Nestled in the heart of Lucknow, Le Press is known today for its vibrant cafés and boutiques. But over 160 years ago, this very place was home to the Newal Kishore Press, one of Asia’s largest and most influential printing houses. Founded in 1858 by Munshi Newal Kishore, the press played a crucial role in India’s struggle for independence, printing books, newspapers, and pamphlets that spread ideas of freedom, reform, and resistance against British colonial rule.
From Press to Progress
The Newal Kishore Press was more than just a printing business; it worked as a tool for transformation. At a time when printing was still in its early stages in India, Newal Kishore recognized its potential as a tool for education, cultural preservation, and social reform
Through its newspaper Avadh Akhbar, initially published weekly, the Nawal Kishore Press also contributed to Urdu journalism. In 1877, Avadh Akhbar became the first daily Urdu-language newspaper in northern India.
Beyond its political impact, the press was also remarkable for its linguistic range. It published in Hindi, Urdu, Sanskrit, Persian, and English, breaking language barriers and making knowledge accessible to a diverse audience. It also became a crucial platform for Hindi literature, helping the language gain stature and readership across the country.
A Living Legacy
Today, Le Press stands as a bridge between past and present, honouring the legacy of a press that helped shape India’s identity and independence. It reminds us how powerful ideas, shared through words and print, can ignite change and inspire generations. More than just a physical space, Le Press stands as a tribute to the courage and vision of those who saw freedom not only as a political goal but as a cultural and intellectual awakening.
So, the next time you visit Le Press, you’re not just enjoying a day out – you’re connecting with a story still unfolding, in a space where heritage isn’t just remembered but truly lived.
Location: 29 Newal Kishore Road, Hazratganj, Lucknow
Timing: 10 am to 11 pm
Contact: 98101 24469
