Lucknow is a city where fine living is a tradition and social etiquette, a part of life. The city is reputed to have ' One of the most evolved cultures in the world in manners, clothes rituals, modes of conversation, variety of foods, refinement of language and expression of courtesy'.The builder of Modern Lucknow (India), Nawab Asaf-ud- Daula shifted his capital from Faizabad in 1775.The king was a great patron of arts and builder of palaces, mosques and gardens. The tradition of ghazal singing, mushairas (recitations of poetry) and the Kathak dance form owe their evolution into their present form to the gracious

Many of the Royal residences are now crumbling, but the best known of Lucknow's architectural representatives are the Imambaras and the Bhulbhulaiyan a labyrinth where getting lost is the simplest thing to do.

The British occupation of Lucknow was another chapter in the history of the city and the Residency was built by the British to house their troops and officials. Most of it was unfortunately destroyed during the 1857 mutiny which saw heavy troop movement in lucknow. The credit of the construction of the La Martiniere School in Lucknow too goes to the British.