modes that took not only Lucknow but the entire country by storm.

The earnings of a puppeteer would be dependent on donations that audience would give in appreciation of performances and they were never fixed as emoluments to the performer, thus it was really important for more and more people to stop, watch and be entertained by them. With the modes of entertainment changing the crowd thinned and thus it impacted adversely the earnings of the performers. It was not uncommon for puppeteer to be accompanied by musicians to complement their story and make it more interesting. These groups would also travel to other towns and villages and a few affluent families would especially invite the performers to perform at family and social functions.

Any art form or the survival of any traditional art is dependent on the patronage and in turn if the same is able to sustain the performer’s life and livelihood. “Change is only constant” – this may not be a good thought when we talk about art, art forms, cultures and traditions. Really hope puppetry carries on as a part of a tradition and is not only confined to period films like ‘Gulabo-Siotabo’.   

November 2, 2022

Allahabad, now Prayagraj, was the Capital of India just for a day

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 6:17 am

As the Sangam city celebrates November 1 as the day when Prayagraj (then Allahabad) was made the nation’s capital for a day on November 1, 1858, few would know that it was in 1836 that a proposal was moved to make it the capital of the entire North-West Province the present-day Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

“After suppressing the uprising of 1857, ‘Allahabad’ became the capital for a day on November 1, 1858. The East India Company entrusted the administration of the nation in the city to the British monarchy. Meerut, Agra and Delhi were burning, so Prayagraj, which was under the British rule, was made the capital by the British to announce the transfer of power,” said former head of the department of Medieval and Modern History at Allahabad University, Prof Heramb Chaturvedi.

He added that although 22 years before this, it was in 1836 that the East India Company had planned to make Prayagraj the capital of the entire North-West Province but due to the circumstances, the move was not approved. Due to the Mughal rulers living in Delhi-Agra, the company moved to Agra with equipment.

“The British East India company wanted to have its capital in Delhi but since the place was being ruled by Mughals, the next option was to have the capital in Allahabad. This was mulled over by the company but later on they dropped the idea and chose Agra as the capital of North-West province as it was near to Delhi so it was the ideal place for the company and it remained the capital of North-West province till 1857”, explains Prof Chaturvedi.

Prof Chaturvedi said that the situation in Delhi, Agra and Meerut was very volatile because of the uprising and in such circumstances; it was not possible to read the proclamation about the transfer of power there. “At the same time, Allahabad was completely under the control of British rule. This is the reason why it was chosen as the one-day capital to read the manifesto of Queen Victoria. Viceroy Lord Canning read out the queen’s manifesto at the place where present-day Minto Park is located on the banks of the Yamuna,” he added. He further informed that with this, the rule of the Queen was established in place of the East India Company in India.

Another former HOD of the same department, Prof Yogeshwar Tiwari, said: “The Viceroy read the proclamation of Lord Canning. In its true sense, it was more an apology to the British than a transfer of power, which was done to heal the people’s anger by the company’s atrocities on Indians.”

Prayagraj / Allahabad

October 1, 2022

Indian Mutiny Casualties List (Indian Units)

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 9:49 am

Indian Mutiny 1857 – 9

OTHER INDIAN UNITS:

Gwalior Contingent :

Major Muirson Thrower Blake – 2nd Regt. Gwalior Contingent – killed 15th June 1857
Grave at the Christian Cemetery, Gwalior – “Sacred to the memory of Major Muirson Thrower Blake Comdg 2nd Regt Gwalior Contingt who was shot by the mutineers at Gwalior on entering the lines of the Regt on the night of 15th June 1857 in his … Year. His remains were interred here by some Sepoys of his Regt. This monument is raised by his afflicted widow.”

Captain William Stewart – murdered by mutineers at Moorar – 14th June 1857 – 2nd Co. Artillery.
From Ardvorlich, Perthsire. His wife, Jane and young son Robert were also murdered at the same time.

Hodson’s Horse :

Major W. S. R. Hodson – wounded at Begam Kothi, Lucknow – 11th March 1857 – died of wounds

Lieutenant Charles Theophilus Metcalfe McDowell – killed in action at Shumshabad – 27th January 1858. Aged 28. Son of Lieut-Colonel George McDowell, CB, 16th Light Dragoons. Joined the Bengal Army in 1846.

Hyderabad Contingent :

Captain John Sinclair – wounded at Jhansi – 3rd April 1858. died of wounds

Loodiana Regiment :

Lieutenant Patrick Mara – murdered by mutineers at Junapore – 5th June 1857

Malwa Contingent :

Lieutenant Charles John Hunt – murdered by mutineers at Muttragur – 7th June 1857
Aged 27. Son of Revd Thomas Hunt, of West Felton, Salop.

Lieutenant George L. Mills – murdered by mutineers at Mehidpore – 8th November 1857
(attached from the 14th Bombay Native Infantry).

Oude Irregular Cavalry :

Lieutenant Alexander – killed in action at Allahabad – 6th June 1857

Lieutenant Box – killed in action at Lucknow – 22nd December 1857

Oude Irregular Infantry :

Captain George Pratt Barlow – Major of Brigade, Oude Irregular Force – died of wounds at Lucknow – 21st August 1857

Captain E.J. Hughes – wounded at Lucknow – 28th September 1857. died of wounds

Lieutenant Joseph Cudbert Longueville Clarke – 67th Bengal Native Infantry – murdered by mutineers at Bhyram Ghaut – 13th June 1857. Aged 28. Assistant-Commissary in Oude, serving with the 3rd Oude Irregulars.
Memorial at Harrow School – “Sacred to the memory of Joseph C. Longueville Clarke Lieut in the 67th Bengal Native Infantry & 2nd in Command of the 3rd Oude Infantry who was murdered by the mutineers during the Indian Revolt of 1857 at the age of 28 yrs.”

The Corps of Guides – Infantry :

Lieutenant Alexander William Murray – killed in action at Delhi – 14th September 1857.
Aged 21. Son of Rev. David Murray, of Hereford. Joined the Bengal Army in 1853.
Grave on the Ridge, Delhi – “Sacred to the memory of Alexander William Murray, Lieutenant in the 42nd Bengal NLI and attached during the Siege of Delhi to the Corps of Guides who fell while encouraging his men to follow his own brave example on the 14th September 1857. In admiration of his unvarying gallantry, his Comrades in the Guides erect this tomb.”

Punjab Cavalry :

Major Charles Ayshford Sanford – killed in action at Lucknow – 10th March 1858.
Aged 28. Son of Edward Sanford and Henrietta, of Somerset. Joined the Bengal Army in 1850.

Captain John Peloquin Cosserat – wounded at Koorsee – 23rd March 1858. died 18th April 1858
Aged 33. 1st Punjab Cavalry. Son of Revd. George P. Cosserat, Rector of Drinkstone, Suffolk.

Lieutenant Frederick James MacDonnell – killed in action at Koorsee – 23rd March 1858.
Aged 25. Born in Dublin. Joined the Bengal Army in 1853.

Punjab Infantry :

Lieutenant Thomas Frankland – killed in action at Lucknow – 16th November 1857
Aged 29. Son of Sir Frederick Frankland and Dame Katherine Margaret Frankland. Two other sons also died in service – Midshipman Frederick Roger Frankland, HMS Winchester who died of fever at Sierre Leone, 23 Jan. 1844, aged 20 and Midshipman Harry Albert Frankland, HMS Alarm, died of fever off Vera Cruz, 9 May 1847, aged 17.
Memorial at St. Marys Church, Thirsk – “Sacred to the memory of Thomas Frankland, Lieut 48th Madras Native Infantry and 2nd in Command 2nd Punjab Regt killed in action with the sepoy rebels, leading an assault at the Relief of Lucknow 17th Nov. 1858 aged 29 years.”

Lieutenant H. T. Macqueen – wounded at Lucknow – 16th November 1857. died of wounds

Lieutenant Frederic Folliott Oldfield – wounded at Lucknow – 16th November 1857. died of wounds
Son of H.S. Oldfield, late Bengal Civil Service.

Lieutenant Eaton Joseph Travers – wounded at Delhi – 3rd August 1857. died of wounds
Aged 32. 32nd B.N.I. Served with 1st Punjab Rifles. Son of the late Major-General Sir Robert Travers, KCB.

Lieutenant E. C. P. Willoughby – killed in action at Rooya – 15th April 1858

Lieutenant George Austen Patterson Younghusband – 5th Punjab Infantry – 2nd January 1858
Memorial at Bamburgh Parish Church, Northumberland – “Lt. George Austen Patterson Younghusband 5th Punjab Infantry Born 18th November 1831 – mortally wounded at Futtehgur during the Indian Mutiny 2nd January 1858.”
Memorial at St. Peters Church, Freshford, Avon – “In memory of Lieut. George Younghusband, Commanding Squadron 5th Punjab Cavalry on the outbreak of the terrible Indian Mutiny of 1857. He was serving on the Afghan border of India then, that renowned body the Delhi Army was formed, his squadron with 2 others of the Punjab Force pressed forward and joined it as the avenging army swept through Delhi on to Agra, to Cawnpore, to Lucknow; their charging cry was heard on every battlefield and never heard but was followed by victory at last, when the campaign was nearly closed, he fell mortally wounded, near Futteghur on 2nd Jany 1858 and died on the second day aged 26 years. He was borne to his grave by grey bearded Sikh warriors who wept when they thought he had led them in his last battle.”
Memorial at St. Aidans Church, Bamburgh, Northumberland – “To the glory of God and in memory of the five sons of Major-General Charles Younghusband Royal Artillery. General Romer Younghusband CB Bombay Staff Corps. Born 10 December 1819, died 12 December 1905. Lieut.gen. Charles Younghusband, CB, FRS, Royal Artillery. Born 20 June 1821, died 28 October 1899. Major-General John William Younghusband, CSI, Bombay Staff Corps. Born 2 January 1823, died 20 July 1907. Lieutenant Edward Younghusband 9th Bombay, born 30 July 1824, killed in action at the siege of Mooltan 27 December 1848. Lieut. George Austen Patterson Younghusband 5th Punjab Cavalry, born 18 November 1831, mortally wounded at Futtehghur during the Indian Mutiny 2 January 1858.”

Seikh Irregular Cavalry :

Captain Frederick Wale – killed in action at Lucknow – 21st March 1858
(att. from 48th Bengal N.I.) Aged 23. Son of General Sir Charles Wale, KCB, 33rd Foot. Commanding Wale’s Horse.

Lieutenant R. A. Hamilton – killed in action at Tonse River, Azimghur – 15th April 1858
(att. from 10th Bengal Light Cavalry).

Lieutenant A. R. Mackenzie – killed in action at Lucknow – 2nd March 1858

Seikh Infantry :

Lieutenant R. J. Grant – killed in action at Jerwah – 30th April 1859.
(att. from 64th Bengal N.I.)

Lieutenant James Yorke – wounded at Delhi – 19th June 1857. died of wounds.
(att. from 3rd B.N.I.)

Bengal Volunteer Cavalry :

Lieutenant L. Hunt – killed in action near Saugur

Bengal Yeomanry Cavalry :

Captain A. Giffard – wounded at Doomureeagunge – 26th November 1858. died of wounds

Cornet Hugh Troup – killed in action at Tilga – 17th April 1858

THE MADRAS ARMY:

4th Madras Light Cavalry :

Captain J.S. Douglas – wounded at Kheri – 7th October 1858. died of wounds

Captain A. Tottenham – wounded at Ramkarra, near Jabalpore – 6th November 1857. died of wounds

5th Madras Light Cavalry :

Captain George Lawrence Herbert Gall – killed carrying despatches from Lucknow to Allahabad – 13th June 1857
Commanding 2nd Oude Irregular Cavalry.

8th Madras Light Cavalry :

Captain George King Newberry – killed in action at Lingasagoor, near Shorapur – 8th February 1858
Son of Thomas Raikes Newberry.

1st Madras Fusiliers :

Memorial at the Residency, Lucknow – “Sacred to the memory of Brigadier General J.G.S. Neill A.D.C. to the Queen. Col J.L. Stephenson c.o. Major S.G.C. Renaud Lieut. W.G. Groom. Lieut N.H. Arnold. Lieut A.A. Richardson. Lieut J.A. Chisholm Liuet F. Dobbs 352 non-commissioned officers, drummers and rank and file of the First Madras Fusiliers who fell during the supression of the rebellion in Bengal 1857-58.”

Lieutenant-Colonel John Stephenson, C.B.- wounded at Lucknow – 5th October 1857. died of wounds 21st October 1857
Aged 47.

Major Syndenham George C. Renaud – wounded at Aong, 15th July 1857. Left leg amputated. died of wounds

Lieutenant Nelson Henry Arnold – wounded at Charbagh Bridge, Lucknow – 25th September 1857. Left leg amputated. died of wounds

Lieutenant H. Francis – killed in action at Lucknow – 16th November 1857

Lieutenant William Tate Groom – wounded at Lucknow – 5th October 1857. died of wounds 21st October
Aged 26. Son of the late Richard Groom, Solicitor to the India Board.

Lieutenant Angelo Richardson – killed in action at Oonao – 29th July 1857

3rd Madras European Regiment :

Lieutenant Clarence Colbek – wounded at Banda – 19th April 1858. died of wounds 20th April 1858

10th Madras Native Infantry :

Captain Francis David Gordon – murdered by mutineers at Jhansi – 7th June 1857
Assistant-Superintendent, Jhansi District. Aged 35. Last surviving son of Michael Francis Gordon, of Abergeldie, Aberdeenshire. (The Times 5-8-57)

Captain W.G.P. Jenkins – killed in action at Enotah – 14th October 1857

31st Madras Native Infantry :

Lieutenant Charles Marsham Parsons – drowned near Fyzabad – 8th June 1857
Aged 25. Son of the late Lieut-Colonel Parsons, CMG. Drowned while escaping from mutineers of 17th Bengal N.I. while he was serving with the 6th Oude Irregulars.

34th Madras Native Infantry :

Lieutenant John Peloquin Cosserat – wounded at Lucknow, 23rd March 1858 – died of wounds 10th April 1858.

35th Madras Native Infantry :

Lieutenant H.P. Power – killed in action near Sircy – 19th February 1858

39th Madras Native Infantry :

Captain H.D. Hart – murdered by mutineers at Vellore – 12th November 1858

Captain John Sinclair – killed in action at Jhansi – 3rd April 1858
Memorial at Bower cemetery, Caithness – “Erected by officers 39th Madras Native Infantry in memory of Capt John Sinclair, eldest son of Sir John Sinclair, Baronet of Dunbeath, killed in action Jhansi 5.4.1858 aged 35.”

40th Madras Native Infantry :

Captain A.P. Woodbridge – killed in action near Sumbulpore – 12th February 1858
Son of E.C. Woodbridge, of Brighton.

43rd Madras Native Infantry :

Lieutenant R.C.A. Stuart – wounded at Mandwar – 20th January 1858. died of wounds

48th Madras Native Infantry :

Lieutenant Thomas Frankland – killed in action at Lucknow – 17th November 1857
Son of Sir Frederick Frankland (8th Baronet of Thikleby, Yorkshire and Dame Katharine.
Memorial in St. Simon’s Church, Portsmouth – “….. also of their three gallant sons: Fredk. Roger, Midshipman HMS Revenge who died of fever at Sierra Leone Jan 23rd 1845. Thomas, Lieut 48th M.N.I. killed in action at the Secunderbagh Nov 17th 1857. Harry Albert, Midshipman HMS Alarm who died of yellow fever at Vera Cruz May 9th 1847.”

Madras Artillery :

Lieutenant C. W. Crump – killed in action at Lucknow – 26th September 1857

Madras Engineers :

Captain C. Scott – killed in action at Rehora – 23rd November 1858

THE BOMBAY ARMY:

General Brackley Kennett – Bombay Army – wounded at Coonoor 8th October 1857, died 12th.
Ref. The Times (5-12-57). Attacked by an assassin.

1st Bombay Light Cavalry :

Colonel J. Penney – killed in action at Nusseerabad – 28th May 1858

Captain Hugh Spottiswoode – killed in action at Nusseerabad – 28th May 1858
‘Killed while charging at the head of his regiment, a 6 gun battery of the mutineers supported by 2 regiments of infantry’ (The Times 24-7-57)

Lieutenant J. M. Heath – killed in action at Gwalior – 19th June 1858

Cornet William Mills – killed in action at Gwalior – 19th June 1858

Cornet Richard Nicholas Newbury – killed in action at Nusseerabad – 28th May 1858
Aged 20. Shot while assisting to recapture guns from the mutineers. (ref. The Times)

2nd Bombay Light Cavalry :

Captain N. B. Tucker – killed in action at Jeerum – 23rd October 1857

1st Bombay Fusiliers :

Lieutenant G. J. H. Burnes – murdered by mutineers at Lucknow – 19th November 1857

Lieutenant William Marwood Mules – killed in action at Multan – 31st August 1858.
Aged 33. Son of Philip Mules, of Devon. Joined the Bombay Army in 1844. Served in the Punjab Campaign (1848).
Grave at New Cemetery, Multan – “Sacred to the memory of Lieut. William Marwood Mules late Adjt. 1st Bombay Fusiliers who was killed during the mutiny at Mooltan 31st August 1858 aged 33 years. Erected by his brother officers as a mark of esteem and affection.”

3rd Bombay European Regiment :

Lieutenant James W. Henry – murdered by mutineers at Nandoor – 4th October 1857
Superintendent of Ahmednuggur Police. Son of Arthur Henry, of Lodge Park, Co. Kildare.

1st Bombay Native Infantry :

Lieutenant Charles Bromhead Bannerman – killed in action at Delhi – 8th September 1857
Aged 22. Son of Patrick, of Aberdeen.

9th Bombay Native Infantry :

Lieutenant G. Grant – wounded at Lucknow – 26th July 1857. died of wounds 29th July 1857

Ensign E. I Stubbs – murdered by mutineers at Kolapore – 2nd August 1857

10th Bombay Native Infantry :

Lieutenant E. C. Willoughby – killed in action at Fort Roodanow – 15th April 1858

14th Bombay Native Infantry :

Lieutenant G. L. Mills – murdered by mutineers at Mehidpore – 8th November 1857

23rd Bombay Native Infantry :

Captain Robert Bainbridge – killed in action at Kotah – 1st April 1858
Aged 33. Son of Colonel Bainbridge, of Guernsey. Killed when the magazine was exploded by mutineers.
Memorial at St. Andrews Church, La Route de St. Andre, Channel Islands  – “To the memory of Captain Robert Bainbrigge, 23rd Regt Bombay Native Infantry, second son of Colonel Bainbrigge of the Rohais Manor, in this parish, killed April 1st 1858 in his 34th year in the zealous performance of an important duty, by the treacherous explosion of the enemy’s magazine, after the assault and capture of the fortress and city of Kotah. This excellent and energetic young officer, after an active service with his regiment in India, or in charge of an irregular corps, the Sawant-Warree; obtained leave of absence, joined the Allied Army in the Crimea commanded a Company during the latter part of the siege and fall of Sebastopol. On the breaking out of the mutiny in Bengal, Capt. Bainbrigge returned to his own Presidency and was appointed to the Staff of the Bombay Army as Major of Brigade in the Rajpootana Field Force. This tablet has been erected by his sorrowing parents.”

24th Bombay Native Infantry :

Lieutenant Atherton Allan Park – killed in action at Jhansi – 3rd April 1858
Aged 23. Son of Alexander Atherton Park, of Wimple Street, London.

25th Bombay Native Infantry :

Lieutenant Wellington Rose – wounded at Gwalior – 19th June 1857. died of wounds

27th Bombay Native Infantry :

Lieutenant J.T. Norris – murdered by mutineers at Kolapore – 2nd August 1857

Ensign Frederick William Heathfield – murdered by mutineers at Kolapore – 2nd August 1857
Son of Richard Heathfield, Sussex Square, Hyde Park, London.
Parents memorial at Christ Church, Harrow – “Frederick William Heathfield, third son, late of the 27th Bombay NI who fell in the Indian Mutiny near Kolhapur Aug 2nd 1857 aged 18 years.”

Scindia Contingent :

Major John Jacob – murdered by mutineers at Agra – 6th July 1857

Bombay Engineers :

Lieutenant William George Douglas Dick – killed in action at Jhansi – 8th April 1858
Aged 22. Son of the late John Campbell Dick, Bengal Civil Service.

2nd Lieutenant Charles Hancock – wounded in explosion at Kotah – 30th March 1858. died of wounds 14th April 1858 Aged 21. Son of Major-General Hancock, Bombay Army.

2nd Lieutenant Hugh R. Meiklejohn – killed in action at Jhansi – 8th April 1858

THE INDIAN MEDICAL SERVICE:

Superintending-Surgeon John Boon Hayes – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Born 19 August 1826. According to Roll of IMS he died in Calcutta 18 July 1856?

Senior-Surgeon James Graham – murdered by mutineers at Sealkote – 9th July 1857
Born 28 Jan. 1797. Aged 60. Served in the Gwalior (star) and Sutlej (medal & clasp) Campaigns.

Senior-Surgeon Kinloch Winlaw Kirk – murdered by mutineers at Moorar – 13th June 1857
Born 24 Dec. 1814. Author of ‘Topography of the Sind’ (1847).
Grave at the Christian Cemetery, Gwalior – “Sacred to the memory of Kinloch Winlaw Kirk M.D. Superintending surgeon Gwalior contingent. Shot by mutinous sepoys on the 15th June 1857 Aged 45 years.”

Surgeon William Robert Boyes – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Born October 1816. Serving with 1st Bengal Native Cavalry. Son of William Boyes, of Brixton Hill, Surrey. His wife, Kate, was also killed.

Surgeon Nathaniel Collyer – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Born 6 August 1806.

Surgeon Christopher Garbett – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Born 20 June 1806. Served Punjab campaign.

Surgeon Arthur Wellesley Robert Newenham – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Born 21 August 1812. Served Sutlej campaign.

Surgeon Thomas Smith – murdered by mutineers at Meerut – 10th May 1857
Born 15 July 1809.

Assistant-Surgeon Robert Dallas Dove Allan – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Born April 1819. Served Sutlej campaign (medal 2 clasps).

Assistant-Surgeon Robert Henry Bartrum – killed in action at Lucknow – 26th September 1857
Aged 26. Serving with the 3rd Oude Irregular Infantry.

Assistant-Surgeon Henry Thomas Cary – killed in action at Mehidpore – 8th November 1857
Born 27 July 1833.

Assistant-Surgeon Edmund Darby – died of wounds at Lucknow – 27th October 1857
Aged 24. Serving with 10th Oude Irregular Infantry. Son of Sydney Hudson Darby, of Tienga, Bandorah River, Australia. Wounded by a shell and died soon after. His wife, Mary, and child were killed at Lucknow.

Assistant-Surgeon Anthony Dopping – murdered by mutineers at Delhi – 11th May 1857
Born 6 August 1830.

Assistant-Surgeon Hartwell Samuel Garner – murdered by mutineers at Segowlee – 9th July 1857
Born July 1821. Served Sutlej and Punjab campaigns. Serving with the 12th Irregular Cavalry when killed. His wife Susan and one of their two children were also killed.

Assistant-Surgeon John Colin Graham – killed in action at Sealkote – 9th July 1857
Born 24 Nov. 1819 at Bhagalpur. Son of Major-General John Graham, Bengal Army. Served in the Punjab campaign (medal 2 clasps)

Assistant-Surgeon George Hansbrow – murdered by mutineers at Bareilly – 31st May 1857
Born 6 Feb 1823.

Assistant-Surgeon Horatio Philip Harris – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Born 11 July 1823 at sea, near Ceylon. Son of Henry Harris (Asst-Surgeon Bengal Army).

Assistant-Surgeon John MacDowell Hay – murdered by mutineers at Bareilly – 31st May 1857
Born 2 Feb 1819, son of Surgeon John Hay (Madras Army). Served Gwalior (star).

Assistant-Surgeon Thomas Godfrey Heathcote – killed in action at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Born Feb. 1818. Co-author of ‘The Adaman Islands’

Assistant-Surgeon Marcus George Hill – murdered by mutineers at Seetapore – 2nd June 1857
Born 1829.

Assistant-Surgeon William Henry James – murdered by mutineers at Agra – 4th July 1857
Born 9 Nov. 1829.

Assistant-Surgeon Robert Lyell – killed in a riot at Patna – 3rd July 1857
Born 30 May 1825. Served Punjab campaign (medal 2 clasps). Author of ‘Notes on Patna Opium Agency’ (1857).

Assistant-Surgeon Daniel MacAuley – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Born 1 August 1830.

Assistant-Surgeon Samuel Maltby – killed in action at Cawnpore – 15th July 1857
Born Sept. 1820.

Assistant-Surgeon Thomas Moore – murdered by mutineers at Jogeermarah – 17th November 1857
Born 28 Nov. 1819 in America. Appointed to the Gwalior Contingent, served Sutlej campaign. Author of ‘Selections from my Medical Notebooks’ (1852).

Assistant-Surgeon M. Sadler – murdered by mutineers at Kotah – 15th October 1857

Assistant-Surgeon Thomas Hewlett Woodward – killed in action at Delhi – 31st August 1857
Born 5 Dec. 1832. Son of William James, of Tunbridge Wells.

ECCLESIASTICAL DEPARTMENT :

Chaplin George W. Coopland – murdered by mutineers at Moorar – 15th June 1857
Eldest son of Revd. George Coopland, Rector of St. Margaret’s, York.
Grave in the Christian Cemetery, Gwalior – “To the memory of Rev. George William Coopland M.A. Late fellow of St. Catherine’s College Cambridge and H.E.I.C.’S Chaplain. He was killed at Gwalior by the Sepoys on the morning of 15th June 1857 in the 30th year of his age. He had been chaplain of Gwalior for 6 months. This monument was erected by his widow after the retaking of Gwalior June 1858.”

Chaplin E.T.R. Moncrieff – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857

September 1, 2022

Indian Mutiny Casualties List (Bengal Commissariat & Ordnance)

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 9:46 am

Indian Mutiny 1857 – 9

BENGAL COMMISSARIAT & ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT:

Assistant Commissary Nicholas Reilly – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857

Conductor William Berrill – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857

Conductor Geoffrey Coleman – wounded at Allahabad – 22nd June 1857. died of wounds

Conductor J. Nolan – murdered by mutineers at Delhi – 11th May 1857

Conductor John Scully – murdered by mutineers at Delhi – 11th May 1857.
Aged 42. Born in Dublin. One of the ‘Devoted Nine’.

Conductor George William Shaw – murdered by mutineers at Delhi – 11th May 1857.
Aged 46. Born in London. One of the ‘Devoted Nine’.

Conductor W. G. Woods – murdered by mutineers at Delhi – 11th May 1857

Sub-Conductor G. Connor – murdered by mutineers at Delhi – 11th May 1857

Sub-Conductor William Crow – murdered by mutineers at Delhi – 11th May 1857.
Aged 36. Born in Berwick. One of the ‘Devoted Nine’.

Sub-Conductor R. N. Settle – murdered by mutineers at Delhi – 11th May 1857

Sub-Conductor William H. West – killed in action at Kotah – 26th March 1858

Sub-Conductor J. White – died of wounds at Lucknow – 23rd August 1857

Sub-Conductor Roger Wood – died of wounds at Lucknow – 19th August 1857

August 1, 2022

Indian Mutiny Casualties List (Bengal Artillery & Engineers)

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 9:41 am

Indian Mutiny 1857 – 9

Bengal Horse Artillery. 1st Brigade:

Lieutenant-Colonel Murray Mackenzie – wounded at Delhi – 2nd July 1857. died at Simla, 5th October 1857. Aged 43. Born in Middlesex. Son of John & Helen. Joined Bengal Artillery 1828. Husband of Emily Watson.
Grave at Simla New Cemetery – “Sacred to the memory of Lt. Colonel Murray Mackenzie, Bengal Horse Artillery, died 5th October 1857 from the effect of wounds received at Delhi, aged 44 years.”

Lieutenant D. C. Alexander – wounded at Lucknow – 16th September 1857. died of wounds

Lieutenant Henry George Perkins – killed in action at Ghazee-od-deen Nuggur – 31st May 1857. Aged 27. Memorial at Meerut – “In memory of 1st Lieutenant Henry George Perkins ….. of the 2nd Troop, 1st Brigade, Bengal Horse Artillery who fell in action with the mutineers at the Hindan river on the 31st May 1857, nobly doing their duty. This monument is erected by their Commanding Officer Colonel H. Tombs in token of esteem and regret.”

Bengal Horse Artillery. 2nd Brigade:

Lieutenant Augustus Otway Mayne – killed in action at Lucknow – 14th November 1857
Deputy-Asst-Quartermaster-General on the Staff of Brigadier Hope. Aged 28. Son of late Captain Charles Otway Mayne, of the Manor House, Great Stanmore, Middlesex.

Bengal Horse Artillery. 3rd Brigade:

Captain Edward Armstrong Currie D’Oyly – wounded at Sassiah – 5th July 1857. died of wounds 6th July at Agra. Ref The Times (4-9-57) died of a grape-shot wound at Agra 6th July.

Bengal Field Artillery :

Brigadier George Lewis Cooper – killed in action at Lucknow – 25th September 1857
Aged 45. Son of Major-General George (Bengal Army) and Jane, of London. Husband of Mary Griffin.

Colonel Francis Ruddle Bazely – killed in action at Lucknow – 25th September 1857
Aged 50. Son of Captain Henry (Royal Navy) and Mary, of Dover. Husband of Susan Denson.

Colonel Frederick Brind, CB. – wounded at Sealkote – 10th July 1857. died of wounds. Aged 56. Son of Walter Brind. Born in London. Served in the Gwalior, Sutlej and Punjab Campaigns. Husband of Henrietta Sale.

Colonel Sir Hugh Montgomery Lawrence, KCB. – wounded at Lucknow – 2nd July 1857. died of wounds 4th July 1857. Aged 50. Son of Lieut-Colonel Alexander and Catherine Lawrence. Husband of Honoria Marshall.

Lieutenant-Colonel Hubert Garbett – wounded at Delhi, 9th September 1857. died of infected wound at Simla – 14th January 1858. Aged 53. Son of Rev. James Garbett, of Hereford. Husband of Jessy Campbell.
Grave at Simla, New Cemetery – “Beneath this tomb are deposited the remains of Colonel Hubert Garbett of the Bengal Artillery who died at Simla on the 14th January 1858 from the effects of a wound received at the siege of Delhi where he served as a Brigadier commanding the artillery. Aged 53 years.”

Major George Larkins – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Aged 49. Son of John and Mary. Husband of Emma Carnaghan (she was also massacred at Cawnpore).

Major Alexander Robertson – wounded at Futteghur – 12th June 1857. died of wounds 21st July
Aged 37. Agent for Gun Carriages. Son of George Robertson, Deputy Keeper of Records for Scotland. Hi wife, Elizabeth and their infant daughter were also killed.

Captain Robert Charles Henry Baines Fagan – killed in action at Delhi – 12th September 1857
Aged 34. Son of Major-General Christopher Fagan, CB. Born at Fatehgarh. Served in the Punjab (1848). Husband of Sarah Humphrey.

Captain Alexander William Hawkins – murdered by mutineers at Moorar – 15th June 1857
Aged 44. Son of John and Ellen, of Dublin. Husband of Georgina Greene.

Captain Alfred P. Simons – wounded at Chinhut – 30th June 1857. Died at Lucknow 8th September 1857
Aged 33. Served in the Punjab Campaign (medal & 2 clasps).
Memorial at The Residency, Lucknow – “To the memory of Capt. A.P. Simons. Lt D.G. Alexander. Lt E.P. Lewin
Lt J.H. Bryce, Lt F.J. Cunliffe officers of the Bengal Artillery who died of wounds disease & exposure whilst defending the Residency Lucknow during the months of July Aug. and Sept. 1857 erected by their brother officers who survived the siege.”

Lieutenant Burnett Ashburner – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Sixth son of William Page Ashburner, formerly of Bombay.

Lieutenant St. G. Ashe – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857

Lieutenant Charles Dempster – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857

Lieutenant Dundas William Gordon – killed in action at Lucknow – 8th January 1858
Aged 24. Son of Adam Gordon, of London.

Lieutenant Edward Hildebrand – killed in action at Delhi – 8th September 1857
Aged 29. Born near Leicester.

Lieutenant John Henderson Lamb – wounded at Agra 5th July – died of wounds 24th August 1857
Aged 29. Assistant-Commissioner at Oraie. Son of David Lamb, of Liverpool.

Lieutenant Edward P. Lewin – killed in action at Lucknow – 26th July 1857
Memorial at The Residency, Lucknow – “To the memory of Capt. A.P. Simons. Lt D.G. Alexander. Lt E.P. Lewin, Lt J.H. Bryce, Lt F.J. Cunliffe officers of the Bengal Artillery who died of wounds disease & exposure whilst defending the Residency Lucknow during the months of July Aug. and Sept. 1857 erected by their brother officers who survived the siege.”

Lieutenant A.O. Mayne – killed in action at Lucknow – 14th November 1857

Lieutenant William Stewart – murdered by mutineers at Gwalior – 15th June 1857
Aged 30. From Ardvorlich, Perthsire. Son of Major W.M. Stewart, Bengal Army. His wife, Lucy, and infant son, Robert, were also killed.

Lieutenant Frederick Henry Turnbull – murdered by mutineers at Jhansi – 4th June 1857
Son of Montagu Henry Turnbull, late Bengal Civil Service.

Lieutenant George Dobson Willoughby – murdered by mutineers at Delhi – 11th May 1857
Memorial at Bath Abbey, Bath – “Sacred to the memory of George Dobson Willoughby, 1st Lieut. Bengal Artillery and Commissary of Ordnance at Delhi, aged 28 years. As a brave and zealous soldier he stood firm in defence of his post intrusted to him, and when resistance failed blew up the Delhi Magazine on 11 May 1857 to prevent its falling into the hands of the mutineers and rebels. Burnt and wounded he subsequently fell a pray to insurgents. This tablet is erected by his sorrowing relatives.”

2nd Lieutenant F.W. Burney – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857

2nd Lieutenant Thomas Eden Dickens – wounded at Delhi – 20th July 1857. died of wounds 27th July.
Fourth son of William Dickens, of Cherington, Warwickshire.
Grave at Rajpura Cemetery, Delhi – “In memory of Thomas Eden Dickens. Lieutenant Bengal Artillery, who fell mortally wounded before Delhi on the 20th and died on the 27th of July 1857. Aged 25 years.”

2nd Lieutenant J.A.H. Eckford – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857

2nd Lieutenant John Nickleson Martin – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Memorial at All Souls Church, Cawnpore – “This tablet in memory of an excellent son, is erected by his afflicted parents, Admiral and Mrs Martin, to John Nickleson Martin Liuet. Bengal Artillery Who, whilst gallanty fulfilling his duties, was treacherously killed by the mutineers in the boats at Cawnpore, on the 27th of June 1857, in his 18th year, respected and beloved by all that knew him.”

2nd Lieutenant William Thornton Somerville – wounded at Delhi – 29th August 1857. died
Third and youngest son of James, of Ross, Co. Meath. Born 7th March 1836 in Ireland. Died of a fever.
Grave at Rajpura Cemetery, Delhi – “In memory of Lieut. W.T. Somoerville of the Bengal Artillery who died in camp before Delhi at the age of 21 years and 6 months on the 5th September 1857 of a fever brought on by fatigue and exposure, This monument has been erected by his affectionate friend Major General Huthwaite, CB.”

2nd Lieutenant George M.W. Sotheby – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Aged 17. Only son of Capt. George H. Sotheby, 34th Madras L.I.
Memorial at St. Johns Church, Clifton, Lancashire – “Also to Lieutenant George M.W. Sotherby, Bengal Artillery, son of the above, who was killed in the massacre at Cawnpore June 1857 aged 17 years.”

2nd Lieutenant Somerset Edward Deane Townsend – murdered by mutineers at Nowgong – 19th June 1857
 ‘shot through the heart by a dacoit, near Mahoba. Third son of the late Bishop of Meath.

Assistant-Surgeon R.H. Bartrum – killed in action at Lucknow – 26th September 1857

BENGAL ENGINEERS:

Captain Henry A. Brownlow – wounded at Delhi – 14th September 1857. died of wounds.

Captain E. Fraser – murdered by mutineers at Meerut – 10th May 1857

Captain G.W. Fulton – killed in action at Lucknow – 14th September 1857

Lieutenant Elliott Pakenham Brownlow – killed in a powder explosion at Delhi – 17th March 1858
Aged 24. Son of Henry Brownlow, of Bath.

Lieutenant Duncan Charles Home, VC – killed in a powder explosion at Allyghur – 29th September 1857 Aged 29. Son of Major-General Richard Home (Bengal Infantry), he was born at Jubbulpore. Joined the Bengal Army in 1846. Won the VC for blowing the Kashmir Gate before the final assault on Delhi (14th Sept.)

Lieutenant C.D. Innes – murdered by mutineers at Allahabad – 7th June 1857

Lieutenant S.C. Jervis – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857

Lieutenant J.R. Monckton – killed in action at Futtehghur – 12th July 1857
Memorial at All Souls Church, Cawnpore – “Futtehgurh Fugitives 10th N.I. Colonel G.A. Smith Wife Child.
Major R. Monro. Major J. Phillott. Lieut C.W. Swetenham. Lieut D. Henderson. Ensign R.S. Byrne. Surgeon T.C. & Mrs Heathcote. Musician W.M. Wrixen. Colonel A. Coldie Wife & Daughters. Lieut J.R. Monckton B. Engr. Wife & Child. Asst-Surgeon S. & Mrs Maltby. Contr. M Roban Ordnance Dept. & Family. School Master Sheils & Family. Sergt. Hammond Gun Agency Dept. & Family. Pensioner Faulknor.”

Lieutenant Philip Salkeld, VC – wounded at Cashmere Gate, Delhi – 14th September 1857. died of wounds, 10th October at Delhi. Aged 26. Born in Dorset. Son of Rev. Robert Salkeld. Joined the Bengal Army in 1848. Won the VC for blowing the Kashmir Gate before the final assault on Delhi (14th Sept.)

Lieutenant Francis Latter Tandy – killed in action at Delhi – 14th September 1857
Aged 23. Son of Edward Tandy, Taxing Master in the Court of Chancery, Ireland. Joined the Bengal Army in 1853. Educated at Addiscombe.

Lieutenant Francis Whiting – killed – 28th June 1857
Memorial at All Souls Church, Cawnpore – “In memory of Francis Whiting Capt Bengal Engineers who was shot by Mutinous Sepoys on the 28th June 1857 in the 35th year of his age one of the devoted band who defended Cawnpore and who was in command of a boat which escaped about 30 miles and fell while pushing her off a sand bank on which she had grounded.”

2nd Lieutenant Edward Jones – wounded at Delhi, 18th July, died of wounds – 24th July 1857
Aged 22. Mortally wounded by a cannon-shot. Son of Edward Jones, of Liverpool.
Grave in Rajpura Cemetery, Delhi – “Sacred to the memory of Lieutenant Edward Jones, Bengal Engineers, who was mortally wounded on the Ridge before Delhi on the 18th July and died on the 24th July 1857.”

July 29, 2022

Prateek Hira appointed member of Tourism & Medical Value Travel Committee of Govt of UP

Filed under: News — admins @ 8:41 am

https://travel.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/destination/states/government-of-uttar-pradesh-appoints-prateek-hira-as-member-of-tourism-medical-value-travel-committee/93245658

 


 

Prateek Hira appointed as member of ‘Tourism and Medical Value Travel Committee’ of Govt. of Uttar Pradesh

 

Uttar Pradesh govt. has formed a high-level committee for export promotion through tourism and medical value travel under the Department of MSME and Export’s Export Promotion Council headed by the Commissioner of Exports.

Prateek Hira President and CEO of Tornos and Director of River Rhapsody who is a renowned name in the travel industry has been appointed as a member of this committee to provide his expertise in tourism and help the state of Uttar Pradesh augment service exports through tourism and medical travel.

Prateek Hira said, “Uttar Pradesh is taking tourism very seriously and trying to make tourism one of the key drivers to make the state a $1 trillion economy.”

Hira adds, “I am delighted to contribute my bit to the development of my own state and I really hope I would be able to contribute to the vision of our Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.”

 
 

July 1, 2022

Indian Mutiny Casualties List (Bengal Infantry)

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 9:37 am

Indian Mutiny 1857 – 9

THE BENGAL INFANTRY:

1st Bengal European Fusiliers

Memorial at Sadar Bazar, Delhi – “Here repose the following officer, non commissioned officers and men of the 1st Bengal Fusiliers killed in the attack on the enemys fortified position at Kissen-gunge on the morning of the successful assault and storm of Delhi. Captain G.G. McBarnett 55th N.I. (attached)” … (names of 19 men) … “Familiar with the aspect of Death whom they had confonted in so many battles from which they always emerged victorious they met His last inevitable call here with intrepidity Falling on the 14th of September 1857 in the faithful discharge of their duty. This Monument was erected by their Officers and fellow soldiers of the 1st Regiment European Bengal Fusiliers in their remembrance which is part of its glory. The rest remains with the Lord.”

Lieutenant-Colonel John Grant Gerrard – killed in action at Narnool – 17th November 1857
Son of John & Harriet Gerrard. Born in Calcutta, 1808. Joined the Bengal Army in 1825. Served Afghanistan 1842 (medal), Sutlej 1845 (medal). Husband of Mary Bunbury.
Memorial at Meerut –
 “Sacred to the memory of Lieut-Colonel John Grant Gerrard, 1st Bengal Fusiliers, who was killed in action while gallantly leading on to victory the moveable column which he commanded against the Jodhpur Legion at Narnaul, near Delhi, November 17th 1857, aged 48 years.”

Major George Ogle Jacob – mortally wounded at Delhi – 14th September 1857
Aged 38. Son of Surgeon George Jacob (Bengal Medical Service). Joined the Bengal Army in 1837. Served in Afghanistan (1838), Sutlej (1845). Wounded in the morning and died in camp at 10 pm.
Grave at Rajpura Cemetery, Delhi –
 “Sacred to the memory of Major George Ogle Jacob, 1st Bengal Fusiliers, who whilst commanding his Regiment fell mortally wounded at the storming of Delhi, on the 14th September 1857, aged 38 years. This monument is erected by his family.”

Captain William Hodson – killed in action at Begam Kothi – 11th March 1858

Captain Etienne St. George – wounded at Chakar Kothi – 9th March 1858. died of wounds

2nd Bengal European Fusiliers

Memorial in St. James’ Church, Delhi – “In defence of the honor of their beloved Queen and country in avenging their murdered countrymen and women, in crushing a mutiny unrivalled for its atrocities and in the final assault and capture of the city of Delhi, the brave soldiers of the 2nd European Bengal Fusiliers in whose memory this tablet is erected fell. Followed to the grave by the sympathies of their nation, and the undying love of their surviving comrades they lie in glorious sacrifice to their country. To perpetuate the memory of Colonel Major General N. Penny CB. Captain E.J. White. Captain R.J. Sanctuary 5th N.I. Lieutenant C.T.M. MacDowell. Lieutenant G.J. Glanville. Lieutenant S.H. Jackson. Lieutenant D.F. Sheriff. Lieutenant O.C. Walters 45th N.I. Lieutenant C.H.E. Gambier 38th N.I. Asst Surgeon W.B. Chavasse.”

Colonel Nicholas Penny, CB – killed in action – Killed in action at Kukerowlee – 30th April 1858.
Aged 69. Son of Robert & Catherine Penny, of Weymouth, Dorset. Joined Bengal Army 1806. Husband of Louisa Gerard.
Grave at Meerut –
 “Sacred to the memory of Major General N. Penny, CB. Commanding the Meerut Division. Born at Weymouth, Dorsetshire on the 12th March 1790, Killed at the head of his column in a skirmish with the enemy near the village of Kukerowlee, in Rolilcund, on the morning of the 30th April 1858 after a service of 51 years. His precious remains were brought to Meerut through the kind exertions of Captain E.J. Simpson Asst Commy Gen.”

Lieutenant Charles Henry Fitzroy Gambier – killed in action at Delhi – 14th September 1857.
Aged 22. When his regiment (38th N.I.) mutineed he was attached to the 2nd Bengal Fusiliers. Killed in the attack on the breach of the Water Bastion 14th September 1857. See 38th Native Infantry.

Lieutenant George Julius Glanville – murdered in the massacre at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857.
Aged 25. Son of Francis and Amabel, of Cornwall.

Lieutenant Stuart Hare Jackson – killed in action at Delhi – 23rd June 1857.
Aged 19. Joined the Bengal Army in 1855. Third son of the late A.R. Jackson, MD of Warley Barracks.
Buried at Rajpura Cemetery, Delhi –
 “Beneath this lies the mortal remains of Lieut. S.H. Jackson 2nd EB Fusiliers killed in action against the rebels on 23rd June 1857 during the siege of Delhi. erected by his brother officers as a mark of deep esteem.”

Lieutenant Charles T. McDowell – killed in action at Shumshabad – 27th January 1858
Aged 23. Second-in-command of Hodson’s Horse. Son of James McDowell, of London and East Bridgeford, Notts.

2nd Lieutenant David Francis Sherriff – killed in action at Delhi – 12th August 1857.
Aged 21. Son of Captain David Sherriff, 48th N.I. Born at Sitapur. Joined the Bengal Army in 1855.
Buried in Rajpura Cemetery, Delhi –
 “Sacred to the memory of Lieut. D.F. Sherriff H.M. 2nd E.B. Fusiliers killed in action against the rebels during the siege of Delhi on 12th August 1857 erected by his brother officers as a mark of their esteem and regard for him.”

Ensign Odlarne Coates Walter – killed in action at Delhi – 18th July 1857.
Aged 19. Joined the Bengal Army in 1856.

3rd Bengal European Fusiliers

Major George Powell Thomas – wounded at Agra, 5th July 1857. died of wounds 4th August 1857.
Aged 48. Son of Lewis and Maria Thomas. Born in Bairamghat, near Lucknow. Husband of Albina Andrews.

1st Bengal Native Infantry
Memorial at All Souls Church, Cawnpore – 
“To the glory of God and in memory of more than a thousand Christian people, who met their deaths hard by, between 6th June & 15th July 1857. These tablets are placed in this the
Memorial Church. All Souls Cawnpore by the Government N.W.P. 1st Native Infantry. Lieut. Col. John Ewart, Wife & Child. Lieut J.H.C. Ewart, 12th N.I. Captain A. Turner, Wife and Child. Captain E.J. Elms. Lieut. H.S. Smith. Lieut. R.M. Satchwell. Lieut F. Redman. Ensign J.C. Supple. Surgeon A.W.R. Newenman, Wife & Children Sergeant Major C. Hilling, Wife & Child Quarter-Master Sergeant T. Andrews & Family 18 Musicians, 5 Women & 9 Children.”

Colonel John Ewart – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Aged 53. Son of Peter and Marianne, of Manchester. Husband of Emma Fooks. (she and their daughter were also massacred at Cawnpore). Wounded at Cawnpore and killed in the boats.

Captain Edward John Elms – murdered at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Aged 33. Son of the late Revd. Edward Elms, of Itchingfield, Sussex.

Captain Athill Turner – murdered at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Died of wounds received in the boats. His wife, Ellen, and daughter died of fever at Cawnpore.

Lieutenant Frederick Redman – murdered at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Aged 26. Son of George C. Redman, Isle of Thanet, Kent.

Lieutenant Richard Murcott Satchwell – murdered at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Aged 28. Adjutant and Quartermaster. Son of the late Major Satchwell, Asst-Comm-General, Bengal.

Lieutenant Henry Sidney Smith – murdered at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857

Lieutenant Godfrey Richard Wheeler – murdered at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Memorial at All Souls Church, Cawnpore – 
“To the glory of God and in memory of more than a thousand Christian people, who met their deaths hard by, between 6th June & 15th July 1857. These tablets are placed in this the
Memorial Church. All Souls Cawnpore by the Government N.W.P.
Staff. Major Genl. Sir H. Wheeler K.C.B. Lady Wheeler & daughters. Lieut G.R. Wheeler 1st N.I. A.D.C. Lieut Col. E. Wiggens 52nd N.I. D.J.A.G. Mrs Wiggens. Major W. Lindsay A.A.G. Mrs Lindsay & Daughters. Ensign G. and Mrs Lindsay. Brigadier General Jack C.B. Mr Jack. Capt. Sir G. Parker 74th N.I. Cant. Magistr. Capt Williamson 71st N.I. D.A.C.G. Mrs Williamson & Child.”

Ensign George Lindsay – murdered at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Only son of the late George Lindsay, Bengal Civil Service.
Memorial at All Souls Church, Cawnpore – 
“To the glory of God and in memory of more than a thousand Christian people, who met their deaths hard by, between 6th June & 15th July 1857. These tablets are placed in this the
Memorial Church. All Souls Cawnpore by the Government N.W.P.
Staff. Major Genl. Sir H. Wheeler K.C.B. Lady Wheeler & daughters. Lieut G.R. Wheeler 1st N.I. A.D.C. Lieut Col. E. Wiggens 52nd N.I. D.J.A.G. Mrs Wiggens. Major W. Lindsay A.A.G. Mrs Lindsay & Daughters. Ensign G. and Mrs Lindsay. Brigadier General Jack C.B. Mr Jack. Capt. Sir G. Parker 74th N.I. Cant. Magistr. Capt Williamson 71st N.I. D.A.C.G. Mrs Williamson & Child.”

Ensign J.C. Supple – murdered at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857

3rd Bengal Native Infantry

Lieutenant Robert Waller Alexander – killed in action at Delhi – 19th June 1857
Son of Rev. Robert Alexander.
Grave at Rajpura Cemetery, Delhi –
 “Sacred to the memory of Robert Waller Alexander 3rd NI. Son of Revd. R. Alexander of Blackheath Ireland who was killed before Delhi on the night of the 19th June 1857 whilst gallantly engaged in repelling an attack made by the mutineers on the British outposts.

Lieutenant James Yorke – wounded at Delhi, 19th June 1857. died of wounds 1st July 1857
Attached to the 4th Sikh Infantry.

6th Bengal Native Infantry

Captain John Plunkett – murdered by mutineers at Allahabad – 7th June 1857
Youngest son of William Plunkett, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Inland Revenue.

Lieutenant George Harry Hawes – murdered by mutineers at Allahabad – 7th June 1857
Aged 25. Quartermaster and Interpreter. Son of William Hawes, of Plymouth.

Lieutenant Robert Stewart – murdered by mutineers at Allahabad – 7th June 1857
Murdered while at mess. Son of late Robert Stewart, formerly of Calcutta.

Ensign Thomas Bailiff – murdered by mutineers at Allahabad – 7th June 1857

Ensign Edward E. Beamont – murdered by mutineers at Allahabad – 7th June 1857

Ensign Arthur M. H. Cheek – murdered by mutineers at Allahabad – 7th June 1857

Ensign George Lloyd Munro – murdered by mutineers at Allahabad – 7th June 1857
Eldest son of Lt-Col. O.A. Munro, Bengal Army.

Ensign George Stewart Pringle – murdered by mutineers at Allahabad – 7th June 1857
Third son of the late W.A. Pringle, Bengal Civil Service.

Ensign Edward M. Smith – murdered by mutineers at Allahabad – 7th June 1857

7th Bengal Native Infantry

Lieutenant Frederick Blackall Boyd – killed in action at Behar – 9th November 1857
Aged 27. Son of Robert Boyd, of Bromley, Kent.

Lieutenant Ralph Mitford Ingilby – murdered by mutineers at Dinapore – 30th July 1857

Lieutenant William Paul – wounded at Lucknow, 16th November 1857. died of wounds 17th Nov. 1857
Aged 29. Born in Elgin.

Lieutenant Charles Henry Lycett Warren – killed in action at Lucknow – 26th September 1857
Son of Joseph Loxdale Warren, of The Towers, Market Drayton, Shropshire. Aged 24.
Memorial at St Mary’s Church, Market Drayton, Shropshire – 
“In memory of Charles Henry Lycett Warren Lieutenant in the 8th Bengal Native Infantry and Adjutant of the 12th Bengal Irregular Cavalry son of Joseph Loxdale Warren of the Towers in this Parish Esquire who fell shot through the heart while advancing with the Army under Major General Sir H. Havelock to the Relief of his countrymen besieged in the Residency at Lucknow on the 25th of September 1857 aged 24 years. This tablet is erected by his friends and fellow townsmen in memory of the zeal and spirit and evinced throuhgout the arduous campign which led to the reconquest of Lucknow and the rescue of the besieged from a savage and merciless foe.”

8th Bengal Native Infantry

Captain Charles Frederick Simpson – accidentally killed at Delhi – 19th November 1857
Aged 32. Son of Richard Simpson, of Derby. Joined the Bengal Army in 1845.
Grave at Cashmere Gate Cemetery, Delhi –
 “Sacred to the memory of Lieutenant Charles F. Simpson 8th Regiment NI. Major of Brigade Umballa who died at Delhi the 19th November 1857 aged 32 years. Sincerely and deservedly regretted by his affectionate wife and numerous friends.”

Lieutenant Charles Henry Lycett Warreb – killed in action at Lucknow – 23rd September 1857
Memorial at St. Marys Church, Market Drayton, Shropshire – “In memory of Charles Henry Lycett Warren, Lieutenant in the 8th Bengal Native Infantry and Adjutant of the 12th Bengal Irregular Cavalry, son of Joseph Loxdale Warren of the Towers in this parish, who fell shot through the heart whilst advancing with the Army under Major General Sir H. Havelock to the relief of his countrymen beseiged in the Residency at Lucknow, on the 23rd September 1857, aged 24 years. This tablet is erected by his friends and fellow townsmen.”

9th Bengal Native Infantry

Major Lionel Percy Denham Eld – wounded on the Trunk Road – July 1857. died ‘of wounds’ at Weymouth, 11th December 1863
Aged 55. Son of John and Louisa, of Brighton. Husband of Charlotte Campbell.

Lieutenant Frederick Folliot Oldfield – died of wounds at Secundra Bagh, Lucknow – 17th November 1857. Aged 19. Son of Henry Oldfield (Bengal Civil Service). Born in Mozaffarpur. Joined the Bengal Army in 1855.

10th Bengal Native Infantry

Lieutenant-Colonel George Acklom Smith – missing in action at July – 26th July 1857
His wife Mary was also killed.
Memorial at All Souls Church, Cawnpore – 
“Futtehgurh Fugitives 10th N.I. Colonel G.A. Smith Wife Child.
Major R. Monro. Major J. Phillott. Lieut C.W. Swetenham. Lieut D. Henderson. Ensign R.S. Byrne. Surgeon T.C. & Mrs Heathcote. Musician W.M. Wrixen. Colonel A. Coldie Wife & Daughters. Lieut J.R. Monckton B. Engr. Wife & Child. Asst-Surgeon S. & Mrs Maltby. Contr. M Roban Ordnance Dept. & Family. School Master Sheils & Family. Sergt. Hammond Gun Agency Dept. & Family. Pensioner Faulknor.”

Captain Frederick D’Oyley Bignell – missing at Futtehghur – 26th July 1858

Captain William George Law – killed in action at Delhi – 23rd July 1857 (attached to the 1st Punjab Infantry). Aged 33. Son of William Law. Joined the Bengal Army in 1841. Served with the 1st Punjab Infantry. Grave at Rajpura Cemetery, Delhi – “Amongst the brave soldiers who gave their lives for their country at the siege of Delhi in 1857, none more gallant amd true-hearted have here rest from their labours than Captain W.G. Law who was killed at the attack on the rebels’ position in the Metcalfe Garden on the 23rd July.”

Captain William Lindsay – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 18th June 1857

Captain Robert Munro – murdered by mutineers at Futtehghur – 26th July 1857

Captain William Thornton Phillimore – missing at Futtehghur – 26th July 1857
Aged 36. Son of William Phillimore, of Herts. Shot in the leg at Ferruckabad. Killed while in a boat at Konahere Bithoor.

Captain Johnson Phillott – missing at Futtehghur – 11th July 1857
Aged 47. Reported to have drowned in the Ganges while escaping mutineers. Son of Johnson Phillott, of Hereford.

Lieutenant Henry John Fitzgerald – murdered by mutineers at Futtehghur – 26th July 1857

Lieutenant John Robert Simpson – murdered by mutineers at Futtehghur – 26th July 1857
Son of the late Colonel John Simpson, HEICS.

Lieutenant Charles Worsley Swetenham – murdered by mutineers at Futtehghur – 26th July 1857

Lieutenant Edward S. Whish – murdered at Darjeeling – 16th June 1857
Second son of late Lieut-General Whish, of Clifton, Gloucestershire. (ref. The Times)

Ensign R. S. Byrne – murdered by mutineers at Futtehghur – 26th July 1857

Ensign David Henderson – murdered by mutineers at Futtehghur – 26th July 1857
Acting Adjutant, Interpreter and Quartermaster. Son of Capt. Henderson, of Semster, Caithness.

11th Bengal Native Infantry

Lieutenant-Colonel John Finnis – murdered by mutineers at Meerut – 10th May 1857
Aged 53. Son of Robert and Elizabeth Finnis, of Hythe. Born 28th January 1804. Served Punjab 1848 (medal). The first European officer killed in the Mutiny. Husband of Sarah Roche.
Grave at Meerut –
 “To the memory of John Finnis Colonel 11th Regt N.I. who fell while endeavouring to quell the mutiny in the 20th Regt. N.I. May 10th 1857 aged 53 years.”

12th Bengal Native Infantry

Captain John Dunlop – murdered by mutineers at Jhansi – 5th June 1857
Aged 34. Son of

Lieutenant James H. C. Ewart – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Aged 31. Eldest son of James S. Ewart, of Fortis Green, Finchley.
Memorial at All Souls Church, Cawnpore – 
“To the glory of God and in memory of more than a thousand Christian people, who met their deaths hard by, between 6th June & 15th July 1857. These tablets are placed in this the
Memorial Church. All Souls Cawnpore by the Government N.W.P. 1st Native Infantry. Lieut. Col. John Ewart, Wife & Child. Lieut J.H.C. Ewart, 12th N.I. Captain A. Turner, Wife and Child. Captain E.J. Elms. Lieut. H.S. Smith. Lieut. R.M. Satchwell. Lieut F. Redman. Ensign J.C. Supple. Surgeon A.W.R. Newenman, Wife & Children Sergeant Major C. Hilling, Wife & Child Quarter-Master Sergeant T. Andrews & Family 18 Musicians, 5 Women & 9 Children.”

Lieutenant William C. L. Ryves – murdered by mutineers at Jhansi – 5th June 1857

Ensign James Henry Barber – murdered by mutineers at Jhansi – 5th June 1857
The Times 22-8-57, states: died 20th June in Bundelcund from sun-stroke while seeking refuge from the mutineers. Eldest son of Capt. Barber, of Merton Abbey, Surrey.

Ensign Stanhope B. Taylor – murdered by mutineers at Jhansi – 5th June 1857

Assistant-Surgeon William Barker McEgan – murdered by mutineers at Jhansi – 5th June 1857.
Born 30th May 1817. Served in the Crimea with the Turkish Contingent.

13th Bengal Native Infantry

Memorial in the Residency, Lucknow – “Sacred to the memory of Major C.F. Bruere. Captain R.B. Francis. Lieut G.W. Green. Ensign L. Inglis of the Honble E.I. Company’s 13th Regt N.I. who fell whilst serving with their Regiment in the defence of Lucknow 1857. Also of Capt A. Turnbull who died in the Cawnpore Entrenchment and Lieut E.W. Banwell.”

Captain Robert Bransby Francis – killed in action by round shot at Lucknow – 8th July 1857
Both his legs were blown off by a round-shot.

Lieutenant Edward William Banwell – murdered by mutineers at Hissar – 29th May 1857

Lieutenant G.A.P. Younghusband – wounded at Futteyghur 2nd January 1858. Died of wounds 4th Jan.
Aged 26. Son of Major-General Younghusband, Royal Artillery. Commanding 5th Punjab Cavalry when wounded.

14th Bengal Native Infantry

Lieutenant Charles Battine – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Aged 24. Son of Major-General Battine, CB, Bengal Artillery.

Lieutenant Frederick James MacDonnell – killed in action at Lucknow – 23rd March 1857

15th Bengal Native Infantry

Lieutenant James Archibald Campbell – murdered by mutineers at Nusseerabad – 6th May 1857
Aged 24. Killed while commanding the 14th Irregular Cavalry. Eldest son of Lt-Col. John Campbell (retired), Bengal Army.

Lieutenant Osbert D’Abitot Thackwell – killed in action at Lucknow – 20th March 1858
Aged 22. Son of Lt-General Sir Joseph Thackwell, GCB, 16th Lancers.

16th Bengal Native Infantry

Lieutenant Frederick Cortland Angelo – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Memorial at All Souls Church, Cawnpore – 
“Sacred to the memory of Frederick Cortlandt Angelo 16th Grenadiers, B.N.I., ..nt of the 4th Division Ganges Canal, who fell in the mutiny at Cawnpore, on the 27th June 1857, in the 32nd year of his age, erected by his sorrowing widow.”

Lieutenant James Fullerton – accidentally killed at Lucknow – 15th September 1857
Aged 27. Son of Lord Fullerton. Fell from a balcony of the Residency.

Ensign H. L. Marsh – killed in action at Maun Sing’s Garden – 24th August 1857

17th Bengal Native Infantry

Lieutenant Robert Popkin Homfray – wounded at Delhi, 15th September 1857. died of wounds 16th September 1857
Aged 22. Son of Robert, he was born in Calcutta. Joined the Bengal Army in 1852.
Grave at Rajpura Cemetery, Delhi –
 “This monument is erected to the memory of Lieut. Robt Popkin Homfary of the 17th Regt. NI and adjt. of the 4th Punjaub Infantry, by his devoted brothers and sisters. this brave young officer died at the age of 22 years on the 16th September 1857 from wounds received on the preceding day whilst gallantly leading on his men in action.”

Lieutenant Percy George Hutchinson – murdered by mutineers at Azimghur – 3rd June 1857
Quartermaster. Aged 25.

Lieutenant Edward Thomas Kemp – wounded at Sassia Ghat, 15th January 1857. died at Mela Ghat, 16th January. (attached to the Kamaon Levy). Aged 22. Joined the Bengal Army in 1853.

Lieutenant E. D. F. Lewis – wounded at Ghazeepore, 18th July 1857. died of wounds 1st September 1857

18th Bengal Native Infantry

Major Henry Edward Pearson – murdered by ‘villagers’ near Bareilly – 6th June 1857
Aged 46. Son of Rev. Thomas and Sarah, of Worcestershire. Husband of Fanny Williamson.

Captain Hugh Vans Hathorn – murdered by ‘villagers’ near Bareilly – 6th June 1857
Only son of the late Vans Hathorn, of Edinburgh.

Captain Taylor Campbell Richardson – murdered by ‘villagers’ near Bareilly – 6th June 1857

Lieutenant Henry Ross Stewart – murdered by ‘villagers’ near Bareilly – 6th June 1857
Memorial at St. Michaels Church, Melksham, Wiltshire –
 “Sacred to the memory of Lieutenant Henry Ross Stewart, 18th Regt BNI who lost his life whilst endeavouring to escape from Bareilly after the Mutiny of May 31st aged 26 years.”

Ensign Charles Keith Dashwood – wounded at Lucknow, 23rd November 1857. died of wounds
Died in hsopital at Lucknow, having had both his feet blown off by a round-shot on 4th November. Aged 19. Son of Lt-Col. A.W. Dashwood, of Shenley Grange, Herts.

Ensign John Charles Dyson – murdered by ‘villagers’ at Bareilly – 6th June 1857

19th Bengal Native Infantry

Lieutenant Sir Norman Leslie – murdered by mutineers at Rohnee – 12th June 1857
Murdered by men of the 5th Irregular Cavalry with whom he was serving. The murderers were caught and executed.

20th Bengal Native Infantry

Captain Donald McDonald – murdered by mutineers at Meerut – 10th May 1857
Fourth son of Capt. Archibald McDonald (RN).
Grave at Meerut –
 “To the memory of Donald MacDonald Captain 20th Regiment N.I. who was killed by his own men on the 10th May 1857. Aged 35 years. and of Louisa Sophia, his wife, aged 30 years. Who was barabarously murdered the same night while trying to make her escape with her three infants from her burning house to the European Lines.”

Captain John Henry George Taylor – murdered by mutineers at Meerut – 10th May 1857
Son of Lieutenant-Colonel John William and Emma Taylor. Born in 1820.
Grave at Meerut –
 “To the memory of John Henry George Taylor Captain Late of the 20th Regiment N.I. Killed during the Mutiny at Meerut on May 10th 1857.”

Lieutenant George Douglas Barbor – killed in action at Lucknow – 1st June 1857

Lieutenant David Henry Henderson – murdered by mutineers at Meerut – 10th May 1857
Only son of Lieut. David Henderson, R.N., of St. John’s Wood, Regents Park.
Grave at Meerut –
 “Sacred to the memory of David Henry Henderson Lieutenant Bengal Native Infantry who was killed during the mutiny at Meerut on the 10th May 1857, aged 31 years.”

Lieutenant Mervyn Archdall Humphrys – killed in action at Delhi – 19th June 1857
(attached to the 1/60th Foot). Aged 26. Son of William and Anna, of Co. Cavan. Joined the Bengal Army in 1850. Grave in Rajpura Cemetery, Delhi –
 “Sacred to the memory of Lieutenant M. A. Humphrys of the 20th N.I. who was killed in action on the 19th June 1857.”

Lieutenant William Pattle – murdered by mutineers at Meerut – 10th May 1857.
Grave at Meerut –
 “William Pattle Lieutenant. 20th Regiment Native Infantry. Born 21st June 1832 was killed in the Mutiny at Meerut on 10th May 1857.”

21st Bengal Native Infantry

Lieutenant Francis Walker Brodie – murdered by mutineers at Muttragur – 7th June 1857

22nd Bengal Native Infantry

Lieutenant J.W.H. Anderson – murdered by mutineers at Gorukpore – 8th June 1857
Son of John Anderson, of Ryall Hill, Worcester.

Lieutenant Arthur Bright – murdered by mutineers at Gorukpore – 8th June 1857
Aged 26. Son of Robert Bright, of Abbot’s Leigh, Somerset. Killed by mutineers of the 17th BNI.
Memorial at Holy Trinity Church, Abbots Leigh, Avon  –
 “In memory of Arthur, 6th son of Robert and Caroline Bright, Lieutenant and Adjutant of the 22nd Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry full of the highest promise he perished by the hands of mutineers from another regment near Fyzabad Oudh on the 9th of June 1857 in the 27th year of his age.”

Lieutenant George Lister Cautley – murdered by mutineers at Gorukpore – 8th June 1857
Aged 24. Son of Lt-Col. George Cautley, 6th Bengal Cavalry.

Lieutenant Augustus Frederic English – murdered by mutineers at Gorukpore – 8th June 1857
Son of the late Sir John English.

Lieutenant Thomas Edward Lindesay – murdered by mutineers at Gorukpore – 8th June 1857

Lieutenant Frederick W. Ripley – murdered by mutineers at Gorukpore – 8th June 1857

Lieutenant Walter Harrington Thomas – murdered by mutineers at Gorukpore – 8th June 1857
Son of Capt. G.H. Thomas, 7th Madras Cavalry.

23rd Bengal Native Infantry

Colonel John Platt – murdered by mutineers at Mhow – 1st July 1857
Aged 55. Son of Rev. Alexander and Charlotte Platt, of Langley, Herts. Husband of Charlotte Atkinson.
Memorial at St. Marys church, Watford – 
“In memory of Lt col. John Platt, Lt Col Charles Chester, Capt. James Fagan, Capt. Thom H. Hilliard all of the XXIII Regt Bengal Native Infantry who fell in the Mutiny and Rebellion in India AD MDCCCLVIII. Erected by their brother officers.”

Captain James Fagan – murdered by mutineers at Mhow – 1st July 1857

Captain Thomas Holyoake Hilliard – murdered at Chatteerea – 31st May 1857
Aged 30. Born in Middlesex. Joined the Bengal Army in 1842. Adjutant of the Hariana Light infantry. When they mutineed at Sirsa he was spared and allowed to depart, but was murdered by villagers soon after.
Grave at Sirsa Cemetery –
 “Sacred to the memory of Lieut. J.H. Hilliard, second in command, late Hurrianah battalion and Mr. J.W. Fell, Assistant Patrol, Customs Department, who were both treacherously murdered on the 30th May 1857 by the rebel inhabitants of the village of Chutrayan in the Sirsa District. this tomb was erected over the recovered remains by order of the Government.”

24th Bengal Native Infantry

Ensign Marshall Deverall Smith – murdered by mutineers at Allahabad – 7th June 1857
Aged 19 years and 4 months. Son of Samuel Smith, of Westbourne Terrace Road, London, late of Calcutta.

25th Bengal Native Infantry

Captain Charles George Brodie – killed in action at Mehidpore – 18th November 1857

Ensign Julian Hayter – wounded at Benares, 16th June 1857. died of wounds

26th Bengal Native Infantry

Major Robert Spencer – murdered by mutineers at Mean Meer – 30th July 1857
Aged 44. Born in London. Son of Robert and Anne. Joined the Bengal Army in 1827.
Tablet in St. Mary Magdalene’s Church, Lahore –
 “Sacred to the memory of Brigadier Isaac Handscombe, Bt. Major Robert Spencer and Sergeant Major John Potter who were barbarously murdered by the mutineers when nobly attempting to recall their men to their duty, the first fell at Lucknow on the 31st May and the two last at Meean Meer on the 30th July 1857.”

Lieutenant John Tierney Davidson – killed in action at Delhi – 14th September 1857
(attached to the 2nd Punjab Infantry). Aged 18 years & 9 weeks.
Tablet in St. Mary Magdalene’s Church, Lahore –
 “To the memory of Ensign John Tierney Davidson who was killed at Delhi on 14th Septr 1857.”

27th Bengal Native Infantry

Captain George Thomas Gowan – killed in action in Oude – 8th June 1857
Memorial at St. Pauls Cathedral, Calcutta – 
“To the beloved memory of George Thomas Gowan Captain of the 27th Regiment Bengal Native Infantry and commandant 9th regiment Oude Irregular Force, second son of Major Genl G.E. Gowan Bengal Artillery, Killed at Topore, Oude, June 1857 in the 35th year of his age He fell whilst endeavouring to recall the mutinous sepoys of his own force to order and obedience. And also to the memory of Olivia Grace daughter of Major General James Stuart Bengal Army and wife of Captain G.T. Gowan who with their infant son George Boyce Combe cruelly murdered by the rebels at Tapore June 1857 “

Captain John Nicholson – wounded at Delhi, 14th September 1857. died of wounds 23rd September.

Lieutenant George William Fraser – missing in action in Oude – 8th June 1857

28th Bengal Native Infantry

Captain Henry John Guise – killed in action at Benares – 4th June 1857
Attached to the 13th Irregular Cavalry.

Captain Marshall James – murdered by mutineers at Shahjehanpore – 31st October 1857
Killed in church. Aged 37. Only son of Lt-Col. James, HEIC, of Saltford House, Bath.

Captain Cornelius Lysaght – murdered by mutineers at Mohumdee – 23rd June 1857

Captain Mordant M. Salmon – murdered by mutineers at Mohumdee – 23rd June 1857

Captain H. W. L. Sneyd – murdered by mutineers at Shahjehanpore – 31st October 1857

Lieutenant George James Johnston – murdered by mutineers at Mohumdee – 23rd June 1857

Lieutenant Alexander Key – murdered by mutineers at Mohumdee – 23rd June 1857
Eldest son of John Key, Grosvenor Place, London. His wife Mary was also killed.

Lieutenant William W. Pitt – murdered by mutineers at Mohumdee – 23rd June 1857

Lieutenant Colin A. Robertson – murdered by mutineers at Mohumdee – 23rd June 1857

Lieutenant George W. Rutherford – murdered by mutineers at Mohumdee – 23rd June 1857

Lieutenant Edmund Cadell Scott – murdered by mutineers at Mohumdee – 23rd June 1857
Aged 18 years and 2 months. Son of Major G.D. Scott, of Winkfield, Berkshire.

Ensign Thomas John Hope Spens – murdered by mutineers at Mohumdee – 23rd June 1857
Aged 21. Only son of the late Thomas Spens, MD, HEICS.

30th Bengal Native Infantry

Captain John Tower Lumsden – killed in action at Lucknow – 16th November 1857

Lieutenant Jonathan Cape – killed in action at Lucknow – 20th March 1858

31st Bengal Native Infantry

Colonel Alexander Jack – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857.
Aged 51. Son of Rev. William and Grace Jack, of Aberdeen.
Memorial at All Souls Church, Cawnpore – 
“To the glory of God and in memory of more than a thousand Christian people, who met their deaths hard by, between 6th June & 15th July 1857. These tablets are placed in this the
Memorial Church. All Souls Cawnpore by the Government N.W.P.
Staff. Major Genl. Sir H. Wheeler K.C.B. Lady Wheeler & daughters. Lieut G.R. Wheeler 1st N.I. A.D.C. Lieut Col. E. Wiggens 52nd N.I. D.J.A.G. Mrs Wiggens. Major W. Lindsay A.A.G. Mrs Lindsay & Daughters. Ensign G. and Mrs Lindsay. Brigadier General Jack C.B. Mr Jack. Capt. Sir G. Parker 74th N.I. Cant. Magistr. Capt Williamson 71st N.I. D.A.C.G. Mrs Williamson & Child.”

Captain Thomas Charles Birch – murdered by mutineers at Pophamon – 7th June 1857.
Aged 42. Son of John and Anna Birch, of Calcutta. Born in Bengal. Husband of Caroline Amesbury.

Captain Charles M. Parsons – murdered by mutineers at Oude – 8th June 1857.
Attached to the 6th Oude Irregular Infantry.

Ensign Henry George Wadham Spens – killed in an explosion at Bundlekund – 23rd June 1857

32nd Bengal Native Infantry

Captain Charles Robert George Douglas – murdered by mutineers at Delhi – 11th May 1857
Aged 33. Husband of Louisa Robinson.

Lieutenant Henry C. A. Cooper – murdered by mutineers at Deoghur – 9th October 1857

Lieutenant John Egremont Lee – killed in action in Oude – 21st March 1858
Memorial at Kells Parish Church, Galloway – “Erected by Jane C. Maitland in loving memory of her husband, John Gordon Maitland …. Also of her brother Lieut. John Egremont Lee, 32nd Bengal Native Infantry, during the Indian Mutiny he was killed in an attack on the Fort of Tirowlee, Oude, 21st March 1858, aged 27 years.”

Lieutenant Henry Strickland Lester – wounded at Lucknow – 14th July 1857. died of wounds
Aged 30. Assistant-Commissioner of Seetapore. Son of Lt. J.Y. Lester, 7th Royal Fusiliers. Wounded during a rebel assault on Gubbin’s Post.

Lieutenant Eaton Joseph Travers – killed in action at Delhi – 3rd August 1857
Attached to the 1st Punjab Infantry. Aged 29. Son of Major-General Robert Travers, KCMG, CB (Rifle Brigade). Joined the Bengal Army in 1845. Husband of Harriet Aylmer.
Grave at Rajpura Cemetery, Delhi –
 “Lieutenant E.J. Travers killed in the advanced trenches at Hindu Rao’s house, on the 2nd August.”

Ensign George Edward Hill – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857

33rd Bengal Native Infantry

Major John Sherbrooke Banks – killed at Lucknow, shot in the head – 21st July 1857
Chief Commissioner of Lucknow. Aged 46. Son of Samuel and Lucinda. Husband of Elizabeth Fearon.

Lieutenant John Hugh Browne – killed in action at Delhi – 6th August 1857
Attached to the Kemoon Battalion. Aged 28 years & 5 months. Son of John Browne, of Gray’s Inn (barrister).

35th Bengal Native Infantry

Lieutenant Frederick John Salmon Bagshaw – wounded at Jullundur, 7th June 1857. died of wounds 12th June. Aged 30. Fought in the Sutlej Campaign (1846) and Punjab Campaign (1848). Son of Revd. W.S. Bagshaw, rector of Thrapston.

36th Bengal Native Infantry

Brevet Major Thomas Mould Edgar Moorhouse – murdered by mutineers at Allahabad – 4th June 1857 Aged 49. Son of John and Eliza, of London. Husband of Fanny Fitzgerald.

Lieutenant Arthur Wellesley Craigie – wounded at Narnaul, 16th November 1857. died of wounds, 30th November at Delhi. Aged 24. Son of George, of Perth.
Grave at Cashmere Gate Cemetery, Delhi –
 “Sacred to the memory of Arthur Wellesley Craigie youngest son of George Clark Craigie Esqr. of Dumbarnie, Perthshire, Scotland Lieutenant in the 36th regiment Bengal Native Infantry and doing duty with the Guide Cavalry he was present at the siege of Delhi and was wounded at Narnoul on the 14th Novr. and died on the 30th Novr. 1857. Aged 24. this monument is erected by his brother.”

Lieutenant Octavius Greene – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
2nd-in-command of 9th Oude Irregular Force. Served in Sutlej and Punjab Campaigns.

37th Bengal Native Infantry

Ensign Henry Chapman – wounded by mutineers at Benares – 4th June 1857. died of wounds

Ensign Maurice Tweedie – wounded by mutineers at Benares – 4th June 1857. died of wounds

38th Bengal Native Infantry

Lieutenant-Colonel Philip Goldney – murdered by mutineers at Fyzabad – 9th June 1857
Aged 55. Son of Thomas and Charlotte, of London. Husband of Mary Holbrow.

Major George Edward Hollings – wounded by mutineers at Delhi – 11th May 1857. died of wounds.
Aged 47. Son of William Hollings, he was born in Calcutta. Joined the Bengal Army in 1826. Husband of Harriet Boscawen. Memorial at Kasauli – “George Hollings Bt Major who died at Mussoorie 8th May.” According to the date he died 2 days before his Regiment mutinied?

Major John Waterfield – murdered by mutineers near Ferozabad – 14th May 1858
Aged 45. Son of William and Elizabeth, of London. Husband of Helen Blair.

Captain Arthur Gibbings – murdered by mutineers at Fyzabad – 9th June 1857
Aged 33. Son of Rev. Thomas Gibbings, of Co. Cork. Served in Kabul (1842) and the Punjab (1848). (attached to the 15th Irregular Cavalry).
Memorial at Kasauli –
 “Arthur Gibbings Captain, murdered at Seetapore Oude on 9th June.”

Lieutenant Alexander John Anderson – killed in action at Lucknow – 10th March 1858
Aged 31. From Montrane, Fife, Scotland. Attached 2nd Punjab Infantry.

Lieutenant Charles Henry Fitzroy Gambier – wounded at Delhi, 14th September 1857. died of wounds 18th Sept. Aged 22. Eldest son of S. James Gambier, of Ashley Lodge, Cheltenham.
Grave at Delhi –
 “The grave of Lt. C.H.F. Gambier, 38th N.I. who fell mortally wounded in the ranks of the 2nd E.B. Fusiliers at the assault of Delhi and died 18th Sept 1857, aged 22.”

Ensign E. E. Beaumont – murdered by mutineers at Allahabad – 6th June 1857

39th Bengal Native Infantry

Captain John Sinclair – killed in action at Jhansi – 5th April 1858

Lieutenant Archibald Procter – murdered by mutineers at Moorar – 14th June 1857
Son of Revd. Thomas Proctor.
Grave at the Christian Cemetery, Gwalior – 
“Sacred to the memory of Archibald Proctor Lieut. 39th Regt. N.I. Died at Gwalior June 15th 1857 Aged 29.”

Ensign John Chalmers – killed in action at Delhi – 14th September 1857

40th Bengal Native Infantry

Major Charles Aeneas Burton – murdered by mutineers at Kotah – 15th October 1857
Political Agent. Aged 45. Son of Charles and Mary. Born in Dinapore. His 2 sons, Arthur and Francis, were murdered with him.

Captain Andrew A. Beecher – wounded at Lucknow – 26th September 1857. died of wounds 8th October. Attached to the 90th Foot. Aged 35.

Lieutenant Edward John Wild – killed in action at Lucknow – 25th September 1857

41st Bengal Native Infantry

Colonel Hugh Sibbald, CB. – murdered by mutineers at Bareilly – 31st May 1857
Aged 66. Son of William and Katherine. Husband of Mary Tichborne. Shot in the chest while riding to the parade ground by one of his orderlies.

Major Frederick William Birch – murdered by mutineers at Seetapore – 9th June 1857
Aged 43. Son of Richard (Bengal Civil Service) and Frances. Born in Bengal. Husband of Jean Walker. The Times states 3rd June.

Captain Matthew Francis Kemble – died of wounds at Lucknow

Captain William Williamson – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Aged 33. Deputy-Asst-Commissary-General. Son of the late Major-General David Williamson, Bengal Army Served in the Sutlej and Punjab Campaigns (medals & clasps). His wife, Jesse, and infant daughter, Eleanor also killed at Cawnpore.

Lieutenant John Henry Graves – wounded in head at Seetapore – died of cholera at Lucknow – 7th July 1857
Only son of Brigadier Henry Graves.

Lieutenant Robert Thornton Smalley – murdered by mutineers at Seetapore – 9th June 1857

42nd Bengal Native Infantry

Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Dalyell – killed in action at Kukrowlie – 18th September 1857
Aged 51. Son of John and Jane, of Lingo, Fife. Husband of Margaret Andrews.

43rd Bengal Native Infantry

Ensign Robert A. Smith – wounded at Mandwar – 21st January 1858. died of wounds

44th Bengal Native Infantry

Lieutenant John Graydon – wounded at Lucknow – 26th October 1857. died of wounds 28th October.
Son of Colonel Graydon, Royal Engineers.

Lieutenant John Smith – murdered by mutineers at Mozuffurnuggur – 21st June 1857

45th Bengal Native Infantry

Lieutenant-Colonel George Biddulph – killed in action at Lucknow – 18th November 1857
Aged 46. Son of Rev. John and Sophia, of Warwickshire.

46th Bengal Native Infantry

Colonel Andrew Goldie – murdered by mutineers at Fyttehghur – 15th June 1857
(Military Auditor General). Aged 64. Son of Rev. William Goldie. Husband of Mary.
Memorial at All Souls Church, Cawnpore – 
“Futtehgurh Fugitives 10th N.I. Colonel G.A. Smith Wife Child.
Major R. Monro. Major J. Phillott. Lieut C.W. Swetenham. Lieut D. Henderson. Ensign R.S. Byrne. Surgeon T.C. & Mrs Heathcote. Musician W.M. Wrixen. Colonel A. Coldie Wife & Daughters. Lieut J.R. Monckton B. Engr. Wife & Child. Asst-Surgeon S. & Mrs Maltby. Contr. M Roban Ordnance Dept. & Family. School Master Sheils & Family. Sergt. Hammond Gun Agency Dept. & Family. Pensioner Faulknor.”

Captain William Louis Mosheim Bishop – murdered by mutineers at Sialkote – 9th July 1857.
Aged 39. Served in the Punjab Campaign (1848). He was Brigade Major at Sialkote when the mutiny broke out, he was killed while helping his wife escape. In The Times (2-9-57) states ‘shot by a trooper of the 9th Cavalry.’
Grave at the Cemetery near the Fort at Sialkote –
 “In memory of Captain W.L.M. Bishop 46th regt. NI. Killed in the mutiny at Sealkote on 9th July 1857 aged 39 years. Erected by his brother officers.”
A tablet in Holy Trinity Church, Sialkote –
 “To the memory of William Louis Mosheim Bishop, Captain in the 46th regiment NI who was killed by a party of native cavalry, in the mutiny at Sealkote on the 9th July 1857 also of his infant son Florance Louis, who died near Sealkote on the 7th March 1857. A token of affection from a sorrowing wife and mother.”

47th Bengal Native Infantry

Ensign Arthur James Scott – murdered by mutineers at Allahabad – 6th June 1857
Aged 17 years and 4 months. Second son of James Scott, of Cadogan Place, London. Killed while on temp. duty with the 6th N.I.

48th Bengal Native Infantry

Captain Henry Garden Burmester – murdered by mutineers at Lucknow – 1st June 1857

Lieutenant Gilbert Ironside Bax – killed in action at Seetapore – 3rd June 1857
Aged 24. Killed in the sortie from Cawnpore. Third son of John Bax, of Twyford House, Herts.

Lieutenant Alexander J. Dashwood – wounded at Lucknow – 6th October 1857. died of wounds

Lieutenant Charles Martin Farquharson – murdered by mutineers at Lucknow – 1st June 1857
Aged 20. Son of R.N. Farquharson, Civil Service.

52nd Bengal Native Infantry

Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Wiggins – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Serving as Deputy-Judge Advocate General. His 2 youngest children killed with him. His wife died during the siege.
Memorial at All Souls Church, Cawnpore – 
“To the glory of God and in memory of more than a thousand Christian people, who met their deaths hard by, between 6th June & 15th July 1857. These tablets are placed in this the
Memorial Church. All Souls Cawnpore by the Government N.W.P.
Staff. Major Genl. Sir H. Wheeler K.C.B. Lady Wheeler & daughters. Lieut G.R. Wheeler 1st N.I. A.D.C. Lieut Col. E. Wiggens 52nd N.I. D.J.A.G. Mrs Wiggens. Major W. Lindsay A.A.G. Mrs Lindsay & Daughters. Ensign G. and Mrs Lindsay. Brigadier General Jack C.B. Mr Jack. Capt Sir G. Parker 74th N.I. Cant. Magistr. Capt Williamson 71st N.I. D.A.C.G. Mrs Williamson & Child.”

Lieutenant Francis A.R. MacGregor – murdered by mutineers at Kutungee – 27th September 1857
Aged 33. Detained as a hostage and then murdered. Son of the late General Sir Evar M. MacGregor.

53rd Bengal Native Infantry

Major William Reade Hillersdon – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Aged 39. Son of John Hillersdon, of Barnes, Surrey. Another son, Charles (Magistrate) was also murdered.

Captain Henry Belson – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857

Captain John H. Reynolds – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857

Captain Frederic Henry Tomkinson – murdered by mutineers at Amaen – June/July (November?) 1857
Escaped to Amaen, where he was betrayed and shot. Son of Capt. Tomkinson (RN) and Frances.
Memorial at All Saints Church, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire –
 “James Tomkinson Esq. Post Captain in the Royal Navy, eldest son of John Tomkinson, of Knightly Hall in the county of Staffordshire, who died at Leamington 18 January 1839 and is buried in the adjoining cemetery. In memory of his only sons, Hill James Tomkinson, Captain Royal Artillery who died at Fishguard Pembrokeshire on 27 July 1858 aged 28 years and is buried at Manor Owen in that county and Frederic Henry Tomkinson, Captain 53rd Regt BNI aged 25 years, who, serving with his regiment in India during the rebellion of 1857, was killed in November of that year by the mutineers of the Gwalior Contingent at Amaen in Oude, in a gallant attempt, alone and unarmed, to explode the enemy’s ammunition.”

Lieutenant (Adjutant) Herbert H. Armstrong – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Aged 27. Son of Archibald Armstrong, of Guernsey.

Lieutenant Oliver Simpson Bridges – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Aged 22. Son of John William Bridges, of 30 Tavistock Square, London.

Lieutenant Frederick G. Jellicoe – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857

Lieutenant Gilbert Augustus Master – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Aged 25. Son of Lt-Col. R.A. Master, 7th Light Cavalry.

Lieutenant William George Prole – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857

Ensign Alexander Dowson – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857

Ensign Thomas W. Forman – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857

54th Bengal Native Infantry

Lieutenant-Colonel John Peter Ripley – murdered by mutineers at Delhi – 11th May 1857
Aged 55. Born in Essex. Son of Rev. Thomas and Mary. Joined the Bengal Army in 1819. Husband of Amelia Wilson.

Major Muirson Trower Blake – murdered by mutineers at Moorar – 14th June 1857
Serving with the Gwalior Contingent. Aged 47. Born in Berkhampore. Son of William. Husband of Charlotte Ricketts.

Captain Cosby Burrowes – murdered by mutineers at Delhi – 11th May 1857
Aged 31. Son of Liuet. Cosby Burrowes of the 45th Bengal N.I. Born at Dinapore. Served in the Sutlej Campaign. Killed ‘while gallantly defending his Colonel in a skirmish with the mutineers’ (ref. The Times 19-8-57)

Captain Claude William Russell – killed in action at Badli-ke-Serai – 8th June 1857
Aged 36. Joined the Bengal Army in 1840. Son of Charles Du Pre Russell (fomerly Bengal Civil Service)
Grave at Rajpura Cemetery, Delhi –
 “Sacred to the memory of Captain C.W. Russell 54th BNI killed in action at Badlee ka Sarai 8th June 1857.”

Captain Rowland Mainwaring Smith – murdered by mutineers at Delhi – 11th May 1857
Aged 32. Son of Charles Smith, of Northampton.
Buried on the Ridge –
 “Sacred to the memory of Captain R.M. Smith, Captain C. Burrowes, Lieut. E.A. Edwards, Lieut. W. Waterfield. All of the 54th Regt. BNI. They were killed by the mutineers of the 3rd Bengal Light Cavalry on the 11th May 1857 opposite the church in the city of Delhi, this tribute to their memory and merits is erected by their surviving brother officers.”

Captain William Waterfield – murdered by mutineers at Delhi – 11th May 1857
Aged 21. Joined the Bengal Army in 1853.

Lieutenant Charles John Butler – murdered by mutineers at Delhi – 11th May 1857
Ref. The Times 25-8-57: wounded in the head by a stone from a house top and a musket ball in the face, killed on the road to Meerut. Eldest son of Charles Butler, of Stock, Essex.

Lieutenant Ernest Andrew Edwards – murdered by mutineers at Delhi – 11th May 1857
Aged 29. Son of R.V. Edwards, of Clifton. Husband of Elizabeth Leigh.
Grave on the Ridge, Delhi –
 “This tablet is sacred to the memory of departed worth to Lieut. E.A. Edwards 54th regt. BNI eldest son of R.V. Edwards Esqr. of Clifton, Bristol, who with five of his brother officers fell at the head of his regt. in the massacre of Delhi on the 11th May 1857, aged 27 years. As a soldier, ever ready, where Duty called him a dutiful son and kind and indulgent father but most conspicuous in the endearing character of husband, his fond care and affection with the memory of his many sterling qualities will ever be sacredly cherished by her who must mourn his sad and untimely end. This tomb is erected by his bereaved and sorrowing widow, as a trifling mark of love and respect to the memory of a truly kind and most affectionate husband.”

Ensign Alfred Mansell Angelo – murdered by mutineers between Delhi and Meerut – 11th May 1857
Ref. The Times 28-8-57: murdered 13th or 14th of May by villagers after escaping from Delhi. Aged 20. Second son of Colonel Richard Angelo, 34th BNI, formerly Commandant of the Delhi Palace Guard.

Ensign Charles Edward Wheatley – killed in action by a canon ball at Delhi – 17th June 1857
Aged 19. Joined the Bengal Army in 1854.
Grave at Rajpura Cemetery, Delhi –
 “Sacred to the memory of Ensign C.E. Wheatley, 54th BNI killed before Delhi 17th June 1857.”

55th Bengal Native Infantry

Captain George Gordon McBarnett – killed in action at Delhi – 14th September 1857
(attached to the 1st Bengal European Fusiliers). Aged 34. Son of Capt. Donald McBarnett, of Ballichroan, Inverness-shire. Joined the Bengal Army in 1840.
Grave in Sadar Bazar, Dehi –
 “Here repose the following officer, non commissioned officers and men of the 1st Bengal Fusiliers killed in the attack on the enemys fortified position at Kissen-gunge on the morning of the successful assault and storm of Delhi. Captain G.G. McBarnett, 55th NI (attached)..”
Memorial at the old church, Kingussie, St. Columba’s – “Sacred to the memory of Captain George Gordon McBarnet, 55th Regiment Bengal Native Infantry, who being attached to the 1st Bengal European Regiment Fusiliers, fell at the assault of Delhi on the 14th September 1857, aged 33 years. Few among the many heroes slain on the soil of Delhi will live longer in memory; young, gallant, and gifted with the noblest qualities, mental and personal, he fell when he could least be spared. Could soldier ask a more glorious death? In token of the love they bore their comrade this tablet is erected by his Brother-Officers.”

56th Bengal Native Infantry

Lieutenant-Colonel Stephen Williams – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Aged 52. Son of Henry Williams (Bengal Civil Service). Husband of Mary Blanchard (she was murdered in the massacre at Cawnpore).

Major Walter Roger Prout – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Aged 36. His wife, Lucy, was also killed.

Captain John Weston Delmain – killed in action at Badli-ke-Serai – 8th June 1857
Aged 29. Son of Colonel John Delmain, CB. of the Bengal Infantry. Born at Agra. Served in the Punjab (1848). Ref. The Times (11-9-57) kille ‘while leading a party of the 75th at the taking of the 24-pdr battery on the day of his arrival at Delhi.
Grave at Delhi –
 “Captain Delamain HEICS killed in action June 8, 1857.”

Captain William L. Halliday – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857

Captain George Kempland – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857

Lieutenant Quintin Henry Battye – killed in action at Delhi – 10th June 1857.
(attached to the Guides Cavalry). Aged 25. Born at Kishnagarh, Bengal. Son of George Battye. Served in Burma Campaign (1853).
Grave at Rajpura Cemetery, Delhi –
 “Sacred to the memory of Quintin Battye, Lieutenant in the late 55th Regiment Bengal Native Infantry and 2nd in command of the Corps of Guides who fell whilst nobly performing his duty against the mutineers before Delhi on the 9th June 1857. this tomb is erected by his brother officers in the Guides as a slight token of their respect and esteem for his many soldierlike and amiable qualities.”

Lieutenant William A. Chalmers – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857

Lieutenant Hornby Fagan – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857

Lieutenant Charles R. Goad – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857

Lieutenant W. H. J. Gregory – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857

Lieutenant William Gordon Morris – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Aged 23. Son of Lt-Commander George Morris, RN.

Lieutenant Henry John Gregory Warde – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Aged 19. Son of Rear-Admiral Warde, KH, of Neath, Glamorganshire.

Ensign Robert Browne – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Ref. The Times: died of cholera at Cawnpore, 22nd August. Aged 26. Son of Robert Brown, of Portland Square, formerly of Calcutta.

Ensign John Wright Henderson – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
on of Revd. Robert Henderson, of Stirling. His brother, Robert was killed with the 72nd B.N.I.

Ensign Robert Allen Stevens – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Second son of Revd. Henry Stevens, of Wateringbury, Kent.

Assistant Surgeon John Pierce Bowling – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Youngest son of John Bowling, of Pingsworth House, Hammersmith.

57th Bengal Native Infantry

Ensign Edmund Clough – murdered by mutineers at Meerut – 10th May 1857

58th Bengal Native Infantry

Captain Lionel Gomez Da Costa – died of wounds at Lucknow – 14th March 1858
Aged 34. Wounded and died same day. 2nd-in-command of the Ferozepore Regt.

59th Bengal Native Infantry

Major James Garner Holmes – murdered by mutineers at Segowlie – 23rd July 1857
(attached to the 12th Irregular Cavalry). Son of Revd. D. Holmes. His wife, Alexandrina (daughter of Major-General Sir Robert Sale) was also killed.

Lieutenant Frederick W. Birch – killed in action at Lucknow – 2nd September 1857

61st Bengal Native Infantry

Lieutenant Edward Thomas Kemp – died of wounds – 16th January 1859
Aged 23. Wounded at Sassia Ghat, 15th January 1859 and died next day in camp at Mela Ghat. See memorial below.

Lieutenant John Powys – murdered by mutineers at Jhansi – 6th May 1857
Aged 29. Son of Captain Robert Powys, 12th Bengal N.I. Born in Nasirabad. Joined the Bengal Army in 1846. Husband of Caroline Holmes. (she died with their 8 month old daughter in the massacre at Jhansi).
Memorial in St. Luke’s Church, Jullundur –
 “To the memory of Lieutenants John Powys, Edward Kemp, and Ensign Herbert Durnford, of the 61st Regiment N.I. who fell in action whilst serving in the earnest performance of their duty, during the rebellion of 1857-59. This token of esteem and sorrow is placed here by their comrades, the officers of the late 61st regiment N.I.”

Ensign Herbert Durnford – wounded at Jullundur, 7th June. died at Loodianah – 8th August 1857
Son of J.C. Durnford, of Kensington, London.
Aged 19. Grave at Ludhiana Cemetery –
 “To the memory of Herbert Durnford Esqr. 61st Bengal Native Infantry who died at Loodianah on the 8th August 1857 from the effects of wounds received at Jullundur on the 7th of June in defending the bell of arms of his company from the mutineers.”

62nd Bengal Native Infantry

Lieutenant George Septimus Bradford – died at Allahabad – 18th September 1858
Memorial at St. Peter & Paul Church, Tonbridge, Kent – “Sacred to the memory of George Septimus Bradford, Lieut. 62nd Bengal Infantry, youngest son of Major-General Bradford, C.B. Born 27th August 1832. Died 18th September 1858 at Allahabad during the Mutiny in India.”

Captain Robert B.P. Byng – killed in action at Lucknow – 18th December 1857
Brother of Viscount Torrington.

Captain Fletcher F.C. Hayes – murdered by mutineers near Bhowgong – 1st June 1857
Aged 39. Murdered by men of 2nd Regt Oude Irregular Cavalry, whom he had taken command of a few days earlier. He was serving as Military Secretary and Political Assistant to Chief Commissioner in Oude.

Ensign Charles Way – murdered by mutineers at Allahabad – 7th June 1857

63rd Bengal Native Infantry

Ensign Robert Loveday Inglis – wounded at Lucknow – died of fever caused by wounds – 27th December 1857. Wounded twice. Son of the late Captain Inglis, 11th Light Cavalry.

64th Bengal Native Infantry

Lieutenant George Snell – murdered by mutineers at Seetapore – 3rd June 1857
Aged 36. Son of Rev. Thomas Snell, of Surrey. Joined the Bengal Army in 1844. Serving with 10th Oude Irregular Infantry. Husband of Helen Davies, of Cheltenham. (she died with their 2 year old daughter in the massacre.)
Tablet in St. Mary Magdalene’s Church, Lahore Cantonment –
 “To the memory of Helen Johnson Snell aged 24 years, youngest daughter of the late S. Davies, MD of the HEICS who, with her husband Lieut. George Snell B.A., of the late 64th Bengal NI, aged 36 years, and their only child Georgina Helen, aged 2 years, fell a victim to the sepoy mutiny at Seetapore, in Oude, on the 3rd June 1857. this monument is erected by her brothers and sisters, to record their love and sorrow.”

65th Bengal Native Infantry

Brevet Major Francis Shirreff – murdered by mutineers at Moorar – 14th June 1857
Fourth son of David Shirreff, of Inverneshire. Commanding 4th Regt. Gwalior Contingent when killed.

Lieutenant Edward Speke – wounded at Delhi 14th September – died 18th September 1857
Attached to the 1st Bengal European Fusiliers. Aged 29. Son of William Speke, of Somerset. Joined the Bengal Army in 1850.
Memorial at St. Andrews Church, Dowlish Wake, Somerset –
 “Sacred to the memory of Lieutenant Edward Speke, of the 65th Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry, aged 29 years, third son of William Speke, Edqre of Jordans, in the parish of Ashill, who died on the 18th September 1857, from the  effects of a wound received on the 14th of the same month, when gallantly fighting in the ranks of the 1st Bengal Fusiliers, at the storming of Delhi. This tablet was erected by his brother officers of the 65th N.I. as a slight token of their esteem for one whose noble character and Christian virtues, had deservedly endeared him to them all.”

66th Bengal Native Infantry

Lieutenant Thomas S. Gepp – wounded at Churpoorah – 10th February 1858. died of wounds.

67th Bengal Native Infantry

Lieutenant Philip Hawtry Comyn Burlton – murdered by mutineers at Muttra – 30th July 1857
Shot by his men while on treasure-escort. Son of Colonel William Burlton, CB, of Portland Place, formerly Commissary-General of the Bengal Army. Another son, Capt. Francis Moira Hastings Burlton, was killed with the 2nd Cavalry ? Contingent. (ref The Times 8-9-57)

Lieutenant Joseph Cudbert Longueville Clarke – 67th Bengal Native Infantry – murdered by mutineers at Bhyram Ghaut – 13th June 1857. Aged 28. Assistant-Commissary in Oude, serving with the 3rd Oude Irregulars.
Memorial at Harrow School – 
“Sacred to the memory of Joseph C. Longueville Clarke Lieut in the 67th Bengal Native Infantry & 2nd in Command of the 3rd Oude Infantry who was murdered by the mutineers during the Indian Revolt of 1857 at the age of 28 yrs.”

Lieutenant Philip H. Jackson – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857

68th Bengal Native Infantry

Memorial in St. Paul’s Cathedral, Calcutta – “In memory of Captain Alexander Skene. Bt Major Robert Campbell Barclay. Captain Fiennes Sanderson Miller. Lieut James Augustus Dorin. Lieut Augustus Hay Alexander.
Lieut William Henry Lumsden. Ensign Richard Tucker of the 68th Regt Native Infantry, who died during the mutiny of the native troops and subsequent operations from 1857 to 1859; some on the field of battle; some by the hands of their own followers; others by disease; all doing their duty. This monument has been erected by their fellow officers.”

Captain Alexander Skene – murdered by mutineers at Jhansi – 8th June 1857
Serving as Superintendent of Jhansi and Jaloun. Fourth son of the late Charles Skene, of Aberdeen. His wife Beatrice and 2 infant daughters, Mary and Beatrice, were killed at the same time.

Lieutenant Augustus Hay Alexander – murdered by mutineers at Allahabad – 7th June 1857
Aged 30. Son of Lt-Col. Alexander, 5th Bengal Light Cavalry.

Lieutenant William Henry Lumsden – killed in action at Nujuffghur – 25th August 1857
Attached 1st Punjab Inf. Aged 26. Son of Colonel Thomas Lumsden, CB, (Bengal Artillery). Born at Muttra. Joined the Bengal Army in 1849. Served with the 1st Punjab Infantry.

Ensign Richard G. Tucker – murdered by mutineers at Bareilly – 31st May 1857

71st Bengal Native Infantry

Captain Wellwood George Maclean – killed in action at Chinut – 30th June 1857

Lieutenant Aldourie P. Grant – murdered by mutineers at Lucknow – 30th May 1857

72nd Bengal Native Infantry

Lieutenant Robert C. O’Dowda – murdered by mutineers at Augur – 4th July 1857
Attached to the Scindia Contingent.

Ensign Robert William Henderson – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Son of Revd. Robert Henderson, of Stirling. His brother, John was killed with the 56th B.N.I.

73rd Bengal Native Infantry

Ensign P. S. Codd – murdered by mutineers at Allahabad – 7th June 1857
Aged 18. Only son of Capt. J.M. Codd, 3rd Light Dragoons.

74th Bengal Native Infantry

Major Sir George Parker – died at Cawnpore – July 1857
Aged 44. Son of Captain Sir William Parker, Royal Navy. Joined the Bengal Army in 1831. Husband of Gertrude Elderton. Tablet in St. James’ Church, Delhi – “Sacred to the memory of the undermentioned officers of the 74th Regiment N.I. who fell victims to the mutiny in 1857. Bt Major Sir G. Parker Bart. Killed in Sir H. Wheeler’s Entrenchment Cawnpore.”
Memorial at Meerut –
 “Sacred to the memory of Sir George Parker Bart. Captain, 74th Native Infantry, who died of sun stroke in the trenches at Cawnpore in the month of July 1857.”
Memorial at All Souls Church, Cawnpore – 
“To the glory of God and in memory of more than a thousand Christian people, who met their deaths hard by, between 6th June & 15th July 1857. These tablets are placed in this the
Memorial Church. All Souls Cawnpore by the Government N.W.P.
Staff. Major Genl. Sir H. Wheeler K.C.B. Lady Wheeler & daughters. Lieut G.R. Wheeler 1st N.I. A.D.C. Lieut Col. E. Wiggens 52nd N.I. D.J.A.G. Mrs Wiggens. Major W. Lindsay A.A.G. Mrs Lindsay & Daughters. Ensign G. and Mrs Lindsay. Brigadier General Jack C.B. Mr Jack. Capt Sir G. Parker 74th N.I. Cant. Magistr. Capt Williamson 71st N.I. D.A.C.G. Mrs Williamson & Child.”

Captain Francis Jacques Burgess – murdered by mutineers at Jhansi – 8th June 1857.
Tablet in St. James’ Church, Delhi –
 “Captain F.J. Burgess. Killed at Jhansi 8th June 1857.”

Captain Charles Gordon – murdered by mutineers at Delhi – 11th May 1857.
Aged 40. Served in Scutari during the Crimean War. Killed at the Cashmere Gate.
Tablet in St. James’ Church, Delhi –
 “Captain C. Gordon. Killed at the Cashmere Gate Delhi 11th May 1857.”
Tablet in St. James’ Church, Delhi –
 “To the beloved memory of Captain Charles Gordon, of the 74th Bengal Native Infantry, who fell at the Cashmere Gate of Delhi, in the mutiny there, of 11th May 1857, aged 41 after 22 years service in the Indian army.”

Lieutenant H. R. Addington – murdered by mutineers while escaping from Delhi – 11th May 1857
Tablet in St. James’ Church, Delhi –
 “The Hon’ble H.R. Addington Killed at Delhi 11th May 1857.”

Lieutenant Henry Frith Hyslop – murdered by mutineers while escaping from Delhi – 13th May 1857
Aged 27. Son of Lieutenant-Colonel Archibald Hyslop (Madras Artillery). Joined the Bengal Army in 1849.
Tablet in St. James’ Church, Delhi – “Lieutenant H.F. Hyslop. Murdered near the Hindun while escaping from Delhi.”

Lieutenant George Henry Monck Mason – murdered by mutineers at Awah – 8th June 1857
Aged 33. Son of Captain Thomas Mason, Royal Navy, and Mary, of Co. Wicklow. Joined the Bengal Army in 1842. Killed by mutineers of the Jodhpur Legion.
Tablet in St. James’ Church, Delhi –
 “Captain G.H. Monck Mason. Political Agent Joudpore. Killed in Rajpootana.”

Lieutenant Matthew Hugh Reveley – murdered by mutineers at Delhi – 11th May 1857
Aged 27. Son of Algernon (Bengal Civil Service). Born in France. Joined the Bengal Army in 1847.
Tablet in St. James’ Church, Delhi –
 “Lieutenant M.H. Reveley. Killed at the Cashmere Gate Delhi 11th May 1857.”

Lieutenant James Digby Smith – murdered by mutineers at Delhi – 11th May 1857
Aged 26. Son of John Smith, late a Calcutta merchant, of Lindenown Station, Gipp’s Land, Victoria. Born in Calcutta. Joined the Bengal Army in 1847.
Tablet in St. James’ Church, Delhi –
 “Lieutenant J.D. Smith. Killed at the Cashmere Gate Delhi 11th May 1857.”

Ensign Thomas Lane Bayliff – murdered by mutineers at Allahabad – 6th June 1857
Youngest son of Revd. Thomas T.L. Bayliff, vicar of Albury, Herts.

Ensign A. M. H. Cheek – wounded at Allahabad – 6th June 1857. died of wounds 17th June 1857

Ensign Edward Morris Smith – murdered by mutineers at Allahabad – 6th June 1857
Aged 18. Fifth son of Noel Thomas Smith, of Spiddall, Galway.

June 28, 2022

Indian Mutiny Casualties List (Bengal Light Cavalry)

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 9:22 am

Indian Mutiny 1857 – 9

1st Bengal Light Cavalry

Major Alfred Harris – murdered by mutineers at Mhow – 1st July 1857.
Aged 42. A ward of the Earl of Essex. Husband of Elizabeth Darling. Joined the Bengal Army in 1832.

2nd Bengal Light Cavalry
Memorial at All Souls Church, Cawnpore – “To the glory of God and in memory of more than a thousand Christian people, who met their deaths hard by, between 6th June & 15th July 1857. These tablets are placed in this the
Memorial Church. All Souls Cawnpore by the Government N.W.P.
2nd Light Cavalry – Major E. Vibart. Capt E.J. Seppings, Wife and Children. Capt R.U. & Mrs Jenkins. Lieut R.O. Quin. Lieut C.W. Quin. Lieut J.H. Harrison. Lieut W.J. Manderson. Lieut F.S.M Wren. Lieut M.G. Daniell. Lieut M. Balfour. Cornet W.A. Stirling. Surgn. W.R. & Mrs Boyes. Vety. Surgn. E.G. Chalwin & Wife. Ridg. Mr. D. Walsh, Wife & Children. Sergt. Major H. Cladwell. Qr. Mr. Sergt. F. & Mrs Tress. Cornet C. Mainwaring 6th L.C. Lieut A.J. Boulton, 7th L.C.”

Major Edward Vibart – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857?
Aged 49. Son of James Vibart, of Taunton. Husband of Emily Coles, (she was murdered in the massacre at Cawnpore along with 4 of their children).
Grave at All Souls Church, Cawnpore – 
“In three graves within this enclosure lie the remains of Major Edward Vibart, 2nd Bengal Light Cavalry, and about seventy officers and soldiers who, after escaping from the massacre at Cawnpore on the 27th June 1857 were captured by the rebels at Sheorajpoor, and murdered on the 1st July.  These remains were originally interred within the compound of Sivada House and were removed to this place in April 1861.”

Captain Robert Urqhart Jenkins – died of wounds at Cawnpore – 29th June 1857
Son of R.C. Jenkins, of Beachley, Gloucestershire.

Captain Edward James Seppings – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
His wife, Jessie, and their 3 infant sons were also murdered.

Lieutenant Melville Balfour – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857

Lieutenant Murray George Daniell – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Aged 39. Third son of Capt. E.M. Daniell, HEICS, of Gloucester Square, Hyde Park, London.

Lieutenant John Hammond Harrison – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857

Lieutenant William J. Manderson – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857

Lieutenant Charles William Quinn – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857

Lieutenant Richard Owen Quinn – died at Cawnpore – June 1857
Aged 28. Son of Captain Thomas Quinn (4th Light Cavalry) who died 7th Nov. 1857. Born at Meerut. Joined the Bengal Army in 1846.
Memorial on his father’s grave at Simla –
 “Also of his elder son Richard Owen Quin Lieutenant in the 2nd Bengal Cavalry who died of fever in the Entrenched Camp at Cawnpore June 1857 aged 28 years and 3 months. This tablet erected by the widow and mother of the above.”

Lieutenant Francis Stoneham Montagu Wren – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Memorial at Northam church, Devon – “To the memory of Delitia Montagu wife of Major Wren of Lenwood youngest daughter of Admiral Barton Of Burrough, Died 17th June 1836 Aged 42. Also of Henry Conway son of the above Died 12th Aug 1838 Aged 15. Also of Francis Stoneham Montagu, their youngest son Lieut. in the 2nd Regt Bengal Cavalry who fell at Cawnpore during the Indian Mutiny in June 1857 Aged 21.”

Veterinary Surgeon Edmund George Chalwin – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Memorial at All Souls Church, Cawpore – “Sacred to the memory of E.G. Chalwin 2nd Light Cavaly and his wife Louisa who both perished during the seige of Cawnpore in July 1857.”

Riding Master David Walsh – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857

3rd Bengal Light Cavalry

Captain Charles Ayshford Sanford – killed in action at Lucknow – 10th March 1858
Aged 28. Son of Edward Ayshford Sanford, of Ninehead Court, Somerset.

Lieutenant John Campbell Erskine McNabb – murdered by mutineers at Meerut – 10th May 1857
Aged 19. Fourth son of J.M. McNabb (fomerly Bengal Civil Service).

Veterinary-Surgeon Charles John Dawson – murdered by mutineers at Meerut – 10th May 1857
Grave at Meerut –
 “This tablet was erected by Colonel G. Carmichael Smyth, 3rd Bengal Cavalry, to the memory of his friend Charles John Dawson, Veterinary Surgeon, Bengal Cavalry, and Eliza, his wife, both murdered at Meerut on 10th May 1857.”

Veterinary-Surgeon John Phillips – murdered by mutineers at Meerut – 10th May 1857
Fourth son of the late Capt. Joseph Phillips, 12th Lancers.
Grave at Meerut –
 “Sacred to the memory of John Phillips Veterinary-Surgeon 3rd Bengal Cavalry, murdered during the Mutiny on 10th May 1857. This tomb is erected by George Carmichael Smyth Colonel of the Regiment, in token of affection and regard.”

4th Bengal Light Cavalry

Lieutenant Charles John Hunt – killed in action at Mehidpore – 8th November 1857

5th Bengal Light Cavalry

Lieutenant Frederick Campbell Gostling – killed in action at Nuggeenah – 21st April 1858
Aged 25. Son of W.F. Gostling, of Palace Gardens, London. Serving with the Multanee Horse.

6th Bengal Light Cavalry

Cornet Charles Mainwaring – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Memorial at All Souls Church, Cawnpore – “To the glory of God and in memory of more than a thousand Christian people, who met their deaths hard by, between 6th June & 15th July 1857. These tablets are placed in this the
Memorial Church. All Souls Cawnpore by the Government N.W.P.
2nd Light Cavalry – Major E. Vibart. Capt E.J. Seppings, Wife and Children. Capt R.U. & Mrs Jenkins. Lieut R.O. Quin. Lieut C.W. Quin. Lieut J.H. Harrison. Lieut W.J. Manderson. Lieut F.S.M Wren. Lieut M.G. Daniell. Lieut M. Balfour. Cornet W.A. Stirling. Surgn. W.R. & Mrs Boyes. Vety. Surgn. E.G. Chalwin & Wife. Ridg. Mr. D. Walsh, Wife & Children. Sergt. Major H. Cladwell. Qr. Mr. Sergt. F. & Mrs Tress. Cornet C. Mainwaring 6th L.C. Lieut A.J. Boulton, 7th L.C.”

Captain Francis Gore Willock – killed at Delhi – 21st August 1857.
Aged 28. Eldest son of Sir Henry Willock. Volunteered for service at Delhi; was attached to the Corps of Guides.
Grave at Rajpura Cemetery, Delhi –
 “Sacred to the memory of Captain Francis Gore Willock 6th Bengal Light Cavalry eldest son of Sir Henry Williock, KLS who fell a gallant volunteer at Delhi on the 21st August 1857 in the 29th year of his age.”

7th Bengal Light Cavalry

Captain Charles Wilbraham Radcliffe – wounded at Lucknow – 1st October 1857. died of wounds
Aged 36. Son of Revd. Edmund S. Radcliffe, of Walton-le-Dale, Lancashire.

Captain Charles James Salmond – killed in action near Cawnpore – 6th December 1857
Memorial at St. Andrews Church, Dacre, Cumbria – “Sacred to the memory of Charles James Salmond, Captain 7th Bengal Cavalry, eldest son of James and Emma Isabella Salmond, of Waterfoot in this parish. Born at Nottingham 11th November 1833 of conspicuous gallantry and incessantly engaged during the Indian Mutiny of 1857, present at the Battles of Agra and Cawnpore and at the relief of Lucknow under Sir Colin Campbell, by whom he was on that occasion he was honourably mentioned. Five times previously wounded he fell at Cawnpore while acting as Aide de Camp to Sir James Hope Grant KCB on the night of the victory of the 6th December 1857. His sorrowing parents erect this memorial to their beloved gallant and affectionate son.”

Captain James Stevens Shepherd – killed in action at Lucknow – 26th July 1857
Aged 24. Killed in a sortie from Lucknow. Son of John Shepherd.

Captain John Staples – murdered by mutineers at Lucknow – 10th June 1857

Lieutenant Leonard Augustus Arthur – killed in action at Lucknow – 19th July 1857
Son of the late Lieut-General Sir George Arthur, formerly Governor of Bombay.

Lieutenant Augustus Boulton – murdered by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Memorial at All Souls Church, Cawnpore – “To the glory of God and in memory of more than a thousand Christian people, who met their deaths hard by, between 6th June & 15th July 1857. These tablets are placed in this the
Memorial Church. All Souls Cawnpore by the Government N.W.P.
2nd Light Cavalry – Major E. Vibart. Capt E.J. Seppings, Wife and Children. Capt R.U. & Mrs Jenkins. Lieut R.O. Quin. Lieut C.W. Quin. Lieut J.H. Harrison. Lieut W.J. Manderson. Lieut F.S.M Wren. Lieut M.G. Daniell. Lieut M. Balfour. Cornet W.A. Stirling. Surgn. W.R. & Mrs Boyes. Vety. Surgn. E.G. Chalwin & Wife. Ridg. Mr. D. Walsh, Wife & Children. Sergt. Major H. Cladwell. Qr. Mr. Sergt. F. & Mrs Tress. Cornet C. Mainwaring 6th L.C. Lieut A.J. Boulton, 7th L.C.”

Lieutenant Norman Alexander Martin – murdered by mutineers at Lucknow – 10th June 1857
Aged 19. Son of J.R. Martin, of Grosvenor Street, London.

Cornet W.F.K. Raleigh – murdered by mutineers at Lucknow – 30th May 1857

Veterinary-Surgeon Forbes A. Hely – wounded at Lucknow – died of wounds

Riding Master James Eldridge – murdered by mutineers at Lucknow – 15th June 1857

8th Bengal Light Cavalry

Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Tudor Tucker – murdered by mutineers at Futtehgur – 8th July 1857
Aged 40. Son of Thomas (Rear Admiral, Royal Navy) and Anne Tucker, of Tenby. Husband of Louisa (she was murdered with her 4 children in the massacre at Cawnpore).

10th Bengal Light Cavalry

Veterinary Surgeon Vincent Nelson – murdered by mutineers at Ferozepore – 19th August 1857
Aged 43. Born in London. Joined the Bengal Army in 1851.
Grave at Ferozepore –
 “Sacred to the memory of Vincent Nelson Esq. Vetry Surgn late 10th B.L. Cavalry killed at the mutiny of that Regiment August 19th 1857. Erected by his brother.”

May 28, 2022

Indian Mutiny Casualties List (Royal Artillery)

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 9:14 am

Indian Mutiny 1857 – 9

ROYAL ARTILLERY :

Captain Whaley Nicoll Hardy – killed in action at Lucknow – 18th November 1857
Son of the late Colonel Edmund Hardy, Bombay Artillery.

Captain Headly (?) – killed in action at Lucknow – 25th September 1857

Captain E.A. D’Oyly – wounded by grape shot at Sassiah, died 23rd July 1857

Lieutenant Richard Moresby – killed in action at Chandaree – 11th March 1858
2/13th Battery.

ROYAL ENGINEERS :

Captain Augustus Jonathan Clerke – killed in action at Lucknow – 17th March 1857
23 Company.

Captain Glastonbury Neville – killed in action at Barodia – 31st January 1858
21 Company.

MILITARY TRAIN :

Captain Henry Mason – killed in action at Kheri – 7th October 1858

Lieutenant William Henry Dawson – killed in action at Chowbeejpore – 20th May 1858
2nd Battalion, Military Train.

NAVAL BRIGADE :

Captain Sir William Peel, KCB. – wounded at the Martiniere, 9th March 1858. died of smallpox at Cawnpore, 27th April 1858. HMS Shannon.

Mate Henry Garvey – killed in action at Lucknow – 11th March 1858. HMS Shannon.

Acting 2nd Mate John Fowler – killed in action at Amorrah – 5th March 1858. HMS Pearl.

Midshipman Martin A. Daniel – killed in action at Lucknow – 16th November 1857. HMS Shannon.

Captain of Maintop Francis Cassidy – killed in action at Lucknow – 14th November 1857

April 28, 2022

Indian Mutiny Casualties List (Infantry Regiments)

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 9:09 am

Indian Mutiny 1857 – 9

BRITISH INFANTRY REGIMENTS :

1/5th Foot – Northumberland Fusiliers

Major James Egbert Simmons – Killed in action at Lucknow – 29th September 1857
Memorial at St. James Church, Churchill, Avon – “James Egbert T. Simmons, Major 5th Fusiiliers. Killed at Lucknow 5 Sept. 1857. Aged 41.”

Captain Arthur England Johnson – wounded at Lucknow 25th September 1857. died 5th October 1857

Captain Ferdinand William L’Estrange – wounded at Lucknow 26th September 1857. died of wounds 30th October. Aged 31. Son of T.F. L’Estrange, of Lynn, Co. Westmeath.

Lieutenant William Marcon Carter – wounded at Lucknow 29th September 1857. died 18th October 1857
From Northwold, Norfolk.

Lieutenant Edwin Fell Haig – Killed in action at Lucknow – 23rd September 1857

1/8th Foot – King’s Liverpool Regiment

Lieutenant William Hext Mountsteven – Killed in action at Delhi – 9th July 1857
Aged 19. Son of Lieut-Colonel William Mountsteven (late-79th Highlanders).
Memorial at St. Petrocs Church, Dartmouth, Devon – 
“To the glory of God and in memory of William Mountsteven Ensign 8th The King’s Regt killed in action before Delhi 9th July 1857.”

Lieutenant William Waldegrave Pogson – wounded at Delhi 14th September 1857 – leg amputated died 17th September 1857
Aged 30. Joined the army in 1846. Son of the late Colonel Pogson, of Risgram House, Suffolk.

Lieutenant F.M. Vincent (?) – Killed in action at Cawnpore – 7th December 1857

Lieutenant Robert Webb – wounded at Delhi – 14th September 1857. died 15th September 1857

1/10th Foot – Lincolnshire Regiment

Captain Henry Jones Erskine – wounded at Arrah – 30th July 1857. died of wounds

Captain Charles Dunbar – killed in action at Arrah – 30th July 1857

1/13th Foot – Somerset Light Infantry

Captain Wilson Henry Jones – killed in action at Azimghur – 6th April 1858
Aged 27. Son of Wilson Jones, of Hartsheath, Flintshire.

Captain William Robert Moorsom – killed in action at Lucknow – 11th March 1858
Aged 23. Quartermaster-General of Division. Son of Capt. Moorsom, of Rochester.

1/24th Foot – South Wales Borderers

Captain Thomas Maling Greensill – accidentally killed at Delhi – 20th July 1857
Aged 29. Son of John and Eliza, of Co. Waterford.

Captain Francis Spring – killed in action at Jhelum – 7th July 1857
Aged 36. Son of Lieut-Colonel William Spring (57th Foot). Joined the army in 1840. Husband of Sara Day.
Buried at Jhelum Cemetery – 
“Sacred to the memory of Capt. Francis Spring H.M.’s 24th Regt. who died of a wound recd. in action at Jhelum against the mutineers of the 14th N.I. on the 7th July 1857 in the 36th year of his age. Deeply and sincerely regretted by his afflicted widow, brother officers and others who knew him.”

32nd Foot – Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry

Memorial in All Souls Church, Cawnpore – “In memory of the following Officers of the Thirty-second Cornwall Regiment Light Infantry who with Four Hundred and Forty Eight Non Commissioned Officers and Private Soldiers were killed or died in the discharge of their duty during the …. of Lucknow and Cawnpore, and the subsequent Campaign against the Mutineers in the year of our lord 1857. Colonel C.A.F.H. Berkeley, C.B.  Lieut Colonel W. Case. Captains, C. Stevens, J. Moore, J.W. Mansfield, W. Power, B.M. Cabe, Lieuts. E. de L. Joly, J.D. Thomson, F. Wainwright, P.C. Webb, J. Brackenbury, E.C. Hill, W.H. Studdy J.W. Charlton. Also in memory of Mrs Moore, Mrs Wainwright, Miss Wainwright, Mrs Hill, 43 Soldiers Wives and 55 Children of the same Regiment Murdered at Cawnpore in June of the same fatal year. The monument is erected by friends and comrades in token of affection and sorrow.”

Memorial at the Residency, Lucknow – “To commemorate the gallant part taken by H.M. 32nd Foot in the herioc defence of The Residency in 1857 also to the memory of the Officers, Non-commissioned officers, men, women and children of the Regiment who perished here and at Cawnpore.”

Major William Case – killed in action at Chinut – 30th June 1857

Captain Edmond De le Jolly – wounded 26th September 1857. died 29th September 1857

Captain Bernard McCabe – wounded 26th September 1857. died 1st October 1857

Captain James Mansfield – wounded 13th September 1857. died same day.

Captain John Moore – murdered in the Cawnpore Massacre – 27th June 1857

Captain William Power – died of wounds 10th August 1857
Only son of George Power, of Cheltenham.

Captain Charles Steevens – killed in action at Chinut – 30th June 1857
Aged 39. Brother of Lieutenant-Colonel George Steevens, 20th Foot.
Memorial in St. Mary’s Church, Cheltenham – 
“Also of Captain Charles Steevens, HM 32nd Regiment (brother of the above) who was killed in a sortie against the mutineers at Lucknow, Bengal  June 30th 1857, aged 39.”

Lieutenant Joseph Brackenbury – killed in action at Chinut – 30th June 1857
Aged 25. Son of Revd. Joseph Brackenbury, Chaplain of the Magdelen Hospital.

Lieutenant Evelyn Charles Hill – murdered in the Cawnpore Massacre – 27th June 1857
Son of George Hill, late of Calcutta.

Lieutenant William Humphrey Studdy – died of wounds – 9th August 1857
Aged 19. Son of Major J.B. Studdy, late Bengal Cavalry.

Lieutenant James Dugald Thomson – killed in action at Chinut – 30th June 1857
Son of Lt-General Alexander Thomson, CB, of Salruck, Co. Galway.

Lieutenant Frederick Wainwright – murdered in the Cawnpore Massacre – 27th June 1857

Lieutenant Pelham Caryer Webb – killed in action – 26th September 1857
Aged 26. Son of George Webb, of Leicester.

34th Foot – 1st Border Regiment

Memorial in All Souls Church, Cawnpore – “Sacred to the memory of Lieutenant Edward Jordan killed in action. Ensign Theophilus G.B. Applegate died of wounds. Ensign Lyndon J. Grier. Cr. Sergeant Charles Feddon. Sergeant Patrick Jones. Corporal James Stock. Corporal William Clarke. One drummer and Twenty Four Privates all of Her Majesty’s XXXIV or Cumberland Regiment who were killed in action or died of wounds received at Cawnpore on the 28th November 1857. This tablet is erected by the officers of the Regiment to mark their esteem and regard for their late youthful and gallant brother officers and to record the sincere sorrow expressed by all ranks at thier early deaths also as a tribute of respect and admiration to the bravery and devotion of their late Comrades, the Non Commissioned Officers Drummers and Private soldiers who fell upon the same occasion.”

Lieutenant Edward Jordan – killed in action at Cawnpore – 28th November 1857
Aged 21. Son of Revd. Gibbes Walker Jordan, of Waterstock, Oxon.

Ensign Theodore G. Applegate – wounded at Cawnpore, 28th November 1857. died of wounds

Ensign Arthur Gilley – died of accidental wounds – 18th October 1857

Ensign Lyndon John Grier – wounded at Cawnpore 28th November 1857. Died 29th November
Aged 19. Son of Revd. John W. Grier, of Amblecote, Stourbridge.

Ensign Henry Lampden – wounded at Cawnpore, 28th November 1857. died of wounds

35th Foot – 1st Royal Sussex Regiment

Captain Arthur J. Le Grand – killed in action at Judgispore – 23rd April 1858

Lieutenant William Glynne Massey – killed in action at Judgispore – 23rd April 1858

Assistant-Surgeon William George Clarke – killed in action at Judgispore – 23rd April 1858
Born 4th February 1828 at Ballymena, Co. Antrim.

37th Foot – 1st Royal Hampshire Regiment

Captain Louis Henry Bedford – killed in action at Azimghur – 15th April 1858
Aged 38.

Lieutenant George Bagenall – killed in action at Arrah – 30th July 1857

Lieutenant Edward Birkett – killed in action at Arrah – 30th July 1857
Aged 21. Son of the late Revd. James Birkett, Ovingham, Northumberland.

Ensign Edwin Stephen Sale – killed in action at Arrah – 30th July 1857
Son of John S. Sale, of Rugby.

42nd Foot – 1st Royal Highland Regiment

Captain William Lawson – died of wounds – 19th August 1858

Lieutenant Alfred Jennings Bramly – killed in action at Rooya – 15th April 1858
Aged 22. Son of Revd. Thomas Jennings Bramly, of Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

Lieutenant Charles Douglas – wounded at Rooya, 15th April 1858. died of wounds 17th April 1858

52nd Foot – 2nd Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry

Lieutenant James Hill Bradshaw – killed in action at Delhi – 14th September 1857
Aged 20.

Lieutenant Thomas Robinson Gibbons – killed in action at Cawnpore – 28th November 1857
Aged 26. Served in Burma (1852).

Captain William Robert Moorsom – killed in action at Lucknow – 11th March 1858
Aged 23. Son of Captain William Moorsom (late-52nd Foot). Joined the army in 1852.
Memorial at Harrow School, Harrow – 
“In loving memory of William Robert Moorsom, Harrow School 1847-51, 52nd Light Infantry 1852-8 on Staff of the Armies Havelock & Outram during the Indian Mutiny. He was twice wounded, 12 times mentioned in despatches, thanked by the Government of India & promoted to Capt. on 5 May 1858 six days later giving his life for his Queen at the capture of Lucknow in his 24 year.”

53rd Foot – 1st King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Powell, CB – killed in action at Kujwa – 1st November 1857

Lieutenant Frederick Brockhurst – shot in abdomen at Meangunge 23rd February 1858. died of wounds 13th April 1858. Aged 25. Son of Revd. J. Sumner Brockhurst, of Sandown, Isle of Wight.

1/60th Foot – 1st King’s Royal Rifle Corps

Captain Francis Andrews – killed in action at Ghazee-od-deen Nuggur – 30th May 1857
Memorial at Meerut – “Erected by the 60th Rifles in memory of Captain F. Andrews ….  who were killed near this spot in action with the mutineers of the Bengal Army on the 30th and 31st May 1857.”

Ensign William Henry Napier – wounded at Ghazee-od-deen Nuggur, 30th May 1857. died of wounds at Meerut, 4th June
Aged 21. Son of Major-General Johnstone Napier (Madras Army). Born in Paris. Joined the army in 1855.
Memorial at Meerut – “Erected by the 60th Rifles in memory of …. also of Ensign W.H. Napier, who was wounded on the 31st May and died at Meerut on the 4th June 1857.”

Ensign Everard Aloysius Lisle Phillips, VC – killed in action at Bank House, Delhi – 16th September 1857 Aged 22. Son of Ambrose Phillips, of Leicestershire. Joined the Bengal Army in 1854. Won the VC for actions during the siege of Delhi.
Buried at Rajpura Cemetery, Delhi – 
“E.A.L. Phillips Esqr. Ens. H.M. 60th Rifles killed at the siege of Delhi. 17th Sept. 1857, aged 21 yrs. R.I.P. erected by his brother officer H. Le C.M.”

61st Foot – South Gloucestershire Regiment

Lieutenant Thomas Gabett – killed in action at Nujuffghur – 25th August 1857
Aged 27. Son of John, of Co. Clare. Served in the Punjab (1848).
Memorial at Delhi – 
“Sacred to the memory of Captain W. A. Dely H.M. 61st regt. died of cholera Oct. 1st 1857 aged 47 years. Lt. T. Gabbett H.M. 61st regt. killed in action at Nujuffgurh August 26th 1857 aged 27 years Lt. G. S. Tyler H.M. 61st regt. died of cholera in camp before Delhi Sept. 5th 1857 aged 31 years Lt. S.B. Elkington H.M. 61st regt mortally wounded in action at Nujuffgurh and died Sept. 1857 aged 21 years, sincerely regretted by their brother officers by whom this tablet is erected.”

Ensign Samuel Bucknall Elkington – wounded at Nujuffghur, 25th August 1857. died 7th September 1857 Aged 20. Memorial above. Son of Dr. Elkington, of Birmingham.

64th Foot – 1st North Staffordshire Regiment

Lieutenant-Colonel Nicholas Wilson – killed in action at Cawnpore – 28th November 1857
Aged 62. Born 31 March 1795, at Sledagh, Co. Wexford, Ireland. Husband of Anne Holcombe. Served as a Brigadier General.

Major Thomas Stirling – killed in action at Cawnpore – 28th November 1857

Captain Richard Charles McCrae – killed in action at Cawnpore – 28th November 1857

Captain William Fletcher Morphy – killed in action at Cawnpore – 28th November 1857
Aged 32. Son of late Captain James Morphy, 70th Foot.

Lieutenant Rowland Bateman – killed in action at Lucknow – 25th September 1857

Lieutenant A. McKinnon – killed in action at Cawnpore – 28th November 1857

71st Foot – 1st Highland Light Infantry

Lieutenant Wyndham Neave – killed in action at Morar – 16th June 1858
Grave at the Christian Cemetery, Gwalior – “Sacred to the memory of Lieutenant Wyndham Neave 71st Highland Light Infantry who was killed in action at Moror Gwalior on 16th June 1858 Aged 23 years and 7 months. This monument is erected by his brother officers.”

75th Foot – 1st Gordon Highlanders

Captain Alexander Chancellor – wounded Delhi, 13th September 1857. Died Kasauli – 4th October 1857
Aged 30. Son of Alexander, of Lanark.
Buried at No.4 Cemetery, Kasauli – 
“Sacred to the memory of Alexander Chancellor Esqr. late Captain in Her Majesty’s 75th Regiment, fourth son of the late Alexr. Chancellor Esqr. of Shuldhill Lanarkshire. Born 29th March 1857. This brave and devoted soldier departed this life at Kussowlee on the fourth day of October 1857. He died from wounds received in action before Delhi, against the Mutineers of India on the 13th Sept. 1857, the night previous to the successful assault by the victorious British Forces. His life was exposed to danger and hardship trial and privation cheerfully endured in a good cause from the 8th June 1857 when the memorable battle of Budle-ki-serai was fought and won to the day of his death.”

Captain Edward William Knox – killed in action at Delhi – 12th June 1857
Aged 37. Son of John and Maria, of Co. Mayo. Joined the Army in 1839. Husband of Charlotte Gardiner. Ref. The Times 28-8-57: ‘before Delhi, while gallantly leading his picket to repel the assault of the rebel army on The Tower Battery, he was shot through the head.’

Captain McDonald – killed in action – 11th March 1858

Lieutenant Edward Villiers Briscoe – killed in action at Delhi – 18th September 1857
Third son of the late Capt. Henry Briscoe, RE.

Lieutenant William Crozier – killed in action at Delhi – 18th July 1857

Lieutenant George Charles Norris Faithfull – wounded at Delhi 14th July 1857. died of wounds at Ambala – 31st October 1857
Buried at Ambala Cemetery – “Sacred to the memory of Lieut. G.C.N. Faithfull H.M.s 75th Regiment. A soldier zealous and true counting his life as nothing so he but discharged his duty to his Country. He died at Umballa Oct. 31st 1857. Aged 26.”

Lieutenant John Richard Sherlock Fitzgerald – killed in action at Delhi – 14th September 1857
Aged 29.

Lieutenant Alfred Harrison – killed in action at Badli-ke-Serai – 8th June 1857
Aged 27.

78th Foot – 2nd Seaforth Highlanders

Captain Robert Bogle – wounded at Lucknow, 26th September 1857. died 19th November 1857

Captain John Fowden Haliburton – wounded at Lucknow, 4th October 1857. died 5th October 1857

Lieutenant Montagu Alexander Kirby – died of wounds – 25th September 1857

Lieutenant John Swanson – wounded at Lucknow, 25th September 1857. died 2nd October 1857
Aged 22. Son of Colonel Swanson, Bombay Army.

Lieutenant Joseph Webster – killed in action at Lucknow – 25th September 1857

81st Foot – 2nd The Loyal Regiment

Lieutenant Rothes Hastings Neville – murdered at Pak-Pulton, on the Sutlej – 5th October 1857
Aged 25. He was on his way to Bombay to be married when he was killed by mutineers.

82nd Foot – 2nd South Lancashire Regiment

Memorial at All Souls Church, Cawnpore – “Sacred to the memory of Captain John Gordon. Lieut. Arthur Platt Hensley H.M. 82nd Regt. who fell in the defence of Cawnpore in November 1857 also of Ensign William Temple Thompson H.M. 82nd Regt. who was killed at the second relief of Lucknow on the 18th November 1857. This tablet is erected by their brother officers.”

Captain John Gordon – died of wounds at Cawnpore – 8th January 1858
Aged 27. Son of Capt. Robert Gordon, late 45th Foot.
Memorial in Farnham Parish Church – 
“Capt. John Gordon 82nd Regiment wounded 28 Nov. 1857 at Cawnpore died of his wound 08 Jan. 58 born at Ashridge House, Aldershot, on 14th March 1830.”

Lieutenant Cecil J. East – killed in action at Cawnpore – 26th November 1857

Lieutenant Arthur Platt Hensley – killed in action at Cawnpore – 29th November 1857

Ensign William Temple Thompson – killed in action at Lucknow – 18th November 1857
Aged 21. Son of J. Thompson, Sherwood Hall, Notts.

83rd Foot – 1st Royal Ulster Rifles

Captain Samuel Read – killed in action at Jeerum – 23rd October 1857

84th Foot – 2nd York & Lancaster Regiment

Memorial at the Residency, Lucknow – “To the memory of Lieut. Col. C. Seymour. Capt. E. Currie. Capt. R. Pakenham. Lieut. B. Sandwith. Lieut. F. Saunders. Lieut. H. Ayton. Lieut. P. Chute. Lieut. A. Gibaut. Lieut. W. Poole. Lieut. R. Maybury. Ensign H. Kenny. Paymaster G. Eddy. Qr.Master H. Donelan of the 84th York and Lancaster Regiment who were killed, died of their wounds, or of disease during the Indian Mutiny campaign nobly performing their duty. To behold the devotion, gallantry and true discipline displayed by the above at all times and on all occasions this monument is erected by the officers of the Regt.”

Captain Eugene Currie – died of wounds at Cawnpore –
Son of Claude Currie, Physician-General, Madras. His brother, Lt. Richard Currie, Bengal Artillery also died in the Mutiny.

Captain Robert Maxwell Packenham – killed in action at Lucknow – 25th September 1857
Aged 22. Fourth son the late Lieut-General Sir Hercules Packenham. His older brother, Lt-Col. Edward, Coldstream Guards, was killed at Inkermann in the Crimean War.

Lieutenant H.A.W. Ayton – wounded at Lucknow, 16th November 1857. died of wounds 29th November 1857. Son of Surgeon Robert Ayton, late 34th Foot. Lost his arm when wounded.

Lieutenant J.J. Nunn (?) – killed in action at Lucknow – 29th September 1857

Lieutenant William Poole – wounded at Lucknow, 25th September 1857. died of wounds

Lieutenant Benjamin Sandwith – killed in action – 22nd November 1857

Lieutenant Frederick John Saunders – murdered in the Cawnpore Massacre – 27th June 1857
Aged 31. Son of Lt-Col. R. Saunders. Ref. The Times (11-11-57) ‘when brought before that miscreant the Raja Nana Sahib, he pulled out his revolver, shot dead 5 of the guard and missed the Raja with the 6th round.’

86th Foot – 2nd Royal Irish Regiment

Surgeon Thomas Stack – killed in action at Jhansi – 3rd April 1858
Born 19th September 1818. MD at Glasgow, 1843. (Obituary Fermanagh Times 28 August 1902) – “Dr. Stack of the 86th Regiment referred to above as having been killed, was the brother of the present day Bishop of Clogher. He was the surgeon of the regiment, a man of great height, powerful physique and a brave soldier.”

87th Foot – 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers

Lieutenant John Wall – killed in action at Lucknow – 14th March 1858

88th Foot – 1st Connaught Rangers

Captain Henry Hooper Day – killed in action at Cawnpore – 26th November 1857
Ref. The Times: ‘He was previously wounded in the arm, but refused to retire and continued gallantly leading his men, when he fell shot through the head.’ Son of D.J. Day, of Rochester.
Memorial at Memorial Church at Cawnpore – 
“In memory of the Undermentioned officers of the Connaught Rangers. Capt. H.H. Day, killed in action at Pandoo Nuddee, 26 Novr, 1857, aged 20 years.”

Captain John Evans – wounded at Cawnpore – 27th November 1857. died of wounds 5th October 1861
Memorial at Chagford church, Devonshire – “Dedicated to the memory of Captain John Evans late 88th Regiment Connaught Rangers, in which regiment he served in the Crimea during the war with Russia, and was present at the seige of Sebastopol attack on the quarries 7th June and Redan 18th June, 1855 and although badly wounded in the trenches 8th August, he continued with his regiment to India as adjutant, and was severely wounded in action with the mutineers of the Indian Army at Cawnople on the 27th November, 1857, from the effect of which he died at Babbicombe on the 5th October, 1861 at the early age of 23 years and was buried in the churchyard of the parish of St. Mary church in this county. This monument is erected as a tribute of affectionate regret to his memory by his maternal grand uncle E.S. Baily, Esq. of Whiddon Park, in this parish.”

Ensign Fitzgerald Massy Mitchell – wounded at Cawnpore, 26th November 1857. died of wounds 7th December 1857
Memorial at Memorial Church at Cawnpore – “In memory of the Undermentioned officers of the Connaught Rangers… Ensign F.M. Mitchell, died at Cawapore, 7 Decr, 1857, of wounds received in action at Pandoo Nuddee, 26 Novr, aged 36 yrs.”

90th Foot – 2nd Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)

Memorial at the Residency, Lucknow – “Erected by the officers of H.M. 90 Light Infantry in memory of their comrades who fell during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 & 1858 and as a tribute to their gallantry. Colonel Robert P. Campbell C.B. died of his wounds at Lucknow 12th November 1857. Major Roger Barnston died of his wounds at Cawnpore 23rd December 1857. Brevet Major James Perrin died of his wounds at Alumbagh 30th September 1857.
Captain Harry Denison died of his wounds at Lucknow 29th October 1857. Lieutenant Nicol Graham killed in action at Alumbagh 23rd Sept 1857. Lieutenant John Joshua Nunn killed in action at Alumbagh 24th Sept 1857. Lieutenant Arthur Moultrie killed in action at Lucknow 26th September 1857. Lieutenant W H L Carleton died of small pox at Lucknow 10th April 1858. Lieutenant R G Synce died of consumption at Lucknow 8th September 1858. Lieutenant N Preston died of his wounds at Alumbagh 27th September 1857. Ensign Arthur Chute died of dyssentry at Calcutta 23rd February 1858. Ensign Hugh Gordon died of coup de soleil at Lucknow 28th May 1858. Assistant Surgeon R Nelson died of fever 18th August 1857. Also to the memory of 271 non-commissioned officers and privates of the Regiment who fell in the gallant performance of their duty at the Relief the Defence and the Capture of Lucknow and during the subsequent campaign in Oudh.”

Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Parker Campbell – wounded at Lucknow, 26 August 1857. died of wounds

Major Roger Barnston, CB – wounded at Shah Najaf, 16 November 1857. died of wounds 23 December
Aged 31. Son of the late Roger Harry Barnston, of Crewe Hall, Chester.
Memorial on Chester Road, north of Farndon, Cheshire – 
“Erected in memory of Roger Barnston Esq’re of Crew Hill, Major and Brevet Lieu’t Colonel of Her Majesty’s 90th Light Infantry, CB and Knight of the Legion of Honor and of the Order of the Madjidie; By his tenants and friends. He served in the Crimean War from the 5th December 1854; and was present at the siege and fall of Sebastopol; and also in the Indian Mutiny Campaign in 1857 in which he received a severe wound whilst gallantly leading an assault at the relief of Lucknow on the 16th November 1857, from the effects of which he died at Cawnpore on the 23rd December 1857, aged 31 years, and was interred in the Military Cemetery at that station.”

Captain Harry Dension – wounded at Lucknow, 6th October 1857. right arm amputated. died 29th October 1857.

Captain James Perrin – wounded at Lucknow, 27th September 1857. died of wounds

Lieutenant Nicol Grahame – killed in action at Lucknow – 23rd September 1857
Son of Major Duncan Grahame (6th Foot) and Mary Love, from Ardrossan, Ayrshire. Letters

Lieutenant Arthur Austen Moultrie – wounded at Lucknow – 25th September 1857. died 26th September.
Son of George A. Moultrie, of Aston Hall, Shrosphire.

Lieutenant John Joshua Nunn – killed in action at Lucknow – 24th September 1857

Lieutenant Moyes Preston – wounded at Lucknow, 25th September 1857. died of wounds
Aged 20. Son of Revd. W.M.S. Preston, of Warcop Hall, Westmorland. His brother, Capt. Henry Preston, 90th Foot was killed in the Crimean War.

93rd Foot – 2nd Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders

Lieutenant-Colonel Adrian Hope – killed in action at Rooya – 15th April 1858
(with Staff) Aged 37. Son of General John Hope, Earl of Hopetoun.

Captain James Dalzell – killed in action at Secundra Bagh – 16th November 1857

Captain J. Lumsden – killed in action at Lucknow – 17th November 1857

Captain Charles William McDonald – killed in the assault on Begum’s Palace – 11th March 1858
Aged 22. Son of Lt-General Sir John McDonald, KCB, of Dalchosnie, Pertshire.

Lieutenant Charles Warden Sergison – killed in the assault on Begum’s Palace – 11th March 1858
Aged 23. Son of Revd. W. Sergison, rector of Slaugham, Sussex.

Lieutenant H.C. Sterling – died of wounds – 12th December 1857

95th Foot – 2nd Sherwood Foresters

Captain Evelyn Bazalgette – killed in action at Kotah – 1st April 1858
Aged 22. Son of Colonel Bazalgette, of Regents Park, London. Served in the Crimea, wounded carrying the Colour at the Battle of the Alma. Killed when a magazine was exploded by mutineers. Ref. The Times 26-5-58: ‘His remains were borne to the grave by his companions in arms, covered by the regimental colour with which he had son nobly distinguished himself, and which still bears the marks of his blood, shed in his country’s cause.’

Lieutenant Alexander Fawcett – killed in action at Beejapore – 5th September 1858

97th Foot – 2nd Royal West Kent Regiment

Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Onslow Winnington Ingram – killed in action at Lucknow – 14th March 1858
Aged 41. Son of the late Revd. Edward Winnington Ingram, of Ribbesford, Worcestershire and canon of Worcester Cathedral.

Lieutenant Percy Charles Smyth – died of wounds – 4th March 1858
Aged 21. Son of the late Henry Mitchell Smyth, of Castle Widenham, Cork.

2nd Bn. Rifle Brigade

Major Charles John Woodford – killed in action at Cawnpore – 28th November 1857
Aged 34, son of General Sir Alexander Woodford.
Memorial at All Souls Church, Cawpore – 
“Sacred to the memory of Major C.J. Woodford 2nd Batt Rifle Brigade
killed in action before Cawnpore Nov. 28th 1857. This stone was erected to his memory by his brother officers.”

Captain William Frederick Thynne – killed in action at Lucknow – 11th March 1858

Lieutenant Henry Alexander Scriven – killed in the storming of Nonadee – 20th October 1858

Ensign Lovick Emelius Cooper – wounded at Lucknow, 11th March 1858. died at Dilkoosha 19th March 1858 Aged 20. Son of Revd. Lovick Cooper, vicar of Epingham, Rutland.

March 28, 2022

Indian Mutiny Casualties List (Cavalry Regiments)

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 9:04 am

Indian Mutiny 1857 – 9

BRITISH CAVALRY REGIMENTS :

2nd DRAGOON GUARDS
 (The Queen’s)

Major John Percy Smith – Killed in action at Nusseraspoie – 6th March 1858


6th DRAGOON GUARDS
 (Carabineers)

Captain George Wardlaw – Killed in action at Gungeree – 14th December 1857

Aged 28. Son of the late Lieut-General Wardlaw, 55th Foot.

Captain German Wheatcroft – Killed in action at Lucknow – 15th November 1857

(att. to the Military Train) Son of David Wheatcroft, of Wingfield Park, Derbyshire.
Memorial at Sedbergh School, Sedbergh, Cumbria – “To the memory of Captain German Wheatcroft of the Inniskilling Dragoons and the 6th Dragoon Guards who charged with the Heavy Brigade at Balaclava and, having offered his services during the Indian Mutiny, was killed at Lucknow on the 14th November 1857 while gallantly leading a squadron of the 9th Lancers.”

Lieutenant John Hudson – Killed in action at Gungeree – 14th December 1857
Aged 25. Son of George Hudson, M.P.

Lieutenant Sydney Vyse – Killed in action at Gungeree – 14th December 1857
Aged 23. Son of Richard Vyse, of Holly Lodge, Luton.

Assistant-Surgeon Stewart Moore – wounded at Hindun River – 31st May 1857. died 2nd June.
Aged 29. Born 11th November 1828 at Tyrone, Ireland. Served in the Crimea 1854 (medal and 3 bars) .
Grave at Meerut – “Sacred to the memory of Stewart Moore, Esq. Assistant-Surgeon H.M’s 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabineers), who died at Meerut. on the 2nd June 1857, of wounds received in action with the mutineers at Ghazi-ud-din Nagar, on the 31st May 1857, aged 26 year. This tomb was erected by his brother officers.”

7th HUSSARS (Queen’s Own)

Cornet William George Hawtrey Bankes – wounded at Musa Bagh, 19th March 1858. Right arm and leg amputated. Died 6th April 1858. Aged 21. Son of George Bankes.

8th HUSSARS (King’s Royal Irish)

Lieutenant John Reilly – Killed in action at Gwalior – 17th June 1858

9th LANCERS (The Queen’s Royal)

Captain Robert Abercromby Yule – Killed in action at Delhi – 19th June 1857.
Served Ghuzni 1839 (16th Light Dragoons – medal), Sutlej 1845 (medal and bar), 9th Lancers in 1847, Punjab 1848 (medal and 2 bars). Married Margaret Rodgers at Edinburgh, 9th November 1841.

Captain Lucius John French – Killed in action at Agra – 10th October 1857

Captain Thomas Hutchinson – wounded at Lucknow, 19th March 1858. Died 21st March.

14th LIGHT DRAGOONS (The King’s)

Lieutenant Leonard Redmayne – Killed in action at Mundisore – 23rd November 1857

February 28, 2022

Indian Mutiny Casualties List (Staff Officers)

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 9:00 am

Indian Mutiny 1857 – 9

STAFF OFFICERS

Major-General Nicholas Penny, CB – Killed in action at Kukerowlee – 30th April 1858. Aged 69. Son of Robert and Catherine Penny, of Weymouth, Dorset. Joined the Bengal Army in 1806. Husband of Louisa Gerard. Grave at Meerut – “Sacred to the memory of Major General N. Penny, CB. Commanding the Meerut Division. Born at Weymouth, Dorsetshire on the 12th March 1790, Killed at the head of his column in a skirmish with the enemy near the village of Kukerowlee, in Rolilcund, on the morning of the 30th April 1858 after a service of 51 years. His precious remains were brought to Meerut through the kind exertions of Captain E.J. Simpson Asst Commy Gen.”

Major-General Sir Hugh Wheeler – Killed by mutineers at Cawnpore – 27th June 1857
Memorial at All Souls Church, Cawnpore – “To the glory of God and in memory of more than a thousand Christian people, who met their deaths hard by, between 6th June & 15th July 1857. These tablets are placed in this the
Memorial Church. All Souls Cawnpore by the Government N.W.P.
Staff. Major Genl. Sir H. Wheeler K.C.B. Lady Wheeler & daughters. Lieut G.R. Wheeler 1st N.I. A.D.C. Lieut Col. E. Wiggens 52nd N.I. D.J.A.G. Mrs Wiggens. Major W. Lindsay A.A.G. Mrs Lindsay & Daughters. Ensign C. and Mrs Lindsay. Brigadier General Jack C.B. Mr Jack. Capt. Sir G. Parker 74th N.I. Cant. Magistr. Capt Williamson 71st N.I. D.A.C.G. Mrs Williamson & Child.”

Brigadier General Sir Henry Montgomery Lawrence, KCB. – wounded at Lucknow – 2nd July 1857. Died 4th July. Aged 51. Son of Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Lawrence (77th Foot) and Catherine. Born in Matura, Ceylon, 28th June 1805. Joined the Bengal Artillery in 1821. Husband of Honoria Marshall.
Grave at the Residency, Lucknow – “Here lies Henry Lawrence who tried to do his duty. May the Lord have mercy on his soul. Born 28th June 1806 Died 4th July 1857.”
Tablet in Holy Trinity Church, Lawrence Military Assylum – “Sacred to the memory of Sir Henry Montgomery Lawrence, KCB. Brigadier General, Chief Commissioner in Oudh. He commanded the Garrison of Lucknow at the outbreak of the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857; was wounded by a shell on the 2nd and died on the 4th day of July 1857. Aged 52 years. This Institution which he originated, and to which he contributed 87,000 Rupees is his best monument.”
Memorial in St. Paul’s Cathedral, Calcutta – “In memory of the great and good Sir Henry Montgomery Lawrence K.C.B. Christian statesman, philanthropist and soldier who in the Punjab, Rajputana and Oudh taught how kindly subject races should be ruled who first in India, founded hill asylums for British soldiers children and who fell in the memorable defence of Lucknow 4th July 1857 beloved and mourned by natives and Europeans.”

Brigadier-General James George Smith Neil – Killed in action at Lucknow – 25th September 1857. Shot in the head at Khas Bazaar. 1st Madras Fusiliers.
Memorial at the Residency, Lucknow – “Sacred to the memory of Brigadier General J.G.S. Neill A.D.C. to the Queen. Col J.L. Stephenson c.o. Major S.G.C. Renaud Lieut. W.G. Groom. Lieut N.H. Arnold. Lieut A.A. Richardson. Lieut J.A. Chisholm Liuet F. Dobbs 352 non-commissioned officers, drummers and rank and file of the First Madras Fusiliers who fell during the supression of the rebellion in Bengal 1857-58.”

Brigadier-General John Nicholson – wounded at Delhi -14th September 1857. Died 23rd September. Aged 34. Son of Dr. Alexander Nicholson and Clara, of Dublin. Joined the Bengal Army in 1839. Served in the Punjab (1848). He was buried at the Cashmere Gate Cemetery, Delhi – “The grave of Brigadier General John Nicholson, who led the assault on Delhi; but fell in the hour of victory, mortally wounded, and died 23rd September 1857; aged 35.’

Brigadier Isaac Henley Handscombe – murdered by mutineers at Lucknow – 30th May 1857. Aged 52. Born in Buckingham. Son of Isaac and Anne Handscombe. Served in Burma War (1825), Ghuzni (1839), Kabul (1842), Sutlej War, Burma (1853). Tablet in St. Mary Magdalenes Church, Lahore Cantonment – ‘Sacred to the memory of Brigadier Isaac Handscombe, Bt. Major Robert Spencer and Sergeant Major John Potter who were barbarously murdered by the mutineers when nobly attempting to recall their men to their duty, the first fell at Lucknow on the 31st May and the two last at Meean Meer on the 30th July 1857.’

Brigadier-General Nicholas Wilson – Killed in action at Cawnpore – 28th November 1857. Aged 62. Born 31 March 1795, at Sledagh, Co. Wexford, Ireland. Husband of Anne Holcombe. Lieutenant-Colonel 64th Foot.

Colonel Charles Chester – Killed in action at Badli-ke-Serai – 8th June 1857. Aged 53. Son of Sir Robert Chester and Eliza. Born in Suffolk. Served in Burma (1825), Punjab (1848). Husband of Margaret Mundy. He was buried at Rajpura Cemetery, Delhi – ‘To the memory of Colonel Chester Adjutant General of the army, who fell mortally wounded at the battle of Badlee Suraie. This monument is erected by his brother officers of the General Staff in token of their affectionate regard and esteem. his remains were here interred on the 8th June 1857.’

Lieutenant-Colonel George Biddulph – Killed in action at Lucknow – 16th November 1857. Aged 46. Son of Rev. John and Sophia Biddulph, of Frankton, Warwickshire.

Brevet-Major W.P. Jenkins – Killed in action at Kuttunge – 14th November 1857

Captain Neville – Killed in action at Barodia – 31st January 1858

Lieutenant John Wall – Killed in action at Lucknow – 14th March 1858

February 3, 2022

Tourism Industry Sidelined in Union Budget – Prateek Hira speaks to The Pioneer

Filed under: News — admins @ 9:11 am

Uttar Pradesh Chairman of IATO and FICCI’s Tourism Committee, Prateek Hira, said the tourism industry was once again sidelined in the Union budget as no direct benefit was passed on to it, in spite of the fact that this was the most ailing of all sectors due to the pandemic.
Hira added, “The extension of ECLGS through 2023 is a welcome step and allocation of additional Rs 50,000 crore dedicated to tourism would bring in some relief for the industry.”Prateek Hira is quite upbeat about the announcements regarding multi modal transport for convenient travel, introduction of new Vande Bharat trains and detailed projects of five river systems.

In addition to that, the eight ropeways and integrated connectivity between train stations and expansion of 25,000 kilometres of highways in the country is a thrust on creating a tourism ecosystem for the long term growth of tourism in India, he feels. E-passport by 2023 would
be a step that would place India among the developed nations and create a seamless foreign travel for Indians, Hira said, adding that this
would also enhance the credibility of the Indian passports. “The renewed thrust on the development of infrastructure in the North-East given in this budget will also boost tourism in this highly potential region that has been neglected for quite some time,” he said.

Hira added: “As a business person we have to be greedy and always wanting more from the budget so it is justified to say that we were expecting much more, at least in direct benefits which we did not get”.

 

February 1, 2022

Defining luxurious tourism (TravTalk 1st Feb Issue)- Prateek Hira at Dubi Expo

Filed under: News — admins @ 11:18 am

TravTalk 1st February 2022 issue carries a report on Prateek Hira’s address on ‘Luxury Tourism in India’  at Dubai Expo….


Defining luxurious tourism

India has a lot to offer as tourism destination with its rich heritage, culture and tradition. The country has also evolved into a luxury travel destination that is globally recognised.

TravTalk-1st Feb IssueIn the past decade, India has evolved as a tourism destination and the transformation continues in the form of luxury travel. Historical palaces, forts and boutique hotels in the country are full of stories and offer unique experience for guests, and adding to this is the luxury travel.

Speaking at the India Pavilion at Expo2020 Dubai about luxury tourism in India, Prateek Hira, President and CEO – Tornos, and Director, River Rhapsody, said, “In the past, luxury travel was understood to mean opulence, ultra-comfort and high-end services, but the definition has evolved. Authenticity and meaningful journeys are now at the heart of luxury travel.”

He added, “There was a time when there was a scarcity in India and in many other places, but not so now. Getting a deeper understanding of and immersion into local cultures are the main benefits of luxury travel. People like to travel, participate and learn, and that’s what luxury travel has become. Due to the increase in purchasing power and evolving lifestyles of consumers, what was considered a luxury yesterday has become a necessity today for most of us, a necessity for travel, and is available in abundance in this market.”

India has some of the best luxury properties for experiencing opulence and luxury stays.Homegrown brands such as Taj, Oberoi and Lalit have established themselves in the luxury conscious market. Globally, the market has fairly realised the potential India has in luxury. “India is a country where every 50 miles the history, the language, the culture, the cuisine and the crafts change, and each of them offers something unique. Today, luxury travel is about understanding the destination and being able to access places that are not as touristy or not readily available to mass tourists,” Hira said.


Full magazine available to download as PDF on : http://travtalkindia.com/pdf/2022/TTFeb1st22.pdf

 

 

 

January 28, 2022

Indian Mutiny Event Dateline

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 8:39 am

Important Events 1857 – 1858 – 1859 – 1860

1857

22 January
The sepoys at Dumdum become uneasy about the new cartridges.
January- March
Unrest among the sepoys on the greased cartridge question; outbreaks at Berhampore and Barrackpore, the chapaties pass from village to village.
24 April
Meerut 3rd Light Cavalry; rebellious conduct followed by court-martial.
10 May
Meerut 3rd Light Cavalry, 11th N.I. revolt. Rebels kill officers and other Europeans and burn bungalows, set off for Delhi.
11 May
Rebels arrive Delhi; proclaim Bahadur Shah Zafar as Emperor, murder Europeans, Delhi troops, 5th Light Fd Battery Foot Artillery, 3rd Bn 2nd company,38th N.I. and 54th N.I. all Revolt. Magazine blown up by Lt. Willought by and handful of British, European survivors retreat first to Flagstaff Tower, and then Karnal. Delhi and surrounding area in the control of the rebels.
20 May
At Aligarh a portion of the 9th N.I revolt, followed at Mainpuri and Bulandshahr on the 22nd and Etawa on 23rd, by the remainder of the regiment.
30 May
Revolt at Lucknow, 7th Light Cavalry, and (portion of ) the 13th N.I., 48th N.I. amd 71st N.I. Outbreak at Mathura; rebels march to Delhi. Battle of the Hindun River.
31 May
Bareilly, 18th N.I. , 68th N.I. , 15th Light Fd Battery, and 8th lrreg,Cavalry revolt. Khan Bahadur Khan , a government pensioner takes the lead, and is proclaimed ruler under the King of Delhi. At Shahjahanpur the 28 th N.I. revolts and attacks the Christians. At Agra the native regiments are disarmed; Moradabad in open revolt.
1 June
At Morababad the 29th N.I. revolts. Sepoys at Mathura shoot officers and march for Delhi Outbreak at Budaon.
2 June
5th N.I. revolts at Saharanpur.
3 June
At Neemuch the entire force revolt viz. 1st Light Cavalry, 4th Troop 1st Brigade horse artillery,15th Light Fd Battery,72nd N.I. N.I. At Azamgarh the 17th N.I. revolts. At Sitapur the 41st N.I. revolts with particular ferocity against the European officers civilians Abbas Ali proclaim himself the ruler in Moradabad.
4 June
Partial revolt at Benares by 37th N.I. General Neill arrives and disarms some troops. Revolt at Kanpur by 2nd light cavalary, 1st N.I. ,74th N.I. , and 56th N.I. First Group of Europeans leaves Fatehgarh.
5 June
53rd N.I. Joins the revolt at Kanpur, General Wheeler calls all Europeans and Christians into his entrenchments
6 June
Siege of Wheeler’s entrenchment at Kanpur begins. Nana Sahib joins the rebels and is proclaimed Peshwa,12th N.I. at Jhansi revolt, and massacre of the European follows; 4th company 9th Bn Artillery at Azamgarh revolt. Nawab of Rampur visits Moradabad take charge.
8 June
The Battle of Badle ki serai in Delhi; British troops occupy the Ridge, and the ‘siege’ of the Delhi begins. At Phillour the 3rd N.I. revolt. At Faizabad the 22nd N.I., and the 13th Lt. Fd Battery 5th Bn 2nd company revolt.
11 June
Brigadier General James Neill arrives at Allahabad. Jhansi rebels leave for Delhi.
12 June
Massacre by Nana Sahib of 130 Europeans fugitives from Fatehgarh at Bithur.
15 June
Wajid Ali Shah, ex-king of Awadh and chief councillors imprisoned in Fort William in Calcutta. Bareilly Brigade reaches Moradabad en route for Delhi.
16 June
Maulvi Liaqat Ali files from Allahabad. Nawab’s rule proclaimed at Fatehgarh.
18 June
At Fatehgarh the 10th N.I. (previously loyal) eventually break into revolt. Mewati and pathan
villages in Allahabad district attacked and destroyed by the British.
25 June
At Kanpur The Nana Shahib offers terms to Wheeler in the entrenchment. Revolt at Malthone.
Sack of Delhi.
27 June
Massacre at Satichaura Ghat, Kanpur.
28 June

Fatehgarh Fort besieged by rebels. Nagode gaol. Broken into.
30 June
British defeated at Chinhat ; Lucknow Residency surrounded and besieged. Bulandshahr captured by Walidad Khan.
2 July
Bakht Khan arrives in Delhi with the Bareilly brigade. Pearson’s Battery and Cavalry revolt at Agra.
4 July
Massacre at Rampore on Ganges of European fugitives from Fatehgah / Farrukhabad. Sir Henry Lawrence, dies in the Lucknow Residency.
7 July
General Havelock leaves Allahabad en route for Kanpur.
12 July
Fatehpur occupied by Havelock.
15 July
Action at Anog ( Renaud killed), And at Pandu Nadi. Massacre of the Ladies i.e. Bibighur massacre at Kanpur.
16 July
Nana Sahib defeated by Havelock at Fatehpur, and First Battle of Kanpur. Nana Sahib orders all Bengali Babus to be apprehended.
17 July
Havelock enters Kanpur and Nana Sahib retreats to Bithur.
25 July
The Danapur Brigade revolts, i.e. The 7th N.I., 8th N.I. &amp; 40th N.I.
27 July
Siege of Arrah House Begins.
28 July
Parade Ground Massacre at Farruckhabad (Fatehpur). Azimgarh evacuated by the British.
29 July
Havelock defeats rebels at Unnao.
31 July
The large rebel force from Mhow and Indore arrives at Gwalior, leaving Scindia helpless to prevent their onwards march towards Agra.
3 August
Arrah house relived by Major Eyre.

5 August
Havelock defeats the rebels at Bashiratganj. Kunwar Singh reported to have proclaimed himself King of Shahbad.
8 August
Khan Bahadur Khan’s forces from Bareilly reported as advacing to attack Nainital. Rebels’ gunpowder factory in Delhi blown up.
11 August
Eyre burns Kunwar Singh’s palace at Jagdishpur.
12 August
Havelock defeats Awadh rebels in the third battle of Bashiratganj
13 August
Havelock defeats Awadh rebels in the third battle of Bashiratganj
14 August
Havelock Column under John Nicholson arrives at Delhi. Kunwar Singh arrives at Sassaram.
16 August
Havelock defeats the forces of Nana Sahib at Bithur.
17 August
Sir Colin Campbell takes over duties as British Commander-in- Chief.
19 August
At Ferozepur the 10th Light Cavalry revolt Kunwar Singh at Akbarpur. Amar Singh threatens to
burn Dehri.
20 August
Kunwar Singh at Rohtasgarh.
25 August
Firoz Shah, Shahzada, placed on the musund at Mandsaur.
26 August
Outbreak at Mandsaur.
29 August
At Peshawar the disarmed 51st N.I. revolts. Many are slaughtered. Kunwar Singh arrives in
Ramgarh and plunders Ghorawal.
7 September
Kunwar Sngh closes road to Rewa.
8 September
Kuwar Singh marches through Mirzapur and reported to have arrived in Rewa. Jung Bahadur’s Gurkhas arrive at Jaunpur.

14 September
British begin the assault on Delhi.
19 September
Havelock and Outram set out for Lucknow from Kanpur.
20 September
After a fierce fighting, Delhi finally conquered by the British.
21 September
Captain Hodson claims to have captured the King of Delhi, Bahadur Shah Zafar at Humayun’s Tomb.
22 September
Hodson murders the Mughal Princes.
25 September
Lucknow Residency relieved by Havelock, Neill and Tytler Killed, together with 600 other British casualties.
29 September
Kunwar Singh reaches Banda. Said to be accompanied by 1800 of Danapore rebels.
5 October
Walidad Khan reaches Bareilly with 500 followers. Greathed’s Column meets opposition at Aligarh.
8 October
Nawab of Banda attacks fortress of Ajaigarh.
13 October&gt;
Mirza Bakhtwar Shah and Mirza Mendu, sons of the king of Delhi, tried by the British and shot beside the Jumna.
15 October
Gwailor Contingent join the rebels. Outbreak at Kotah.
19 October
Kunwar Singh with the 40th BNI reaches Kalpi via Banda.
29 October
Tatya Tope with Gwalior Contigent arrives at Jalaun.
7 November
Gwalior Contingent and 40th BNI (with Kunwar Singh) join in and begin advancing to Kanpur.
17 November
Sir Colin Campbell relieves and evacuates the Lucknow Residency, leaving Outram at the Alambagh; rebels see his withdrawal from Awadh as a great victory.

24 November
Havelock dies of dysentery; buried in the Alambagh.
27 November
Gwalior Contingent attacks Nawabganj (Unnao) and forces the British to retire into entrenchments.
3 December
Campbell dispatches all the ladies and sick, ex Lucknow Residency, to Allahabad.
6 December
Campbell defeats Tatya Tope in the third battle of Kanpur.

1858

6 Janurary
Campbell re-occupies Fatehgarh. Sir Hugh Rose begins Central India Campaign.
7 Janurary
Trial of Bahadur Shah Zafar begins in The Red Fort,Delhi. (ends on March 9th)
14 Janurary
Rani of Jhansi issues a proclamation against the British “Victory of religion”
23 January
Rebels mustering again at Kalpi.
28 Janurary
Fortress of Rahatgarh taken by Rose.
3 February
Sir Hugh Rose relieves Sagar.
5 February
Action at Ayodhya between rebels Jung Bahadur’s Gurkhas.
7 February
General Whitlock with Madras troops arrives in Jabalpur.
10 February
Nana Sahib at Naubatganj.
12 February
Kunwar Singh reported to be arriving at Ayodhya.
18 February
Proclamation issued by Firoz Shah at Bareilly.
25 February

Nana Sahib reported to be at Kalpi.
1 March
Tehri troops beaten by Rani’s forces. Charkhari captured.
2-21 March
Campbell retakes Lucknow ; drives out the rebels led by the Maulvi of Faizabad and the begum of Awadh. Lucknow stormed on 14th.
16 March
Nana Sahib reported to be at Shahjahanpur.
17 March
Brigadier Stuart takes Chanderi by storm. Battle of Atraulia, Victory for Kunwar Singh.
18 March
Nawab of Farrukhabad and Banda, Raja Tej Singh of Mainpuri, Khan Bahadur Khan of Bareilly, Walidad Khan specifically excluded from the benefit. (i.e. Free pardon etc.) of British Proclamation offering a reward of rupees one lakh to rebel betraying Nana Sahib.
21 March
Rose arrives at Jhansi.
22 March
Millman besieged in Azimgarh by Kunwar Singh.
23 March
Investment of Jhansi begins.
24 March
Explosion in Khan Bahadur Khan’s gunpowder factory at Bareilly. Nana Sahib arrives at Bareilly.
26 March
Kunwar Singh occupies Azamgarh.
1 April
Battle of Betwa River. Rose defeats Tatya Tope.
3 April
Jhansi captured and sacked.
5 April
Jhansi fort taken by the British. Rani, with her step-son, reaches Kunch.
6 April
Lord Mark Kerr relieves Azamgarh.
15 April

General Walpole defeated at Royah; Brigadier Adrian hope killed.
16 April
Kunwar Singh driven Azamgarh by General Lugarh.
17 April
Rao Sahib issues proclamation to Chiefs of Bundelkund. Kunwar Singh attacked by Brigadier
Douglas near Azamgarh.
18 April
Battle of Banda.
21 April
Kunwar Singh crosses the Ganges at Sheopur Ghat and is mortally wounded while doing so.
22 April
Princes Firoz Shah reaches Moradabad.
23 April
Kunwar Singh defeats the British under Le Grand at Jagdishpur. Rose captures Kalpi.
24 April
Forces of Nawab of Rampur drive Firoz Shah from Moradabad.
26 April
Death of Kunwar Singh.
28 April
Rao Sahib encamped at Jalalpur to oppose Whitlock Gukha army reaches Faizabad and Ayodhya.
3 May
Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah, with large force comes from Mohammadi to Shahjahanpur.
6 May
Battle of Bareilly, included the famous change of the Ghazis of whom 133 were bayoneted.
Bareilly taken but rebel leaders escaped.
8 May
Battle of Kunch, Rose defeats Tatya Tope.
10 May
General Lugard occupied Jagdishpur.
11 May
Amar Singh defeated by Corfield near Piru but manages to escape. Battle of Shahjahpur.
13 May
Rebels Menace British position and camp at Jagdishpur.

15 May
Rebel leaders including Nana Sahib, Khan Bahadur Khan and Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah all in vicinity of Shahjahanpur.
22 May
Battle of Kalpi, Rose captures the arsenal of Kalpi.
24 May
Second Battle of Shahjahanpur rebels defeated by Campbell and driven back to Mohammadi but followed up; British occupy Mohammadi.
25 May
Hamirpur occupied by the British.
1 June
Rani of Jhansi, Rao Sahib and Tatya Tope capture Gwalior. Nawab of Banda also present. Lushkar and Gwalior fort occupied. Madho Singh captured by Rose.
12 June
Battle of Nawabganj; Sir Hope Grant defeats 16000 rebels in final decisive battle In Awadh. Amar Singh returns to Buxar. Khan Bahadur Khan attacks Shahjanpur.
15 June
Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah attacks Pawayan, and is killed.
16 June
Battle of Morar. Raja of Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah to the British at Shahjahanpur to claim the rewards.
17 June
Battle of Kota-Ki- Serai; death of Rani of Jhansi.
19 June
Battle of Gwalior. City is occupied.
20 June
Gwalior fort captured by Rose. Battle of Jaora. Alipur Scindia returns to Gwlior.
5 July
Banpur Raja surrenders to the British.
9 July
Tonk occupied by rebels, Firoz Shah reported to be with them.
10 July
Shahgarh raja surrenders. Rebel force reaches Rampur.
11 July
Ramnagar occupied by the rebels.

26 July
Pawayan and Shahjahanpur reported as ‘seriously threatened’ by Awadh rebels.
27 July
Force besieging Shahganj breaks up.
31 July
Sir Hope Grant relieves Raja Man Singh besieged by rebels.
1 November
Queen Victoria’s proclamation abolishing the rule of the East India Company in India and instituting her own.
12 November
Battle of Shankarpur Beni Madho driven northwards, reported as joining up with Bala Rao.
25 November
Raja of Gonda defeated by Sir Patrick Grant, Gonda occupied.
5 December
Nana Sahib was reported was reported as crossing the Ganga between Fatehgarh and Kanpur.
6 December
Firoz Shah and Walidad Khan reported at Aroul.
17 December
Firoz Shah’s brief encounter with British force under Napier.
23 December
Bala Rao driven from Tulsipur and retreats into Nepal.
December
Bihar rebels finally dispersed.

1859

7 January
The rebellion in Awadh officially declared at an end.
9 January
Prince Firoz Shah cuts his way across Awadh and the Ganges; joins Tatya Tope temporarily.
29 January
Nawab of Farrukhabad arrives at Fatehgarh, under arrest.
28 March
Nana Sahib, Begum of Awadh reported to be at Butwal.
7 April

Khan Bahadur Khan, Begum of Awadh, Nana Sahib and Birjis Qadr reported to be in the fort of
Niacote in Nepal.
8 April
Tatya Tope betrayed and captured.
18 April
Tatya Tope hanged.
20 April
Nana Sahib sends Ishtiharnama to Queen Victoria. Petition to the English from Bala Rao.
8 July
State of peace officially declared throughout India.
24 September
The death of the Nana Sahib reported.
December
Amar Singh captured in the Terai by Jung Bahadur’s troops and handed over to the British.
9 December
Capture of Khan Bahadur Khan by Jung Bahadur reported.
7 December
Khan Bahadur Khan and Mammu Khan lodged in Lucknow Gaol.

1860

24 March
Khan Bahadur Khan of Bareilly hanged on the spot where he had raised the flag of revolt.
3 May
Jwala Prasad hanged at the Satichaura Ghat.

January 22, 2022

Ayodhya-Deepotsav

Filed under: Home Product Box,Wow — admins @ 6:58 am

Deepotsav (also spelt as ‘Deepotsava’) in Ayodhya – An event that was planned and conceptualized by Tornos in 2016 is now a landmark event of Government of Uttar Pradesh since 2017. Ceremonial lighting of record number of earthen lamps is the highlight and then there is laser show and projection mapping detailing the return of Lord Rama along with his wife Mata Sita and younger brother Lord Laxmana mark the celebrations.

Deepotsav celebration falls a day earlier than the actual Diwali (also called Deepavali) celebration and is a must visit. Tornos as a part of this package organises two days of tour to Ayodhya. The first day is about the visit to the temples of Ayodhya, curated lunch and stay at Ayodhya at a semi luxury home-stay and next day is for a morning visit of the Ghat, boating on the sacred river Saryu and finally privileged participation in the celebration Deepotsava. This includes VVIP access to our cars and guests and seating in an exclusive “Tornos Guests’ Enclosure” for best view and photography.

Cost : On request (info@tornosindia.com)
Starting Time : 2 days before Diwali or a day before, if not opting for tour of Ayodhya and stay there. Pickup is from Lucknow at 9 am (a bit of flexibility in leaving time from Lucknow)

2024 – 30 October

2025 – 20 October

2026 – 5 November

2027 – 28 October

Expected Duration : 2 Days (44 hours) / 1 Day (12 hours)
Remarks : This tour can also be taken only for Deepotsav participation eliminating the night stay and tour of Ayodhya.

Driving time from Lucknow to Ayodhya is 2 hours.

January 21, 2022

Ayodhya Tour (Excursion Ex Lucknow)

Filed under: Home Product Box,Wow — admins @ 10:46 am

(same day return trip from Lucknow to Ayodhya. 11-12 hours, including driving time, visits and activities)

Post early breakfast we will leave Lucknow for Ayodhya (150 km / 2 hrs). En route a bio-break at an identified facility. (ideal time to leave is by 0730 hrs but we can shift it to another option with a bit of changes in the programme if we intend to leave at 1000 hrs) 

Upon arrival we will be met by our Ayodhya Tour Manager who will now lead the tour and get us a privileged access into the temples.

We will visit Hanuman Gari – the seat of Lord Hanuman who sits on a hilltop to guard the holy city of Ayodhya. We will later visit Kanak Bhawan where we will attend the forenoon temple closure aarti. 

We will then reach a 150 year old temple where we will lunch with the head priest. A special prayer will be performed at this temple and after the offering of Bhog (lunch to the deity), we will be served lunch in the temple on a floor level setting and on a dry-leaf plate (pattal) and earthen-pottery. This lunch has been prepared hygienically under supervision our expert team and is a very privileged and a blessed meal. Later spend some time with the priest to understand the ethos of Ayodhya, its people, lifestyle and connect spiritually with the city where Lord Rama was born.  

Post lunch we will visit Ram Janam Bhoomi, the place of birth of Lord Rama. Later we drive to the temple workshop where stones are being carved to be placed in the under-construction Rama Temple. 

Also visit Saryu Ghat and enjoy a short joy-ride on the sacred river Saryu. Tea will be served on the boat while you get to see Ayodhya’s temple facade and listen to the stories connected to River Saryu.

As an option visit a few temples at the Ghat and then if you wish you may attend the evening Saryu Aarti (this takes place at the sunset and time is subject to change based on the season which effects the sunset). This Aarti too is a privileged experience as not only it will give you a chance to perform Aarti but also that it will be for your well-being.   

ADD-On OPTION: Kanchan Bhawan the starting point of our Mokshdayani Walk. Walking through the stretch by the side of Saryu river we will finally reach Nageshwarnath temple, from here we reach the river-ghat to board our boat. – For an ADD-ON SPECIAL Cost INR 1000 per person (if along with this package)

We will now board our car and return to Lucknow, to reach by late dinner time.

Highlights : In Ayodhya visit of Ram Janam Bhoomi, A short motor boat ride on Saryu river and diya-offering (earthen lamps); Lunch at the temple with the priest.

Cost :

INR 13,500 per person (operates on minimum 2 guests) – SPECIAL PRICE (Limited Offer)

Starting Time : 

7:30 – 8:30 am (Flexible)

Expected Duration : 

11-12 hours

Remarks : 

This is an exclusive tour.

*Pickup time from city hotels.  Timings are flexible and may be altered after prior discussion.

Expect to return by dinner to Lucknow.

 

January 18, 2022

Expectations from budget-2022 – Prateek Hira tells TravTalk for its January Issue

Filed under: News — admins @ 7:07 am

“This financial year will pave the way for better times ahead. I hope for a three-pronged budget, focused on the revival of inbound tourism by way of free or low-cost tourist visas, short-term tourist visas on arrival (not e-visas) for select countries, and a temporary exemption of GST for inbound travellers. On another front, I wish to get a window of income tax exemption on businesses for three years to rebuild working capital and restart the businesses. At the policy level, I wish for a larger budgetary allocation for the MOT for a well-planned, researched, and structured marketing plan to revive the tourist traffic. The tourism industry, for the third time, is pinning its hope on the annual budget.” – Prateek Hira (President & CEO – Tornos).Prateek Hira talks on budget

January 17, 2022

Travel Trends – 2022 by Prateek Hira published in TravTalk

Filed under: News — admins @ 7:30 am

(TravTalk – 2nd Fortnight Issue – Jan’22. Prateek Hira’s inputs )

Watch out for travel trends in 2022 – “The exploration of lesser known places will be a dominant trend, with the kind of knowledge today’s travellers have gained” – Prateek Hira


TravTalk Interview of Prateek HiraPeople have learnt to spend on holidays much more and make it a part of their annual budget, which is encouraging for the industry. Prateek Hira, IATO Chapter Chairman, Uttar Pradesh; President & CEO, Tornos and Director, River Rhapsody said, “Indian travellers who were till now spending large amounts only on their foreign travel (outbound) have learnt to spend similarly large amounts within India too, thus domestic travel is no more a budget travel business. I foresee this trend growing further in 2022. This will make our travel economy more stable, self-reliant and also attract a lot of high-end travel businesses in the domestic travel segment”.

He further added, “Small and personalised travel companies will gain ground as travellers will have many more questions than they ever had and this new

class of travellers may not be so happy dealing with large tour companies that, in spite of their best efforts, may not be able to cater to this demand so well.” And the same will apply to B2B dealings in terms of dealings with large DMCs. This trend will bring regional players and small operators more prominently into the mainstream market.

The travel industry saw a change in 2021 when people went to places that were less crowded and less popular. This will continue in 2022 as people explore new destinations, which is one of the most expected trends. “Travel till now has been quite unevenly distributed in India. With the kind of knowledge that travellers of today have gained, the exploration of lesser-known places will be a dominant trend, and thereby, lesser known destinations will see an upsurge of tourists, “said Hira.

He continued, “The distinction between travel businesses such as inbound, domestic, outbound, and so on will become diluted, and the new-age tour operator will mean the ‘one who offers tours to travellers’ rather than in the area of descriptive geographical boundaries. “Operators will reinvent themselves and get into new travel verticals that otherwise they were resisting to ramp up their revenue sources.”

January 8, 2022

Prateek Hira, President & CEO of Tornos speaks at India Expo – Economic Times reports

Filed under: News — admins @ 6:00 am

India is a luxury destination by virtue: Prateek Hira at Tourism Fortnight in Expo 2020 Dubai

Sharing his thoughts on luxury tourism in India during a session at India Pavilion : https://travel.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/events/international/india-is-a-luxury-destination-by-virtue-prateek-hira-at-tourism-fortnight-in-expo-2020-dubai/88756088

January 1, 2022

The Week – “Fascinating facts about some of the most iconic buildings in Lucknow”

Filed under: News — admins @ 7:40 am

(The Week – https://www.theweek.in/theweek/statescan/2021/12/19/fascinating-facts-about-some-of-the-most-iconic-buildings-in-lucknow.html) – By Puja Awasthi/ Photographs By Salil Bera Issue Date: December 26, 2021 

Monument, memorial, mausoleum or landmark -no building is ever just that. From the depth of their foundations to the sweep of their canopies, buildings are dialogues embracing geographical and human spaces. They tell tales; some forgotten, some readily remembered.

The restoration [of the Constantia] required “a sense of affection” apart from the more practical money and planning, said Carlyle McFarland, principal, La Martiniere College, Lucknow.

And many, like Lucknow’s Husainabad Clock Tower – India’s tallest mechanical clock tower – add to the script of some of the most important stories of the present. In January 2020, this tower became the backdrop to protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Standing at a height of around 220ft, it is referred to as the country’s Big Ben—a tenuous connect at best. It has a mix of various styles that influenced its architect Richard Roskell Bayne during his travels through Cordoba, Spain, and Marrakech, Morocco. (The Big Ben is in the Gothic Revival style).
In 2010, two Lucknow residents – Capt Paritosh Chauhan, who is serving in the merchant navy, and Akhilesh Agarwal, a mechanical engineer – volunteered to get the long-dead clock running again. They discovered that the original movement was gone; the bronze and gunmetal used in its six foot long and three foot wide clockwork was stolen. There were no original drawings and manuals to help. The best guide was the bench on which the clock rested, with holes for where the shafts of the movement had gone in.

Chauhan and Agarwal describe it as the “DNA of the clock”, from which they had to piece together a dinosaur-like being.

Since 2012, when it started ticking again, the machine has been patchily managed. It works only intermittently. The duo says that the upkeep requires “the right attitude, commitment and skilled craftsmen”—which they cannot ensure, as they are not part of the Husainabad Trust that manages the tower and other properties.

Somewhat better preserved is the Rumi Darwaza, a public gateway, which is the symbol most often used to depict Lucknow in travel literature. There is speculation that it is similar to a portal in Constantinople (now Istanbul)—in recognition of which the Darwaza was called Kustuntunia in the 19th century. Others have seen in it a resemblance to the Sublime Porte of the Ottomans. Regardless of its foreign references, behind the Darwaza’s construction by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula lay a humane story. In 1784, as a great famine swept through the land, the Darwaza was conceived to give employment to some 20,000 people.

Some monuments have a better chance of speaking for themselves. The Constantia, one of the homes of Lucknow’s most popular European resident Claude Martin, is one such landmark. A Frenchman, Martin became a major general in the British East India Company’s Bengal Army. The French Baroque building today houses La Martiniere College, one of India’s best-known schools for boys, and is a popular destination for movie shoots and magazine spreads.

The centrepiece of this two-century-old structure is a tower crowned by a dome. Under this dome is a chapel, adorned with figures and frescoes in the Wedgwood style. In 2013, the school’s current principal, Carlyle McFarland, initiated a restoration, driven more by urgent concerns such as crumbling walls. On a property that was originally around 400 acres, repairs were not new. However, the triumph of this restoration lay most visibly in its ornamental aspects and staggering attention to detail.

McFarland said the stucco work was as close to the original as available information revealed. Gone, for instance, were the mango leaves that had replaced the original acanthus leaves of the decoration, simply because artisans who made the interim repairs had no ready references for original Greek ornamentation.

The restoration required “a sense of affection” apart from the more practical money and planning, said McFarland, who is an alumnus. In 2016, these efforts were recognised by the French government, which conferred a medal of honour for distinguished service on Ansaruddin, the painter who led the repairs.

The Château de Lyon, another home owned by Martin, has been put recently on the tourist map after the larger building it is part of was thrown open to the public. This Lucknow mansion is named after Martin’s birthplace in France.

Prateek Hira, the president of Tornos, a company that describes itself as an ‘experiential travel company’, said that the residence offered a “fuller experience” of the evolution of Martin’s architectural style, which was perfected over several structures in and around Lucknow. It is thus a template from which Lucknow can be better understood.
The wonders of the structure, better known as Kothi Farhat Baksh, are still being unravelled. Its unique feature was rooms that were submerged in the waters of the Gomti River; these rooms functioned as an automatic cooling system for the floors above.

Meanwhile, conversations about the schoolboys who walked Constantia’s hallways are carried on in one of Lucknow’s most visited landmarks—the Residency. The building was the official home of the British resident general at Awadh, and was besieged for more than five months during the revolt of 1857. It was here that the British suffered their worst losses, before recapturing the city on November 17, 1857.

This siege, the stuff of military folklore, also saw schoolboys being called upon to serve the British army—for the first time ever. The original Residency was a complex of 28 buildings, of which only six remain intact.
Its importance however remains unchanged.

“It is as significant to the besieged and the besiegers,” said Vipul B. Varshney, the convenor of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, Lucknow.

Varshney, who has organised heritage walks around the complex, said that if there was just one monument in Lucknow that the British tourists had on their must-visit list, it was the Residency—especially its cemetery.
A different connection to the world is found at the Rauza-e-Kazmain, a replica of the mausoleums of the seventh and ninth Imams in Iraq. Unlike the city’s other, perhaps better known Imambaras, this one has two large minarets and four domes covered in brass—as opposed to the more commonly found stone. The ones in the original shrine are covered in gold.

Completed during the reign of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah in 1852, its building was initiated by one Jagganath Agarwal, a Hindu who upon conversion had taken the name Sharaf-ud-daullah. It is thus a fitting tribute to the city’s past of rich communal amity.

Athar Abbas, a maulana who serves at the mausoleum, said that the replica in Lucknow, too, had wish-granting powers like the originals in Baghdad. “It is faith which makes it so beautiful,” he said. Faith being just one element of the rich dialogues that these buildings symbolise and sustain.

(The Week – https://www.theweek.in/theweek/statescan/2021/12/19/fascinating-facts-about-some-of-the-most-iconic-buildings-in-lucknow.html) – By Puja Awasthi/ Photographs By Salil Bera Issue Date: December 26, 2021 

Tornos sees potential in Kushinagar – Prateek Hira’s interview in Rashtriya Sahara

Filed under: News — admins @ 6:29 am

Kushinagar is being seen as a tourist destination with a huge potential. A place where Lord Buddha attained ‘Mahaparinirvana’ has much more than just the main excavation site and the main temple. A lot of work has been done by the District Administration under its District Magistrate Mr. Rajalingham and the Joint Magistrate Mr. Purna Borah. President & CEO of  Tornos recently visited Kushinagar for the second time and took stock of all the development work along with Mr. Tarit Roy and Mr. Himanshu Shekhar who are assisting Tornos to understand Kushinagar as an immersive destination and work around it to develop it as a minimum two to three nights destination. Prateek also gave an interview to Rashtriya Sahara on this visit….

  

December 31, 2021

Immense work done for Tourism in Uttar Pradesh – Prateek Hira addresses Times Conclave

Filed under: News — admins @ 10:14 am

“The kind of work that has been done to develop Uttar Pradesh as a tourist destination is commendable. The biggest example is Kashi Vishwanath Dham. Earlier, excuses were made that not much can be done for the uplift of Kashi Vishwanath temple as there were hygiene issues in the narrow lanes leading to the temple. The construction of Kashi Vishwanath Dham has proved that nothing is impossible,” said chairman, tourism committee, FICCI UP state council, Prateek Hira.

“Kashi Vishwanath Dham has broken all previous records of tourist footfall. Ayodhya and Vindhyachal corridors will also be developed on similar lines,” he said.

December 21, 2021

‘Incredible India’ has become passé (Prateek Hira’s comments to TTJ)

Filed under: News — admins @ 7:48 am

Prateek Hira, Chairman, IATO Uttar Pradesh Chapter, shares his thoughts: “This is the most apt topic in the present times. Two years have been really bad and so bad that the brand India has almost diluted. I personally feel that the term ‘Incredible India’ has become passé in the travel world in the past two years even more. Not only that India as a brand has to rebuild and reaffirm its image, but also each one of us in the tour business has to rebuild from scratch. I have always advocated to my industry brethren, to think like a startup, taking baby steps, realigning and re-engineering businesses to re-establish them in the changed environment.” “If there has been a setback because of COVID-19, the positive side is that every country has to restart from zero. Whichever countries are able to market first and maintain all Covid protocols and safety measures successfully will get the benefit, and be able to capture good tourism business. Under the same endeavor and to build up the campaign, ‘BRAND INDIA – The Road to Recovery’ theme was chosen as the theme for IATO Convention,”

TTJ carries Prateek's interview

https://traveltradejournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/TTJ-December-2021.pdf

UP devising new avatar for Ayodhya?

Filed under: News — admins @ 7:27 am

TravTalk (December-2021 issue) interviews President & CEO of Tornos Mr. Prateek Hira on the subject:

Prateek Hira, Chairman, IATO Uttar Pradesh Chapter and President & CEO, Tornos, Director,River Rhapsody, stated that Uttar Pradesh, being a big state, has many lesser known destinations that till now have not been brought forth or valued by the industry. COVID-19 gave a lot of time to tour operators to rediscover the state and replan tours with new flavours, so coming up with new itineraries will be an evolution and a welcome one. Speaking of changes in the travel itinerary of Uttar Pradesh, he said, “‘Changed’ in my opinion is a wrong word; a better word would be ‘evolved’. Just as products get redundant after a time when they reach their optimum sales, so does an itinerary. Law of diminishing returns very much applies here too,” said Hira.

He added, “Ayodhya is the newest, so it obviously requires much more focus and investment, which the government is doing in order to bring it at par with other developed tourist destinations in the state. Agra is one of the inbound feeder destinations, not only for the state of Uttar Pradesh but also for many other states in India, so it has been and will always be at the top of the chart.”

He further added, “Agra is one such destination that in itself is the crown of India’s tourist destinations, what with a robust and well-developed tourist infrastructure that is constantly growing. The Agra metro is one example of it. The introduction of multiple flights to Agra is another. The smart city project in Agra is yet another example of the ongoing development of Agra, which will benefit Agra’s tourism industry. The Government of Uttar Pradesh has also taken up the mammoth task of training guides in Agra and Fatehpur Sikri, which is a welcome step as it wants to revive Fatehpur Sikri as a must-do excursion from Agra. similarly, Bateshwar is being taken up with all seriousness and so is Chambal Sanctuary and the Lion Safari, which are now a part of the eco–tourism circuit of Uttar Pradesh where the state forest department is doing a lot of work. All these places fall in close proximity to Agra and will surely help Agra to increase the average length of stay and offer much more than just the Taj Mahal.”

Prateek Hira's interview on Ayodhya in TravTalk - December'21

http://travtalkindia.com/pdf/2021/TTDec2nd21.pdf

 

 

TravTalk carries Prateek Hira’s opinion about 2021

Filed under: News — admins @ 7:16 am

The year 2021 is not a business year, but a better way to call it would be to call it a year of “rebuilding business”. We have been through rebuilding, realigning, and re-engineering in a bid to create a strong foundation that was on a sabbatical during the pandemic. The objective is to lower our accumulated losses as soon as possible, re-breakeven, and grow again. Practically speaking, not only our business but other businesses in the sector, I hope, will take as many as three years in order to come to the pre-pandemic level. To reduce our pain and suffering, we have started to think and behave like a start-up, analysing the changed business environment. The re-gestation period will be based on new benchmarks rather than the pre-pandemic (2019-20) benchmarks. It has been a year of hope, optimism, rediscovery and learning for us!

TravTalk carries Prateek Hira's interview

http://travtalkindia.com/pdf/2021/TTDec2nd21.pdf

December 11, 2021

Ayodhya an example of Hindu Muslim Unity

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 7:09 am

Long before the bitter Babri Masjid-Ram temple issue began to cause social fissures and trigger sectarian violence in India, Muslim rulers of Avadh region built, patronised and protected Hindu temples, a powerful Hindu priest and historians told Gulf News.

One of the 12 provinces under the Mughal empire, the Avadh region included Ayodhya and was ruled by Nawabs from 1722 onward from capital Faizabad. During the rule of Shuja-ud-Daula, the third ruler of Avadh, relations between Hindus and Muslims were harmonious and official gazettes and history books have recorded examples of rich bonding between the two communities. At a time when the dominant narrative seeks to widen fissures in the society, researchers and writers told Gulf News that the glorious history of Avadh Nawabs must be retold to fight attempts to divide people.


Credits (Originally published in Gulf News) : ‘Ayodhya flashback: When Muslim Nawabs built Hindu temples’ – by : Bobby Naqvi, Gulf News UAE. 


Mahant Gyan Das, the head of priest of Hanumangarhi, Ayodhya’s most important temple, is a strong proponent of Hindu-Muslim harmony. As the head of the temple since 1962, Das is widely respected by residents and his opinion and guidance is sought by politicians and high ranking officials on several issues. “This temple was built in 1774 on the 52 bigha [over 20 acres] land gifted by Shuja-ud-Daula,” he told Gulf News in an interview at his house on Monday evening.

“The nawab had once fallen ill and his representative Tikait Rai requested him to take blessings of Hindu saint Baba Abhay Ram Das. The Nawab recovered from his illness after the saint visited him for eight days. Shuja-ud-Daula then gifted the land and built a fortress-type temple that you see here today,” says Das. Later, his son Mansoor Ali also visited the temple on many occasions and donated generously, he says.

This donation was recorded in royal documents to avoid any disputes in future. Das presses a buzzer to summon an aid: “Bring the Taamra Patra.” “The documents were being damaged by termites so we have made copies to preserve them,” he says while fondly posing for photographs holding the copies of royal decrees written in Persian language.

Harmonious tradition

Since then, the temple has continued a tradition of promoting harmony between the two communities. “There is an old mosque built over the land owned by Hanumangarhi temple. Since a Muslim ruler had built the temple, a piece of land was given to Muslims to build a mosque. Two years ago, I received a notice from Ayodhya municipality asking us to demolish the mosque as the structure had become weak. I refused to demolish the mosque and offered to have it renovated. At that time, I faced resistance from some Muslim hardliners who said the mosque would become impure if Hindus’ money is spent for renovation. I asked them whether the mosque had become impure when we built it,” says Das recalling the events.

“Then I asked my friend Sadiq Ali to take charge of the renovation and I offered to pay for it. Still, when some Muslims continued to object, Sadiq Ali told me that he would get the mosque renovated by collecting funds from the community. Today, a grand mosque exists at the site,” he adds. The temple management remains the legal owner of the mosque.

“A few years ago during Ramadan, I organised an iftar for Muslims at my house. I invited 100-150 people but more than 1,000 Muslims showed up at iftar.”

The Muslims broke fast and prayed at the house located inside the temple compound. “Soon after, some Hindu politicians and hardliners accused me of violating the sanctity of the temple by inviting Muslims. I said you had no objections from accepting a temple from a Muslim Nawab,” adds Das. Not satisfied with his logic, some hardliners then dared Muslims to organise a Hanuman Chalisaa at the mosque. Sadiq accepted the challenge and organised a prayer chanted by hundreds of Sadhus at the mosque.

“I am a Sadhu who left his home, loved ones and I have remained a staunch opponent of hardliners and strongly believe in humanity,” he says, adding, “You call Him Khuda, I call Him Ishwar.”


Credits (Originally published in Gulf News) : ‘Ayodhya flashback: When Muslim Nawabs built Hindu temples’ – by : Bobby Naqvi, Gulf News UAE. 


I cried when Saddam died

Mahant Das is well traveled and visited Dubai, New York, Washington and other cities. But he has a lot to say about his visit to Saudi Arabia and Iraq. He fondly remembers a meeting with Saddam Hussain in 1992. “He warmly hugged me and when I presented him a copy of Ramayana, he kissed it,” says Das. “I was very upset when Americans caught Saddam Hussain and cried when he was hanged.” Das also recalled his visit to Saudi Arabia and Brunei.

What historians say

Gulf News spoke to Lucknow based historian Roshan Taqui who said the Avadh Gazette is replete with instances of Muslim Nawabs building and donating money for upkeep and repairs of Hindu temples. “The Hanumangarhi still has a Persian plaque proclaiming that the temple was built by Shuja-ud-Daula who ruled Avadh region from 1754 to 1774,” says Taqui. “The history of Avadh is replete with examples of Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb and all the Nawabs had Hindu administrators for smooth governance,” he says.

“During my research on conservation of old buildings, I had seen the royal decrees kept in Uttar Pradesh state archives. The royal decree recorded gifting of the land and construction of Hanumangarhi temple,” he says. “Moreover, during the rule of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, an attempt to take over Hanumangarhi and Sita Rasoi by some Muslim hardliners was crushed by the Avadh ruler’s soldiers. The hardliners led by a Muslim cleric Amir Ali were killed by the Nawab’s Muslim soldiers during an assault in Bhelsar, near Rudauli. Over 300 Muslim soldiers of the Nawab also died in the assault,” he says, emphasising that Avadh rulers provided protection to Hindu temples.

Author and researcher Yogesh Pravin says Shuja-ud-Daula’s father Saadat Ali Khan also patronised Hindu temples. “All these examples are well recorded in government archives and libraries and available for reference,” says Pravin. “The rulers of Avadh worked for harmonious relations between the communities and their work is well recorded in history,” he adds.

November 28, 2021

Nihari in Lucknow

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 8:52 am

When Umrao Jaan was being shot in the early 1980s, the cast and crew of the Rekha-starrer film would visit Raheem’s regularly. “I was too young then, so I don’t have any memory, but my father told me that the entire cast ate at our restaurant on more than one occasion and Farooq Shaikh had loved the nihari,” says Bilal Raheem Ahmad, one of five brothers who run the restaurant now.

At 8 pm in old Lucknow’s Chowk area, Raheem’s hotel is one of the busiest spots in the area. Most customers thronging the restaurant, in a basement near the Tehseen mosque, are there for the nihari kulcha — meat stew with baked flatbread. The nihari, which is traditionally a breakfast dish, is available all day at Raheem’s. In the alley leading to the restaurant, one can smell the kulchas being baked on the tandoor from a distance. After entering the basement, the aroma changes to that of slow-cooked meat.

Bilal says the delicacy has always been the bestselling item at his restaurant, which was started by his great grandfather Haji Abdul Ghani in around 1920. The family belongs to old Lucknow’s Chowk area. The restaurant started selling the nihari kulcha in the 1940s under Haji Abdul Ghani’s son and Bilal’s grandfather Haji Abdul Raheem, after whom the restaurant is named. “It was Raheem sahab who invented the ghilaf kulcha which is served with the nihari,” says Bilal, 48, who generally sits at the restaurant’s counter every day from 5.30 pm to 11 pm.

After Haji Abdul Raheem, who ran the restaurant till 1983, the restaurant was taken over by Raheem’s father Fakruddin, who managed it till 2000, after which Bilal and his four brothers — Manzoor Ahmad (60), Mohammed Usama (47), Mohammed Shuaib (40) and Zaid Ahmad (37) — run it.

“The word ghilaf means a cover. The ghilaf kulcha has two layers which makes it so special. The upper layer has flour, ghee and creamy milk, while the lower layer has flour and yeast which makes the kulcha rise. The nihari is cooked overnight, for 6-7 hours, on very low heat over wood,” says Bilal.

He says, one of the most important aspects of his restaurant is the tehzeeb (etiquette). “We never return a customer without serving them. There are several madrasas for the poor near our restaurant. My grandfather Haji Abdul Raheem had written two points in his will — one was that we must always serve the poor and, second, that we will never ever compromise on the quality of the food. We are doing everything to follow his orders and hence, did not open a single branch,” says Bilal with a smile, while he returns change to 14-year-old Owais, who studies at the Furqania madrasa next to the Tehseen mosque.

The madrasa student says he comes to the restaurant almost every second day. “I get my own tiffin box and get one kulcha and some nihari for Rs 20,” says Owais, who belongs to neighbouring Barabanki district and stays at the residential madrasa.

The mutton nihari and two kulchas are priced at Rs 148, while the buffalo nihari and two kulchas for Rs 83. The paaya nihari, both mutton and buffalo, comes for an additional Rs 20. In between serving the evening crowd karara (crispy) kulchas, Habib Ahmad (62), who has been working at Raheem’s for the last 45 years, says, “The paaya nihari is mostly made with meat from the calf area.” The restaurant also sells mutton biryani for Rs 300 with four “big” pieces of mutton. Another bestseller is pasanda. A plate of nihari and two kulchas used to be sold at Rs 1.40 in the early 1980s when Habib started working there.

Bilal says, till date, the restaurant buys raw spices and uses them only after getting them cleaned and ground. “Our nihari has around 95 types of spices. We put them in a potli (bundle) and drop them into the nihari when the cooking starts. The recipe was given to us by our father, who got it from his grandfather Haji Raheem sahab,” says the co-owner. The meat used to make the nihari is bought daily. No artificial ingredients are used, and “it is only cooked in a copper deg (cauldron) with kalai (a layer of tin) on the outside. The kalai is a must for slow cooking. It doesn’t let the food burn,” he says, with a wry smile, before adding, “I can’t tell you what our spices are.”

Waiting for their “wholesome meal” at the restaurant are childhood friends — Umar Raza (44) and Azam Hussain (42) — both tailors. but Raza is getting annoyed by the delay, their order — two plates of steaming hot paaya nihari with a sprinkling of green coriander and chilli on top and one kulcha each — finally arrives and they start guzzling the food. They say they have been coming together to the restaurant for the past 15 years. “It is a filling meal which is the secret to our great health,” says Hussain, pointing to Raza’s bulging tummy.

Bilal says, people from “far-off” places come during Ramzan, when the restaurant remains open from iftar (meal eaten to break the fast) to sehri (pre-dawn meal before the fast). “Ramzan is when Lucknow and Chowk has the highest number of visitors. All the tables are occupied through the evening and nights,” says Bilal, adding that the next generation will continue to serve the food the way it has been served for almost a hundred years.

November 25, 2021

Prateek Hira hosts Thai Delegation

Filed under: News — admins @ 11:22 am

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/ficci-discusses-indo-thai-biz-ties/articleshow/87877036.cms

The UP State Council of FICCI organised a programme to host minister counsellor (commercial affairs), royal Thai embassy, and hold an extensive discussion on bilateral trade, export-import and Indo-Thailand business opportunity.

Saithong Soiphet, director of Thai Trade Centre, New Delhi, an overseas office of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) under the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand, spoke about the cultural connect between India and Thailand and how the two countries go back in age of Buddhism and the Ramayana.

Chairman, tourism-sub committee, FICCI, Prateek Hira spoke about the tourism potential of Thailand and UP. “To encourage Thai companies to invest in UP, FICCI must host a virtual webinar initially and invite progressive exporters and sector-specific entrepreneurs to meet with the industry base in Thailand and discuss opportunity areas,” he said.

Sarvesh Goyal, representing the construction sector, enquired about best practices and environment-friendly construction practices from the Thai representatives.

Assistant director, FICCI UP State Council, Divjot Singh Anand spoke about UP’s strengths and business-friendly policies in various sectors. He also spoke about various statistics that make UP the best investment destination.

Hassan Yakoob, who represented e-commerce sector, said like ODOP in UP, there was the concept of OTOP in Thailand.


Report in Hindustan Times….

Mr. Prateek Hira being honoured by Thai Embassy Delegation

November 17, 2021

Ayodhya Tour for Govt of Uttar Pradesh Curated by Tornos on Deepotsav

Filed under: News — admins @ 5:42 am

Travel Trade Journal (November 2021 issue) covers Ayodhya Deepotsav Familiarization tour hosted by Government of Uttar Pradesh in travelogue style :  https://online.fliphtml5.com/opbnh/qnro/

Quote by Prateek Hira (President & CEO – Tornos)

“Tornos was delighted to curate this familiarisation tour of Ayodhya for the Government of Uttar Pradesh on the occasion of Deepotsav and run it quite closely on the lines of what it offers to its guests in Ayodhya including the welcome chants by children of gurukul and privileged access to the temples. Having our industry colleagues over and being able to serve them on this tour was a blessing of sorts in itself and what better way to send out a message that we are in Ayodhya too and in a big way,” 

 

Tornos Curates Ayodhya Familiarization Tour on Deepotsav

Filed under: News — admins @ 5:35 am

Travel Newsy Reports : https://travelnewsy.com/2021/11/10/with-mega-development-projects-underway-ayodhya-preparing-to-evolve-as-a-major-tourism-destination/

With the construction of Ram Temple and UP governments mega-development plans, Ayodhya is well on its track to be developed as a Vedic and cultural heritage city.

Also known as Ram Janam Bhoomi, the city has been hosting pilgrims for centuries, however, with the state government’s renewed efforts to bring it to the world map for tourism, it is seeing increased interest not just within India, but from all around the world.

The recently organised Deepotsav was attended by Ambassadors of Kenya, Vietnam and Trinidad and Tobago.

On this occasion, the Tourism department of Uttar Pradesh invited 50 prominent tour operators, travel writers and bloggers from all over India on a familiarisation tour of the city. The group visited Kanak BhavanHanumangarhiRam Janam Bhoomi, and Saryu Ghaat to experience the city first hand.

In his interaction with media, Mr Mukesh Kumar Meshram (I.A.S.), Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism, said that in addition to the infrastructure development projects such as luxury hotels, well-connected roads, river cruise and caravans etc.. the state government is also working on projects like setting up of “Ayodhya Research Institute”, developing “Cultural Centres” to promote and generate employment for regional folk artists, “Development of Riverfront” and “Planting of Trees” that find a mention in Ramayan.

Elaborating on the programme, “Discover Your Roots” he mentioned that under this programme, we welcome people from all over the world who have their roots in India. They can visit the state, and authorities will track their records and assist them in locating their villages or homes where their forefathers had once lived before migrating to different parts of the world. 

He also shared that there are plans to develop a world-class theme park inspired by Ramayana and its characters.

Prateek Hira, CEO Tornos, said that although there is a lot of hype created with the building of Ram Temple, Ayodhya has always been a  tourists destination. People visit the city with a lot of devotion. The city has great potential, with places like  Maharishi Patanjali’s Birthplace Gonda which is not far from the city, and the presence of  Swaminath Temple in Chhapaiya, Birthplace of Swaminarayan, Guru Nanak also is believed to have visited Ayodhya. The city also has a famous Mazaar.

Ravi GosainVice president of the Indian Association of Tour Operators said “We have been promoting Ayodhya for a long time now, Once the quality infrastructure is ready, the city will start getting more tourists from all over the world.  It is important that the charm of the old city is maintained. Any old shops, houses & structures must be retained in their original form, that’s what tourists would love to experience”.

November 16, 2021

Prateek Hira’s Comments on Ayodhya in Times of India

Filed under: News — admins @ 5:46 am

Times of India News Ayodhya

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/hotels-better-connectivity-will-propel-ayodhya-tourism/articleshow/87496360.cms

Neha Lalchandani reports / TNN / Nov 3, 2021 Lucknow:

The construction of the Ram Temple has generated immense interest in the ancient city of Ayodhya but it may take a few years before it joins the league of heritage and spiritual destinations like Varanasi, Prayagraj and Mathura. Tour operators visiting the city at the behest of the state government ahead of the Deepotsav have pointed out that the development of hotels, better connectivity, regulated temple visits and sanitation are crucial in propelling Ayodhya as a city of repute on the tourism map.

On Tuesday, a team of 40 tour operators and travel bloggers visited Hanumangarhi, Ramjanmabhoomi, Kanak Bhawan and Saryu Ghat to get a sense of what Ayodhya has to offer to tourists. The state government has elaborate plans of developing the city as a major tourist attraction.

“We have already been promoting the sector among tourists for a while now. Till now it was a city for pilgrims and devotees but now tourists also want to visit. However, it is important to retain the old world charm of the city. Old structures should not be demolished to modernise the city. People don’t want to just visit the temple but also experience the old world charm, the local culture, its people,” said Ravi Gosain, the vice-president of the Indian Association of Tour Operators.
RK Arora of Sona Travels in Delhi said that several more hotels were needed in the area, since people had to otherwise stay in Lucknow and travel 2.5 hours to visit Ayodhya. Proposing that Ayodhya should be made into a two-night destination, Arora said that a sector incorporating Lucknow, Ayodhya, Varanasi and Prayagraj should be developed, especially as Varanasi and Prayagraj are also linked to Khajuraho.

Relating how a lot of queries regarding Ayodhya had started pouring in from south India, from where a massive number of donations have also come for the construction of the temple, Ramananda of Hammock Leisure Holidays from Bengaluru said that it did not matter to people that the Ram Temple was still under construction as they believe in the sanctity of the city. Manoj Matta of Oriental Vacations and Journeys Pvt Ltd said that stepping foot in the Ramjanmabhoomi was more important than actually seeing the temple since there were several temples already present in the city.

Prateek Hira, CEO of Tornos, said that Ayodhya has always been a tourist destination and not dependent on the Ram Temple. A festival is celebrated in the city, he said, 365 days of the year. “Now because of the hype around the temple, even normal tourists and not just devotees are getting attracted to it. There is massive scope around here like the presence of Chhaapia, the birthplace of Swami Narayanan of the Swaminath Temple, which is 40km away. Patanjali was born in neighbouring Gonda. There is a famous mazaar here and Guru Nanak is believed to have visited Ayodhya. Swami Vivekanand has also stayed here,” he said.

October 17, 2021

Baghs of Lucknow

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 7:47 am

Ever wondered how there seem to be no end to the baghs in Lucknow? We bring to you the untold stories behind some of the city’s landmarks.

Wander through the streets of Lucknow and you are bound to find a number of areas with a suffix bagh meaning garden, attached to its name. Though the suffix may have no relevance today but there was a time when the city of nawabs was known to be home to no less than 400 such royal gardens.

Says city based historian Anwer Abbas, “In those days huge gardens and orchards dotted the city’s landscape. It was customary to name areas by flora that grew there.

For example Martinpurva used to be known as Lakhpeda as it had more than a lakh trees of guava and mango. Similarly, Hussainabad area was formerly called Jamuniya Bagh as this area was covered with jamun trees.”

Avers Yogesh Praveen, another historian, “Lucknow was called the city of palaces and gardens. A number of these localities were erstwhile residential colonies for the royalty, with kothis and huge gardens.

Once stripped of their titles it became difficult for the nawabs to maintain such huge gardens, so most sold them off. But the names remained.”

SECUNDER BAGH: Nawab Wajid Ali Shah fell in love with a lady named Secunder Begum but married her only when she was on her death bed, suffering from an incurable disease. He constructed a palace, a masjid and garden pavilion for the begum in the area which is now with the National Botanical Research Institute. The garden extended till the Gomti banks and was called Secunder Bagh.

MUSA BAGH: Huge gardens laid by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daulah existed in this area located near Hardoi road. Legend says that the nawab killed a rat (mushik) here hence the name. Some also believe it took its name from a French word Monsieur during Lord Martin’s period.

ALAM BAGH: This garden was named after Alam Ara, the first wife of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. The young couple harboured a love for ghazals, and used to compose couplets sitting in these gardens.

CHAR BAGH: The area got its name from the four huge Mughal style gardens here during the time of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daulah. A garden called Bagh Sher Jung named after his uncle Sher Jung, Governor of Kashmir, existed where the city station stands now, built along with Buland Bagh laid near Rakabgunj.

KAISER BAGH: Set up by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, it was a huge complex with small gardens dotting the area. It got its name from Urdu word qaiser meaning king, hence Qaiser’s Bagh.” Another story goes that the nawab was besotted with a beautiful lady, who was referred to as qaiser pasand (the king’s choice). He laid the garden for her and called it Kaiserbagh.

BADSHAH BAGH: Laid by Nawab Naseer-ud-Din Haider for his wife Kudsia Begum, it was a ladies garden, where even the gardeners were all women. The nawab visited this garden on a steamer which cruised from Chatr Manzil (CDRI) to Badshahbagh (Near Kailash Hostel). It was the badshah’s garden hence its name.

VILAYATI BAGH: Historians believe this garden, situated near Dilkusha gardens in present day cantonement area, got its name because of the two foreign wives, one of whom was a Christian and another, an Armenian (vilayati begums) of Nawab Ghazi-Ud-Din Haider. According to another story, the varieties of flower planted here were of foreign origin, hence the moniker Vilayati Bagh.

September 17, 2021

Things you hear when you tell someone you are from Lucknow.

Filed under: Lucknowledge — admins @ 7:38 am

I belong to Lucknow. Thats where I have spent most of my childhood. I did my school and college from Lucknow. I stepped out of Lucknow to persue my career in technology. When I joined work there were people from all over India. After a badinage you often end up asking the other person “Where are you from ?” I have faced this question too and I have had a variety of responses to my answer which is “Lucknow”.

Things you hear when you tell someone you are from Lucknow:

  • Lucknow mein “MAIN” nahi “HUM” kehte hai, hai na ? : This is most common thing that you would hear the moment you tell that you are from Lucknow. Till the time I was in Lucknow I never realised this but this is true, we do say “HUM”instead of “MAIN”. Coming from the city of tameez and tehzeeb it came from within we never really worked towards speaking “HUM” in place of “MAIN”.
  • Lucknow ka chicken toh bahut famous hai : After empahasizing on your choice of words they would straight jump to the craftsmanship of Lucknow. When I say chicken I meant Lucknow’s famous embriodery not the edible chicken. Initiallly I used to think what is this fuzz all about. I have grown up seeing chicken all aruond me so it wasn’t a big deal for me but now I realise the beauty of it. If you are from Lucknow you must have definitely bought chicken clothings for your friends atleast once in your lifetime. If you haven’t yet, you will soon.
  • Tum toh Tunde mein roz khati hogi: Lucknow is the undisputed king of kebabs and Tunde has a reputation worth bragging. Being a vegetrian I have never had a kabab from Tunde. Yes go ahead Judge me. But I still know it must be sumptuous and mouthwatering courtsey all my non vegetarian friends and their love for Tunde. It has happened time and again that I have been asked to get Kebabas from Tunde but so far nobody has been that privileged.
  • Mayawati has made a Marine Drive in Lucknow, is it true ?: There is huge transformation done by Mayawati near the Gomti Nagar area. It has been very artistically desgined and it’s beauty is worth watching for hours. You would happily visit this place almost everyday. Nowadays it has become a popular destination for photography. So the answer is “Yes” we do have a Marine Drive in Lucknow.

If you are from Lucknow I am sure you must have heard at least one of the above from your friends or colleagues. Say yay if you have. I am sure you must have smiled reading this post. Do comment if I have missed anything which is worth mentioning here. Would love to hear your views on this, so drop your comments below.

January 22, 2021

Sightseeing Tour of Lucknow

Filed under: Home Product Box,Wow — admins @ 9:07 am

– that we call ‘sightexperiencing

Lucknow is indeed a city of many splendours, that promises a rich dose of history, culture and cuisine. It is our endeavour to show you Lucknow like no one does and pack it all in a day. At Tornos we do not call it a Sightseeing tour, but rather term it as ‘sightexperiencing’ where our expert guides tell our guests more than just the history and take you back in time when actually the monument was built or used.

We pick you up in the morning at 0900/1000 hrs from your hotel (time can be tweaked, based on personal requirements) and take you on a city tour in an exclusive car with an English speaking guide. Go around the fabled monuments that include :-

  • Satkhanda

Monuments of Lucknow

Cost :

INR 4000 per person 

Starting Time :

Winters / Summers – 9 am (flexible start time though)

Expected Duration :

5-6 hours (flexible duration)

Remarks :

Min 5 hour tour, but can be altered to specific requirements. Drop off at the hotel/airport/railway station after the tour is included. (Except for Hotel Ramada).

Please check monument inclusions, as that may change from time to time, depending on what is closed on the day when this tour is being availed.

On a few days may not operate as a full tour(covering all mentioned places) due to monument closures during a few festivals.

August 1, 2020

Dharampath Walk

Filed under: Home Product Box,Walks — admins @ 7:56 am

– walk on the righteous path

Ayodhya is a city where not only Lord Ram was born but is also a birthplace of righteous path of life that draws inspiration from the epic of Ramayana. Ramayana in itself is a text that can be understood and interpreted in many ways than one. It is an epic which if understood and interpreted well; help us reach the right decisions in confusing situations of right and wrong. Ramayana is not just a HIndu epic or a scripture but it defines a path of leading a righteous life that can reshape us as human beings to lead a life that is right not only for ourselves but for the entire humanity.

On this walking tour, we decipher Ramayana, understanding its main episodes, life of Lord Ram from his birth in Ayodhya, through his exile, war with the demon King of Lanka, Ravana and further till his return to regain the throne of the Kingdom of Ayodhya. An expert leads this walking tour explaining the episodes of Ramayana with the help of murals and paintings that that adorn ‘Dharampath’ (Path of righteousness) . Story of Ramayana is narrated in a very interesting way with many unknown anecdotes that have been passed from one generation to another and are quite local. The episodes narrated on this walking tour are backed by real life lessons drawn from Ramayana.

Cost : INR 4500 per person (operates with minimum 2 guests)
Starting Time : This is an exclusive Walking Tour, choose your comfortable time.
Expected Duration : 2.5 hours
Remarks : Tea & Refreshments are included in this walking tour.

Check with us the meeting point and discuss the best time to begin the walk.

January 28, 2020

Evening Culinary Walk

Filed under: Home Product Box,Walks — admins @ 9:03 am

Lucknow as a city has carved a niche by attracting gastronomes, for the want of discovering and re-discovering the Awadhi Cuisine. Till date Lucknowites spend the most of their earnings and time on their kitchens. Lucknow is one place that has a full colony of chefs called, ‘Bawarchi Tola’ and then there is a full street, where one can find the best from Lucknow’s very own traditional kitchens.

We take you for this evening walk and make you hop-in, hop-out of the traditional roadside eateries, making you try the best that is on the menu. This is a guided tour with our own set of cutlery and basic dining essentials. It allows you to experience the best of the best, at the unpretentious eateries, without having to worry about how to eat without a fork or to wipe your hands clean after you are done.

Cost :

INR 3500 per person (Shared Walk)

INR 14,000 (Up to 4 persons – Exclusive Walk)

Starting Time : 

Winters (Nov-Feb) – 7 pm

Summers (Mar-Oct) – 7:30 pm

Expected Duration : 

2 hours

Remarks : 

You got to be a foodie to appreciate this walking tour – do not expect regular pretentious restaurants on this tour. The surroundings may not look clean and area is cluttered but be sure, you are eating the freshest of fresh as these age-old eateries only cook in small quantities, serving diners of the day and have no concept of storage. This tour is essentially for meat eaters. To enjoy this walk, let your lunch be light as it will involve a lot of eating. 

Basic Hygiene standards are taken care by the Walk Leader, by way of hand-sanitiser, wet-wipes, paper napkins, bottled-water and even disposable cutlery sets at each eatery.  

If you still are not convinced with hygiene-practices, just indulge in tasting and listening to the food history and stories of the eateries you visit. 

Does not operate on Thursday, Sunday and a few Islamic festivals. Also 15 days after Eid this walk remains suspended. 

Awadhi Murg Tikka

January 27, 2020

Heritage Walk

Filed under: Home Product Box,Walks — admins @ 9:03 am

Lucknow is not just any other city, but a chapter that unfolds itself each time one visits this epicenter of culture. At Tornos we have exclusively designed a Heritage Walk, discovering the lanes and the by-lanes of Chowk. On this walking tour we explore the unexplored and explain the inexplicable. Understand how vast a history, this city of superlatives holds. History in Lucknow, stretches beyond the concrete walls of its monuments, spreads into the lanes of Lucknow and has many more nuances that can only be understood and appreciated in the lanes and by-lanes of Chowk.

Tornos has been discovering and rediscovering this city since its own inception in 1994 and every time we design or redesign our products, we stumble upon a new piece of history that we wish to share with our guests. Heritage Walk is our endeavour of sharing our discoveries and knowledge that make Lucknow look so new and fresh every time. Our expert Walk Leaders take you into the bygone era of this city that is a world unto itself.

Cost :

INR 2800 per person (Shared Walk)

INR 15000 (Up to 6 persons – Exclusive Walk)

Starting Time : 

Winters (Nov-Feb) – 4:30 pm

Summers (Mar-Oct) – 5 pm

Expected Duration : 

1.5 – 2 hours

Remarks : 

This tour covers a heritage lane and explains the culture, people and lifestyle of Lucknow within just a span of 2 hrs. No heritage monuments are a part of this walk.

Does not operate on Thursdays, National Holidays and a few festivals such as Holi, Diwali, Eid & Mohorram.

January 26, 2020

Lucknow Mutiny Tour

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Revisiting Lucknow of 1857-58

Lucknow on the west of river Gomti, 42 miles east of Cawnpore and 610 miles from Calcutta, was the capital of the province of Oudh. It was annexed, in 1856, and this very fact became the root cause of the mutiny here. If the British rule were flexible and if at all it respected the local sentiments, the course of history would have been quite different. Oudh had been the nursery of the company’s infantry. Its population was armed, militarised and it provided soldiers for more than just British interests. Nawab’s extensive court and his army had been disbanded. Some 200,000 men, all the supporting services, the armourers alone numbering 12000, as well as dispossession of many landowners & talukdars of their rights & powers, happened to be the worst mistake of the British. This threw still more armed men out of employment, but skilled to fight against the perpetrators of their misery the British. While the arrival of Sir Henry Lawrence as the Chief Commissioner of Oudh in time would have been a game changer and could have made the people of Oudh fall in line with the British, but this happened late and by this time the air in Oudh was all charged up to lay an all out siege in May 1857.

On this very exclusive curated tour – ‘Revisiting Lucknow of 1857-58’, we take you through the routes followed by Henry Havelock, James Outram and Colin Campbell. We visit the areas that were in focus during the siege of Lucknow. We try and understand, how this siege progressed to a conclusive end, but not without sacrifices from both the warring fronts.

Cost :

INR 11000 per person (min 2 guests required)

Starting Time : 

Winters / Summers – 8 am – 9 am

Expected Duration : 

9 hours (Extensive tour)

Remarks : 

Lucknow Mutiny TourThis is an exclusive special interest tour that operates every day, except Friday. Ideal time of starting would be 0800 hrs, though may be altered as per individual requirements, while expect to return to the hotel by 1700 / 1800 hrs.

Does not operate on Friday and national holidays.

January 24, 2020

Victorian Walk

Filed under: Home Product Box,Walks — admins @ 9:05 am

Why are we calling it a ‘Victorian Walk’ ?

The Victorian era of British history was the period of Queen Victoria’s reign from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. It was a long period of peace, prosperity, refined sensibilities and national self-confidence for Britain. This was a period of great uprising  of 1857 that changed the way Indians and Britons lived, worked and thought. On one hand it records devastation and on another it is the period of art, literature, culture and style. Hazratganj is a place that has witnessed all of this and yet survived the strong winds that impacted its fabric, changed cultures and lifestyle yet can tell a story that starts from the early years of Queen Victoria and travels through the Edwardian into the second World War and further up till date.

It is said that change is inevitable and welcome, if it were not change, we would have never undertaken this walk to understand the transformation of Hazratgunge into Hazratganj. This is one place that so very conveniently connects history to itself, amalgamates it into the aristocracy of the British in India during the Raj and again moves up to Americanization during the World War, back into an Anglo-Indian culture and then again into a British influenced Lucknow that was very Indian at heart, but with a distinct culture.

One finds striking names and places in this road, which have an exciting story to back them and weave history around it.

About Victorian Walk…

Our Victorian Walk at HAZRATGUNGE (Hazratganj) lets you into its rich history, legacy and of course the marketplace that has evolved with times to cater the cultured and the elite of Lucknow. We take you on this walking tour, that includes a seated session to enjoy a freshly brewed Darjeeling Tea and some tea-time essentials. On this tour you will discover and rediscover Hazratganj of yore and will be able to compare it with the transformed Ganj of today. Understand the checkered history of Hazratganj from the uprising days of 1857 till the second world war in 1939-45 and again till the Indian independence in 1947. Further on, you learn about how Hazratganj plays a pivotal role in people’s life and why the people of Lucknow take pride in being seen here.

You also steel an opportunity to walk in and out of the glitzy showrooms and emporia that entice you with their colour and style. Walkers on this tour will be guided through this street by an expert walk leader, who will give ample time to look around. The commentary on this walk is through an audio guide system, helping you to listen to your walk leader, even when you are not necessarily following him.

We are sure, this is an experience that takes you back in times and lets you travel back again.

Cost : INR 4000 per person (Shared Walk)

INR 16000 (Up to 4 persons – Exclusive Walk)

Starting Time : Winters / Summers – 4 pm
Expected Duration : 2 hours
Remarks : Victorian WalkMost enjoyable for British Travellers. Check schedule with us.

Does not operate on Sunday, national holidays and a few festivals such as Holi, & Diwali.

January 23, 2020

Wajid Ali Shah Walk

Filed under: Home Product Box,Walks — admins @ 9:06 am

Kaiserbagh Palace was once the most beautiful palaces anywhere, with well laid landscaped gardens, gilded domes and minarets that added to the overall beauty of this huge palace complex. It indeed did not have any parallel anywhere in the world. No doubt, the palace complex was envied by outsiders and made natives proud. Kaiserbagh Palace Complex was in fact the most well planned works of grandeur by Wajid-Ali-Shah, the last ruler of Awadh, who himself was a great connoisseur of art in all its forms and the same innate personality reflected in his palace.

Kaiserbagh later became a victim of British revenge, after the failed Indian Mutiny in 1858 when the British forces recaptured sieged Lucknow, Begum Hazrat Mahal and her son Birjis Qadr fled to Nepal and Wajid-Ali-Shah was deposed and left for Calcutta. As a consequence and revenge of the toughest time that the British forces had here, Kaiserbagh was unmindfully demolished. Today sadly, only a few structures remain to be seen and it is indeed very hard to imagine that once it was, the world’s most beautiful palace complex.

On this walking tour we explore the Kaiserbagh Palace Complex, reconstruct the area with the help of old pictures and maps and as a cherry on the cake, we treat you over a cup of tea at the Kotwara House, that is a small part of Kaiserbagh, now an abode of the film maker Muzaffar Ali. We peep inside an intact portion of this palace, where along with your tea, you also enjoy watching a clip from his classic film, ‘Umrao Jaan’, that in fact was inspired by the culture of Lucknow and was extensively shot in Kaiserbagh.

Cost : INR 3850 per person (Min two guests required)
Starting Time : Winters / Summers – 3 pm
Expected Duration : 2 hours
Remarks : This tour covers Kaiserbagh, the erstwhile palace complex of Wajid Ali Shah, reconstructing it virtually and understanding the personality of the ruler. This walking tour ends at The Kotwara House over a cup of tea and cookies.

Does not operate on Sunday and a few festivals such as Holi, Eid & Mohorram.

January 21, 2020

La Martiniere Decoded

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– by permission

A castle that could never be used to live, is a French imprint in Lucknow and narrates a story of how a Frenchman, Claude Martin rose to become Maj General in the British East India Company and all about his marshal deeds and charity that converted it into one of the most prestigious schools of India. This magnificent architecture stands on the banks of river Gomti and has absolutely no equal in India. Believe it or not, this is a school that received many honours, including ‘The Battle Honours’ for the defence of Residency in 1857.

We would explore La Martiniere on this curated tour and we would get a chance to enjoy tea and snacks at the school canteen or a specially arranged session at the school. On this very exclusive tour – ‘La Martiniere Decoded’, we take you on a walk through the campus of La Martiniere, visit the hidden corners to understand not only its history, but also to understand the education and administrative systems followed by the school. Decode La Martiniere with us !

Cost :

INR 5500 per person 

Starting Time : 

9:30 am – 12:15 pm (*1st time slot)

2:45 pm – 5:30 pm (*2nd time slot)

Expected Duration : 

2.45 hours (consider almost 3 hours)

Remarks : 

This is an exclusive and privileged visits and operates daily.

*Visit under this is available in two slots, but timings are flexible and may be altered after prior discussion. 

‘Prasad’ – Ayodhya Dining Experience

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– by appointment

A meal often narrates a lot about the society, its beliefs and the people. In Ayodhya temple culture is most prominent and life revolves around it. Lunch in Ayodhya every afternoon begins with a ‘Bhog’ – offering to the deity with prayers being recited for health and wellbeing and then the distribution of ‘Prasad’, where guests are seated on the floor and a hearty meal which consists of a vegetarian fare without onion and garlic is served on dry leaf (pattal).

Tornos guests can experience this Temple Lunch at a 150 year old temple with the head priest, ‘Mahant’ and his family in Ayodhya. After this blessed lunch the Mahant will engage in conversation with the guest sharing not only some intricate facts about Ayodhya’s ethos but also his interpretation of an episode from the holy Ramayana.

 

Cost : On request – info@tornosindia.com
Starting Time : Winters / Summers – 1 pm (Lunch) – time flexible
Expected Duration : 1 – 2 hours
Remarks : This is an exclusive and privileged temple dining experience at a temple that operates every day by appointment and pre-booking.

Live dance / Bhajan (devotional songs) performance is at a supplement and not a part of general product (Add half an hour extra if this activity has to be included)

This activity is in a temple thus maintaining decorum and basic religious etiquette is of utmost importance.

January 20, 2020

Delhi Mutiny Tour

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Revisiting Delhi of 1857

Delhi the capital of the Mughal Empire, was reduced to insignificance over the preceding century. The 82-year old Mughal Monarch Bahadur Shah II (Bahadur Shah Zafar) became the frail figurehead under which Indian rebel forces rallied.

Delhi was taken by Indian rebel troops in May 1857. From June to September 1857, British troops (with reinforcements from the Sikh, Gorkha, Pathan and other regiments) laid siege to Delhi and in a series of attacks, finally won back the city. On September 20th, Bahadur Shah surrendered. The very next day, Bahadur Shah’s sons and grandson were shot by Major Hodson, and the city was declared to be recaptured by the British East India Company. Brigadier John Nicholson, who played a leading role in the siege of Delhi, died of his wounds on September 22nd, one day after taking over of Delhi. Rudyard Kipling has immortalised his death in his famous work, ‘Kim’.

After the fall of Delhi, the Mutiny lost its leadership and broke up into disparate uprisings. It took the British nearly a year of fighting to subdue the uprisings and establish control. This was followed by a horrific programme of purges that became known as the “Devil’s Wind”. Thousands were executed without trial, including an entire village population, to ensure that the Mutiny would not be repeated. Finally in 1858, the East India Company was formally dissolved and its power over India was transferred to the Crown – the beginning of the Raj.

We take you on a very well-researched structural tour of Delhi visiting the places that were under siege and the ones that saw the horrific incidents finally leading to the recapture of the walled city of Delhi. On this exhaustive tour we visit : St James Church,  Nicholson’s Cemetery,  The Telegraph Memorial, Kashmere Gate,  The Mutiny Memorial,  Flagstaff Tower, The Magazine, The Khooni Darwaza (Bloody Gate). This tour is led by a Mutiny Specialist Guide and is a special interest subject based tour. 

Cost :

INR 11000 per person (min 2 guests required)

Starting Time : 

Winters / Summers – 8 am – 9 am

Expected Duration : 

5 hours (Extensive tour)

Remarks : 

This is an exclusive special interest tour that operates every day, except Monday . Ideal time of starting would be 0800 hrs, though may be altered as per individual requirements, while expect to return to the hotel by 1400 / 1500 hrs.

Does not operate on Monday and national holidays.

Kanpur Mutiny Tour

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Revisiting Cawnpore of 1857

Believed to have been settled by an ancient Hindu king, referred as Kanpur, the area was of little significance till about 1765. By the treaty of Faizabad, in 1775, the East India Company engaged to supply a brigade for the defence of the frontier of Oudh, and Cawnpore was selected as the station for the forces, with a subsidy being paid by the protected country (Oude) for the maintenance of the troops. Subsequently, in 1801 Lord Wellesley commuted this payment for the surrender of the district to the company’s territory, thus it gained an important barrier against the threatened invasion of the south, from Kabul and Afghanistan. Cawnpore immediately rose into one of the most important of the company’s garrisons.

Cawnpore Cantonment, that was quite distinct from the native city, was spread over an extent of six miles, in a semicircular form, along the banks of river Ganges. Hundreds of colonial bungalows, residences of British officers, standing midst well laid gardens, interspersed with forest trees. The barracks of the troops, with a separate bazaar for each regiment were a treat to one’s eyes. The breadth of Ganges at Cawnpore, in the dry season, is about five hundred yards, but when the rains filled it up, its bed stretched more than a mile.

On this very exclusive curated tour – ‘Revisiting Cawnpore of 1857’, we take you through the areas that were the focus of the siege. We try and understand how this bloodiest siege progressed to a conclusive end, when General Havelock freed Cawnpore of the shadows of the rebels.

Cost :

INR 11000 per person (min 2 guests required)

Starting Time : 

Winters / Summers – 8 am – 9 am

Expected Duration : 

8 hours (if from/to Lucknow)  |  4 hours (if from/to Kanpur)

Remarks : 

This is an exclusive special interest tour that operates every day.

Ideal time of starting would be 0800 hrs (if from Lucknow) while 1000 hrs (if from Kanpur), though may be altered as per individual requirements, while expect to return to the hotel by 1600 / 1700 hrs if Lucknow, or by 1400 / 1500 hrs if Kanpur.

January 17, 2020

‘Grasse of India’ – Kannauj (Perfume Making)

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Kannauj is a small town between Lucknow and Agra, that has an older history of perfumeries than Grasse in France. Well connected with India’s best expressway, Lucknow-Agra, Kannuaj falls just about 2 hours away from Lucknow and about 2.5 hours from Agra and is a convenient stopover on this route.

Perfumes from Kannauj have a long history and have enjoyed royal patronage – they were worn by the Mughal Emperors for their high quality and unique scents. It is believed that Kannauj has been a perfumery town since more than 1000 years and the traditional perfume making skills of perfumers are passed on from one generation to another within the family. The traditional perfumes are called ‘Itar’ or ‘Attar’ and are usually made from flowers and herbs, but one of the unique varieties here is made from mud, where the scent of first monsoon rain on dry earth is captured to create a perfume. Very few would know, that some of the leading international brands of perfumes pick-up concentrates from here for further production, giving Kannauj perfumes an international reach.

Though a lot of world around Kannauj has changed, but the town of Kannauj still takes pride in producing perfumes in traditional ways and passing on the art within the family of perfumers. One can smell the fragrance even in the drains of Kannuaj, in which the residue from innumerable perfumeries flow.

We have curated a very exclusive experience around the perfume industry of Kannauj, as a great introduction and appreciation of the traditional art of perfume making, that has survived all the modern interventions in this field only to produce the best of fragrances.

Cost :

INR 17,000 per person (operates on minimum 2 guests)

Starting Time : 

8:30 – 9 am (Flexible)

Expected Duration : 

5-6 hours

Remarks : 

This is an exclusive tour.

Guests are picked up from their hotel in the city (Agra or Lucknow) and dropped in any hotel (Agra or Lucknow). The duration of this tour is about 5 hrs.

Best suited for guests travelling between Agra and Lucknow as an en route experience. Though may also be taken as an excursion from any of the two cities.

This tour is not conducted on Tuesday & Sunday and on any National Holiday.

This tour remains suspended for a fortnight after the Indian festivals of Diwali, Holi and Eid.

Programme…

  • Post breakfast pick up from any hotel in Lucknow/Agra and drive to Kannauj (2 / 2.5 hrs drive).
  • Reach Kannauj by 1100 hrs and start your tour by visiting the flower fields to understand the early morning plucking process (plucking of flowers takes place at sunrise, thus it is only possible to see this where an overnight stay is involved).
  • Break for lunch either at a local restaurant or enjoy a packed lunch within the perfumery
  • Later at the perfumery, understand the traditional art of developing the essential
  • After understanding the process, visit a perfume store to enjoy a tea session with a perfumer who will talk about different scents.
  • Tour will end at about 1600 to drive further to Lucknow/Agra (2 / 2.5 hours).

January 14, 2020

Lucknow Plan (LP) -Not EP, not CP, not MAP, not AP

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Experience the Sights, Sounds, Smells and Sapidity of Lucknow on this tour. We take you on the food trail from early hours of the morning till late in the night, include the fabulous monuments and also show you the intangible heritage of this fabled city, all in a day. This is a complete day package that includes all except your hotel stay to show you Lucknow as no one has ever seen.

What you eat ?

  • Mattha : Buttermilk flavoured with black salt and cumin.
  • Jalebi : A popular sweet made from a fermented batter of refined wheat flour, deep fried in pretzels and dunked in saffron-sugar syrup, usually had with plain yogurt, as a breakfast dish.
  • Khasta : Wheat dough stuffed with a fine paste of black lentil and deep fried in ghee, served with a spicy potato preparation.
  • Lassi : Thick whisked sweet yogurt topped with cream.
  • Poori : Flattened deep fried bread, flavoured with carom seeds, served with potato and chick pea preparation.
  • Thandai : A refreshing and a healthy milk based drink having a combination of almond paste and condiments.
  • Paani Batashey : A crispy round hollow semolina canopies filled with tangy and spicy water had as an evening snack.
  • All that is on our Culinary Walk

What you see ?

Botanical Garden Asfi Imambara Husainabad Imambara Residency
Dhobi Ghat La Martiniere Dilkusha Heritage Walk

 

Cost :

INR 11500 per person (min 2 guests)

Starting Time : 

5:30 am

Expected Duration : 

15-16 hours

Remarks : 

This is an exhaustive and a long tour. Guests must be foodies, loving food adventure to fully enjoy this tour.

Does not operate on Thursday & Sunday

January 11, 2020

Walter Burley Griffin’s Lucknow

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Walter Burley Griffin born on 24th November 1876 was an architect. He was responsible for designing Australia’s capital city Canberra. His specialty has been to develop L-shaped plan, carport and reinforced concrete.

In his early years Griffin was quite influenced by Prairie School based in Chicago. His partnership with his wife, Marion Mahony Griffin at work proved to be quite a success. They together worked to create about 350 designs in just 28 years. The couple was also designing furniture, interiors and other household items.

Griffins moved to Lucknow (India) after they got the contract of an agriculture exhibition design to be held here. Upon arrival they fell in love with Lucknow and made it their home. The landmark buildings that Griffin designed in Lucknow were, Pioneer Press Building, Interiors of Capitol Cinema House, a Zenana at the Jhangirabad, Tagore Library at the University of Lucknow and a few private houses as well.

Griffin died in early 1937, just 5 days after a gall bladder surgery that went wrong at King George’s Medical College in Lucknow. He was then buried in Lucknow while his wife, Marion Mahony Griffin returned to Chicago.

Tornos conducts a special tour woven around Walter Burley Griffin’s Lucknow with special visits to surviving buildings and location where he built. A visit to his restored grave is also a part of this tour. This tour may also be merged with other interests.

Read more about Walter Burley Griffin

Cost : INR 8500 per person
Starting Time : Winters / Summers – 9 am (Flexible)
Expected Duration : 4-5 hours
Remarks : This is an exclusive special interest tour that operates every day.

Ideal time of starting would be 0900 hrs, though may be altered as per individual requirements, while expect to return to the hotel by 1300 / 1400 hrs.

Death & Beyond (Varanasi Walk)

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Varanasi or Banaras is the oldest living city world over. This is a city where Lord Shiva dwelled and made it his abode. There may be many cities where people migrate to live, but this is the only city where people are known to migrate to die. In Hinduism it is strongly believed that death or cremation in Varanasi surely opens the doors to heaven, no wonder this is a city that celebrates death and truly understands that death is yet another journey into another world and only a cycle of rebirth.

On this walking tour we take you to understand death and all the rituals that follow it from the time of cremation, through the mourning and finally ending the 13 day period of mourning and even thereafter the annual ritual performed in the memory of the dead. Mind you each ritual is with a purpose and has a scientific backing to it. Once you have understood the ‘Death in Varanasi’ the life becomes so easy and meaningful.

An expert walk leader accompanies you detailing each step and answering many of your existential questions. You also get an opportunity to interact with a ‘Dome’ (A community that is entrusted with organizing and helping the family to light the funeral pyre).

This may sound a scary walking tour but if we consider this as a truth of life and understand the rituals it surely is a learning experience.

 

Cost :

On request – info@tornosindia.com

Starting Time :

11 am (Flexible)

Expected Duration :

2 – 2.5 hours 

Remarks :

This is a ritual understanding walking tour and a learning experience. Some times the visuals of burning funeral pyres may not be pleasant and surely not for children below the age of 16. 

Does not operate on a few festivals such as Holi &  Diwali. 

Threads of Banaras (Silk Weaving Walk)

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Varanasi previously known as Banaras (also spelt as Benaras), has been a centre of production of hand-loom silk since centuries. Varanasi silk fabrics have been eulogised in scriptures and ancient texts and India’s traditional wedding trousseau is incomplete without a Banarasi Saree. The artistic ingenuity of the artisans and the changing market trends have resulted in a great variety of the Banaras silk fabrics. No two sarees are the similar in quality, colour, design or pattern. Further reading https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/silk-weavers-varanasi-banarasi-sari-intl-hnk/index.html

Varanasi one of the most ancient cities, abode of Lord Shiva – known for its ghats and temples produces the most exquisite silk sarees called ‘Banarasi’ with intricate motifs and gold and silver metal threads. An Indian woman’s wardrobe is said to be incomplete without having at least one of these and these are considered an Indian wedding essential for the bride.  

On this three hours tour led by an expert we give you an interactive experience, walking through the weavers’ loom village that was got a new lease of life after it was patronized by the leading luxury hotel chain – The Taj Group of Hotels’ which adopted it and since, the looms at this weavers village were back in action, producing hand-crafted silk sarees as uniforms for their lady executives, all through their properties in India and abroad.

This walk gives an opportunity to understand and appreciate the craft, meet the weavers’ families to get the first hand information about their socio-economic condition and the evolution of trade from the olden times to the modern ones. This tour is an opportunity to see the hand-looms and understand the dynamics of weaving, sourcing and types of silk being used. On this tour you also visit a weaver’s family and enjoy a cup of tea with him over an interactive session and possibly try your hands on one of the silk piece on the loom.  

 

Cost :

On request – info@tornosindia.com

Starting Time :

11 am (Flexible)

Expected Duration :

3 – 3.5 hours 

Remarks :

This is a craft appreciation walking tour and often a learning experience (hands-on) of silk weaving looms in Varanasi for special interest groups.

The workshop is held at a weavers studio/home. 

Does not operate on a few festivals such as Holi, Diwali, Eid & Mohorram. After Ramzan this walking tour remains suspended for 15 days.  

Residency Reconstructed

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(Walking Tour)

Lucknow Residency was an abode of the British Resident, appointed as an administrator of Oudh by The East India Company. The total area of 33 acres was no less than a self-sufficient residential colony of British officers, their families and native servants. A place that was a lively European settlement till the month of May-1857, fell in the hands of the spirited mutineers and within a period of eighty seven days the entire complex was reduced to ruins, not before taking away lives of more than 2000 British men, women and innocent children within the complex.

On this 3 hours walking tour, we reconstruct the ruins within the complex, with the help of some rare pictures, building plans and maps. Also understand the events of 1857-58, with a focused reference to the Residency complex, enjoy 20 minutes documentary and refreshments served here with compliments. A mutiny expert guide will lead this very curated and a well-researched tour, supported by texts, pictures and maps. The tour has an option of a complimentary afternoon tea at The Tornos Studio that stocks the largest and the best collection of books and literature based on Indian Mutiny.

Cost :

INR 4500 per person

Starting Time : 

10:30 am (*1st time slot)

2:30 pm (*2nd time slot)

Expected Duration : 

2.5 – 3 hours

Remarks : 

This is an exclusive Residency tour covering the campus in in great detail.

Does not operate on Friday and a few other holidays.

Bone Crafting

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The craft which can be traced back to early man civilization, when tools were made of bones and much later these bones were used to make decorative pieces and some pieces of utility with a touch of art in them, is on the verge of extinction, or let’s say it already is almost extinct. Only a few artesian practice it till date, though unhappy with the earnings it fetches. The lack of patrons, scarcity of raw material and legal restraints has pushed many artisans away from the craft of bone carving. There are only a very few in Lucknow who are loyal to this inherited craft that they have inherited from their families and continue to earn their livelihood from it.

Animal bones took the center-stage to craft decorative and other articles of utility after the ban on ivory. Lucknow was always a place where artists and artisans innovated and experimented and their experiments and innovations were patronized by the Nawabs of Awadh who were connoisseur of all things good and gave high regard to craftsmen. Bone craft, though was not only restricted to Lucknow and was practiced in many other parts of India, but Lucknow’s was considered to be very intricate and probably the only place where buffalo bones were used for this craft. Buffalo bones are sourced from the butchers for whom these are of practically no use and then after processing traditionally, these are used to craft articles by the artisans. Beautiful masterpieces are produced out of these bones which include jewelry boxes, pens, hair clips and even fashion jewelry which includes necklaces, earnings et al.

This is a dying form of craft and to keep it alive, whatever exists of it, Tornos takes you to one such home based workshop where the family is involved in this craft. You understand the process, meet the craftsmen at work and interact with them directly to appreciate this craft. Of course there is an opportunity to buy directly from them.

Cost :

On request – info@tornosindia.com

Starting Time :

11 am (Flexible)

Expected Duration :

1.5 hours  (Add another 2 hrs for an orientation-learning experience if opted for)

Remarks :

This is an appreciation visit to a craft workshop with possibility of  hands-on learning experience  for special interest groups.

The workshop is held at a craftsman’s home based workshop. 

Does not operate on Fridays and remains suspended  6 days prior and 6 days after any Islamic festivals. It also remains  and remains suspended during major Hindu festivals such as Holi and Diwali.

Bells, Beats & Ballet – Kathak Workshop

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Kathak is one of the eight classical dance forms of India. Its famous three ‘gharanas’ or the schools are Lucknow, Jaipur and Banaras, where Lucknow is considered to be the most superior of these all, due to its distinctive style that includes intricate hand, foot and eye movement and above all, intense facial expressions that make the story come alive. From love stories of Lord Krishna, to description of Lord Shiva’s personality, from entertainment evenings at the royal courts of Mughals and the Nawabs of Awadh or for that matter a devotee’s love for God as part of Sufi belief, Kathak is about visually narrating a story through a dance. Kathak dance form is in fact the most secular of all dance forms in India, living up to Hindu-Muslim unity, in line with secular principles of Awadh, particularly that of Lucknow, which is a part of its social fabric.

Under our product, ‘Bells, Beats and Ballet’ – (Kathak Workshop), we at Tornos bring to you 3 exciting options to choose from:-

Cost :

I – Watch Kathak Students Learn : INR 3500 Per Guest

(Includes : A visit to a Kathak school to watch students learn and perform, also  a 15 min lecture by a Kathak teacher for better connect. Also includes soft-drinks and light refreshments. Duration is about one and a half  hour) 

IA – Learning and Appreciation Kathak Session : INR 4700 Per Guest

(Includes : A visit to a Kathak school to learn and appreciate the dance form in a two and a half hour session under expert teachers along with other students. A bit of hands-on fun-class too. Also includes soft-drinks and light refreshments)

IB – Intensive Understanding of Kathak : INR 14000 Per Guest

(Includes : Two days of five hours each a day rigorous Kathak learning sessions along with tea/soft-drinks and light refreshments)

Starting Time & Duration : 

This experience is available every day except on Sunday, National and Festive holidays. First two options:‘I’ and ‘IA’ are available at 1800 hrs, while option ‘IB’ is available to be opted as a post-breakfast or as a post-lunch session.

Remarks : 

Venue in the above mentioned package is a ‘Kathak Training School’ and visits are with special arrangements and prior permissions. Should there be a requirement of any other venue, such as a hotel banquet etc., there would be an additional charge for that. Venue cost, other than a Kathak School on request.

 

Weeping Lucknow – Muharram

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Understanding the 68 days of mourning in Lucknow* 

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and the most important month for Muslims after Ramzan (Ramadan). Instead of joyous celebration, Shia Muslims mark the beginning of the New Year with sorrow by participating in mournful gatherings – mourning the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala.

Other than Iran, India has the largest Shia population in the world, while Lucknow hosts the most in India, thus the observance of Muharram in Lucknow is the longest, most unique and beyond compare.

We take you on a curated tour of Lucknow’s Muhharam, where one experiences, how the city has maintained the legacy of this mourning custom from the Nawabi era till date and that too unchanged. Hindus too take part in these rituals with great reverence and devotion, making Muharram a unique feature in the socio-cultural fabric of Lucknow, presenting an unparalleled example of Hindu-Muslim unity in the city.

Cost : INR 11,000 per person (minimum 02 guests) – per day/per event as per calendar*
Starting Time : 1:30 pm (starts from Lucknow)
Expected Duration : 10-11 hours (minimum)
Remarks : This tour is date specific and this too may change by a day as per Islamic lunar calendar.

Ritualistically guests are required to wear simple black clothes in keeping with the tradition of mourning.

Some of the rituals might not be very pleasing to eyes and better avoided by faint-hearted guests and children.

Most of the events are crowded and involve a walk due to traffic congestion and security restrictions.

 

Muharram Event Calendar*

Day Highlight Event  2024 2025 2026 2027
1st Shahi Zari ka Juloos 8th July 27th Jun 16th Jun 6th Jun
From 2nd till 5′day there are no specific public programmes, except for daily congressions. This period is not recommended for inclusion as it may not be as visually exciting.
6th Aag ka Matam 13th Jul 2nd Jul 21st Jun 12th Jun
7th Janbe Qasim ka Mehndi ka Jullos 14th Jul 3th Jul 22nd Jun 13th Jun
8th Alam-e-Fateh-e-Furat 15th Jul 4th Jul 23rd Jun 14th Jun
9th Alam-e-Yadgar-e-Hussaini 16th Jul 5th Jul 24th Jun 15th Jun
10th Jullos-e-Ashura 17th Jul 6th Jul 25th Jun 16th Jun
From 11th till 49th day there are no specific public programmes, except/or daily congressions. This period is not recommended/or inclusion as it may not be as visually exciting.
50th Chehlum 26th Aug 15th Aug 4th Aug 26th Jun
From 51st till 67th day there are no specific public programmes, except /or daily congressions. This period is not recommended/or inclusion as it may not be as visually exciting.
68th Chup Taziya 13th Sep 1st Sep 3rd Sep 13th Jun

*Dates subject to change as per moon sighting – only by one or two days, plus or minus.

 

 

Taste of Labour (Culinary Experience)

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– by appointment

After a day’s hard work and toiling all day it is a humble cuisine that labourers cook for themselves every evening with limited means at their disposal but with great heart and full soul.

We at Tornos have learnt to appreciate this unique cuisine that we call, ‘Taste of Labour’, very basic but a hearty meal that tastes quite different due to labour being one of its ingredients. We will take you to a construction site to experience the dinner preparation just after the day’s labour. Learn step by step cooking, from lighting the fire to plating the meal. Each step is unbelievable, style of lighting fire, pounding of garlic with the back of a steel glass, or for that matter bread being rolled with a rolling pin all are so unique to labourers’ cuisine.

Believe us, there is absolutely no parallel in the style of cooking and the taste of food cooked by the labourers on the roadside at the construction sites or their makeshift abode on the streets.

Cost :

INR 6500 per person (minimum 2 guests)

Starting Time :

6:30 pm (operational from October-March only) 

Expected Duration :

2.5 hours

Remarks :

This is an experience with an exclusive arrangements at a building site where daily-wage labourers work. 

To appreciate the cooking methods, rustic taste one needs to be a food enthusiast leaving aside many inhibition.

Though basic hygiene standards are maintained yet there may be some visuals that may not stand in confirmation with international hygiene practices which will have to be overlooked in order to enjoy this experience in an unpretentious way. 

Ram Vivah in Ayodhya – When Ram weds Sita

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(Excursion to Ayodhya on specific event dates*) 

Indian wedding is not just a ritual but actually a phase when a Hindu steps into, ‘Grahast Ashram’ – the worldly life of being married. This Hindu ritual draws inspiration from the wedding of Ram-Sita, a couple who is considered perfect in all senses and a wedlock that had absolutely no flaw at all.

Just a 2 hours drive from takes us to Ayodhya, an ancient religious city where Lord Rama was born. This city is deeply rooted to its traditions and customs, one of it being Ram Vivah or the Wedding of Lord Rama with Sita. This actually is ‘not to be missed’ event in Ayodhya and according to Hindu calendar falls on, ‘Aghan Vivah Panchami’, the day when Lord Rama married Sita the daughter of Janak along with his three brothers, Laxman, Bharat & Shatrudhan who married Urmila, Mandavi & Shrutikirti respectively.

We at Tornos organise this very curated tour of Ayodhya that not only includes the tour of temples, evening Aarti of river Saryu, but also takes you to show the different wedding processions that originate on this particular day from different Ashrams and move through the city to reach the wedding venue, where cultural performances are held and all the wedding rituals follow all night.

*Ram Vivah Tour Date (subject to change by one day plus/minus as per Hindu calendar)

2023 – Sunday, 17th December

2024 – Friday, 6th December

2025 Tuesday, 25th November

2026 – Monday, 14th December

2027 – Friday, 3rd December

Cost :

INR 13500 per person (minimum 02 guests)

Starting Time : 

1:30 pm (starts from Lucknow)

Expected Duration : 

10-11 hours (minimum)

Remarks : 

This tour starts from Lucknow.

Return is open to guest at an optional time anytime after late dinner 2200 hrs, as few guests may not prefer seeing all overnight wedding rituals. 

As an option an overnight stay can also be provided in Ayodhya under this product with an additional cost. 

What all you should not expect on these tours ?

  • If you plan to stay in Ayodhya/Faizabad, do not expect a star category like hotel comforts, though we try and compensate many shortcomings by including a tea and coffee maker in room, supervised cleaning and steward in attendance. Of course it would be a neat and clean air-conditioned accommodation with modern facilities yet it might be a bit challenging for a few.
  • Meals served here are strictly vegetarian meals and at times may not include ginger and garlic, having warned about this we still highly rate the meals served, as it is an experience in itself. Some of our guests may find an Indian breakfast too heavy to be relished, thus we have an alternate arrangement in place to include packed croissants, soft bread, butter, preserves, muffins, juices etc. but again please do not expect this to be an elaborate spread.
  • Ayodhya is a wonderful religious town with a rich culture and provides a great experience but to enjoy it , you need to overlook many shortcomings at times in terms of infrastructure that often remains an issue in all ancient Indian towns, with limited space and resources. At all levels we try and do our best to provide you a great experience devoid of all shortcomings, yet urge you to be accommodating and understand that often things may not move the way you want them to.
  • While utmost care has been taken in terms of multiple reconnaissance tours and researches before the launch of all our tour programmes, but most of our programmes are unique and quite out of box, thus there might be certain inclusions or visits that practically do not fit in at the last moment for many unforeseen reasons and last moment developments. In such cases we reserve the right to change to an alternate programme that should be equally exciting and we would recommend you accept it with trust on us to enjoy the tour.

Oriental Walk

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Not only that Lucknow is architecturally awesome but also well planned, quite like the way a capital should be. Most of the Nawabi heritage monuments of the early 18th and late 19th centuries happen to be in a systematic layout as if each Nawab knew what’s about to come up next. Specially the Asfi & the Husainabad complexes and its periphery so systematically line up the concrete heritage of the city as if it were all made for future generations of 21st century  to admire and appreciate the plan.

On this walking tour we not only explore the main landmarks of the Nawabi heritage, but also detail some nooks and corners in the periphery without which history of Lucknow is just incomplete. This three hours walking tour is one of the most revealing tour of discoveries in Lucknow.

Cost :

INR 4000 per person (Shared Walk)

INR 20000 (Up to 6 persons – Exclusive Walk)

Starting Time : 

9 am (*1st time slot)

3 pm (*2nd time slot)

Expected Duration : 

3 hours

Remarks : 

This walking tour is available in two time slots, morning and afternoon.

This tour covers a heritage monuments in the old city and many other places that otherwise are not a part of general sightseeing tour.

Does not operate on Friday and a few festivals such as Holi, Eid & Mohorram.

Golf in Lucknow

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India was the first country outside of Great Britain to take up the game of golf. The Royal Calcutta Golf Club, established in 1829, happens to be the oldest golf club in India, and the first outside Great Britain. A little later La Martiniere Golf Club was established in Lucknow, much before golf came to Delhi.

At that time river Gomti was a vibrant clean flowing river noted for fish, fowl and pearls. In such idyllic surroundings the white sahibs, wielded Brassie (fairway woods) and Niblicks (wedges), while their `Madam Sahibs’, trotted up and down in riding breeches on what has since become, Kalidas Marg. The present club-house did not exist then. The first tee was laid out somewhere near the present Haider Canal (which is adjoining the present Lohia Path road to Gomti Nagar). The course was open to the members of the United Services Club and a select few `brown sahibs’ (Indian elites) and ‘Talukdars’ (Indian landlords).

Spreading over 70 acres, it offers 9 holes, par 71 challenging golf course, measuring 6391 yards. The course features lush green fairways, large old trees, and two water hazards. The best and the longest hole on the golf course is hole 07 that plays 584 yards from Men’s tee.

On this tour you not only play a game of golf, but also enjoy some bird watching, with vivid varieties of birds that flock the area. Also, watch the little ones go to school at La Martiniere and watch the boys assemble for their morning assembly, that indeed is a pleasant sight to behold.

Cost :

INR 10000 per person

Starting Time :

Winters (Nov-Feb) – 6 am

Summers (Mar-Oct) – 5 am

Expected Duration :

2 – 3 hours

Remarks :

This programme is only open to registered golfers and is not a general programme. 

This programme may be suspended due to rains.

We recommend golfers to carry their own kit, though kits in limited numbers are available with us as well and we can offer the same at no extra cost.

Does not operate on Saturday, Sunday & Monday. 

Know a bit about Golf….

While the modern game of golf originated in 15th century Scotland, the game’s ancient origins are unclear and much debated. Some historians trace the sport back to the Roman game of paganica, in which participants used a bent stick to hit a stuffed leather ball. One theory asserts that paganica spread throughout Europe as the Romans conquered most of the continent, during the first century BC, and eventually evolved into the modern game. The first written record of golf is James II’s banning of the game in 1457, as an unwelcome distraction to learning archery. To many golfers, the Old Course at St Andrews, a links course dating to before 1574, is considered to be a site of pilgrimage. Golf is documented as being played on Musselburgh Links, East Lothian, Scotland as early as 2 March 1672, which is certified as the oldest golf course in the world by Guinness World Records. The oldest surviving rules of golf were compiled in March 1744 for the Company of Gentlemen Golfers, later renamed The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, which was played at Leith, Scotland. The world’s oldest golf tournament in existence, and golf’s first major, is The Open Championship, which was first played on 17 October 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club, in Ayrshire, Scotland.

Ayodhya Darshan (Ex Lucknow)

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(Same day shared, no-frills group tour from Lucknow to Ayodhya. 09-10 hours, including driving time & temple visits)

Post breakfast at 0900 hrs you will be picked up from city hotels (except from Ramada. Pre-booking is important Call 24X7 : + 91-9935538105) and we will leave Lucknow for Ayodhya (150 km / 2 hrs). En route a bio-break at an identified facility. 

Upon arrival we will be met by our Ayodhya Tour Manager who will now lead the tour and get us a privileged access into the temples.

We will visit Ram Janam Bhoomi, the place of birth of Lord Rama. 

Later we will break for lunch at a temple eatery (Optional Lunch/Refreshments on your own – it is not covered in the cost)

Thereafter we will visit Hanuman Gari – the seat of Lord Hanuman who sits on a hilltop to guard the holy city of Ayodhya.

We will now visit Kanak Bhawan and then visit of Kaale Ram Temple and Nageshwar Nath Temple and the Saryu Ghat. (Optional boating on the river – it is not covered in the cost)

Later we drive to the temple workshop where stones are being carved to be placed in the under-construction Rama Temple. 

We will now board our vehicle and return to Lucknow, to reach Lucknow by late dinner time. (Drop-off at hotels from where guests were picked up).

Cost :

INR 3,000 per person  – SPECIAL PRICE (Limited Offer)

Starting Time : 

*09:00 – 10:00 am (will change depending on hotel. It will collect guests from different hotels)

Expected Duration : 

09-10 hours

Remarks : 

This is a shared group tour.

*Pickup time from city hotels.  Exact time will be communicated to you a day (12 hrs) prior 

Expect to return by dinner to Lucknow.

 

Mokshdayni Ayodhya Walk

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Kanchan Bhawan is the starting point of our Mokshdayni Walk in Ayodhya. This walk is curated by Tornos and is quite an exclusive walking tour. It is based on the concept of life by the side of the River Saryu, this walking tour introduces us to the life of this ancient Hindu-city that is not only the birth place of Lord Rama, but has a vivid history and religious interpretations that make each home, ghat and each temple here unique with a story attached to it and a strong logic behind each one. Be it the Jhumki Ghat named after a saint, who is said to be a devout worshipper of Sita, or Sahast Dhara that till dates holds the distinction of taking away the life of a wrong doer who swears by the river Saryu in his own defence. We also visit Nageshwarnath Temple on this walking tour before ending this walk at the ghat for Saryu Aarti* .

Cost : INR 4500 per person (operates on minimum 2 guests)
Starting Time : Winters (Nov-Feb) – 3 pm

Summers (Mar-Oct) – 4:15 pm

Expected Duration : 2.5 hours
Remarks : This walking tour is a pre-breakfast / post lunch tour in Ayodhya and starts from Kanchan Bhawan (Rin Mochan Ghat) to end at Nageshwarnath Temple, followed by River *Saryu Aarti.

The total duration of this walking tour is 2.5 hours.

*Aarti is a part of this walking tour and is performed by our guests with special and privileged arrangements.

Thursday Sufi Sojourn

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Waris Ali Shah or Sarkar Waris Pak was a sufi saint from Dewa, in Barabanki near Lucknow, who was the successor of the Qadriyya–Razzakiyya Silsila (sect). He was from the 26th generation of Hazrat Imam Hussain and was born in 1809.

Sarkar Waris Pak accepted millions of people belonging to all faith into his commune. During that period, Firangi Mahal was the most famous religious centre for Muslims, and they too respected Waris Pak. This endorsement by Firangi Mahal was enough to accord credibility to him. Waris Ali Shah died on 7th April 1905 and was buried at this spot in Dewa. This place is marked by a monument erected in his memory by his followers. The architecture represents communal harmony. It was constructed on a pattern, blending the Hindu and Iranian architecture.

We pick the guests from their city hotels at 1745 hrs, in an exclusive air-conditioned car/coach accompanied by a guide, who en route to Dewa Sharif will explain about this faith. In Dewa Sharif, you not only get to offer your respect to the grave inside in this shrine, by way of ‘chadar-poshi’ (respectful offering of grave covering cloth and flowers), but you also enjoy a seated sessions with the Qawals (devotional Sufi singers), while our expert guide translates the song that is sung in the honor of the sufi saint.

Cost :

INR 11000 per person (operates on minimum 2 guests) – shared

Starting Time : 

5:45 pm*

Expected Duration : 

3 hours

Remarks : 

This is a shared visit that operates only on Thursdays.

*Pickup time from city hotels (Hotel Ramada pickups and drops will be on a supplement)

Timings are flexible and may be altered after prior discussion.

About Sufism in India

Sufism has an illustrious history in India evolving for over 1,000 years. The presence of Sufism has been a leading entity increasing the reaches of Islam throughout the subcontinent. Following the entrance of Islam in the early 700s, Sufi mystic traditions became more visible during the 10th and 11th centuries of the Delhi Sultanate. A conglomeration of four chronologically separate dynasties, the early Delhi Sultanate consisted of rulers from Turkic and Afghan lands. This Persian influence flooded the subcontinent with Islam, Sufi thought, syncretic values, literature, education, and entertainment that has created an enduring impact on the presence of Islam in India today.

Various leaders of Sufi orders, tariqa, chartered the first organized activities to introduce localities to Islam through Sufism. Saint figures and mythical stories provided solace and inspiration to Hindu caste communities often in rural villages of India. The Sufism teachings of divine spirituality, cosmic harmony, love, and humanity resonated with the common people and still does so today. The following content will take a thematic approach to discuss a myriad of influences that helped spread Sufism and a mystical understanding of Islam, making India a contemporary epicenter for Sufi culture today.

Musical Influence

Music has always been present as a rich tradition among all Indian religions. As an influential medium to disperse ideas, music has appealed to people for generations. The audience in India was already familiar with hymns in local languages. Thus Sufi devotional singing was instantly successful among the populations. Music transmitted Sufi ideals seamlessly. In Sufism, the term music is called “sa’ma” or literary audition. This is where poetry would be sang to instrumental music; this ritual would often put Sufis into spiritual ecstasy. The common depiction of whirling dervishes dressed in white cloaks come to picture when paired with “sa’ma.” Many Sufi traditions encouraged poetry and music as part of education. Sufism spread widely with their teachings packaged in popular songs accessing mass demographics. Women were especially affected; often used to sing Sufi songs during the day and in female gatherings. Sufi gatherings today are known as qawali. One of the biggest contributors to the musical Sufi tradition was Amir Khusro (d. 1325). Known as a disciple of Nizamuddin Chishti, Amir was known as the most talented musical poet in the early Muslim period of India. He is considered the founder of Indo-Muslim devotional music traditions. Nicknamed “Parrot of India”, Amir Khusro furthered the Chishti affiliation through this rising Sufi pop culture within India.

January 10, 2020

Kite Flying

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Kankave Baazi

That is exactly what ‘kite’ means in Lucknow. A wondrous pastime and at times, full-time too. Not only kids, but also Bade Miyan (as an elderly person is respectfully referred in Lucknow) take to their rooftops, on the banks of river Gomti, on the embankment, on the pavement and at times in the middle of the roads, where traffic has to wait till the flyers finish with their, oh! so important task of flying kites, cutting another kite or grabbing the falling ones. All this and more is a usual scene in the old city area of Lucknow.

We take you on this exploration visit to a rooftop, where you learn the art of flying kites and winning the match. You learn the vernacular dictum of this game and indulge in a real match. Kite flying enthusiasts of the city gather at one place and mesmerize you, with old anecdotes connected to kite-flying and that of the Nawabs. We also treat you to traditional soft beverages (hot/cold) and your rendezvous with kites may leave you praying to God, that sun may never set and you be flying kites all day and all night.

Cost : On request – info@tornosindia.com
Starting Time : Winters / Summers – Anytime by appointment from 11 am to 3 pm
Expected Duration : 2 hours (minimum)
Remarks : Kite flying depends largely on weather conditions. In case of rains it may have to be called off randomly. At times slow or very harsh winds too are not conducive fir this activity and in such conditions, flying kites may not be enjoyable, but there can be no refunds in that case as most of the programmes are pre-arranged on exclusive basis.

A special kite making workshop can also be arranged for special interest FITs/Groups. This workshop will explain each aspect of kite making inside an actual workshop where kites are made. Check with us the cost of this programme separately.

Curated Dining at Sheesh Mahal

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Tornos’ Home dining experience – by appointment

Sheesh Mahal is the first Palace Complex of Nawab Asif-Ud-Daula, now hard to believe due to mindless demolition and construction. Yet it is home to the decedents of the erstwhile royal family that has lived here in difficult contrasting conditions, after the failed Indian Mutiny in 1858.

It is said that the royalty and the royal lifestyle never fades, no matter what the financial condition of a royal be. The generations old recipes are still a part of the daily meal at the Sheesh Mahal and the family takes utmost pride in following the same un-distorted recipes for their daily meals. The only impact of modern times is on service style that is not so grand now and the number of dishes served being fewer they were when Asif-Ud-Daula dined here.

The family’s connection due to inter-royalty weddings with the royal families of Nizam of Hyderabad and Nawab of Rampur, have immensely impacted the recipes of the family, bringing in a lot many dishes to their cuisine, yet maintaining the authenticity and purity of their very own Awadhi cuisine. A typical fare at Sheeh Mahal includes Kebab, Korma, Pulao, Rumali and Phirni. Food at Sheesh Mahal is prepared by their ancestral family cooks and the ladies of the house and each meal here is a celebration of household family recipes that have been passed on from mother-in-laws and mothers of the present generation that resides here.

Cost : On request – info@tornosindia.com
Starting Time : Winters / Summers – 7 pm
Expected Duration : 2 hours
Remarks : This is an exclusive and privileged home dining product that operates every day by appointment and pre-booking.

Under this product the main focus is on food and not on any kind of family interaction or entertainment. The menu is curated by the family itself for the day and the meal is based on fixed menu or could be pre-plated.

This royal family has a long and illustrious culinary tradition and is known to be loyal to it even today. It is just this passion for authentic family recipes and undiluted tradition of culinary expertise that is the highlight of the meals served here.

Tea with Nawab

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– by appointment

After seeing the fabulous monuments of the city, built by the Nawabs of Awadh in Lucknow, how awesome it would be, to meet a descendant of the Nawab over an afternoon tea. Talk to him about all that he has seen changing over the years in Lucknow, know a bit about his family and experience the innate etiquette, the mannerism and the art of speech that is mastered by him. There is more to the city of Lucknow than just its fabulous and grand monuments, there is culture and host of cultured people and their lifestyle, which is not bound by the financial well being, rather is a treasured inheritance of a few families, Nawab’s being one of those.

We take you for this one to one session, after the city tour of Lucknow, where you interact with Nawab Sahib on diverse topics of history, craft and cuisine over a cup of tea that he is always delighted to serve you when at his home in his decked up small family museum that houses inherited antiques.

Cost : On request – info@tornosindia.com
Starting Time : Winters / Summers – Anytime by appointment from 11 am to 5 pm
Expected Duration : 1 hours
Remarks : This is an exclusive and privileged meeting over tea that operates every day by appointment and pre-booking.

December 20, 2019

‘Beyond Kebab’ Walk

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Lucknow is one city that is home to diversity, where not only religions meet and live together in utmost harmony, but also appreciate each other’s diverse cuisines, how else would one explain the existence of heritage halwais like Netram and Madhurima alongside Tundey Kebabi and Bismillah Biryani in Lucknow. This coexistence or rather the confluence of diverse cultures and traditions is actually called ‘Ganga-Jamuni Tehzib’.

Vegetarian cuisine in Lucknow is as rich as its non-vegetarian fare and held equally in high regard for its recipes and age-old traditions. Halwais in Lucknow have had their own loyal fan list and generations have been eating there for ages and vow that nothing has changed ever since.

On this two hours walking tour we take you to the traditional eateries where the oldest dates back to 1825, show you some traditional shops that specialise in sun-dried lentil-nuggets and accompaniments like papadums, pickles, preserves, chutneys for ages and still rule the dinner tables at Lucknow homes. Taste not only the tangy chaat and the coolest kulfi on this tour but also end it with a paan (betel-leaf preparation) that is nothing short of a dessert.

Cost :

INR 3500 per person (Shared Walk)

INR 14,000 (Up to 4 persons – Exclusive Walk)

Starting Time :

Winters / Summers – 1 pm

Expected Duration :

2 hours

Remarks :

Beyond Kebab WalkYou got to be a foodie to appreciate this walking tour. This tour is essentially for vegetarians and takes you to the most authentic eateries that actually invented/mastered the dishes more that 150 years ago.

To enjoy this walk, let your breakfast be lite as it will involved a lot of eating.

Does not operate on Thursday, national holidays and a few festivals. Also 6 days after the festival of Holi and for 2 days after the festival of Diwali this walk remains suspended.

August 17, 2019

Tour of Churches and Cemeteries

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Churches in Lucknow are associated with Oudh’s history and uprising of 1857. Some of them do not exist as a result of spirited mutineers who targeted churches in Lucknow considering these to be symbols of British dominance, while others were replaced by huge structures after the failed mutiny. On other count cemeteries of Lucknow have their own distinct place in the British history. British war heroes, soldiers, civilians and many notable English personalities rest here in peace. We at Tornos after an extensive research have put together a few churches and cemeteries that will take you back into times and will recreate connected stories. Visit Mardiaon, Residency, Christ Church, St Joseph’s Cathedral, Epiphany Church, All Saints Garrison Church and Cantonment Cemetery.

Cost : INR 8500 per person (min 2 guests required)
Starting Time : Winters / Summers – 8 am (Flexible)
Expected Duration : 7-8 hours
Remarks : This is an exclusive special interest tour that operates every day.

Ideal time of starting would be 0800 hrs, though may be altered as per individual requirements, while expect to return to the hotel by 1500 / 1600 hrs.

October 27, 2018

Lucknow Sojourn – 2 nights tour package

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We offer very exciting local holiday package, based on stay at our partner hotel, Lebua. This is a two night and three days package which is a great value for money that offers great experience at cutting edge costs.

This package part from 2 nights stay with breakfast includes airport pickup and drop, sightseeing and Heritage Walk along with a choice of one food walk, non-vegetarian food walk at dinner or the vegetarian food walk at lunch. 

Tornos enjoys very special rates with hotels and as a bundle offer we pass on the benefit that works out quite low as compared to split services availed. Our packages that range from 2 nights are extendable and can also be customised to suit special requirements.

Monuments of Lucknow

Cost :

INR 27000 per couple (This is the cost of two guests sharing room and car)

Starting Time : 

NA – 2 nights / 3 days Lucknow with stay

Expected Duration : 

NA – 2 nights / 3 days Lucknow with stay

Remarks : 

Recommended arrival in Lucknow by noon on Day 01 and departure by evening on Day 03. 

January 19, 2018

Eid Tour

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(Festive Tour Series by Tornos)

About the festival 

Eid-ul-Fitr is an Islamic festival that celebrates the first day of the month of Shawwal (Islamic Calendar) marking the end of month long fasting of Ramzan (Ramadan) and feasting from the break of fast.

Ramzam is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar  which is a lunar calendar and the month begins with the sighting of the new moon. The holy book of Islam, Quran was introduced by Prophet Mohammad in this month thus its importance is manifold for followers of Islam. Muslims during this month fast during the day without consuming food and water and break the fast at sunset each day.

Tour Calendar (As these tours are based on moon-sighting, the dates may differ by a one day, plus-minus)

  • Wednesday, April 10, 2024
  • Sunday, March 30, 2025
  • Thursday, March 19, 2026
  • Tuesday, March  9, 2027

More details on request : info@tornosindia.com

Cost : No cost / No Obligation for guests traveling with Tornos.
Starting Time : Refreshments / Tea / Lunch / Dinner (Subject to schedule & availability announced a few days in advance)
Expected Duration : 3 – 4 hour (minimum)
Remarks : This is a non-obligatory service by Tornos for its guests and to connect with local families and communities during festive occasions.

An exclusive lecture may be arranged by an expert on the subject of festivals at any location.

Experiences