The intricate carving on a monument in Lucknow , India In ancient times, Lucknow was part of Kosala kingdom (modern Ayodhya) ruled by Ikshvaku dynasty to which Lord Rama belongs. It is believed that he gave the territory comprising of modern Lucknow to his devoted brother Lakshman. Therefore, the original name of Lucknow was Lakshmanpur, popularly known as Lakhanpur or Lachmanpur.

Lucknow 's medieval history begins with its elevation to a capital city under the Nawabs of Awadh. The architectural contributions of the Awadh rulers, many paintings of whom are maintained at the Art Gallery today, include numerous mosques and palaces. Of the monuments standing today, the Bara Imambara, the Chota Imambara, and the Roomi Darwaza are notable examples, although neglect by the authority has put them in danger of turning into ruins.

Claude Martin's palace, "Constantia" now houses one of five schools founded under his will. Photograph by John Edward Sache, working in India 1865 - 1882The province of Awadh (anglicized to Oudh ) was annexed by the British rulers of India in 1856. In the Indian Mutiny of 1857(also known as First War of Indian Independence ), the garrison based at the Residency in Lucknow was besieged by rebel forces. The famous Siege of Lucknow was relieved first by forces under the command of Sir Henry Havelock and Sir James Outram, followed by a stronger force under Sir Colin Campbell. Today the ruins of the Residency, and the picturesque Shaheed Smarak offer reminiscences of Lucknow 's role in the events.

During the siege of the Residency in 1857, it was the students of La Martiniere College that went ahead to defend the Residency. For the valour that they displayed, La Martiniere College at Lucknow is the only college in the world that has received battle honours of the British Empire , until McGill University In WWI.

Other architectural delights in Lucknow include the Vidhan Sabha (State Parliament) and the main railway station at Charbagh with its yellow domes and pillars. One of the oldest schools in the world is also situated in Lucknow : La Martiniere, founded by the bequest of the immensely successful colonial entrepreneur Claude Martin (1735 - 1800).

Lucknow , capital of India 's most populous state - Uttar Pradesh. Lucknow , is evocative of a lifestyle long gone by - only its vestiges are still to be found in the city's mannerisms and habits. The city probably derives its name from the legend that Rama gave away this part of the country to Lakshmana, his yonger brother. Lucknow was the abode of the Nawabs of Avadh, and their regal pastimes and pleasures were legendry. They refined their formal speech, were fond of song and dance, and nurtured Urdu verse as well as the Kathak school of court dances. The food from the royal kitchens was the result of creative experimentation, exquisite and delicate in taste. Their monuments excelled in the use of arches, pavilions and domes. Many of the royal residences are now crumbling, but the best known of Lucknow 's architectural representatives are the Imambaras, and the bhulbhulaiyan. Lucknow also continues to be home to the fine chikan embroidery executed with fine skill on fabrics, sarees and kurtas.