The Story Behind Lucknow’s Charbagh Railway Station: From Nawabs to the British Era

Lucknow (U.P.): The words “Lucknow” and “Nawabs” are often considered synonymous. Renowned worldwide for its culture, cuisine, language, and architectural beauty, the city bears the imprints of Nawabi elegance in its buildings and gardens. Among these, Charbagh stands out—not just as a bustling railway station, but as a living symbol of Lucknow’s rich history.

Origins of Charbagh

Historically, the area was called “Chahar Bagh”, named after the garden favored by Asaf-ud-Daula, the fourth Nawab of Awadh. In 1775, when Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula shifted the capital of Awadh from Faizabad to Lucknow, he developed Charbagh as one of the city’s prime gardens. In Islamic tradition, a Charbagh is inspired by the concept of paradise gardens, divided into four equal sections, a style reflected in many Persian-influenced gardens across the world.

The Charbagh area was crisscrossed by small canals and pathways, with a central building designed in Iranian architectural style. Similar examples of this garden style in India include the Taj Mahal and Humayun’s Tomb. During the 1857 uprising, Charbagh witnessed significant battles, marking it as a historic site.

British Era and Railway Construction

With the decline of the Nawabi era, the garden began to deteriorate. During the British period, officials identified the area between Mohammad Bagh and Alambagh as ideal for a grand railway station. Compensating the Nawabs for the land, the British laid railway lines, and on 21 March 1914, Bishop George Herbert laid the foundation stone for the Charbagh Railway Station.

A Historic Meeting Spot

Charbagh’s historical significance extends beyond Nawabs and the British. On 26 December 1916, Mahatma Gandhi arrived in Lucknow for a Congress session and met Jawaharlal Nehru at Charbagh Station for approximately 20 minutes—their first encounter. Today, a memorial marker at the station’s parking area commemorates this historic meeting.

Charbagh Station is now one of India’s busiest and most beautiful railway stations, with its layout resembling a chessboard, showcasing the unique architectural blend of Nawabi elegance and colonial design.