Lucknow’s Heritage: A Reflection of Cultural Unity and Artistic Brilliance

History is not just a theoretical subject but a reflection of the present and future. These

interdimensional topics, whether the history of civilizations, kings, or contemporary world

politics, have an observational exposure available through different sites, like museums. Back in

February, I visited the Picture Gallery in Lucknow. The paintings were made to show a 3D

illusion by Mughal and British contemporaries. These, to date, are not ordinary pieces of art;

They are precisely articulated with great intellect. In the 21st century, artificial 3D worlds are

created through technology, but these paintings, dating back to the 16th and 18th centuries, were

handcrafted using diamond polishes to make them long-lasting, vegetable extracts for colors, and

precious gemstones like Panna and Neelam.

Mr. Hassan my tour guide, took me back in the mughal era through his immense knowledge and

explained the stories of different Nawabs of Lucknow. The famous Wajid Ali Shah painted by SK

Sarkar— among the most romantic Indian authors, and a patron of art. He contributed immensely

to Hindustani literature and theater. His artistic pursuits and literary contributions place him in

the league of Renaissance figures, akin to those in European history.

As a student of history, I found it fascinating to draw parallels between Hindustan’s rich past and

the broader historical narratives of the Western world. The interconnectivity of human

civilization is undeniable—every region, though distinct in its culture and traditions, shares

common threads of political, artistic, and intellectual evolution. The Nawabs of Lucknow, much

like their European counterparts, were not just rulers but also custodians of knowledge, law, and

the arts. For instance, Mohammed Ali Shah, one of the prominent Nawabs, was known for his

judicial acumen and served as a judge at the 'Nawabon ki Adalat' (the court of the Nawabs). His

administration reflected a deep commitment to justice and governance, embodying principles

that remain relevant in today’s legal and political systems.

These stories and my experience there in Lucknow made me realize that India is a melting pot of

different cultures and communities, whether it’s the Nawabs and Marathas in the 16th century or

the citizens of India today. One of the most profound realizations from this experience was that

India does not require frameworks like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies to enforce

appreciation for diversity—these principles are inherently woven into our social fabric. The

celebration of pluralism and cultural integration has been an intrinsic part of Indian society forcenturies. Despite the challenges and struggles faced during India’s fight for independence, the

nation emerged with an unwavering commitment to social justice and unity in diversity. India’s

historical legacy is not just a series of events recorded in books but a living experience that

continues to shape our identity. History, in this sense, is not just a record of what has passed but a

guide that illuminates the path toward the future. And in this journey, I am proud to be a part of a

nation that stands as a testament to cultural harmony, artistic brilliance, and social justice.