With a population that would rank it the fifth in the world if it were a country, Uttar Pradesh has undoubtedly been India’s most politically important state since Independence. It sends the highest number of members to Parliament and has the biggest legislature in the country. It also has to its credit most of India’s prime ministers. And yet, despite being home to the dynasties and bastions of some of the biggest names in Indian politics, it has lagged behind several states. With its clear and decisive imprint on national politics, UP also reflects some of its worst ills: from casteism and using religion as a political plank to manoeuvring for power and criminalization in politics. From Lucknow to Lutyens tells the fascinating story of Uttar Pradesh in post-Independence India and the intertwined fortunes of the two.