A visit to Lucknow: The Colonial Legacy
St. Mungo is the patron saint of the city of Glasgow, Scotland. In Wales and England, this saint is known by his birth and baptismal name "Kentigern." A number of churches dedicated to St. Mungo exist in the UK, as well as in Canada, New Zealand, and interestingly, in Lucknow, India.
Most citizens of Lucknow may not be even aware of the brooding ruins of St. Mungo's Church, which are still extant in the cantonment area of the city. Details of this church are sparse, but apparently it was consecrated in 1909. It is no secret that Scottish Highlanders had a prominent presence in Lucknow, from 1857 till Independence. The Highland regiments, in kilts, plaid uniforms and playing bagpipes (often called petticoated devils) represented a romantic visual of British exploits in India.
St. Mungo is the patron saint of the city of Glasgow, Scotland. In Wales and England, this saint is known by his birth and baptismal name "Kentigern." A number of churches dedicated to St. Mungo exist in the UK, as well as in Canada, New Zealand, and interestingly, in Lucknow, India.
Most citizens of Lucknow may not be even aware of the brooding ruins of St. Mungo's Church, which are still extant in the cantonment area of the city. Details of this church are sparse, but apparently it was consecrated in 1909. It is no secret that Scottish Highlanders had a prominent presence in Lucknow, from 1857 till Independence. The Highland regiments, in kilts, plaid uniforms and playing bagpipes (often called petticoated devils) represented a romantic visual of British exploits in India.
After 1947, the devout had all but vanished, and this church was de-consecrated at some point of time. Now it is no longer a place of worship, but a casual godown for army supplies. A view of the majestic, Gothic ruins give an indication of how this church might have been in its better days. It is too strongly built to collapse and vanish on its own, and it’s too prominent to be bull-dozed and levelled to the ground. Hence, it stands, ignored, its spire towering and dwarfing neighbouring structures. Waiting for its slow, imminent and eventual end.
Is there no way the building can be restored to its former glory - as a tourist attraction or as a war memorial, if not as a church?
Guest Post by Dr. PC Sarkar.
Dr. Sarkar holds a Ph.D in organic chemistry and is presently working as a scientist in the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Govt. of India. He completed his schooling from St. Francis' College, Lucknow , followed by college education from Lucknow Christian College and Lucknow University. He imbibed a passion for the Nawabi and Colonial heritage of Lucknow during his childhood.
Please share Dr P C Sarkar
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