Postcards from Lucknow

Bara Imambara complex:(left) Asfi masjid (right) entrance

The dual fish motif, the coat of arms of Awadh, at the entrance of the Bara Imambara

Rumi Darwaza, next to Bara Imambara. Yes, tongas still ply here.

Chandeliers galore at Chota Imambara

Jarnail Kothi is known
 for its Roman arches and design

Lal Baradari, once a Coronation 
Hall now houses the state
 Lalit Kala Akademi   

La Martinière Boys' College (above and below) was founded in 1845. It's the "only school in the world" to have been awarded royal battle honours

Chikan-kari: The embroidery is said to have made its way here from Persia. Many meanings of the term abound, of which chikeen or 'running thread through cloth' seems the pick. It began as white on white, and that by far still looks most elegant.

The attar you dab so fondly is prepared the old-fashioned way in copper vessels. The best comes from the city of Kanauj 

Hazratganj: The brand street of Lucknow

Lucknow has dedicated bicycle tracks. And all very well 
marked. Surely it has nothing to do with the fact 
that the ruling SP symbol is bicycle, or... ;-)