Two Desis

Introduction

Uttar Pradesh, also known as UP, is an Indian state located in Northern India. With over 230 million people, Uttar Pradesh is the most populated subnational entity in the world. It is located in India’s Gangetic plains and shares borders with Nepal, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The capital and largest city of Uttar Pradesh is Lucknow, but its economic and religious center is the city of Varanasi.

A Rich Historical Legacy

Uttar Pradesh has been home to many ancient cultures and powerful empires throughout history. In the Vedic period, the region formed the heart of the Kuru kingdom. The Nanda, Maurya, Shunga and Gupta Empires flourished here during ancient times and left behind architectural marvels. Medieval history saw the state divided between the Delhi Sultanate and Rajputs. Key historical sites from this period include the Qutub Minar, Fatehpur Sikri and Taj Mahal.

Diverse Cultural Heritage

The culture is marked by a syncretic blend of Hinduism, Buddhism and local traditions. Major folk arts include thumri, kajri and ramlila. Cuisine shows influences from Awadhi, Mughlai and other styles. Festivals like Holi, Diwali and Janmashtami are celebrated with fervor. Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mathura, Allahabad and Chitrakoot are prominent religious centers. Traditional crafts like chikankari, zari zardozi and marble inlay work flourish.

A Thriving Agriculture Sector

Agriculture is the mainstay, with sugarcane, wheat and rice as primary crops. The fertile Gangetic plain is a major contributor to India’s food basket. Dairy, potato and mango cultivation are also widespread. Varanasi is a global leader in muslin and silk weaving. The state aims to diversify by emphasizing horticulture, floriculture, fisheries and organic farming. Initiatives promote micro-irrigation, soil health cards and use of hybrid varieties.

A Dynamic Industrial Growth

Large-scale industries include steel, fertilizers, defense equipment, automobiles, electronics and pharmaceuticals concentrated around major cities. Lucknow is a defense manufacturing hub while Kanpur leads in leather, textiles and agro-based sectors. Varanasi is promoting tourism and spiritual industries. The state offers capital and land incentives under industry friendly policies. Special Economic Zones aid in attracting investments across sectors.

Powerful Political Landscape

As India’s largest state assembly, UP plays a decisive role in national elections. Key regional players include the BJP, SP, BSP, Congress and new entrant AAP. Caste and religious factors often determine poll outcomes. The Chief Minister heads the elected government while the Governor is the appointed head of state. The state struggles with law and order, infrastructure gaps and corruption challenges.

Vibrant Cultural Cities

Lucknow is known for its nawabi heritage reflected in its architecture, food and Urdu culture. Varanasi attracts pilgrims to the Ganges and has a vibrant handicrafts industry. Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Sarnath hosts relics from Buddha’s life. Allahabad hosted the Kumbh Mela in 2019. Agra is home to India’s most popular tourist site, the Taj Mahal. These cities retain old world charm alongside modern growth.

Agricultural Produce

• Sugarcane is a major cash crop, with UP being the largest sugarcane producing state. Muzaffarnagar is a key center.
• Rice varieties include Basmati and non-Basmati types like Saryu and Pusa. Eastern UP is a major rice bowl.
• Wheat is cultivated throughout the Gangetic plains during the rabi season. High-yielding varieties like HD-2967 are popular.
• Other major crops include potatoes, mangoes, guavas, litchis, chikoo and tomatoes. Mango varieties like Dasheri are world renowned.

Industrial Clusters

• Kanpur is a leading center for leather, textiles, machinery and automotive ancillaries. Ballabgarh Farms pioneered handloom silk production.
• Lucknow hosts public sector units like HINDALCO, BEL and Bharat Pumps. Private companies like Safilo eye apparel exports from nearby Raebareli.
• The Expressway Industrial Development Authority is developing a defense corridor between Agra and Lucknow.
• Pharma giants like Unichem, Zydus Cadila and Divis Lab have large facilities in the state capital.

Mughal Heritage

• Key monuments include the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort in Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Itimad-ud-Daulah tomb in Agra, Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi.
• Lucknow exhibits Indo-Saracenic style in Imambaras, Rumi Darwaza and Residency. B built palaces for nawabs.
• Varanasi retains Mughal era ghats, temples and mausoleums alongside its ancient cultural heritage.

Tourism Potential

• Buddhist circuits can link Sarnath, Kushinagar, Sankisa while Ayodhya caters to Ramayana trail tourists.
• Eco-tourism spots include Jim Corbett and Rajaji National Parks for wildlife, Kosi and Ganges river cruises.
• Events like Lucknow Mahotsav, Varanasi Festival boost local culture and handicrafts.
• UP aims to develop Buddhist, heritage, medical and river cruise tourism under its tourism policy.