Lucknow is known for its adab (respect and politeness), nazakat and nafasat (delicate and sophistication) which is ingrained in the interaction of its citizens. The ‘pehle aap’ (you first) culture and the ‘tehzeeb’ are very much still a part of the cultural fabric of the city.
The syncretic culture of Awadh also known as the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb is the fusion of two major religious sects: Muslim and Hindu religious and cultural elements symbolized by the two major rivers in the Doab region of Northern India: Ganga and Jamuna. The term Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb emerged in the Awadh region comprising Lucknow, Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi, Faizabad and Ayodhya.
The concept of the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb can be seen emerging in the region with the advent of the Nawabs of Awadh, who ruled in the region from the mid eighteenth century till 1856 when the last Nawab of Awadh, Wajid Ali Shah was deposed to Matiaburz near Calcutta. The history of Nawabs in India begins with Burhan-ul-Mulk (Sadat Khan) in the year 1722, when he was appointed the Governor of Awadh, which was then a subah in the Mughal territory. He set his court in Faizabad which was later shifted to Lucknow by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in the year 1775.
The Nawabs belonged to Nishapur. Lucknow soon became a center of Iranian influenced culture. A significant influence was seen in the architecture and other cultural aspects of Lucknow. The fall of the Mughal Empire gave way to the rise of other independent states which were once under the Mughals, one of them being Awadh. Many musicians, dancers and other artists fleeing from Delhi to other royal courts found due patronage under the Nawabs of Awadh, who led extravagant and lavish lifestyles and were fine connoisseurs and patrons of the arts.
Chikankari developed and gained prominence during the Nawabi period. It is one of the exquisite hand embroideries of India which is well-known in Indian and international markets for its subtle appeal and exuberant texture. The beauty of the white threads creating a rich 3D effect on plain woven clothes is nothing but magical and lyrical. With newer additions and variations, the love for Chikankari is never going to fade!
