Rumi Darwaza
The Rumi Darwaza (Gate) is an incredible structure that stands imposingly between Bara Imambara and Chota Imambara in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Constructed in 1784 under the rule of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, it is a fine example of Awadhi architecture or the Lucknow School of Architecture. It was a style adopted by the Nawabs of Awadh to preserve the Mughal architectural style while experimenting with newer styles and materials.
The Rumi Darwaza, one of the heritage attractions in Uttar Pradesh, is also referred to as Turkish Gate because it bears a strong similarity in design to a gateway built in ancient Constantinople (today’s Turkey) called Bab-i-Humayun. Standing at an impressive height of 60ft, it once served as the entrance to Old Lucknow City. Today, however, you find the gate looking on as auto-rickshaws, bicycles, and vehicles speed along underneath it. If you think this gateway looks beautiful during the daytime, wait till you see it illuminated during the evening when its beauty puts on a new face.
History of Rumi Darwaza
Now a landmark for the city of Lucknow, the great Rumi Darwaza was once built keeping a very noble and thoughtful idea in mind by the then Nawab. In 1748, the Awadh region along with a large portion of North India was going through a terrible phase of famine and depression. Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daula thus decided to set on certain construction projects as a food-for-work campaign that would generate employment for the common people and thus help the economy as well people's standard of living to get better a bit. He engineered the making of Bara Imambara and along with that the towering gateway - Rumi Darwaza. It did not take long to build the structures. Within two years, the fruit of labor was gracing the gateway to the Old City of Lucknow which was quite a feat given the critical situation.
Architecture of Rumi Darwaza
The Rumi Gate is an amazing piece of architecture and is always included in any heritage tour. Standing at 60 ft, it has become the symbol of the city. While the Nawab School of Architecture seeks to preserve the Mughal architectural style, the materials used and the design itself vary to great degrees. For example, the majority of Mughal monuments were built using red sandstone, while bricks are the primary material used in its construction along with a coating of lime. This is also one of the reasons behind the intricate detailing of this structure.
One of the most popular tourist attractions of India, Rumi Darwaza is adorned with wonderfully carved flowers and designs. The uppermost part of the structure is topped with a chhatri (umbrella) which can be reached through a staircase (although it’s not open to visitors at present). It is interesting to know that at one point in time, there was a lantern at the top of the structure. In addition, the exquisitely carved flower buds situated on the sides of the arch would release little jets of water. Now that would have been a sight to come across.
