RAJA TIKAIT RAI, DIWAN OF NAWAB ASAF-UD-DAULA!

Lucknow is renowned for its exquisite architectural treasures, City First brings to you a few examples of the marvellous projects!

Lucknow is renowned for its exquisite architectural treasures, such as the spectacular Imambada, Rumi Darwaza, and others, which were created during the glory days of the Awadh Nawabs. While the narrative of how these beautiful monuments came to be under Nawab Asaf - ud - rule Daula’s is wellknown, there is a lesser-known figure who played a key part in the commissioning of these historical structures.

Raja Tikait Rai, the Diwan (Finance Minister) of Nawab Asafud-Daula, who directed the construction of several remarkable structures.

The Nawabs of Awadh, who were known for their secular beliefs, frequently promoted Hindus to the top of the ministry based on merit. Tikait Rai Bahadur was one of these ministers, and he is regarded as one of Aw a d h ’s m o s t prominent lords to this day.

Tikait has left an incredible legacy in the shape of different monuments, bazaars, with titles such as Muhsin-ulMulk, Raja, and ‘Kunwar.’ City First brings to you a few examples of such projects:

TIKAITGANJ TEMPLE, MOSQUE & BRIDGE

Tikaitganj, a hamlet on the outskirts of Lucknow, was one of the big projects overseen by Tikait Rai under Asaf-ud-Daula.

Daula’s This community, named after Tikait Rai, has a population of over 2000 people and features old architecture that draws tourists from all over the world.

Tikaitganj is home to a beautiful Shiva temple complex, the Behta Bridge, and a Shahi Jama Masjid, which the minister is said to have erected to honour the Nawab who came to visit the hamlet.

TIKAIT RAI TALAB

Tikait Rai Talab is a lesserknown monument in Lucknow that was created in 1791-1796 in remembrance of Tikait Rai Bahadur, the Nawabs’ Deewan. It’s a tiny tank with a separate women’s bathing ghat.

The pond, which was previously used by the queens for swimming, is now a playground for children, and the steps have been converted into a running route. Even now, it remains a historical treasure trove for all history aficionados. It is truly a remarkable monument

BARA IMAMBARA

Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daula commissioned Bara Imambara or Asfi Imambara to create work for the people during the 11-year famine. Without Raja Tikait Rai, who oversaw the whole project, this cultural site would not exist.

After the Nizamat Imambara, this historic monument is the second-largest edifice of its sort, displaying the development of Mughal architecture.

PATTHAR GHAT

Patthar Ghat, located on the banks of the Ganga, is a bathing quay made out of red sandstone. This Ghat in Kanpur is visited by both residents and visitors.

It was built with the aid of Tikait Rai funda. Because of its beauty, this site, one of Kanpur’s most renowned tourist attractions, has been utilised as the backdrop of films and television serials.