The Lucknow Album/Introduction
INTRODUCTION.
Ruins, ancient and modern, bearing marks of oriental splendour and extravagance; the relics of Monarchies now passed away; prostrate columns, broken arches, colonnades, fountains, statues, shattered and shot-battered walls, scathed monuments, telling of the horrors of war, rebellion and siege; neglected gardens and roofless, dismantled palaces, fast falling into decay, are all objects of interest and curiosity to the tourist, the antiquary, the historian, the archaeologist and the lover of art. The city of Lucknow, the capital of Oudh, abounds with objects of this description in all the intense sublimity of ruin, and evincing the stern decrees of fate that have thus destined them to destruction, and that, but for the present volume, would have ruthlessly consigned them to everlasting oblivion. The thrilling historical or traditionary narratives that from time to time have been published, and the glowing descriptions that have been given by travellers, have, since railway communication became available, had the effect of considerably increasing the number of visitors; the want of an "Illustrated Album," that should also act as a guide, being consequently felt, the present volume has been prepared, at great expense, and profusely illustrated, to supply that want, and the projectors hope that it will succeed in fostering the spirit of enquiry, to which the histories of the objects afore mentioned have so manifestly given birth, and to which the educated Natives of India and the travelling public of all nations throughout the civilized world are so much attached.
It has already been remarked that, to the general traveller or tourist, the work will prove of great interest; it may be added that, to some, it will be of inestimable value; but to the friends and relations of the survivors, and to the survivors themselves, of the terrible rebellion of 1857-58, especially to those who were actual members of the beleaguered Garrison at the Lucknow Residency; whose gallant and glorious defence against overwhelming forces of a cruel, fanatical and barbarous foe, preserved the prestige of the British arms at such fearful sacrifices, this work will not prove an intellectual treat alone; the scenes herein depicted will revive old memories falling sadly but proudly on the heart; memories of the mighty dead, of brave sons and fathers, of dear sisters, loving wives and sweet children, who now sleep peacefully in the midst of the ruined grandeur where they fell. To the survivors of that Garrison, this Album will bear a sacred interest, and many a tear will fall at the contemplation of some well-remembered spot, over which a sort of holy radiance will appear to linger as the book is sorrowfully closed. The volume may be preserved, for transmission to posterity, as a memorial of the dangers passed and the hardships suffered by the glorious Garrison of Lucknow.
The Album being intended to serve as a pictorial guide, cannot be expected to contain profuse historical accounts of the scenes represented dating back from ages of remote antiquity : trusting rather to the silent eloquence of modern illustration aided by photography, which, with talismanic power, appeals to the senses of old and young of all nations and tongues, or in the words of the poet:—
"Sounds, which address the ear, are lost, and die
In one short hour; but those which strike the eye
Live long upon the mind; the faithful sight
Engraves the knowledge with a beam of light."
The projectors respectfully beg that, in consideration of the work having been produced, regardless of pains or expense, and under great difficulties, as regards shortcomings, the public will be lenient and the critics merciful ; and trusting that it may meet with approval, the "Lucknow Album" is sent forth to meet its fate.