Faizabad on the Ghaghara: Traces of the Nawabs of Awadh

Faizabad lies on the banks of the Ghaghara and is historically associated with the Nawabs of Awadh. Fort Calcutta, Moti Mahal and Raja Mandir represent different aspects of the place: residential history, Mughal architecture and a temple. The Shankla Museum, with its diverse collection, is another highlight. If you are interested in a range of cultural topics, you can discover Faizabad through these contrasts and consider which of them you would like to shape your stay.

Faizabad’s riverside location and history

The location on the Ghaghara provides a geographical point of reference, while the connection to the Nawabs offers a historical perspective. Faizabad’s founding is also attributed to Sadat Khan, the second Nawab of Awadh. This attribution and the history of Fort Calcutta as a residence answer different questions: one associates the city’s founding with a person, while the other refers to the former use of a specific building. Together, they provide a common thread if you are interested not only in individual attractions but also in the history of the place.

Residences and Mughal architecture

Fort Calcutta, also called Chhota Calcutta, served as a residence for the Nawab of Awadh and his Begum until their deaths. It was built in the Mughal style; today, most of the fort lies in ruins. Its name, historical use as a residence, architectural style and condition are different aspects of the same place. If you want to focus on the history of the Nawabs, you will find a tangible connection here to Faizabad’s historical ties with them.

A different history of residence is associated with Moti Mahal: the palace was the residence of Bahu Begum, the wife of Shuja-ud-Daula. It is surrounded by a well-maintained garden and is considered an example of Mughal architecture. Fort Calcutta and Moti Mahal can thus be viewed in terms of their architecture and their different histories as residences. The fort’s present-day ruinous condition is part of its character; at Moti Mahal, its connection to Bahu Begum and its garden are defining features. This comparison helps you understand the two places as distinct historical subjects.

Temples and collections

Raja Mandir is a well-known temple in Faizabad and provides a different cultural point of reference alongside the residences. If you are not interested exclusively in palaces and forts, you can include the temple in a broader picture of the named cultural sites. This lets you consider before your trip whether the history of the Nawabs or a variety of cultural topics matters most to you.

The Shankla Museum at the Dogra Regimental Centre in Faizabad houses flags, uniforms, medals, weapons, paintings, musical instruments and photographs. This collection shifts the focus from buildings to a range of object groups. When planning a trip around different interests, comparing the themes can be helpful: alongside architecture and historic residences, the collections take centre stage here. This allows you to explore Faizabad not only through its buildings, but also through the variety of objects mentioned.

Faizabad as a destination for your holiday apartment

If you would like to plan your stay around Faizabad’s riverside location and its historical and cultural themes, you can focus your search on a holiday apartment in Faizabad. First decide whether you are particularly interested in the history of the Nawabs, the different buildings, or the collections as well. This way, you can choose a destination based on the subjects that matter to you and your fellow travellers, rather than on accommodation amenities that say nothing about the character of the place.

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For the higher-level travel overview: Uttar Pradesh.