In Pre-British days, towards the end of the Mughal rule in Awadh, which now constitutes two administrative divisions of Uttar Pradesh known as Lucknow and Faizabad, a sophisticated culture sprang up, no doubt inspired by the powerful ruling Nawabs. The rule of the Nawabs was a short-lived one, and it ended when Wajid Ali Shah was deposed by Lord Dalhousie in 1856. The culture of Lucknow remained and its traces, says the author, still linger in the lanes and by-lanes of Lucknow.

This culture emanated from the life-styles of the Nawabs. Its beauty and grace is shaped by the urban people and their cultural activities such as their entertainment, exotic foods and drinks, dressing styles, conversations as well as their literature and fine arts.

This work explores the varied aspects of this culture in nine chapters. Though not written for specialists in sociology and history, it should certainly be read by them if they need first-hand information about Lucknow and its culture, because the book is the first of its kind. To the general reader, it has an appeal, because Lucknow and its culture have a universal appeal. Its finesse and sophistication were as dear to Lucknowites during the days of the Nawabs as they still are with due apologies Lucknowites. The author says "The best way to describe Lucknow would perhaps be to liken it to an exquisitely charming courtesan who is highly sophisticated, elegant, well mannered and is a good conversationalist and has a fairly good knowledge of contemporary literature and topics of the day." Palace Culture of Lucknow is a graphic description and a critical account of a culture that has waned but the book is of great importance to any proper understanding of 19th century cultural life not only of Lucknow but of the entire northern India.