Do you want to experience the best of Lucknow's history, culture, and lifestyle? If yes, then you must visit Aminabad market, one of the oldest and most popular markets in the city of Nawabs. Aminabad market is a place where you can find everything from clothes and jewellery to food and books. It is a place where you can enjoy the authentic and delicious cuisine of Lucknow, such as kebabs, biryanis, chaats, and paans. It is a place where you can explore the historical and architectural landmarks and monuments of Lucknow, such as the Bara Imambara, the Chhota Imambara, the Rumi Darwaza, and the Clock Tower. It is a place where you can witness the vibrant and bustling life of Lucknow, with its colourful shops, friendly people, and lively atmosphere.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Aminabad market, its history, its culture, and its offerings. We will also give you some tips and tricks to make the most of your visit to this shopping haven. So, read on and discover the secrets and wonders of Aminabad market.
History of Aminabad Market
Aminabad market has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 18th century. It was named after Amin-ud-Daulah, a nobleman and minister of the Nawabs of Awadh, who built the market as a commercial and residential complex. The market was originally divided into four sections: Aminabad, Nakhas, Chowk, and Akbari Gate. Each section had its own specialty and charm, catering to the diverse needs and tastes of the people.
Aminabad market was not only a place for trade and commerce, but also a place for culture and politics. It was the hub of the Nawabi culture, where the elite and the commoners mingled and enjoyed the arts, music, poetry, and literature. It was also the centre of the freedom struggle, where the revolutionaries and the patriots plotted and fought against the British rule. Aminabad market witnessed many historical events and personalities, such as the 1857 mutiny, the 1921 non-cooperation movement, the 1930 civil disobedience movement, and the 1942 quit India movement. Some of the famous freedom fighters who visited or stayed in Aminabad market were Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, and Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan.
Today, Aminabad market is a living testimony of the glorious past of Lucknow. It still retains its old-world charm and elegance, with its narrow lanes, old buildings, and antique shops. It also showcases the modern and dynamic face of Lucknow, with its new and trendy products, services, and facilities. Aminabad market is a place where the past and the present coexist and complement each other.
Shopping in Aminabad Market
Aminabad market is a shopper's paradise, where you can find anything and everything you want. It is a place where you can buy clothes, jewellery, cosmetics, footwear, books, and more. It is a place where you can find the best quality and variety of products, at the most reasonable and affordable prices. It is a place where you can enjoy the thrill and fun of bargaining, and get the best deals and discounts.
Aminabad market is famous for its chikan work, a traditional embroidery technique that originated in Lucknow. Chikan work is done on cotton, silk, georgette, and other fabrics, and is used to make sarees, kurtas, suits, dupattas, and other garments. Chikan work is known for its intricate and delicate designs, and its exquisite and elegant appeal. You can find the finest and most authentic chikan work in Aminabad market, at shops like Chikan House, Chikan Palace, and Chikan Emporium.
Aminabad market is also famous for its jewellery, especially gold and silver. You can find a wide range of jewellery items, such as necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, and bangles, in various designs, styles, and patterns. You can also find jewellery made of pearls, diamonds, and other precious and semi-precious stones. You can find the best and most trustworthy jewellery shops in Aminabad market, such as Lala Jugal Kishore Jewellers, Ratan Chand Jewellers, and Shri Ram Jewellers.
Aminabad market is also famous for its cosmetics, especially perfumes and attars. You can find a variety of perfumes and attars, made from natural and synthetic ingredients, in different fragrances, such as rose, jasmine, sandalwood, musk, and oudh. You can also find perfumes and attars in different forms, such as oils, sprays, and powders. You can find the best and most aromatic perfumes and attars in Aminabad market, at shops like Gulab Singh Johrimal, Saeed Ghani, and Mohan Perfumery.
Aminabad market is also famous for its footwear, especially juttis and mojaris. You can find a range of footwear items, made from leather, cloth, and other materials, in various colours, sizes, and shapes. You can also find footwear with embroidery, sequins, beads, and other embellishments. You can find the best and most comfortable footwear in Aminabad market, at shops like Jutti Corner, Jutti House, and Jutti Bazaar.
Aminabad market is also famous for its books, especially old and rare books. You can find a collection of books, covering various subjects, genres, and languages, such as history, literature, religion, science, and Urdu. You can also find books by famous authors, poets, and scholars, such as Mirza Ghalib, Munshi Premchand, Rabindranath Tagore, and Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. You can find the best and most valuable books in Aminabad market, at shops like Naza Market, Book World, and Book Land.
Food in Aminabad Market
Aminabad market is a foodie's delight, where you can taste the best and most authentic cuisine of Lucknow. It is a place where you can savour the mouth-watering and delicious dishes and delicacies of Lucknow, such as kebabs, biryanis, chaats, and paans. It is a place where you can enjoy the rich and varied flavours and aromas of Lucknow, such as spicy, tangy, sweet, and sour. It is a place where you can experience the culinary and cultural heritage of Lucknow, such as the Nawabi, the Mughlai, and the Awadhi.
Aminabad market is famous for its kebabs, a grilled or roasted meat dish that originated in Lucknow. Kebabs are made from minced or chopped meat, such as lamb, chicken, beef, or fish, and are marinated with spices, herbs, and yoghurt. Kebabs are cooked on skewers over charcoal or wood fire, and are served with bread, salad, and chutney. Kebabs are known for their tender and juicy texture, and their smoky and spicy flavour. You can find the best and most famous kebabs in Aminabad market, at eateries like Tunday Kebabi, Wahid Biryani, and Alamgir Hotel.
Aminabad market is also famous for its biryanis, a rice and meat dish that originated in Lucknow. Biryanis are made from basmati rice, cooked with meat, such as lamb, chicken, or mutton, and flavoured with spices, saffron, and ghee. Biryanis are cooked in a sealed pot, called a handi, over a low flame, and are served with raita, salad, and papad. Biryanis are known for their fragrant and aromatic rice, and their succulent and flavourful meat. You can find the best and most popular biryanis in Aminabad market, at eateries like Wahid Biryani, Idris Biryani, and Lalla Biryani.
Aminabad market is also famous for its chaats, a snack or street food dish that originated in Lucknow. Chaats are made from various ingredients, such as potatoes, chickpeas, yoghurt, tamarind, mint, and spices, and are served with crispy fried bread, called puris. Chaats are known for their tangy and sweet taste, and their crunchy and soft texture. You can find the best and most diverse chaats in Aminabad market, at eateries like Shukla Chaat House, Netram Chaat Bhandar, and Pandit Chaat Corner.
Aminabad market is also famous for its paans, a betel leaf and areca nut dish that originated in Lucknow. Paans are made from betel leaves, filled with areca nuts, lime, spices, and other ingredients, such as tobacco, gulkand, and silver foil. Paans are chewed and swallowed
- Paans are chewed and swallowed, or spat out, after a meal or as a refreshment. Paans are known for their refreshing and stimulating effect, and their medicinal and digestive benefits. You can find the best and most varied paans in Aminabad market, at shops like Ram Asrey Sweets, Pandey Paan Bhandar, and Meetha Paan Wala.
Location and Timings of Aminabad Market
Aminabad market is located in the heart of Lucknow, near the Charbagh railway station, the Chaudhary Charan Singh airport, and the Alambagh bus stand. You can easily reach Aminabad market by various modes of transport, such as taxi, auto, bus, or metro. You can also walk or cycle to Aminabad market, if you are staying nearby.
Aminabad market is open from 10 am to 10 pm, every day of the week, except for Thursdays, when the market is closed for cleaning and maintenance. The best time to visit Aminabad market is in the morning or evening, when the weather is pleasant and the crowd is less. You can also visit Aminabad market during festivals and occasions, such as Eid, Diwali, Holi, and Christmas, when the market is decorated and illuminated, and offers special discounts and offers.
Tips for Visiting Aminabad Market
Here are some useful tips and information for visiting Aminabad market:
- Carry enough cash with you, as most of the shops do not accept cards or online payments. You can also find ATMs in and around Aminabad market, if you need to withdraw money.
- Bargain hard with the shopkeepers, as they tend to quote higher prices to the customers. You can also compare the prices and quality of the products from different shops, before buying anything.
- Be careful of your belongings, as Aminabad market is crowded and chaotic, and there may be pickpockets and thieves. You can also avoid carrying expensive or unnecessary items, such as jewellery, cameras, or laptops, to the market.
- Try the local food and delicacies, as they are delicious and authentic, and represent the culture and cuisine of Lucknow. However, be mindful of your hygiene and health, and avoid eating from unhygienic or dubious places. You can also carry your own water bottle, or buy bottled water, to avoid any water-borne diseases.
- Explore the nearby attractions and places to visit in Lucknow, such as the Hazratganj, the Gomti Riverfront, and the Lucknow Zoo. You can also book a hotel or a homestay near Aminabad market, to enjoy the convenience and comfort of staying close to the market.
Conclusion
Aminabad market is a place where you can find everything from clothes and jewellery to food and books. It is a place where you can experience the best of Lucknow's history, culture, and lifestyle.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Aminabad market today and enjoy the shopping paradise of Lucknow. And don't forget to tell us about your experience in the comments section below.
