Description

The Firangi Mahal came to owned by one of the French businessmen, it was further shifted back in administration to the Mughals. Thus, turning it into an Islamic learning institute by Aurangzeb's consultant and his brother.

This Palace also played an important role during the Khilafat movement as it once served as an accommodation for MK Gandhi as well. Great leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru and Sarojini Naidu too visited this palace in support of the movement and to unite the stranded communities.

However, it is said that the history of this mahal goes back into the 11th century. It was between the 1550s and the 1690s that the Firangi Mahal was founded as an Islamic educational institute. The Alam Hafiz family is said to have been the first recorded resident of the place in 1559.

Once Mahatma Gandhi stayed for some time in Firangi Mahal, he brought his goat with him. The Muslims in and around Firangi Mahal, as a token of respect, stopped consuming meat during the stay of Gandhi. Maulvi Abdul Bari claimed that Gandhi as a leader of both Hindus and Muslims. Maulvi Abdul Bari was a strong advocate of Hindu-Muslim unity in the nation. The leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Sarojini Naidu were among, who visited Firangi Mahal to bring all the communities in the fold of freedom struggle. Firangi Mahal ulemas were in favour of Khilafat movement. The ulemas of Firangi mahal were charged to death by the British for issuing of jihad fatwa against them.

The two brothers converted this house into a grand Islamic institution whose status was often compared with Cambridge and Oxford Universities of England. Mahatma Gandhi also spent a few days in Firangi Mahal and the room where he stayed has been dedicated to his memory. Firangi Mahal has made a significant contribution to the preservation and enhancement of Islamic culture and tradition.

More Details

Firangi Mahal is located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. In Lucknow is located at Victoria road and chowk. The word Firang (Franks) refers to Europeans and Mahal means Palace in Persian. The name came as the primary owners of this Mahal were from Europe. During the period of Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb, some French businessmen came and used to stay at this Mahal.

Mr. Niel (French) was the first owner of this Mahal, and it was a good architectural building. Later it was confiscated to the government. Later it was handed over to the adviser of Emperor Aurangazeb known as Mullah Asad bin Qutub shaheed and his brother Mulla Saeed bin Qutubuddin shaheed. These two brothers made this Mahal as the center of Islamic learning. Usually it was compared with the Cambridge University and Oxford University. This Mahal has been a centre of learning as well as the cultural centre.

The palatial residence was, however, confiscated by the government under a royal decree on the ground that it was owned by a foreigner. It was transferred to the Emperor’s consultants on Islamic matters, Mullah Asad bin Qutab Shaheed and his brother Mullah Asad bin Qutab uddin Shaheed.

Highlights:In Lucknow is located at Victoria road and chowk. The word Firang (Franks) refers to Europeans and Mahal means Palace in Persian. The name came as the primary owners of this Mahal were from Europe. During the period of Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb, some French businessmen came and used to stay at this Mahal.

Distance from Lucknow Airport: 28.4 km.

Entrance fee: Free of cost.

Timing: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm.

Location: 27, Firangi Mahal, Chowk, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226003.