What is the Capital of Uttar Pradesh?

India is a country that has a lot of diversity, and each state has its own unique culture, language and capital. This is also true of the most populous state in India - Uttar Pradesh. It's home to the Taj Mahal, the holy city of Varanasi and the historic town of Ayodhya. But do you know what the Capital of Uttar Pradesh is?

The capital of Uttar Pradesh is Lucknow - a city so beautiful, historic and culturally rich it has been dubbed "The City of Nawabs". Whether you're a geography buff, planning to visit the city soon, or you're just curious about this beautiful city, you'll find everything you want to know here.

What is the Capital of Uttar Pradesh?

Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state and is located in the north of the country. The city is the political, administrative and cultural centre of Uttar Pradesh.

The city is situated on the banks of the Gomti River, in the middle of the state, 72 kilometres northeast of Kanpur. It houses the seat of the government of Uttar Pradesh, the Legislative Assembly (Parliament) and the administrative headquarters of the state.
The judicial capital of Uttar Pradesh is Prayagraj (Allahabad), where the Allahabad High Court is located.

How Lucknow Became the Capital of Uttar Pradesh?

Before Lucknow became the Capital of Uttar Pradesh, here is the history behind it, which are:

The Nawabi Era

It became popular in 1775 when the fourth Nawab of Awadh, Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, shifted his capital from Faizabad to Lucknow. Under his rule and that of the following Nawabs, Lucknow became a very beautiful city of India. The Nawabs were connoisseurs of poetry, music, food and architecture and Lucknow took on these traits.

This was also the time when the unique "Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb" - a blend of Hindu and Muslim cultures - came to be seen in Lucknow.

British Rule

In 1856, the British East India Company ended the Nawabi rule of Awadh. In 1857, Lucknow witnessed one of the most memorable battles of the first Indian war of independence - the siege of Lucknow - which played an important role in its future.

When under British rule, the capital of the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh was Allahabad (now Prayagraj). However, in 1920, the capital of the United Provinces was shifted from Allahabad to Lucknow due to the latter's geographical significance.

Independent India

At the time of independence in 1947, the United Provinces became Uttar Pradesh, and Lucknow continued to be its capital. On January 26, 1950, when India became a republic, the state was renamed Uttar Pradesh ("Northern State" in Hindi), and Lucknow has been its capital ever since.

Source: incredibleindia

Where is Lucknow, the Capital of Uttar Pradesh, located?

Lucknow is in the north-central part of Uttar Pradesh, on the Gomti River. Here's some geographical information:

• State: Uttar Pradesh, India

• River: Gomti River (a tributary of the Ganga)

• Distance from Delhi: Approximately 497 kilometres

• Distance from Kanpur: About 72 kilometres northeast

• Nearest Airport: Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (about 15 km from the city centre)

The Gomti River holds deep significance for Lucknow. The Gomti River is one of India's five sacred rivers, according to Hindu mythology. It winds through the city for about 30 kilometres, and has been instrumental in Lucknow's development, culture and architecture.

Key Facts About Lucknow, Capital of Uttar Pradesh

Famous Places in Lucknow, Capital of Uttar Pradesh

One of the most exciting things about Lucknow is its stunning collection of historical monuments, many of which were built during the Nawabi era.

1. Bara Imambara

The Bara Imambara (which means "Big Hall of Imam") is the most iconic landmark of Lucknow. Built in 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula

2. Rumi Darwaza (Turkish Gate)

The Rumi Darwaza is a 60-foot-high gate, built in 1784, by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula. It was the main gate of the old city of Lucknow. This gate was modelled on the Sublime Porte (Bab-i-Humayun) in Istanbul, Turkey, and as such was called the "Turkish Gate".

3. Chota Imambara

The Chota Imambara (or Husainabad Imambara) was built in 1832 by Nawab Mohammed Ali Shah. It has beautiful Belgian and Parisian chandeliers and lavish interiors.

4. British Residency

The British Residency is a memorial of the 1857 revolt. The siege of Lucknow, where British officers and Indian soldiers fought for months, was conducted here. It's now a national monument.

5. Hazratganj

Hazratganj is Lucknow's old city. It's a good idea to take a walk around this area as it's a mix of old and new shops, restaurants and culture.

Source: thecentrum

Uttar Pradesh: Quick Overview

To understand the importance of its capital, it helps to know a little about Uttar Pradesh itself.

• Area: 243,286 sq km — the 4th largest state in India by area

• Population: The most populous state in India, contributing about 16% of India's total population (over 200 million people as per the 2011 census)

• Districts: 75 districts

• Official Language: Hindi (Urdu is also recognised)

• Borders: Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand

• Famous Places: Taj Mahal (Agra), Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mathura, Prayagraj, Vrindavan, Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur

• Sacred Rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, Saryu

• Economy: The 3rd largest economy among all Indian states

• Carved out state: Uttarakhand was separated from Uttar Pradesh on November 9, 2000

The capital of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, is more than a city. It is a city where the past is alive in its monuments, where culture is relished in its food and music and where tradition is a part of modern India.

From the Nawabs who turned it into a city of culture to the revolutionaries who penned its freedom story, Lucknow has always been a city of significance. It is the capital of the most populous state in the country and a home to power and pride.

From the labyrinthine Bara Imambara to the flavours of Galawati Kebabs and the famed politeness of its people, Lucknow will charm you.