The physiognomy of the city closely resembled Eric Hobsbawm’s model for an “ideal city for riot and insurrection”. The heaviest losses from sharp shooters stationed in the mosques and houses of nobility. During the siege the mosques and larger residences provided shelter to the rebels. After the mutiny of 1857, the British government felt the necessity for the reconstruction of the city.

Pre-colonial Lucknow had the following characteristics:

• Densely populated

• Tortuous lanes

• Central Friday Mosque

• Rows of buildings that served both residential and commercial needs

• Several smaller mosques, temples and public assembly halls

In pre-colonial Lucknow streets were the stage for social events often ending in cul-de-sacs but in the new cities they were demolished for thoroughfare. The importance of cul-de-sacs was for maintaining community life that was typical of the city’s neighbourhood. Several mohallas had gates that were kept closed at night for security reasons. The new streets cut through several mohallas, destroying their organic unity and disrupting their organization.