Public Spaces in Lucknow -the influence of power (page 11)

The life-like representations lend the famous name a vivid image, in keeping with the dual significance of nama and rupa in Indic religious thought and philosophical discourse. Some statues are the focus of commemorative events; others simply become bird perches, a forgotten presence as the traffic rushes around them. They are urban landmarks and nodes, part of the chaotic visual scene of giant billboards, hoardings, and posters in the streetscape. They stare over frolicking children, necking couples, and sleeping old men, lending a focus and name to their park. The mass installation of Ambedkar statues, however, heralds the arrival of new social realities in the political landscape of Northern India.

Here, the art of statuary is thus elevated over mere embellishment of space and commemoration of the great figure into signalling social change achieved not through revolutionary means but democratic electoral process and reservation policies in education and employment. The urban landscape of Lucknow has evolved to reflect the ongoing Social change and the city's aspirations to wards the future. In the process, the past is left behind, forgotten in the accelerated rush towards modernity. This is often the case when the past is perceived as less than honourable, nonprogressive and having Capitulated to outside forces. Of late, Mayawati has adopted an inclusive approach, bringing in the upper Castes and Muslims in her party. She is now politically secure enough to adopt an inclusive approach as well towards the past that belongs to all citizens, not just her own constituency of backward castes.

The annals of the Uprising deserve a visual text in the civic space of the city. Presently there is only one Mutiny mural in Deen Dayal Updhayaya Park on the outskirts of Lucknow. The Residency Memorial Commemorates the British struggle and eventual victory although the newly furbished basement gallery in the Museum does inject the Indian perspective. The historic gardens protected by the Archaeological survey of India where battles Were fought- Sikandar Bagh, Musa Bagh, Alam Bagh, Dilkusha and Shahnajaf- are also memorial sites, but with the exception of Sikandar Bagh, there is no indication of a momentous event having taken place in them". In Sikandar Bagh is a bust of Udadevi Pasi who was responsible for killing a number of British at that spot but ASI has yet to find an imaginative Way to pay homage to the leader of the Indian forces, Begum Hazrat Mahal. The riverfront provides an opportunity to reclaim derelict space for civic purposes including memorials. The journey down the river could be an encounter with historic Lucknow; a memorial to Begum Hazrat Mahal would be a welcome addition to the sites one would Visit to learn about its past.

The End.