Darogha Ubbas Alli

“ The skill of a commander, the courage and devotion of a soldier, the learning of a scholar, the grace of a high-bred gentleman, and all the social and domestic virtues of a husband, father, and friend, were blended together, strengthened, harmonized and adorned by the spirit of a true Christian—the result of the influence of the Holy Spirit on his heart and of a humble reliance on the merits of a crucified Saviour. ”

“ In fighting their way towards the Bailie Guard, the Kaiser Bagh was one of the strongest positions our troops had to take : the buildings were crowded with mutineers who had loaded themselves with plunder, the spoil of the richest seraglio in the world : the British troops rushed into the rooms and, with bayonet and bullet, slaughtered without mercy the luckless rebels, making them disgorge their illgotten plunder which was scattered about in reckless con- fusion, mingled with their blood. ”

“ Although long since deserted by royalty, the remains of the palace are still magnificent ruins in a good state of preservation, but from a present view, no adequate idea of what the original tout ensemble resembled, can be conveyed. The buildings composing the main rectangle have been made over to the Talookdars, or Barons, of Oudh, who make use of some portions as dwelling-houses, leaving the remainder as roofless and dismantled walls, presenting to the view a striking reminiscence of oriental grandeur and extravagance converted into a desolate waste. ”

“ This brave sailor, covered by the fire of two heavy guns, and supported by a small body of Infantry, literally scaled the high wall and jumped down into the midst of the enemy in the enclosure ; his men followed his example, and in spite of the immense superiority of the force they fell amongst, succeeded in dealing terrific slaughter, the ship's cutlass being the only weapon used. ”

“ A towering pillar of solid masonry, standing in the middle of an artificial lake adjoining the massive pile, also perpetuates the memory of the great man.
General Claude Martin was a native of Lyons: he came to India, as a soldier, under Lally, in 1760, and after the surrender of Pondicherry, was appointed to the charge of a Company of French pioneers, who had been formed into a Company of Chasseurs. ”

“ The resting-place of some ten or fifteen British soldiers, who lost their lives by an explosion, is marked on a spot between the two tombs.
Close by is the square called Huzrut Bagh. This contained a tykhana, or underground apartment, from which, a few days before the disastrous expedition to Chinhutt, an immense quantity of jewels, plate and gold and silver ornaments set with precious stones, were secured, by Major Banks, the Commissioner, and conveyed in safety into the Residency : the whole mass afterwards realized nearly a million sterling at a public auction in Calcutta. ”

“ This building, as will be seen from the view, is castellated and surrounded by a deep scarped ditch ; intended evidently for purposes of defence. The structure was commenced by Saadut Ali Khan, and finished by Ghazee-ood-deen Hyder : the purpose that these monarchs had, when design- ing such a palpable stronghold, is difficult to surmise, and a study of their histories fails to show the necessity of such a building ; especially, since the Kings of Oudh declared that they considered their country perfectly secure under the guaranteed protection of the British Government. ”

“ Retained, by adverse circumstances, during many years, in a subordinate position, it was the aim of his life to prove, that the profession of a Christian is consistent with the fullest discharge of the duties of a soldier. ”

“ It has already been remarked that, to the general traveller or tourist, the work will prove of great interest; it may be added that, to some, it will be of inestimable value; but to the friends and relations of the survivors, and to the survivors themselves, of the terrible rebellion of 1857-58, especially to those who were actual members of the beleaguered Garrison at the Lucknow Residency ”

“ Nevertheless, to compensate for this apparent deterioration, there are now many fine broad streets, many excellent market-places, improved ventilation, good drainage; and seemingly a more equable and healthy air of prosperity may well be hoped for, especially when the traffic becomes developed by the completion of the Oudh and Rohilkund network of railways, The traveller may then bid farewell to the crumbling mosque, the deserted garden, the ruined fountain, the remains of palaces, seraglios and all the marks of the reigns of the kings of Oudh. ”

“ Live long upon the mind; the faithful sight
Engraves the knowledge with a beam of light."
The projectors respectfully beg that, in consideration of the work having been produced, regardless of pains or expense, and under great difficulties, as regards shortcomings, the public will be lenient and the critics merciful ; and trusting that it may meet with approval, the "Lucknow Album" is sent forth to meet its fate. ”

“ During the late rebellion, the garden was occupied by a strong force of rebel troops, who held the place up to the 23rd September, 1857, when, after a desperate defence, it was captured by General Havelock, and converted into a depot for the sick and wounded, numbering some 400, of the British force. ”

“ It has since been purchased from Government by the Maharajah of Bulrampore, who has entirely changed the aspect of the buildings and of the surrounding country ; the " pearl dome," formed in defiance of all mathematical rules of architecture, has disappeared, and the buildings comprising the " Mote Mahal" have assumed a grand Baronial appearance, in keeping with their romantic history.
Like all other buildings on record, the " Mote Mahal" was enclosed by a high wall and, in 1857, was strongly fortified by the rebels. ”

“ This stupendous ditch, however, afforded the rebels in 1857, a strong line of defence on the southern and eastern sides of the city, and Sir Colin Campbell's force, when advancing to the relief of the Residency, had hot work in crossing the awkward gap. ”

“ During the siege of the Bailie Guard, in 1857, the Dilkoosha was held, in great force, by the enemy, but on the 14th November it was captured by Sir Colin Campbell, when he advanced to the relief of the beleaguered Garrison. ”

“ The miscreant, Rajah Jey-lal Singh, who witnessed and instigated this cruel massacre, was, some years afterwards, convicted of the crime, on the evidence of his own followers, and was executed in sight of the spot where stands the memorial of the foul deed : his wife offered five lacs of rupees for a commutation of the sentence, but the offer was indignantly refused ; his estates and property were confiscated, and in this world no greater punishment could be inflicted upon him.
Towards the left is the Ainuk Baz ke-kothee, next is a pretty building, the Delhi and London Bank. ”

“ There was a native of Fyzabad known as Moulvie Ahmed-ollah Shah, who always had a drum beaten before him whereever he went, and was consequently called " Dunka Shah ;" he made the Khoorshaid Munzil his Head Quarters, and the Moulvie being of high reputation amongst the Mahomedans, the house soon became a sort of Baradurree for parliamentary meetings : however, after the mutiny, finding the country too hot to hold him, he disappeared, and the house became a rebel stronghold ”

“ During the rebellion the place was occupied by the enemy in great force, and had to be taken by storm. The walls have since been demolished ; and the whole place being opened out, and the different edifices almost entirely rebuilt, no trace of its original appearance remains. ”

“ It was in the tykhanas, or underground chambers, of this building, that the British captives, Miss Jackson, Mrs. Green, and the rest, were confined, up to the time they were led out to the front of the gateway, already described, to be publicly and barbarously murdered. ”

“ This apartment also contained a vast quantity of valuable articles, such as silver howdahs, chairs, bedsteads and other rich property which, unfortunately, there was no time to remove. Miftah-ood-dowlah evidently expected assistance from a number of Seedees, Africans, the King's retainers, who were present, but the precaution had been taken to form up a battery of Artillery and a body of Infantry in position, whilst the Major entered the tykhana, accompanied by thirty picked volunteers. ”

“ The thrilling historical or traditionary narratives that from time to time have been published, and the glowing descriptions that have been given by travellers, have, since railway communication became available, had the effect of considerably increasing the number of visitors ”

“ It had, like the rest, to be taken by storm, which was accomplished by Sir Colin Campbell, who made it a depot for heavy guns and spare stores. It was here that Brigadier General Cooper commanding the Artillery, Lieutenant Crumb, Madras Artillery, and Dr. Bartram lost their lives ”

“ Returning through Huzrutgunge and turning to the right, the building vulgarly known as the "Chowper Stables," is seen at a short distance. In this building, the choicest of the King's horses and equipages used to be kept ”

“ Close by, " Badshah Munzil" is seen. This building was used by the King as the Council-house, for the State reception of the British Resident, it was in those days finely decorated; but it was here that General Outram read the stern decree of Government, by which the kingdom of Oudh was inexorably annexed, and the monarchy was put an end to. Because the ex-king ceased to be King from this house, the natives call it the " Gharut Munzil," or, " desolated house."
The quarters over the mermaid archway, just passed, were originally occupied by Nawab Ali Naki Khan, primi mortis, so that he. ”

“ The high wall was levelled, and the several fine buildings, which were hidden from view, have been converted into handsome shops and public offices. The first is, the shop of Messrs. Nowrjee and Company; the next is the extensive printing establishment of Moonshee Newul Kishore; a press that, from the large quantity of work carried on, is, in all probability, the largest in India. Next is the shop of Messrs. Cursetjee's sons, and adjoining is the Government Post Office, formerly an Imam-barra, or mausoleum; it is reported that in this building the late Post Master, Mr. ”

“ These buildings were appropriated to no particular purposes ; except the last-named, from which the King used to witness wild sports, of the Spanish Bull fight, or the Roman Coliseum, order. The smaller wild beasts used to fight within the enclosure ”