Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh (abbreviated as UP) is a state in northern India. With a population exceeding 240 million, it is the most populous state in the country and one of the most populous sub-national entities in the world. It shares borders with nine Indian states and Nepal.

Geography

Uttar Pradesh lies in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, with the Ganga and Yamuna rivers running through it. The Himalayas form the northern boundary of the state. It has fertile soil and a primarily agrarian economy.

Capital: Lucknow
Largest City: Kanpur
High Court: Allahabad High Court (Prayagraj)
Major Rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, Sarayu, Ghaghara

History

Uttar Pradesh has been a center of ancient and medieval Indian history:

Ancient cities like Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mathura, and Prayagraj.
Birthplace of major religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
Important during the Mughal Empire and the British Raj.
Played a vital role in India's freedom struggle including the Revolt of 1857.

Culture

Uttar Pradesh is often referred to as the "Hindi heartland":

Classical arts: Kathak dance, Awadhi cuisine, Chikankari embroidery.
Important festivals: Holi, Diwali, Kumbh Mela, Eid, Ram Navami.
Spiritual cities: Ayodhya (birthplace of Lord Rama), Mathura (Lord Krishna), Varanasi (city of Lord Shiva).

Economy

The economy is primarily based on:

Agriculture (wheat, sugarcane, rice)
Handicrafts and small industries
Information technology and tourism sectors are growing
Major industrial centers: Kanpur, Noida, Agra, Varanasi

Government and Politics

Current Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath
Governing party: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Bicameral legislature: Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council
Sends the highest number of MPs to the Lok Sabha

Tourism

Uttar Pradesh is home to world-famous landmarks:

Taj Mahal, Agra Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Sites)
Fatehpur Sikri
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Buddhist Circuit (Sarnath, Kushinagar)

Notable Personalities

Jawaharlal Nehru – First Prime Minister of India
Indira Gandhi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee – Former Prime Ministers
Amitabh Bachchan – Actor
Ram Manohar Lohia, Mayawati, Mulayam Singh Yadav – Political leaders

References