Image source: A Imam
The administrative symbol of the state of Uttar Pradesh consists of two fishes. His connection is said to be with Saadat Khan, the first Nawab of Awadh. His real name was Mir Mohammad Amin.
Not only this, it is said that the bow and arrow seen in the state emblem of Uttar Pradesh is inspired by Lord Ram, while the waves represent the Ganga-Yamuna and the confluence point.
It is believed that this administrative symbol of the state is a symbol of the rich culture of Uttar Pradesh and the Ganga-Jamuni culture.
According to historian Yogesh Praveen's book 'Dastane Awadh', "Once Nawab Saheb (Nawab Saadat Khan) was crossing the river. Then a fish that came out of the river came to the boat. The Nawab considered it auspicious and used fishes as symbols of his rule."
Historians say that Nawab Saadat Khan was a great advocate of Ganga-Jamuni culture i.e. communal harmony and brotherhood.
There is an example of such culture in Lucknow even today. That is- 'Panditain's Mosque'.
'Panditain ki Masjid' which is also known colloquially as 'Padan ki Masjid'. Its history is linked to the sixth Nawab of Awadh, Saadat Ali Khan.
Saadat Ali Khan ascended the throne of Awadh in 1798 in place of his step-nephew, Mirza Wazir Ali.
End
The mosque is more than 300 years old
When you go towards Aminabad from Qaiserbagh bus stand of Lucknow, there is 'Panditain Ki Masjid' in between. This mosque present in front of Aminabad taxi stand is said to be more than 300 years old.
History experts say that this is the first mosque in Lucknow which was built by a non-Muslim woman. They believe that this mosque was built by the mother's friend of Nawab of Awadh Saadat Ali Khan.
Local historian Roshan Taqi told BBC News Hindi, "When Saadat Ali Khan became the Nawab of Awadh, he brought his mother, the wife of the third Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula, from Banaras. Her real name was Chhatar Kunwar."
"She was given the title of 'Begum Alia'. A friend of Chhatar Kunwar was a Brahmin woman. She was given Aminabad and the surrounding area. Earlier it was also called 'Panditain ka Bagh'."
Roshan Taqi said, "That woman built a mosque here for her friend Begum Alia. That's why it was named 'Panditain ki Masjid'."
'Even today women offer namaz'
Special stories selected for you by Nitin Srivastava
Learn more
There are some more stories about 'Panditain's Mosque'. However, contrary to Roshan Taqi, historian Ravi Bhatt says, "Jai Kunwar, the wife of the first Nawab of Awadh, Saadat Khan, was a friend of Khadija Khanum. She was a Brahmin woman. She had built this mosque at the behest of Khadija Khanum. However, later she converted to Muslim religion but the mosque was named 'Panditain ki Masjid'."
According to historian Ravi Bhatt, the design of this mosque is based on Awadhi architecture. In this, carving has been done using old Lakhori bricks and lime-surkhi mortar. This is the identity of the buildings of Awadh.
According to him, there are very beautiful and big arches at the entrance of the prayer hall of the mosque. These arches not only strengthen the building but also add to its beauty.
Not only this, Imambara is built in one part of the mosque. Women still offer namaz near the Imambara.
Nawab Kazim Abbas, resident of Lucknow, has been coming here for decades. He says, “Iftar is served here every evening throughout Ramzan. The coffin of Maula Ali is lifted on 18th Ramzan.
However, the story of how this entire area came to be known as Aminabad is also interesting.
History of Aminabad
The first Nawab of Awadh, Saadat Khan, was made the Nazim of the region of Awadh by the Mughal Emperor.
According to historian Roshan Taqi, "Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah gave him the title of Burhanul Mulk. Although his real name was Mir Mohammad Amin."
According to Roshan Taqi, "Later the situation became such that Saadat Khan established an autonomous state by giving himself the title of Nawab from the Nazim of Awadh."
When Nawab Saadat Khan came to Lucknow from Delhi, he had constructed a two-storey building in this area.
According to historian Roshan Taqi, Saadat Khan's name was Mir Mohammad Amin, so it was named Aminabad.
Nawab Saadat Khan lived in the new building. It had two gates – Kalan Gate and Khurd Gate. There is still a mosque in the name of Kalan Phatak.
Nawab Saadat Khan's wife's name was Khadija Khanum. Historian Roshan Taqi told BBC News Hindi, "Khadija Khanum's grave is in Aminabad Park, which is called Jhandewala Park."
Roshan Taqi told that this area later came to be known as 'Panditain's Garden'.
"The British had vandalized the area in 1912"
Image source: AFP via Getty Images
But when 'Lord Latouche' became the administrator here in 1912, he made the master plan of this place.
After this, there was a lot of demolition in this area but it was named 'Aminabad' by its old name.
However, no damage was caused to the mosque during this period.
The real name of 'Lord Latouche' was Sir James John Dick Lawtouche, who was a prominent administrative officer of India during the British period.
Latoosh Road in Lucknow is named after him. However its official name has now been changed. But in common parlance it is called Latoosh Road.
foundation of the princely state of Awadh
Nawab Saadat Khan came to India from Nishapur, Iran. According to Yogesh Praveen's book 'Dastane Awadh', earlier he used to work with Nawab Sarbuland Khan of Gujarat. Later came to Delhi from there.
Historian Roshan Taqi said, "Sadat Khan had helped Mughal emperor Mohammad Shah in Delhi. Because of his contribution in bringing Mohammad Shah to the throne of Delhi, the Mughal ruler sent him to Awadh."
"Sadat Khan came as the Nazim or rather the Governor of Awadh, after which a few years he established an autonomous state in Awadh. Soon he was also awarded the title of Nawab."
Before the era of Nawabs, there was rule of Shehzads in Awadh. Which were under the Mughal Sultanate. According to historians, the Mughal regime had given the jagir of Awadh to Sheikh Abdul Rahim before Saadat Khan.
Nawab Saadat Khan defeated the Sheikhs in Lucknow and won their 'Likhna Fort', which used to be on the banks of the Gomti River.
Even before this victory, there was an incident of a fish coming on his boat during a boat trip.
'Promoted Ganga-Jamuni culture'
Image source: Getty Images
According to Yogesh Praveen's book 'Dastane Awadh', "After conquering the fort, the Nawab named it Machli Bhawan and also made the fish the symbol of his kingdom. Nawab Saadat Khan started writing the story of Awadh as soon as he came to power."
"He implemented many tax and military reforms. He promoted the Ganga-Jamuni culture. He did not differentiate between Hindus and Muslims in appointments. Nawab Saadat Ali Khan died in the year 1739 after ruling Awadh for 17 years."
Nawab Saadat Ali Khan had also stayed in Ayodhya, hence later the Nawabs of Awadh constructed many buildings in Lucknow and Faizabad.
Bada Imambara and Chhota Imambara are historically famous in Lucknow. It was also constructed by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, a descendant of Saadat Khan.
Asifi Mosque in Bade Imambara
Asifi Mosque is in the premises of the historic Bada Imambara. This mosque was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula.
It was Asaf-ud-Daula who brought the capital from Faizabad to Lucknow. His reign period was from 1775-1797.
People of Hindu community were given important place in the court of Nawab. It is written in Yogesh Praveen's book 'Dastane Avadh', "Raja Jhaulal and Tikaitarai were appointed Naibs by Nawab Asafuddaula."
However, after the revolution of 1857, Asifi Mosque came under the control of the British.
According to historian Ravi Bhatt, "From 1857 to 1884, this mosque was occupied by the British government. It was used to store gun powder and ammunition. After 27 years, after it was liberated from the British, prayers were offered here."
Published by Collective Newsroom for the BBC.
Download the new BBC World Service app
Choose BBC News Hindi and get news alerts, live TV, podcasts... all in one place
Please note: The new app is not available in the UK and US.
short video
end of short video
