Sikandar Bagh Villa, Lucknow
Originally conceived as a lush royal retreat by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan around 1800, Sikandar Bagh Villa was significantly enhanced in the early 19th century by the last Nawab of Awadh, who dedicated the property to his beloved Sikandar Mahal Begum. Spanning roughly 4.5 acres, the site blended Mughal and Awadhi aesthetics鈥攈ighlighted by an enclosed garden, fortified walls, bastions, an elegant gateway adorned with fish motifs, and a central pavilion that once hosted Ras-lila performances, Kathak dances, music, and poetic mehfils.
Tragically, the villa鈥檚 romantic legacy was overshadowed during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, when Sikandar Bagh became a stronghold for nearly 2,000 mutinous sepoys defending against British forces. On 16 November 1857, British troops stormed the garden under Sir Colin Campbell鈥檚 command, resulting in massive casualties within its walls. One of the most poignant stories from the battle tells of Uda Devi, a female warrior who is said to have fired at British soldiers from atop a tree until she was fatally wounded鈥攖oday, her memory is honored by a statue near the premises.
Today, the site is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and serves as part of the National Botanical Research Institute. Visitors can explore remnants of the original walls, cannonball scars, and recovered artifacts such as muskets, swords, and ammunition, now displayed in the institute鈥檚 exhibition. Although much of the original palace architecture is lost, the main gateway and small pavilion remain evocative of the garden鈥檚 bygone grandeur.
Tragically, the villa鈥檚 romantic legacy was overshadowed during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, when Sikandar Bagh became a stronghold for nearly 2,000 mutinous sepoys defending against British forces. On 16 November 1857, British troops stormed the garden under Sir Colin Campbell鈥檚 command, resulting in massive casualties within its walls. One of the most poignant stories from the battle tells of Uda Devi, a female warrior who is said to have fired at British soldiers from atop a tree until she was fatally wounded鈥攖oday, her memory is honored by a statue near the premises.
Today, the site is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and serves as part of the National Botanical Research Institute. Visitors can explore remnants of the original walls, cannonball scars, and recovered artifacts such as muskets, swords, and ammunition, now displayed in the institute鈥檚 exhibition. Although much of the original palace architecture is lost, the main gateway and small pavilion remain evocative of the garden鈥檚 bygone grandeur.
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Sikandar Bagh Villa on Map
Sight Name: Sikandar Bagh Villa
Sight Location: Lucknow, India (See walking tours in Lucknow)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Lucknow, India (See walking tours in Lucknow)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Lucknow, India
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In the 14th century, Lucknow was the capital of the Awadh region. Starting from 1350, both the city and some parts of the region were controlled consecutively by the Delhi... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles