Travel to Northern India: Quotidian Lucknow
The next several folders deal with Lucknow of the past, the Lucknow of the nawabs and the British. This one deals with Lucknow of the present. After all, this is a city that has grown from 240,000 in 1920 to over 2.2 million.
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This is the same bridge across the Gomti that appeared in the last folder. I want you to see a sign at this end of the bridge.
Two signs: one a plaque and the other a notice. Is there some implied disrespect, or simply disinterest?
The river is used as a laundry by, in this case, a dozen dobis.
A main intersection. The street straight ahead is now Vidhan Sabha Marg; formerly it was Outram Road. Informally, this was Hazratganj, "the street of the respectable." Despite its Urdu name, it was a British space.
No longer in business, the stylish Mayfair Theater showed English films.
A view of the street.
Change comes fast.
A few blocks away is the Sahara Ganj.
Yes, that would be McDonald's at the far side; there's another one up on the top floor.
The interior.
Watch India change.
Ford, GM...
Suzuki in its Maruti avatar.
...and Honda. All bunched together.
Meanwhile, street sleepers.
Apartments for the prosperous.
Mansions for the wealthy.
Suburbs.
Decked out.
He wanted his picture taken, too.
She was selling sugar.
...and saw the camera.