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Scroll.in
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Scroll.in
‘A Queer Reading of Nawabi Architecture and the Colonial Archive': Guide to Lucknow's queer history
'… Wargue that the cultural vibrancy of Lucknow was due to its debauched nature. Nawabi architecture materialised – in pleasure palaces, harems, and other spatial types – as a gradual adaptation of existing formal archetypes to accommodate theatricised ways of dwelling; deviant practices of power politics; gender-bending forms of dance, theatre, poetry; and performed non-normative sexuality. The EIC targeted the nawabs' race, gender, sexuality, physical appearance, cultural pursuits, and architectural expression – to refute the nawabs' efficacy as political rulers – gendering the superiority and credibility of a political leader.' When Nawab Asaf-ud-Dawla shifted the capital of Avadh from Faizabad to Lucknow in 1775, he had no idea that he and the last of his successors would turn out to be two of those rulers whom the British loved to hate. Historians still debate why Asaf shifted his capital: some say it was to get away from his mother, Bahu Begum, others that it was to establish a more prosperous city. Whatever the reason, the result was that Lucknow gained a unique culture, some of which survives in its architecture, by way of an independent style that Asaf established during the 22 years of his reign. That style would come to an end in 1856 – the year before the Uprising of 1857 – when the East India Company (EIC) took over the kingdom, and the focal point here is that takeover, for it was done under the cleverly named Doctrine of Lapse, under which the British could decide to take over kingdoms that were either misgoverned, or had no legitimate heir to the throne. And since the Nawab of the time, Wajid Ali Shah, had a son, the British had to establish some measure of misgovernance to justify using this doctrine. With the end of Wajid Ali's rule also ended one of the most colourful periods of India's colonial history. A Queer Reading of Nawabi Architecture and the Colonial Archive looks at the architecture of Lucknow during this period, particularly under the reigns of Asif and Wajid rather than the six nawabs who ruled in between them. The queer influence Post-Independence Indian historians have put forth substantial evidence against British claims of misgovernance by the nawabs. To quote Dr GD Bhatnagar in his book, Awadh Under Wajid Ali Shah, 'Wajid Ali Shah's character was complex. Though he was a man of pleasure, he was neither an unscrupulous knave nor a brainless libertine. He was a lovable and generous gentleman. He was a voluptuary, still he never touched wine, and though sunk in pleasure, he never missed his five daily prayers. It was the literary and artistic attainments of Wajid Ali Shah which distinguished him from his contemporaries.' What these historians have omitted is the queer influence on the culture and architecture of Lucknow. Asaf was an accomplished Urdu poet, and in some of his work, he reveals his longing for men, a longing that the straight-laced British of his time found abhorrent. But that poetry also established the difference between the way most rulers conducted their politics and the way a queer ruler might do it. And so, while this book might be about a queer look at architecture, it also contains a look at the power play amongst four different players towards the end of the rule of the Nawabs: on the British side are the East India Company (EIC) and the Crown, and, on the Indian, the Nawabs of Lucknow and the fading Mughal dynasty. A queer city To start with, the book is divided broadly into two sections, the first about methods and the second about the architecture of the buildings covered. Methods matter, because parts of the city were wiped out in the Uprising. So were some of the writings of the Nawab's historians, and perhaps of the Nawabs themselves. The authors have followed up with many archives: the remaining Lucknow archives, the written works of these two Nawabs, archives of the East India Company and the Crown, and, of course, archives of the Government of India. One of the more appealing illustrations here is a single chart that offers a timeline that shows Nawabs, British Residents, British Governors General, and various plans and sketches of the city, all in one, offering the reader a bird's eye view of the history of the city. The British archives show their contempt for the Nawabs and the queerness of their culture. The British were contemptuous of queers until well into the second half of the 20th century: witness their imprisonment of, say, Oscar Wilde in the 1890s, or their encouraging Alan Turing's suicide in the 1960s. Thus, some of history reflects their resistance to the British: to quote the authors, 'Despite this [contempt], the two nawabs continued to hold their political position through acts of transgression, resistance, and even sometimes by playing ignorant. Both the nawabs furthered an urban cultural environment that rejected macho military standards of politics and embraced arts as central to shaping the city.' The second section covers the actual shape of the city. Covered here in some detail are the major works of Asaf and Wajid: Asif's architectural legacy includes the Machhi Bhavan, the Daulat Khana, and the Bada Imambada, while Wajid's works include the Qaiserbagh, perhaps the most substantial of the precincts covered. The descriptions are illustrated in detail, and the reconstruction of destroyed parts of these buildings is meticulous and layered, which would appeal to the architect. But what appeals to the layman and the historian in the occasional sidelight that livens up the narrative: to quote, again, 'The British army was disoriented by the labyrinthine interiors of the zenana but found its flat roof quite navigable because of its continuity'. And so, for anyone with more than a passing interest in architecture, history, or Lucknow, this book is a small treasure house and a guide to the chequered history of one of the most important cities of the British Raj. Shashi Warrier is a novelist. His latest novel My Name is Jasmine was published by Simon and Schuster India in 2025.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ellavoz Impact Capital Celebrates Cedar Creek Estates with Site Dedication in Jacksonville, Florida
Vertical Construction is Well Underway JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 04, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ellavoz Impact Capital (EIC), a leading real estate impact investment and management firm, celebrated their new project by hosting a site dedication of Cedar Creek Estates. The project began vertical construction in April. Located within an Opportunity Zone in Jacksonville, Florida, this innovative build-to-rent single family residential community will help satisfy the growing demand for affordable, high-quality housing in Jacksonville. The project, with an estimated cost of $14 million, is transforming nine acres into 45 comfortable, single-family homes. EIC is committed to creating a living environment that not only provides much-needed housing but also encourages a strong sense of community for its residents. Robert Hutchins, Founder and CEO of Ellavoz Impact Capital, stated, "Our Ellavoz team and impact investors are extremely proud to be part of Jacksonville's redevelopment. As a veteran preference community, we will serve the people who protect and care for us." The unique home ownership assistance program will give long-term veteran residents the opportunity to earn a direct grant from Ellavoz when the homes become available for sale. Mr. Hutchins dedicated Cedar Creek Estates to Kenneth Pizzo, Sr., who not only invested in the project but whose idea it was to honor our veterans and active military. "Ken was a true patriotic American who lived his faith. He was also a tremendously successful builder who had enormous respect for the military. I now have the privilege and honor to carry this project forward after my dear friend passed away." Other key highlights of the Cedar Creek Estates project include: Diverse Home Sizes: The community will feature a variety of living spaces to suit the needs of different families and individuals. The single-family homes will range in size from 1200-to-1650 square feet, offering residents flexibility and choice in their living arrangements. Build-to-Rent with an Opportunity Toward Homeownership: Ellavoz Impact Capital recognizes the rising popularity of the build-to-rent model and Cedar Creek Estates is designed to meet this demand. This approach offers renters the opportunity to enjoy a modern and well-maintained living space combined with the flexibility of leasing. Additionally, when the homes come up for sale, the residents will have the first opportunity to purchase with a downpayment assistance grant. Commitment to Community: Ellavoz Impact Capital is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of all residents within Cedar Creek Estates by incorporating energy efficient features and well-designed public spaces with the goal of fostering a sense of community and well-being. About Ellavoz Impact Capital:Ellavoz Impact Capital, LLC, (EIC) is a social impact investor, advisor, asset manager, and real estate developer focused on creating and preserving workforce and affordable housing and other community-oriented real estate properties. EIC's strategy concentrates investments into price-attainable housing and economic development projects by working with socially aligned operators, local nonprofits, and governmental agencies to deliver positive community outcomes and double bottom line returns. With locations in Florida, New Jersey and the Carolinas, Ellavoz currently has total managed and controlled assets with a value approaching $300 million. EIC is comprised of certified public accountants, attorneys, as well as real estate, finance, and economic development professionals. The team has both private sector experience and decades-long experience leading large community development financial institutions and nonprofit organizations. Collectively, the management team has led transactions with a total capitalization value of nearly $3 billion. View source version on Contacts For more information about Ellavoz Impact Capital, visit our website at media inquiries, contact Chris Ferry @ 732.616.8847 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Ellavoz Impact Capital Celebrates Cedar Creek Estates with Site Dedication in Jacksonville, Florida
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ellavoz Impact Capital (EIC), a leading real estate impact investment and management firm, celebrated their new project by hosting a site dedication of Cedar Creek Estates. The project began vertical construction in April. Located within an Opportunity Zone in Jacksonville, Florida, this innovative build-to-rent single family residential community will help satisfy the growing demand for affordable, high-quality housing in Jacksonville. The project, with an estimated cost of $14 million, is transforming nine acres into 45 comfortable, single-family homes. EIC is committed to creating a living environment that not only provides much-needed housing but also encourages a strong sense of community for its residents. Robert Hutchins, Founder and CEO of Ellavoz Impact Capital, stated, 'Our Ellavoz team and impact investors are extremely proud to be part of Jacksonville's redevelopment. As a veteran preference community, we will serve the people who protect and care for us.' The unique home ownership assistance program will give long-term veteran residents the opportunity to earn a direct grant from Ellavoz when the homes become available for sale. Mr. Hutchins dedicated Cedar Creek Estates to Kenneth Pizzo, Sr., who not only invested in the project but whose idea it was to honor our veterans and active military. 'Ken was a true patriotic American who lived his faith. He was also a tremendously successful builder who had enormous respect for the military. I now have the privilege and honor to carry this project forward after my dear friend passed away.' Other key highlights of the Cedar Creek Estates project include: Diverse Home Sizes: The community will feature a variety of living spaces to suit the needs of different families and individuals. The single-family homes will range in size from 1200-to-1650 square feet, offering residents flexibility and choice in their living arrangements. Build-to-Rent with an Opportunity Toward Homeownership: Ellavoz Impact Capital recognizes the rising popularity of the build-to-rent model and Cedar Creek Estates is designed to meet this demand. This approach offers renters the opportunity to enjoy a modern and well-maintained living space combined with the flexibility of leasing. Additionally, when the homes come up for sale, the residents will have the first opportunity to purchase with a downpayment assistance grant. Commitment to Community: Ellavoz Impact Capital is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of all residents within Cedar Creek Estates by incorporating energy efficient features and well-designed public spaces with the goal of fostering a sense of community and well-being. About Ellavoz Impact Capital: Ellavoz Impact Capital, LLC, (EIC) is a social impact investor, advisor, asset manager, and real estate developer focused on creating and preserving workforce and affordable housing and other community-oriented real estate properties. EIC's strategy concentrates investments into price-attainable housing and economic development projects by working with socially aligned operators, local nonprofits, and governmental agencies to deliver positive community outcomes and double bottom line returns. With locations in Florida, New Jersey and the Carolinas, Ellavoz currently has total managed and controlled assets with a value approaching $300 million. EIC is comprised of certified public accountants, attorneys, as well as real estate, finance, and economic development professionals. The team has both private sector experience and decades-long experience leading large community development financial institutions and nonprofit organizations. Collectively, the management team has led transactions with a total capitalization value of nearly $3 billion.
Fashion Network
22-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Sparxell plant-based colourant specialist gets €1.9m European innovation grant
LVMH -backed plant-based colourant technology pioneer Sparxell has secured a €1.9 million grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) to double product development. The Cambridge-based company, which aims to accelerate market adoption of its sustainable colourant technology across fashion and cosmetics, said the new funding 'position[s] the company to overcome critical technical barriers in scaling its world-first, natural colourants'. The 'prestigious funding recognises Sparxell's breakthrough technology as part of the Council's mission to identify, develop, and scale up disruptive innovations that address global challenges' while 'positioning the company to capture a significant share of the growing $48 billion colourants market', it added. Sparxell's biodegradable pigments claim to deliver 'stunning colourant results that outperform synthetic alternatives', without the use of fossil-based chemicals. And since spinning out of the University of Cambridge in 2023, it has gained 'rapid' commercial validation through over 25 fully-funded pilot projects with global brands across diverse industrial sectors, it says. With the company approaching its first million in sales, the EIC grant will 'prime Sparxell for exponential growth in the booming colourants sector', allowing it to scale to tonne-level production in 2025, 'in preparation for its first commercial launch with leading brands and manufacturers'. Since joining LVMH's La Maison des Startups accelerator programme, Sparxell said it has quickly established itself in the luxury market, connecting with the luxury goods group's heritage brands including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Givenchy and Loewe. Dr Benjamin Droguet, Sparxell founder and CEO, said: "This [EIC] funding is transformative for Sparxell, allowing us to accelerate our manufacturing scale-up and overcome key technical challenges much earlier in our development pathway. 'With our plant-based technology, we're offering industries a fundamentally different approach to colour that works with nature rather than against it while meeting the highest performance standards.'
Fashion Network
22-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Sparxell plant-based colourant specialist gets €1.9m European innovation grant
LVMH -backed plant-based colourant technology pioneer Sparxell has secured a €1.9 million grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) to double product development. The Cambridge-based company, which aims to accelerate market adoption of its sustainable colourant technology across fashion and cosmetics, said the new funding 'position[s] the company to overcome critical technical barriers in scaling its world-first, natural colourants'. The 'prestigious funding recognises Sparxell's breakthrough technology as part of the Council's mission to identify, develop, and scale up disruptive innovations that address global challenges' while 'positioning the company to capture a significant share of the growing $48 billion colourants market', it added. Sparxell's biodegradable pigments claim to deliver 'stunning colourant results that outperform synthetic alternatives', without the use of fossil-based chemicals. And since spinning out of the University of Cambridge in 2023, it has gained 'rapid' commercial validation through over 25 fully-funded pilot projects with global brands across diverse industrial sectors, it says. With the company approaching its first million in sales, the EIC grant will 'prime Sparxell for exponential growth in the booming colourants sector', allowing it to scale to tonne-level production in 2025, 'in preparation for its first commercial launch with leading brands and manufacturers'. Since joining LVMH's La Maison des Startups accelerator programme, Sparxell said it has quickly established itself in the luxury market, connecting with the luxury goods group's heritage brands including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Givenchy and Loewe. Dr Benjamin Droguet, Sparxell founder and CEO, said: "This [EIC] funding is transformative for Sparxell, allowing us to accelerate our manufacturing scale-up and overcome key technical challenges much earlier in our development pathway. 'With our plant-based technology, we're offering industries a fundamentally different approach to colour that works with nature rather than against it while meeting the highest performance standards.'
