Categories: CityLucknow

Satkhanda

Satkhanda

Satkhanda is a historical monument located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. The name Satkhanda means Seven Floors; in Hindi. It was built by Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah in the 1830s. He was the third king of the Awadh region. Satkhanda was planned to be a seven-storey watchtower, but only four floors were completed. Even though it is incomplete, Satkhanda is a beautiful and important building in the city.

History

The Nawab wanted to build Satkhanda as a moon watching tower. He was very interested in astronomy and wanted a place where people could observe the moon during festivals like Eid. He also wanted the tower to look like the famous Qutub Minar in Delhi or the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. But sadly, he died before the construction was finished. That is why only four stories were completed, and the building was never finished.

The building is made of red bricks and white plaster. It has a circular shape with many small windows and arches. The design is a mix of Mughal and Persian styles. Each floor is smaller than the one below, and there are spiral staircases inside to go to the upper levels. From the top of the fourth floor, people can get a great view of the surrounding area, including the Chhota Imambara.

The walls of Satkhanda are decorated with arches and jharokhas (balconies). It looks very royal and artistic, even though it is unfinished. The base is strong, and the overall design shows the skill of the architects and workers who made it. The tower was supposed to have a dome and more floors, but those were never built.

Over the years, the building became a forgotten structure. For a long time, it was not maintained properly and started to decay. But in recent years, the government and heritage lovers have taken steps to protect it. Now, the area around Satkhanda is cleaner, and tourists can visit it easily.

Satkhanda stands near the Chhota Imambara, so people often visit both places together. It is a good spot for taking photos, and many students and tourists come here to learn about history and architecture. The structure also looks beautiful in the evening when the sun sets.

Β Though Satkhanda is not as big or famous as some other monuments in Lucknow, it has its own charm. It tells the story of a king’s dreams and a time when art, science, and architecture were valued. Even though the building was never finished, it is still respected as a symbol of Lucknow’s Nawabi culture. In conclusion, Satkhanda is a unique and important part of Lucknow’s history. It reminds us that even unfinished dreams can be beautiful.

With more care and attention, Satkhanda can continue to inspire.

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