University of Lucknow, Lucknow

The University of Lucknow, founded initially as Canning College in 1867 and formally established as a university in 1921, stands as one of the oldest public institutions in India. Its flagship campus lies in the historic Badshah Bagh area, showcasing a harmonious blend of Mughal and Victorian architectural styles that evoke both grandeur and academic serenity.

Wandering through the tree-lined avenues and lush lawns of the campus feels akin to strolling through a living monument. The main administrative building, with its domes and arched verandahs, reflects the legacy of Nawabi Lucknow and colonial era design. Quaint libraries, including the venerable Tagore Library, house not only books but also treasures like the original Indian Constitution copy, rare manuscripts, and a curated art gallery featuring works by eminent artists like Nandlal Bose and L.M. Sen.

The University also offers several unique museums and gardens of interest. The recently inaugurated V.S. Ram Museum in the Department of Political Science pays homage to V.S. Ram’s legacy with manuscripts, personal archives, and global historical photographs. The Sanjeevani herbal garden, designed on a sun‑ray pattern, is part of the botanical department and showcases medicinal plants such as mint and Artemisia-a highlight acknowledged by visiting dignitaries.