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Satkhanda

The third ruler of Awadh, Nawab Muhammed Ali Shah started building a seven-storeyed tower in Husainabad Lucknow, UP but his dreams remained unfulfilled and he could finish completing only till 4 storey before taking his last breath in the year 1842. The 67m tall red brick building has an excellent blend of French and Italian style of architecture. One of the distinctive feature of this structure is that each of it's successive storey has been constructed in the decreasing order of height and breadth of it's base storey. Satkhanda got its architectural design influenced from 'The Leaning Tower of Pisa', one of the seven wonders of world. Satkhanda is one of the most enchanting and marvellous structure build during the reign of Nawab Muhamad Ali Shah (1837-1842). If you want to take a walk down the memory lane of our glorious history, Satkhanda in Lucknow is a must visit in your trip to this city.

Naukhanda Satkhanda in Lucknow

Purpose Behind the Building of Satkhanda


The various views and myths related to the construction of Satkhanda are mentioned as follows:

  • Nawab Muhammed Ali Shah built the watch tower with an intention of getting a bird’s eye view of the City of Nawabs – Lucknow from its seven storeys which unfortunately remained unfulfilled due to his untimely demise.
  • It is also believed about the building that it was constructed for having a sight of the moon for the purpose of Eid by the Muslims celebrating their festivals based on lunar calendar.
  • Initially, the Nawab of Awadh thought of building a nine storey structure – Naukhanda, making it the highest tower and show the world the pride of Awadh .
  • It is said that the Nawab had hurt his leg while climbing down the stairs of the building at the time of its construction, therefore after the death of Nawab, people started treating it as a bad omen and left it unfinished. No efforts of constructing the tower further were taken thereafter.
  • In 1880’s Satkhanda is believed to be built to pay a tribute to then UP Governor Sir George Couper.

Location of Satkhanda


Satkhanda is located at Husainabad in Lucknow, UP - 226003. The tower is located opposite to Hussainabad Imambara; baradari is nearby is a baradari (summer palace). The building can be seen from the main road while approaching the Imambara.

Best time to visit Satkhanda is during the Eid and Muharram.

The UP government is keen on developing the city into a tourist place and has planned many developments around heritage areas to promote tourism in the city.

The custodian of historical monuments in Lucknow, The Hussainabad and Allied Trust has decided to restore the historical clock tower at Satkhanda as it is high time the Authorities realized the importance of this unfinished monument which can be of National attraction. Satkhanda stands mute witness to the history of Awadh and shows exquisite designs and miraculous structural lay out that deserves to be one of the must visits in Lucknow.

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