Lucknow City in n India, on the River Gomati; capital and largest city of Uttar Pradesh. The first Mogul Emperor of India conquered the city in 1528. It was the capital of the kingdom of Oudh (1775–1856), then of Oudh province (1856–77) and of the United Provinces (1887). Lucknow was the centre of the Muslim League in its campaign (1942–47) for an independent Pakistan. Industries: papermaking, distilling, chemicals, printing, handicrafts. Pop. (2001) 2,207,340.

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