Kanpur, known as Cawnpore before 1948, is one of the most populous cities in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Under the British it was a major cantonment town; today it is better known for the many industrial establishments here.Kanpur, known as Cawnpore before 1948, is one of the most populous cities in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Under the British it was a major cantonment town; today it is better known for the many industrial establishments here.