Cultural heritage
Uttar Pradesh in one of the most ancient cradles of Indian culture. While it is true that no Harappa and Mohan-Jodaro have been discovered in the State, the antiquities found in Banda (Bundelkhand), Mirzapur and Meerut link its History to early Stone Age and Harappan era. Chalk drawings or dark red drawings by primitive men are extensively found in the Vindhyan ranges of Mirzapur districts. Utensils of that age have also been discovered in Atranji-Khera, Kaushambi, Rajghat and Sonkh. Copper articles have been found in Kanpur, Unnao, Mirzapur, Mathura and advent of the Aryans in this State. It is most probable that snapped links between the Indus Valley and Vedic civilizations lie buried under the ruins of ancient sites found in this State. The Population mostly comprises of an Indo-Dravidian ethnic group. Only a small population, in the Himalayan region, displays Asiatic origins. Hindus constitute more than 80 percent of the population, Muslims more than 15 percent, and other religious communities include Sikhs, Christians, Jains, and Buddhists.
The handicrafts of Uttar Pradesh have earned a reputation for themselves over the centuries. The traditional handicrafts are of a vast variety such as textiles, Metal ware, woodwork, ceramics, stonework, dolls, leather products, ivory articles, papier-mâché, articles made of horns, bone, cane and bamboo, perfume, and musical instrument. These cottage crafts are spread all over the state but the more important centers are located at Varanasi, Aamgarh, Maunath Bhanjan, Ghazipur, Meerut, Muradabad, and Agra. Carpets from Bhadohi and Mirzapur are prized worldwide. Silks and brocades of Varanasi, ornamental brassware from Muradabad, chickan (a type of embroidery) work from Lucknow, ebony work from Nagina, Glassware from Firozabad, and carved woodwork from Saharanpur also are important. The traditional Pottery centers are located at Khurja, Chunar, Lucknow, Rampur, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, and Azamgarh. Khurja’s dishes, pitchers, and flower bowls in blazed ceramic in blue, green, brown and orange colors are the most attractive. Muradabad produces exquisite brass utility articles. Besides, minakari on silver, gold, and diamond-cut silver ornaments have made Varanasi and Lucknow world famous.,
Uttar Pradesh is a state in northern India. It is the most populous state in India, with over 200 million people. Uttar Pradesh is also one of the most culturally diverse states in India, with a rich history and heritage.
The cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh is reflected in its architecture, art, literature, dance, music, festivals, food, religion, languages, and culture.
Architecture
Uttar Pradesh is home to some of the most impressive and iconic architecture in India, including the Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, and the Red Fort. The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is widely recognized as “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage.”
Fatehpur Sikri is a 16th-century city located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. It was built by Mughal emperor Akbar as his new capital city. Fatehpur Sikri is known for its intricate architecture and its many palaces, mosques, and tombs.
The Red Fort is a 17th-century fort located in Delhi, India. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as his new residence. The Red Fort is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.
Art
Uttar Pradesh is also home to a thriving tradition of art, including painting, sculpture, and music.
The painting tradition of Uttar Pradesh is known for its use of bright colors and intricate designs. Some of the most famous painters from Uttar Pradesh include Raja Ravi Varma, Amrita Sher-Gil, and M.F. Husain.
The sculpture tradition of Uttar Pradesh is known for its use of stone and marble. Some of the most famous sculptures from Uttar Pradesh include the Sarnath Buddha and the Ajanta Caves.
The music tradition of Uttar Pradesh is known for its use of classical instruments such as the sitar, tabla, and sarod. Some of the most famous musicians from Uttar Pradesh include Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, and Bismillah Khan.
Literature
Uttar Pradesh is also home to a rich literary tradition, including the works of Tulsidas, Kabir-2/”>Kabir, and Amir Khusrow.
Tulsidas was a 16th-century poet who is best known for his work the Ramayana. The Ramayana is an epic poem that tells the story of Rama, one of the most important figures in Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism.
Kabir was a 15th-century poet who is best known for his work the Bijak. The Bijak is a collection of poems that deal with the themes of love, devotion, and social Justice.
Amir Khusrow was a 13th-century poet who is best known for his work the Khamsa. The Khamsa is a collection of five poems that deal with the themes of love, war, and religion.
Dance
Uttar Pradesh is also home to a number of traditional dance forms, including Kathak, Bharatnatyam, and Manipuri.
Kathak is a classical dance form that originated in Uttar Pradesh. Kathak is known for its intricate footwork and its use of facial expressions.
Bharatnatyam is a classical dance form that originated in Tamil Nadu. Bharatnatyam is known for its graceful movements and its use of hand gestures.
Manipuri is a classical dance form that originated in Manipur. Manipuri is known for its acrobatic movements and its use of colorful costumes.
Music
Uttar Pradesh is also home to a number of traditional music forms, including Hindustani classical music and Bhangra.
Hindustani classical music is a classical music tradition that originated in India. Hindustani classical music is known for its use of ragas, which are melodic frameworks.
Bhangra is a Folk Music and dance form that originated in Punjab. Bhangra is known for its lively rhythms and its use of drums.
Festivals
Uttar Pradesh is home to a number of important festivals, including Holi, Diwali, and Kumbh Mela.
Holi is a spring festival that is celebrated all over India. Holi is known for its colorful celebrations and its use of water and colored powder.
Diwali is a Hindu festival of lights that is celebrated all over India. Diwali is known for its beautiful decorations and its exchange of gifts.
Kumbh Mela is a Hindu festival that is held every three years in one of four sacred cities in India. Kumbh Mela is the largest religious gathering in the world.
Food
Uttar Pradesh is also home to a number of delicious and unique cuisines, including Awadhi cuisine, Mughlai cuisine, and Tandoori cuisine.
Awadhi cuisine
What is the cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh?
Uttar Pradesh is a state in northern India with a rich cultural heritage. The state is home to many historical sites, including the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Uttar Pradesh is also home to a diverse range of cultures, including Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and Jain.
What are some of the historical sites in Uttar Pradesh?
Some of the historical sites in Uttar Pradesh include the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, and the Red Fort. The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Agra Fort is a 16th-century fort built by Mughal emperor Akbar. Fatehpur Sikri is a 16th-century abandoned city built by Mughal emperor Akbar. The Red Fort is a 17th-century fort built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.
What are some of the cultural festivals in Uttar Pradesh?
Some of the cultural festivals in Uttar Pradesh include the Kumbh Mela, the Holi festival, and the Diwali festival. The Kumbh Mela is a Hindu pilgrimage that is held every 12 years. The Holi festival is a Hindu festival of colors that is celebrated in the spring. The Diwali festival is a Hindu festival of lights that is celebrated in the autumn.
What are some of the traditional foods of Uttar Pradesh?
Some of the traditional foods of Uttar Pradesh include tandoori chicken, biryani, and naan. Tandoori chicken is a dish of chicken that is cooked in a tandoor, a cylindrical clay oven. Biryani is a rice dish that is cooked with meat, vegetables, and spices. Naan is a type of flatbread that is cooked in a tandoor.
What are some of the traditional dances of Uttar Pradesh?
Some of the traditional dances of Uttar Pradesh include the Kathak dance, the Bhangra dance, and the Garba dance. The Kathak dance is a classical Indian dance that is known for its intricate footwork and hand gestures. The Bhangra dance is a folk dance from Punjab that is performed at weddings and other celebrations. The Garba dance is a folk dance from Gujarat that is performed during the Navratri festival.
What are some of the traditional music of Uttar Pradesh?
Some of the traditional music of Uttar Pradesh include the Qawwali music, the Thumri music, and the Dadra music. The Qawwali music is a Sufi devotional music that is sung in a call-and-response style. The Thumri music is a Light classical Indian Music that is known for its emotional expression. The Dadra music is a folk music from Uttar Pradesh that is known for its slow tempo and simple melody.
What are some of the traditional arts of Uttar Pradesh?
Some of the traditional arts of Uttar Pradesh include the Madhubani painting, the Chikankari embroidery, and the Rogan art. The Madhubani painting is a folk art from Bihar that is known for its intricate designs and bright colors. The Chikankari embroidery is a needlework art from Uttar Pradesh that is known for its delicate patterns. The Rogan art is a folk art from Gujarat that is known for its colorful designs.
Here are some MCQs about the cultural heritage of India:
Which of the following is not a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India?
(A) The Taj Mahal
(B) The Red Fort
(C) The Qutub Minar
(D) The Hampi ruinsThe Konark Sun Temple is located in which state?
(A) Odisha
(B) Andhra Pradesh
(C) Tamil Nadu
(D) KarnatakaThe Khajuraho temples are famous for their sculptures of which of the following?
(A) Animals
(B) Gods and goddesses
(C) Everyday life
(D) War scenesThe Chola dynasty was a major power in which of the following periods?
(A) The Gupta period
(B) The Mauryan period
(C) The Vijayanagara period
(D) The Chola periodThe Carnatic Music tradition originated in which of the following regions?
(A) The Deccan
(B) The South
(C) The North
(D) The EastThe sitar is a stringed instrument that is played with a bow. It is a major instrument in which of the following musical traditions?
(A) Carnatic music
(B) Hindustani Music
(C) Both Carnatic and Hindustani music
(D) Neither Carnatic nor Hindustani musicThe tabla is a pair of drums that are played with the hands. It is a major instrument in which of the following musical traditions?
(A) Carnatic music
(B) Hindustani music
(C) Both Carnatic and Hindustani music
(D) Neither Carnatic nor Hindustani musicThe Kathak dance form is associated with which of the following religions?
(A) Hinduism
(B) Islam
(C) Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism
(D) JainismThe Navratras are a nine-day festival that is celebrated in honor of which of the following goddesses?
(A) Durga
(B) Lakshmi
(C) Saraswati
(D) KaliThe Holi festival is celebrated in the spring to mark the victory of good over evil. It is a major festival in which of the following religions?
(A) Hinduism
(B) Islam
(C) Buddhism
(D) Jainism
Answers:
1. (D)
2. (A)
3. (B)
4. (D)
5. (B)
6. (C)
7. (B)
8. (A)
9. (A)
10. (A)