Discovering Lucknow

Discovering Lucknow

SHAMIM A. AARZOO & ATIF HANIF have done a commendable job bringing ‘Discovering Lucknow’. It is a seductive invitation to get more intimate with the city. This publication of more than 100 pages is essential to discovering monumental treasures hidden behind run-down facades and the scaffolding of contemporary constructions of concrete and glass that mostly dot the historic city today. The book’s beauty lies in juxtaposing older photographs with the way the precious monuments look now, along with a brief text on the background of each building. The book is put together with the intention of sharing, particularly with the youth, the age-old history of the city they live in. For a study of history, every young person needs to have an idea of who they are, after which they are inspired to spearhead a movement to get citizens and people in power to notice, value and preserve the architectural legacy of Lucknow. History is a collective memory of humanity that is carefully codified and critically revised to make human beings more human so that there is a better exchange of ideas and ideals instead of bombs and missiles. Therefore, it is important to know history to care better in the present. History tells us where we come from and one way of maturing into confident adults is to know as much as possible about the past. History can not be praised enough as its study helps individuals to interact better with each other. It helps to distinguish family from friends and both from strangers. Knowledge about the past of other civilisations regales is essential for making more friends and enhancing communication with other human beings.