Sikandar Bagh is a beautifully laid out garden in
Lucknow with a two-storeyed Grecian building in the center. It was built by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah for his favorite wife, Sikandar Mahal.
Sikandar Bagh witnessed one of the bloodiest battles in the revolt of 1857. Around 2000 rebels, who swore to defend the advancing forces of General Colin Campbell till their last breath, were butchered mercilessly. On witnessing the horrific scene, Oonda Bai, an excellent sniper, climbed to a nearby tree and shot dead several soldiers before she was killed. A metal bust of Oonda Bai stands in the garden extolling the valour of this brave woman.
The gateway to the Bagh is an impressive structure and depicts Avadi symbols. The garden now houses the National Botanical Research Institute of India.
