Archive · 8 Jun 2025
Book Explores Queer History in Lucknow's Architecture
The city of Lucknow in India has a history with queer influences, particularly during the rule of the Nawabs Asaf-ud-Dawla and Wajid Ali Shah.
A new book, "A Queer Reading of Nawabi Architecture and the Colonial Archive," explores this history.
The British, who took over the kingdom, disapproved of the Nawabs' culture, which included gender-bending forms of art.
The book looks at how the architecture of Lucknow was influenced by the Nawabs and their embrace of the arts.
It also covers the conflict between the Nawabs, the British, and the fading Mughal dynasty.
The book examines the architecture of the city during that time, and details are given on major works by Asaf and Wajid.
The book shows the resistance of the Nawabs to the British, through acts of resistance.
A new book examines the queer influences in Lucknow's architecture during the Nawabi period.
The British East India Company targeted the Nawabs' culture to justify taking over the kingdom.
The book highlights the distinct architecture established by Asaf-ud-Dawla.
The book details the key works of Asaf and Wajid.
The book shows the conflict and resistance between the Nawabs and the British.
- Who
- The book is written by Sonal Mithal and Arul Paul
- What
- A book explores the queer history and architecture of Lucknow during the Nawabi period.
- When
- The Nawabi period, particularly under Asaf-ud-Dawla and Wajid Ali Shah's reigns (late 18th to mid-19th century)
- Where
- Lucknow, India
- Why
- To explore the queer influence on the culture and architecture of Lucknow during the rule of Nawabs and the interaction with the East India Company.
British Viewpoint
Modern Perspective
View of Nawabs
British Viewpoint
The British viewed the Nawabs as misgoverning and unfit to rule.
Modern Perspective
Historians now highlight the literary and artistic accomplishments of the Nawabs and the queer influence on culture and architecture
- Book Title
- A Queer Reading of Nawabi Architecture and the Colonial Archive
- Authors
- Sonal Mithal and Arul Paul
- Capital shift
- 1775, Avadh capital moved to Lucknow
- British takeover
- 1856, the East India Company took over the kingdom
- Key Nawabs
- Asaf-ud-Dawla, Wajid Ali Shah
- Architectural Focus
- Machhi Bhavan, Daulat Khana, Bada Imambada, Qaiserbagh