Public Spaces in Lucknow -the influence of power (page 10)

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Many urban spaces in Lucknow are also memorial sites either because they contain heritage structures or they are designated or designed as memorial parks and plazas with graves, obelisks, canopies, gateways, and statuary. They are epitome of architectural excellence, markers of momentous events in urban history, and reminders of contributions made by individuals towards the greater public good. While buildings, memorial tablets and plaques, and other building elements constitute the former two groups, commemoration of great personages occurs exclusively through iconography. As we have seen, the latter domain is conspicuous by both the absence and presence of the two most important Women in Lucknow's pre and post-colonial history, revealing the visual cultures that simultaneously inhabit the past and present of the city.

sculpture was not a significant presence in the IndoIslamic visual culture that is Lucknow's heritage, although many Nawabi buildings were embellished by mermaids and Grecian statues. Contemporary visual culture on the other hand draws heavily upon the older Hindu-Buddhist traditions of iconic representation, even as it continues the Colonial practice of installing statues in public parks. The cult of the Mahapurush, great soul and its deification finds expression in free-standing statues, in narrative paintings, engravings and quotes inscribed on Walls and other Surfaces. To the ubiquitous pantheon of figures of Gandhi, Nehru and Bose, BSP has added Ambedkar and other social reformers. Freedom fighters and political figures of other parties are commemorated in the city's many parks. Lucknow has cultural icons as well- Lakshman (after whom the city is named) in Lakshman Park, the river goddess Gomti in Kudiya Ghat, Buddha in Buddha Park, and ancient Indian astronomers, physicians and mathematicians in Suraj Kund.
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