Uttar Pradesh is one of the most populous states in India, having 75 districts. Most of these districts have populations above ten lakhs and thus are segregated into 18 divisions for the ease of administration.
The Northern Province of India, also known as Uttar Pradesh, is a north Indian state. It contains over 200 million inhabitants and is thus regarded as one of the populous states in India. Uttar Pradesh has highest number of residents or people as compared to all other country's subdivision in the world. It came into being on 1st April, 1937 as the United Provinces of Oudh and Agra at the time of the British rule. In 1950, it was renamed as Uttar Pradesh. The state capital is Lucknow, and the judiciary capital is Allahabad. In November 2020, a new state called Uttarakhand was formed from the state’s Himalayan region. The Ganges and the Yamuna are the two major rivers that join at the Triveni Sangam in Allahabad. Some other famous rivers are the Gomti and Saryu. The total forest cover in the state is 6.1% of the total geographical area. The total cultivable area is 82% of the geographical area.
Rajasthan borders UP to its west. Haryana, Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh are the northwest bordering states. To the north, UP has Nepal and Uttarakhand as bordering areas. Bihar is its bordering eastern state, Madhya Pradesh is its southern bordering state, and Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh are its southeast bordering states. It covers 240,928 square kilometers, which is equal to 7.3% of the total area of India. It is also the fourth largest Indian state on the basis of area. Though UP is popular for sugar production, the economy of the state is now dominated by the service sector. The service sector of UP comprises travel and tourism, insurance, real estate, etc. UP boasts of the second-largest economy in India. The GDP of UP is INR 21.73 lakh crores. This is equal to $300 billion. The per capita GSDP is INR 95,000 or USD 1,300. Since 1968, UP has experienced the imposition of the president’s rule ten times. UP has two international airports- Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport (Lucknow) and Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (Varanasi). The Allahabad Junction is the headquarters of the North Central Railway. The headquarters of the North Eastern Railway is Gorakhpur. Allahabad also comprises the High Court of the state. UP contributes 80 seats and 31 seats to the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, respectively.
Bhojpuri, Awadhi, Bundeli, Kannauji, etc., are some of the names given to the inhabitants of the state. Hinduism is one of the major religions of the state, followed by Islam. The most popular and official language of the state is Hindi. Urdu is the second most popular language. Uttar Pradesh was home to some of the elite political entities of ancient India. Some of them are the Pala Empire, the Gupta Empire, the Maurya Empire, and the Delhi Sultanate. At the time India gained independence, there were three princely states in UP. They were Rampur, Benares, and Ramgadi. UP has three World Heritage Sites and always ranks first among preferred tourist destinations.
Uttar Pradesh Districts
Uttar Pradesh is a state in northern India and is the most populous state in the country. The state is divided into 75 districts, each with its unique history, culture, and traditions. Here, we will explore the a few major districts of Uttar Pradesh and their significance.
Agra District
Agra is one of the most famous cities in India, home to the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The district also has many other historical sites, such as the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
Aligarh District
The district is known for the Aligarh Muslim University, one of the most prestigious educational institutions in India. It is also known for its locks, which are exported to many countries.
Allahabad District
Allahabad is a historic city located at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. The district is famous for the Kumbh Mela, the largest religious gathering in the world.
Ambedkar Nagar District
The district is named after Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. It is known for its sugar production and handloom industry.
Amethi District
Amethi is the parliamentary constituency of the Gandhi family, one of the most prominent political families in India. The district is also known for its agricultural produce, especially wheat and rice.
Auraiya District
Auraiya is known for its leather industry and is home to several leather factories. It is also known for its brassware.
Azamgarh District
Azamgarh is known for its handloom industry and is home to several weaving clusters. It is also famous for producing mangoes.
Baghpat District
Baghpat is known for its sugarcane production and is home to several sugar mills. It is also famous for its pottery and brassware.
Bahraich District
Bahraich is known for its forest reserves and wildlife sanctuaries. It is also home to the Dudhwa National Park, which is famous for its tigers and other wildlife.
Ballia District
Ballia is known for its carpet industry and is home to several carpet weaving clusters. It is also famous for its agricultural produce, especially wheat, rice, and sugarcane.
Balrampur District
Balrampur is known for its agricultural produce, especially rice and sugarcane. It is also famous for its handloom industry.
Banda District
Banda is known for its historical significance and is home to several ancient temples and forts. It is also famous for its rock paintings, which date back to prehistoric times.
Barabanki District
Barabanki is known for its agricultural produce, especially rice and wheat. It is also famous for its handicrafts, such as pottery, weaving, and embroidery.
Bareilly District
Bareilly is known for its furniture industry and is home to several furniture manufacturing units. It is also famous for its zari work and embroidery.
Basti District
Basti is known for its agriculture and is home to several sugar mills and rice mills. It is also famous for its handicrafts, such as bamboo products, pottery, and brassware.
Bijnor District
Bijnor is known for its sugarcane production and is home to several sugar mills. It is also famous for its brassware and woodcraft.
Bulandshahr District
Bulandshahr is known for its industrial development and is home to several factories and manufacturing units. It is also famous for its handicrafts, such as pottery
History of Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is a state in northern India that has a rich and diverse history. The region has been inhabited since ancient times and has been ruled by various dynasties and empires throughout history. The history of Uttar Pradesh is a reflection of the history of India itself, with its periods of glory and decline, and the legacy of its rulers and conquerors.
Ancient Period
The earliest known civilization in Uttar Pradesh was the Indus Valley Civilization, which thrived from around 2500 BCE to 1900 BCE. The region was also home to the Vedic civilization, which is believed to have originated in the Gangetic plain. The Vedic period was characterized by the composition of the Vedas, the sacred texts of Hinduism, and the establishment of the caste system.
In the 6th century BCE, Uttar Pradesh was part of the Magadha empire, which was ruled by the Nanda dynasty. The region played an important role in the rise of Buddhism, with the Buddha himself having spent much of his life in Uttar Pradesh. The Maurya dynasty, which was founded by Chandragupta Maurya, conquered the Magadha empire and established their capital at Pataliputra, which is now modern-day Patna in Bihar.
During the reign of Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, Buddhism flourished in Uttar Pradesh, and many of the region's famous Buddhist sites, such as Sarnath and Kushinagar, were built during this period. The Gupta dynasty, which ruled from the 4th to the 6th century CE, is considered the golden age of India and saw great achievements in the fields of art, literature, and science. Many of the famous temples and sculptures from this period can still be seen in Uttar Pradesh today.
Medieval Period
In the medieval period, Uttar Pradesh was ruled by various Muslim dynasties. The first Muslim invasion of India took place in 711 CE when the Arabs conquered the region of Sindh in present-day Pakistan. In the 10th century CE, Mahmud of Ghazni invaded India and plundered many of its cities, including Mathura and Kannauj in Uttar Pradesh.
The Delhi Sultanate, which was founded by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1206 CE, conquered most of northern India, including Uttar Pradesh. During this period, many of the region's famous mosques and tombs were built, such as the Jama Masjid in Delhi and the tomb of Emperor Akbar in Agra. The Mughal Empire, which was founded by Babur in 1526 CE, further consolidated Muslim rule in India and established their capital at Agra and later at Delhi.
The Mughal period saw great achievements in the fields of architecture, art, and literature. Many of the region's famous landmarks, such as the Taj Mahal in Agra and the Fatehpur Sikri complex, were built during this period. The Mughal Empire declined in the 18th century, and Uttar Pradesh came under the control of the Maratha Empire, which was based in western India.
Modern Period
The British East India Company gained control of Uttar Pradesh in the 18th century and established their capital at Calcutta. The Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the First War of Independence, began in Uttar Pradesh and spread throughout northern India. The rebellion was sparked by various factors, including the introduction of new land policies and the use of Indian soldiers by the British in their wars.
After the rebellion was crushed, the British government took direct control of India and established the British Raj. Uttar Pradesh played an important role in the Indian independence movement. The modern history of Uttar Pradesh begins with India's independence from British rule in 1947. Uttar Pradesh was one of the first states to be formed in independent India, and it played an important role in shaping the country's political and economic landscape.
Post-Independence Period
After independence, Uttar Pradesh saw rapid industrialization, with many new factories and industries being established in the state. The state also saw significant political changes, with the Indian National Congress becoming the dominant party in the state.
In 1952, the first state elections were held in Uttar Pradesh, and the Congress Party won a majority of seats in the state assembly. The state was led by Congress Chief Minister such as Govind Ballabh Pant and Charan Singh, who served as Chief Minister multiple times.
In 1967, the state saw a shift in political power with the emergence of the Samyukta Socialist Party, a socialist political party led by Ram Manohar Lohia. The party formed a coalition government with other parties, marking a significant change in the state's political landscape.
In the early 1970s, the state saw a resurgence of the Congress Party, and Indira Gandhi's "Garibi Hatao" (Remove Poverty) campaign was particularly popular in the state. The state also saw a significant increase in government spending on education and infrastructure during this period.
The 1980s and 1990s saw the rise of caste-based politics in Uttar Pradesh, with various regional political parties such as the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the Samajwadi Party (SP), and the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) gaining prominence. These parties sought to represent the interests of various caste groups in the state and played a significant role in the state's political scene.
21st Century
In the 21st century, Uttar Pradesh continued to be an important player in Indian politics. In 2002, the BSP won a majority in the state assembly, marking a significant shift in the state's political landscape. Mayawati became the Chief Minister and became the first Dalit (a historically oppressed caste) woman to hold the position in the country.
In 2012, the Samajwadi Party won a majority in the state assembly, and Akhilesh Yadav became the Chief Minister. His government focused on infrastructure development, especially in the areas of roads and electricity.
In 2017, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won a landslide victory in the state assembly elections, and Yogi Adityanath became the Chief Minister. The BJP government focused on improving law and order, infrastructure development, and promoting Hindu nationalism.
In recent years, the state has seen significant economic growth, with sectors such as information technology, tourism, and agriculture driving growth. The state also continues to be an important political battleground, with parties such as the BSP, SP, and BJP competing for power in the state.
In conclusion, Uttar Pradesh has a rich and diverse history that reflects the broader history of India. From ancient civilizations to modern political parties, the state has seen significant changes over the years. As India continues to grow and develop, Uttar Pradesh is poised to play an important role in shaping the country's future.
Geography of Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is a state located in the northern part of India, which is known for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and scenic beauty. It is the most populous state in India with a population of over 200 million people, making it the fifth-largest state in terms of area.
Geography and Climate
Uttar Pradesh is bordered by the Indian states of Bihar to the east, Madhya Pradesh to the south, Rajasthan to the southwest, Haryana to the west, Delhi to the northwest, and Uttarakhand and Nepal to the north. The state has a varied topography, with the Himalayan foothills in the north, the Gangetic plain in the middle, and the Vindhya and Satpura ranges in the south.
The climate of Uttar Pradesh varies according to the season. During the summer months, the temperature can soar to as high as 45°C, while in the winter months, the temperature can drop to as low as 3°C. The monsoon season lasts from July to September, with the average annual rainfall ranging from 1000mm to 2000mm.
Rivers and Water Bodies
Uttar Pradesh is home to some of the most significant rivers in India, including the Ganges, Yamuna, Ghaghara, and Betwa. The Ganges, also known as the Ganga, is the most sacred river in Hinduism and is worshipped as a goddess. It originates in the Himalayas and flows through the state before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
The Yamuna is another important river in Uttar Pradesh, which is also considered sacred in Hinduism. It originates in the Yamunotri glacier in Uttarakhand and flows through the state before joining the Ganges in Allahabad.
Apart from these major rivers, Uttar Pradesh is also home to several lakes and water bodies. The largest of these is the Saryu River, which is also known as the Ghaghara. Other important lakes in the state include the Fateh Sagar Lake, Renuka Lake, and Nainital Lake.
National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries
Uttar Pradesh is home to several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, which are home to a variety of flora and fauna. The Dudhwa National Park is the most famous of these, which is located in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh and is home to several endangered species like the Bengal tiger, Indian one-horned rhinoceros, and swamp deer.
Other important national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the state include the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary, Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, and Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary.
Demographics and Economy
Uttar Pradesh has a predominantly Hindu population, with Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Christians making up the rest of the population. Hindi is the most widely spoken language in the state, followed by Urdu, Bhojpuri, and Awadhi.
The state's economy is primarily driven by agriculture, which employs around 70% of the state's population. The major crops grown in the state include rice, wheat, sugarcane, and cotton. Uttar Pradesh is also known for its handicrafts, which include Chikankari embroidery, brassware, pottery, and carpet weaving.
In recent years, Uttar Pradesh has seen significant industrial growth, with several large-scale industries setting up their operations in the state. The state has also become a hub for the IT and software industry, with several companies setting up their offices in cities like Noida, Lucknow, and Kanpur.
Economy of Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh, often referred to as UP, is one of the largest states in India, both in terms of land area and population. It is located in the northern part of India and is bordered by several other states, including Uttarakhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi. The economy of Uttar Pradesh is a diverse mix of agriculture, industry, and services. In this article, we will take a closer look at the various aspects of the economy of Uttar Pradesh.
Agriculture
Agriculture is the backbone of the economy of Uttar Pradesh, as it employs over 60% of the state's workforce and contributes around 22% to its gross domestic product (GDP). The state is one of the largest producers of food grains, sugarcane, and potatoes in India. It is also a major producer of fruits and vegetables, including mangoes, guavas, and bananas. The state government has taken several measures to promote agriculture and allied sectors, including the provision of subsidies, loans, and technical assistance to farmers.
Industry
The industrial sector in Uttar Pradesh is diverse, with a mix of small, medium, and large-scale industries. The state is known for its traditional industries such as handicrafts, carpet weaving, and brassware. The state is also home to several industrial clusters, including the Kanpur leather cluster, the Agra shoe cluster, the Moradabad brass cluster, and the Aligarh lock cluster. In recent years, the state government has taken several steps to promote industrial growth, including the establishment of industrial parks, the simplification of procedures for setting up businesses, and the provision of financial incentives to entrepreneurs.
Services
The services sector is a growing segment of the economy of Uttar Pradesh, accounting for over 50% of the state's GDP. The state is home to several major cities, including Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, and Varanasi, which have a thriving service sector. The state is also a major tourist destination, with several popular tourist attractions, including the Taj Mahal, the holy city of Varanasi, and the wildlife reserves of Dudhwa and Corbett. The state government has taken several steps to promote tourism, including the development of infrastructure, the provision of financial incentives, and the promotion of cultural festivals and events.
Challenges
Despite its vast resources and potential, the economy of Uttar Pradesh faces several challenges that need to be addressed. One of the main challenges is the low level of industrialization, as the state lags behind several other Indian states in terms of industrial growth. Another challenge is the lack of infrastructure, including roads, railways, and airports, which hinders the growth of businesses and industries. The state also faces challenges related to law and order, with incidents of crime and violence affecting the investment climate.
The economy of Uttar Pradesh is a mix of agriculture, industry, and services, with agriculture being the mainstay of the state's economy. The state has made significant progress in recent years, with the establishment of industrial parks, the simplification of procedures for setting up businesses, and the promotion of tourism. However, there are several challenges that need to be addressed, including the low level of industrialization, the lack of infrastructure, and issues related to law and order. With the right policies and initiatives, Uttar Pradesh can unlock its vast potential and become a key driver of India's economic growth.
Government and Politics in Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is a state in northern India with a population of over 200 million people, making it the most populous state in India. It has a complex political landscape, with a diverse population and a history of political turbulence.
The state is currently governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with Yogi Adityanath as the Chief Minister. The BJP came to power in 2017, winning a landslide victory in the state assembly elections. The party has since consolidated its position in the state by winning a majority of the seats in the 2019 general elections.
The main opposition party in the state is the Samajwadi Party (SP), which was in power before the BJP came to power in 2017. The SP has a strong base among the Yadav and Muslim communities in the state and is led by Akhilesh Yadav.
The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is another major political party in the state, led by Mayawati. The BSP has a strong base among the Dalit community in the state and has been in power several times in the past.
The Congress party, which is the main opposition party at the national level, has struggled to make inroads in Uttar Pradesh in recent years. The party has been out of power in the state since 1989 and has failed to win a significant number of seats in the state assembly elections.
The politics of Uttar Pradesh is characterized by caste and religion-based politics, with parties often relying on caste-based vote banks to win elections. The state has seen several instances of communal violence in the past, particularly between Hindus and Muslims.
Overall, the politics of Uttar Pradesh is complex and multi-layered, with a diverse range of political parties and interest groups vying for power. The state plays a crucial role in national politics, with the ability to swing elections in favor of one party or another.
