Uttar Pradesh
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Uttar Pradesh is a state located in northern India. It is the most populous state in the country and plays a significant role in India's history, culture, and politics. This article provides an overview of the state's geography, history, economy, culture, and notable landmarks. Template:Infobox State
Uttar Pradesh, often abbreviated as UP, is a state in northern India, known for its rich history and diverse cultural heritage. It is divided into 18 divisions and 75 districts. On 9th November 2000, the western Himalayan hill region of Uttar Pradesh became a separate state named Uttaranchal, now known as Uttarakhand. Uttar Pradesh is blessed with two major rivers, the Ganges and its tributary Yamuna, which meet at the sacred Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), a significant Hindu pilgrimage site. Other notable rivers in the state include Gomti and Saryu. Forests cover approximately 6.1% of the state's geographical area, while the cultivable land comprises 82% of the total area, with 68.5% of it being utilized for farming.[1]
The state shares its borders with Rajasthan to the west, Haryana, [[Himachal Pradesh]&, and Delhi to the northwest, Uttarakhand and Nepal to the north, Bihar to the east, and Madhya Pradesh to the south. Additionally, it touches the states of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh to the southeast. With an area of 240,928 square kilometers (93,023 sq mi), Uttar Pradesh covers 7.3% of India's total landmass, making it the fourth-largest Indian state in terms of area. Historically known for sugar production, the state's economy has now shifted towards the services sector, which includes travel and tourism, the hotel industry, real estate, insurance, and financial consultancies. With a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of ₹18.63 lakh crore (US$230 billion), Uttar Pradesh boasts the third-largest state economy in India. The per capita Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) stands at ₹68,810 (US$860).[2]
Throughout history, Uttar Pradesh has been home to various ancient and medieval Indian empires, including the Maurya Empire, Harsha Empire, Gupta Empire, Pala Empire, Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, and many others. During the Indian independence movement, the state hosted three major princely states – Ramgadi, Rampur, and Benares. Presently, Uttar Pradesh has three international airports – Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow, Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport in Varanasi, and Kushinagar International Airport in Kushinagar. The headquarters of the North Central Railway is located in Prayagraj, while Gorakhpur Railway Station serves as the headquarters of the North Eastern Railway. The state's High Court is situated in Allahabad.
The inhabitants of Uttar Pradesh are known by various regional identities such as Awadhi, Bagheli, Bhojpuriya (Purvanchali), Braji, Bundeli, Kannauji, or Rohilkhandi, depending on their region of origin. Hinduism is the dominant religion, followed by Islam as the second-largest religious group. Hindi, along with Urdu, is the official language of the state and is widely spoken. Uttar Pradesh houses numerous holy Hindu temples and pilgrimage centers, making it a significant destination for religious tourism. Besides, the state boasts several historical, natural, and religious tourist attractions, including Agra, Aligarh, Ayodhya, Kushinagar, Mathura, Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Vrindavan. Additionally, Uttar Pradesh proudly holds three World Heritage sites.
Geography[edit | edit source]
Uttar Pradesh is bordered by several states and international borders, covering an area of approximately 243,286 km² square kilometers. It is situated in the northern part of India and shares its boundaries with list of neighboring states. The state is known for its diverse geographical features, including fertile plains, rivers, hills, and forests.
Physical Features[edit | edit source]
The state's landscape can be broadly categorized into three regions: the Gangetic Plain, the Vindhya Range, and the Himalayan foothills. The Gangetic Plain, covering the majority of the state, is characterized by fertile alluvial soil and is crisscrossed by numerous rivers, including the Ganges and Yamuna.
The Vindhya Range, located in the southern part of the state, consists of rugged hills and plateaus, contributing to the region's scenic beauty. The Himalayan foothills extend along the northern border and offer breathtaking views and opportunities for adventure tourism.
Uttar Pradesh is home to several natural lakes and wetlands, such as the Ramsar-listed Upper Ganga River (Brijghat) and Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary.
Rivers[edit | edit source]
The Ganges and Yamuna, two of the holiest rivers in Hinduism, traverse through the heart of Uttar Pradesh. The Ganges, in particular, holds immense cultural and religious significance, with many pilgrimage sites located along its banks. The Yamuna is another revered river and plays a crucial role in the state's irrigation and agriculture.
Apart from the Ganges and Yamuna, other significant rivers in the state include the Ghaghara, Gandak, Betwa, and the Ramganga.
Climate[edit | edit source]
Uttar Pradesh experiences a diverse climate due to its vast geographical extent. The northern regions, bordering the Himalayas, have a subtropical climate with cold winters and pleasant summers. The southern plains have a typical tropical climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters.
During the monsoon season, which usually occurs from June to September, the state receives a significant amount of rainfall, vital for its agricultural activities. However, excessive rainfall can lead to flooding in some regions.
Biodiversity[edit | edit source]
Uttar Pradesh is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. In the forests of the Vindhya Range and the Himalayan foothills, several wildlife species can be found, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and various species of deer.
The state's avian diversity is remarkable, with numerous resident and migratory bird species. The wetlands and bird sanctuaries provide essential habitats for migratory birds during the winter months.
Major Cities[edit | edit source]
Uttar Pradesh is dotted with numerous cities, each with its unique cultural and historical significance. Some of the major cities in the state include:
1. Lucknow - The capital city and a center of art, culture, and governance.
2. Kanpur - An industrial city known for its leather and textile industries.
3. Varanasi - The spiritual capital of India, famous for its ghats and temples.
4. Agra - Home to the iconic Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5. Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) - Renowned for the Kumbh Mela, a major religious festival.
6. Meerut - An ancient city with a rich historical background.
7. Ghaziabad - A major industrial and educational hub in the National Capital Region (NCR).
History[edit | edit source]
Uttar Pradesh has a rich historical background that dates back to ancient times. It has been a cradle of civilization and a witness to various empires and dynasties. Some of the major historical periods in the region include the ancient period, the medieval period, and the modern period. The state has been home to iconic rulers and renowned scholars, leaving a lasting impact on its culture and heritage.
Economy[edit | edit source]
The economy of Uttar Pradesh is diverse and contributes significantly to India's overall economic growth. The state has a strong agricultural base and is a major producer of various crops, including rice, wheat, sugarcane, and fruits. It is also witnessing rapid industrialization, with key industries such as textiles, sugar, and electronics. Additionally, tourism plays a crucial role in the state's economy, attracting domestic and international tourists to historical sites and cultural destinations.
Culture[edit | edit source]
Uttar Pradesh has a rich cultural heritage, which is a blend of various traditions, languages, and art forms. The state is known for its vibrant festivals, such as Diwali, Holi, Eid, and Navratri, which are celebrated with enthusiasm and joy. The region has been a center for classical music, dance, and literature, with famous poets and musicians originating from Uttar Pradesh. Furthermore, the state is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri.
Landmarks[edit | edit source]
Uttar Pradesh is dotted with numerous historical and architectural landmarks, attracting tourists from all over the world. Some of the prominent landmarks include:
1. Taj Mahal
2. Agra Fort
3. Fatehpur Sikri
4. Varanasi
5. Allahabad
6. Lucknow
7. Ayodhya
8. Mathura
9. Vrindavan
10. Sarnath
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "Agriculture"(PDF). www.niti.gov.in. NITI Aayog. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
- ↑ "Handbook of Statistics of Indian States 2021–22"(PDF). Reserve Bank of India. pp. 37–42. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
External links[edit | edit source]
Government
General information
- Uttar Pradesh web resources provided by GovPubs at the University of Colorado Boulder Libraries
- Uttar Pradesh at the Encyclopædia Britannica
- Uttar Pradesh at Curlie
- Geographic data related to Uttar Pradesh at OpenStreetMap