Lucknow

Lucknow or Lakhnau , city (1991 pop. 1,669,204), capital of Uttar Pradesh state, N central India, on the Gomati River. An educational and cultural center, it has varied industries, including food processing, railroad shops, and handicrafts. The city is a major transportation hub and has an important agricultural market. It was the capital of the kingdom of Oudh (1775-1856) and then of Oudh prov. It became the capital of the United Provinces when Agra and Oudh merged in 1877. The most notable architectural structure is the Imambara [mausoleum] of Asuf-ad-Daula, Oudh's greatest king. During the Indian Mutiny , the British garrison in Lucknow suffered heavy casualties during a siege (June-Nov., 1857). Although the siege was broken, the British evacuated the city (Nov.); a year later, when they regained control of India, they reentered. Lucknow was a focus of the movement (1942-47) for an independent Pakistan.

Lucknow or Luknau was the capital of Awadh annexed by the British in 1856. During the Indian mutiny, the British residency was subjected to a long siege beginning in June 1857. Sir Henry Lawrence, the chief commissioner, was killed in August and the town's relief was not accomplished until 16 November.

David Anthony Washbrook