CITY OF NAWABS CAPTURED IN PHOTO EXHIBITION

LUCKNOW: The Heritage Week celebrations commenced in the state capital with a grand photo-exhibition organised by the Uttar Pradesh Archaeological Department (UPSAD) at the Darbar Hall of the iconic Chattar Manzil on Thursday. About 80 portraits on the theme of pre-Independence era excavation sites and monuments, including the Chattar Manzil, Sheesh Mahal, Rumi Darwaza, Clock Tower, Bada Imambada and Kothi Roshan-ud-Daula, highlighted the rich heritage of the city of Nawabs. Pictures of archaeological sites like Hulas Khera, Dadupura and others in and around Lucknow also earned the appreciation of students and college goers who visited the exhibition. “These rare snapshots are not available anywhere now. And with encroachments taking over everywhere, even the monuments theselves have changed so much over the years,” said Sudha Shukla, a student of Lucknow University. Another student from Nari Shiksha Niketan said it was proof that Lucknow was not just about the Nawabs and Britishers and the ancient artifacts unearthed from the excavation sites were proof that its culture was equally rich over 3000 years back. Professor DP Tiwari of the Ancient Indian History Department of Lucknow University, who was the chief guest of the occasion, said it was time to spread awareness among the masses towards these monuments. “It’s our past and it is our duty to ensure its preservation,” said Tiwari.