Uttar Pradesh is a state in the north of India that is known for the confluence of two major rivers, Ganga and Yamuna, and also gives shelter to a large number of people across the whole country. The significance of the state lies in its wealth, architecture, history, production, art, craft, rivers, and whatnot. The land, populous with the Hindu community, is also the birthplace of Lords and rebelling leaders including Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, Jawahar Lal Nehru, Chandra Shekhar Azad, and many more. The capital of the state is Lucknow that is endowed with rich culture and is also known as the City of Nawabs.
History of Uttar Pradesh
While lying in the heart of Indo-Gangetic Plains, Uttar Pradesh India has always been a focal point in the history of almost every north Indian state. Typically, we can divide its history into five distinct periods namely - the prehistoric era, the Buddhist-Hindu period, the rule of Muslims, British rule, and the modern era (post-independence). The story begins from the prehistoric period about which we get evidence of human existence from fossils found in Pratapgarh, claiming the history date back to 10,000 BCE. The Vedic literature (7th century BC) including Ramayana and Mahabharata also explain its existence as the Gangetic Plain. After this period various rulers such as Chandragupta, Ashoka, Samudra Gupta, and Chandra Gupta II ruled the region. In the 6th century BC, people evolved into Brahmanism after which Buddhism got popularity as Lord Buddha began preaching his sermons in this region.
Buddhism declined with the advent of the Gupta dynasty, and Hinduism got prominence. Then, came the era of Delhi Sultanate where Mughals held power and ruled the region for a long time. Mughal rulers such as Shah Jahan, Akbar, and others paid a huge contribution in giving this region the best architectural monuments of the world including Taj Mahal, and Fatehpur Sikri. Then, British rule began from the 18th century and continued until the 19th century. In the later stage, in 1902, the region came under the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh. After this, the mutiny of 1857 spread like fire across the country. Finally, India got independence, and the united province got its name, Uttar Pradesh, in the year of 1950. In 2000, northern districts of the state formed Uttarakhand, and the rest of the regions stayed as a part of Uttar Pradesh.
Culture of Uttar Pradesh
A medley of the wide array of customs and traditions, Uttar Pradesh tourism has made constructive efforts to maintain the ethnicity of the cultural diversity of the state. People of the state practice lots of folk dances where Raslila is the most famous across its corners. In this act, people present a drama from Lord Krishna’s life along with his gopis and comrades. Identically, Ramlila is popular for the portrayal of Lord Rama's story. Typically, Hindu and Islam are the most prevalent religions in the whole of Uttar Pradesh.
The glory of women gets elevated with a sari and blouse whereas the men prefer to wear dhoti kurta or kurta pyjama. Boasting an abundance of Hindu pilgrimage sites in Uttar Pradesh, there is a firm belief that one must take a dip in the holy waters of River Ganga at least once in a lifetime. With this, they believe, the sins get washed away, and people get freedom from the cycle of rebirths. Lastly, in the genre of semi-classical singing, Khayal adds to the cultural diversity of the state. This form of classical singing emerged from the royal courts of Awadh that is considered to be the pride of the state.
Food of Uttar Pradesh
Taking a bite of Uttar Pradesh’s food is highly recommendable as the chefs of this state serve Awadhi and Mughalai cuisines. The lip-smacking taste of the food is being savoured since the rule of Mughals. One must grab a bite of its delectable dishes, including dum Ghost, dum biryani, and Nihari. The secret ingredient which adds to the flavour of dishes in UP is none other than spices that are infused overnight with the slow-cooking process. The dishes are cooked in large sealed pots to preserve the aroma of rich Indian spices.
When it comes to the staple food of the state, one can count on aloo curry, kachori, roti, rice, and dals. One with a sweet tooth can savour the taste of petha that is not merely famous across the state, but Petha of Agra is renowned in the whole country. The amaze of dishes finishes with a sip of chaas or lassi that make a wonderful appetizer and brings ease to the gut, helping in digestion. The food packed with great taste and luscious aroma are definitely worth trying.
Art and Craft of Uttar Pradesh
Heartland tourist destination in India, Uttar Pradesh gives birth to extremely talented and skillful people, hard work runs in the veins of UPites like blood. The long-living artistry of the place is known for its chikankari, zari embroidery, glassware, textile printing, carpet weaving, and whatnot. Among the famous crafts of the state, Surahi has always been a great option to keep the water cold in scorching summers. Well recognized for exclusive zari work and banarasi saris, the state won many accolades when garden furniture and other decorative items got immense popularity under the category of stone crafting.
The tradition to keep the history alive is quite prevalent in UP due to which they have preserved hand printing for ages. Although all the crafts have been continuing since ancient times, the hand-printing is the oldest of all (across the whole country). Due to the rich art and craft, Firozabad has got the name "City of Bangles", Bhadohi city is known with the name “Carpet City” and Farrukhabad is known for its hand printing. All-in-all, its art and craft pay a huge contribution to Uttar Pradesh Tourism.
Things to do in Uttar Pradesh
One of the most prized states of India, Uttar Pradesh catches the eyes of people for its rich architecture, a huge number of religious spots, historically significant sites, and its spectacular cities. Here is the list of tourist attractions in Uttar Pradesh that endow the visitors with the chance to enjoy numerous activities.
- Endorsing the emotion of eternal love, Taj Mahal stays the topmost tourist attraction of Uttar Pradesh.
- Relax your mind at the banks of Gomti River in Lucknow
- Temples of Vrindavan have captivated even the foreigners, this holy land has a tranquillizing impact.
- Make the most of your life at Kashi, the city of life.
- Enjoy the Glory of Triveni Sangam in the sacred city of Prayagraj.
- Fall in love with Buddhist stupas, ancient sites at Sarnath
- Hear Lord Krishna's flutes in the holy city of Mathura
- Give a glance to enchanting red stone buildings at Fatehpur Sikri
- Do not miss to visit Ayodhya, the city of Lord Rama
Exploring these sites can certainly amaze a person with magical vibes. The list of incredible tourist sites of Uttar Pradesh is never going to end. Therefore, only a trip of a week or two can fulfill the need to witness the most amazing place in India that boasts a rich heritage and religious significance like no other.
