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Musa Bagh

Musa Bagh is a big garden complex located in Lucknow city of Uttar Pradesh. It is also called Garden of Moses or Monsieur Garden.

This is an old garden built at an elevation on the banks of the Gomti River running on the outskirts of Lucknow city. It was created during the reign of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula. The garden got its name Monsieur Bagh from its planner Monsieur Martin. Over the years, the garden came to be called Musa Bagh. The course of Gomti River has since then shifted and is now a kilometer away from the Bagh.

History

Musa Bagh kothi was constructed for Nawab Saadat Ali Khan under the supervision of Aazam-ud-Daulah between 1803 and 1804. It was built as a country retreat spot. The garden served as a great spot to get a marvelous view of the existing buildings of the time viz; Machchhi Bhawan, Panch Mahala, Asafi mosque, Aalamgir mosque, Sunehra Burj, Bara Imambara, Pucca Pul (Stone Bridge), and Daulat Khana.

The Bagh also served as a spot for fights between wild buffaloes, tigers, rhinos, and elephants for the Nawab’s pleasure and entertainment of his royal guests, who were mostly from Europe.

Musa Bagh was offered to the British as an alternative site in lieu of Residency two times, but both times they refused. The first offer was made by the king Gazi-ud-Din Haider and the next offer was made by his son Nsaeer-ud-Din Haider. However, in February 1856, the British possessed the property by illegitimate annexation.

Musa Bagh displays high historical importance, as it served as the last stronghold of Prince Birjis Qadr and Begum Hazrat Mahal during their battle with the British in Lucknow, which was the capital of Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh.

It is believed that Captain F. Wale, a British officer who led the first Sikh irregular cavalry, is buried in the cemetery of Musa Bagh. The grave is still there.

Interestingly, people around have given the officer a saintly status. They bow their heads on the grave and present offerings like wine and cigarettes. According to the locals, the ‘baba’ (the Captain) was fond of smoking, so people offer cigarettes to his grave even today. Locals also say that whenever somebody’s wish gets fulfilled they offer cigarettes to the grave. Nobody is yet to explain the origin of this tradition.  

Architecture

Musa Bagh was created in a barren place. It was surrounded with a brick wall fence, which featured a big gateway that faced south. The Bagh had two lateral and three frontal entrances. The gateway displays decoration, which now, contains remains of hexagonal floral motifs.

The gateway is built from traditional “Lakhori” bricks. The interior of the Bagh shows two rows of Jasmine trees that face a wide baradari and remnants of a subterranean palace, which was called Summer Palace at that time.

The remnants contain 32 doors opening in a gallery, which is about eight feet wide. There is a spiral staircase on both sides. It goes down the cellar. Support domes exhibit Italian architectural style.

The octagonal palace displays several oval ventilators and beautiful, vibrant decorations. The palace served as picnic spot and summer resort for the royal family. The garden breeze comforted them and was an important spot for ceremonies.

The baradari in the Bagh complex overlooked the Gomti River and featured two columns constructed in French and Gothic architectural styles. The palace provided a panoramic view of the dense, lush forest. It is also believed that a tunnel connects the palace to Asafi Kothi located in Sheesh Mahal Complex.

Musa Bagh exudes excellent craftsmanship. The kothi or palace of the garden complex is in ruins today, but it still shows the original red dye used by artisans and craftsmen of those times.

Best Time to Visit

Months from October to March are ideal for visiting Lucknow. Tourists interested in historical things must not miss visiting Musa Bagh.

How to Reach

Lucknow is well connected to major cities of Uttar Pradesh through railway and roadway.

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