India, Aug. 24 -- Often, whenever Lucknow is mentioned, the discussion invariably veers around its Nawabi phase, and the long lasting impression that Nawabi rule (1722-1856) left on the city's landscape, culture and on its citizens. Other than bardic traditions, intertwined with mythology, there is no doubt that the region was earlier under the control of indigenous tribes such as the Bhars, Pasis, Kurmis and Ahirs. The Rajputs later made inroads, from the times of Prithviraj Chauhan. The first notable incident in the post-Pratihara period was the invasion of Saiyyad Salar Masud, sent by Mahmud of Ghazni to subjugate the region, during 1031-1033. The first sustained Muslim movement here appears to have been during Mohammad Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1202, and what started as a trickle, became a regular influx over a period of time. Though Lucknow continued to be under Islamic rulers in Delhi - the Lodhis, Tughlaqs and the Mughals, and even a short stint under Afghan rule, the administrative decision of Akbar in 1590 to divide Hindustan into 12 subas/administrative divisions had far reaching consequences, with Awadh now a suba, with a Mughal governor stationed in Lucknow, appointed by the Mughal Emperor in Delhi. The pre-Nawab era Lucknow started to develop as a proper city, with the Qila Lakhna, a mud fort situated on an eminence beside the Gomti river evolving into a palace complex called Panch Mahalla of the Sheikhzadas, which would metamorphose into a full-fledged citadel, the Macchi Bhavan. Time flew by, with Lucknow becoming an important trading centre under consecutive Mughal rulers. The last such governor was Raja Girdhar Nagar, who was succeeded by Saadat Khan Burhan-ul-Mulk, the founder of the Nawabi dynasty of Awadh, which lasted from 1722 to 1856. The Nawabi phase left an indelible mark on Awadh, and Lucknow in particular, in terms of language, culture, food and architecture. The religious co-existence and syncretism, the stylish, if rather indolent lifestyle, the emphasis on elaborate culinary arts resulting in rich cuisine, the polite and gentle mannerisms including language, the emergence of cultural arts including song, dance and drama, all became the hallmark of Lucknow, which became the second largest and important city of north India, after Delhi. The city became dotted with gardens, palaces and places of worship. The fabulous riches of the Nawabi court served as a point of attraction for the East India Company, which soon extended its sway over Awadh, ultimately culminating in the deposition of the last Nawabi ruler, Wajid Ali Shah in 1856. When the British regained control of Awadh (Oudh) and Lucknow in particular in 1858, after the First War of Independence, the city entered a new phase of colonial-style urban planning and development, resulting in magnificent edifices - from the Canning College in Qaiserbagh to the Clock Tower in Hussainabad. Colonial creations like the Council Chamber, the Post Office, the Medical College, the Charbagh Station, the magnificent Gothic style churches and Indo-Saracenic architecture proliferated. Lucknow, as it stands today, is a quaint mixture of impressive creations from the Nawabi era (1522-1856), mostly in a ruinous condition, and then the colonial buildings (1856 - 1947), in much better stage of preservation. In present times, the average citizens of Lucknow go about their daily life, with scant regard or knowledge about the historical significance of the monument they pass by, or the cuisine they routinely enjoy. They are vaguely aware of Lucknow's myriad contributions towards art and culture - ranging from ghazals to masnavis, the thumri recitals, the Lucknow Gharana of kathak dance. This apathy is due to lack of time and leisure to delve into the past, and discover its connection with the present. For many, Lucknow is an anachronism, even as producers and directors from Bollywood and even abroad, routinely visit Lucknow for their film shoots and TV series. This disinterest of the common citizen towards the heritage value of this city also stems from the fact that historical details are either unavailable, or if available, are blurred. In the coming weeks, Hindustan Times, Lucknow, will take up cudgels on behalf of heritage lovers and Lucknow lovers who yearn for genuine information about their amazing city, but are handicapped due to a multitude of confusing, often erroneous information floating about. This weekly column will present hard hitting snippets of interesting information gathered from diverse sources - reminiscing bitter-sweet memories of the days gone and also try to bust some urban myths. It is also hoped that the younger generation of readers, who may not have a clue about the priceless heritage value of their city, shall be benefitted intellectually by this weekly feature, thereby helping them connect emotionally with the city. (The writer is a historian)...