Get to know Uttar Pradesh

UTTAR PRADESH     Hector Dsouza

Standing on the banks of the meandering Yamuna River in Agra (Uttar Pradesh) since 1644, the Taj Mahal witnessed dynasties rise and fall. Conceived in 1622 by the Moghul Emperor Shah Jehan, it took all of 22 years and 20,000 artisans, masons, laborers, host of skilled workers to build this enchanting monument to commemorate love. Brilliantly built with white marble, engraved with precious stones, the dome shaped monument surrounded by four minarets at the corners, flummoxed generations, providing onlookers with a rare sense of satisfaction and good feeling. Millions visit this spectacular World Heritage Monument each year, situated at the Northern End (& not in the middle) of a symmetrical garden complex built in Charbagh Style. There is no denying the world's most photographed monument can neither be replicated nor replaced; such is its symmetry, aesthetic beauty, architectural brilliance. Agra is also blessed with the Agra Fort and Tomb of Itmad-ud-daulah.

Built by three rulers, Akbar, Shah Jehan and Aurangzeb, over three different periods, and surrounded by a moat, well preserved Agra Fort has most of its fortifications intact. Well preserved monuments include Jahangari Mahal, Shish Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Aam and the Moti Masjid. The well-preserved tomb of Itmad-ud-daulah completes a day of fabulous sightseeing in Agra. For day-trippers from Delhi, a stop at Akbar's Tomb in Sikandra is recommended and well worth visit. An hour drive west of Agra lies the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri built by Akbar between 1569 to 1585. Yet another imposing and well-maintained monument, it draws thousands of tourists, especially those driving on the Agra – Jaipur route. Many are keen to know the reason for Akbar's abandonment of the city after a brief rule. Needless to say, Agra attracts more visitors than any other city of India.

Meeting Ground   

Uttar Pradesh is India's largest state in terms of population bordering Delhi, Rajasthan to its west, Madhya Pradesh to the south; Bihar, east and Nepal, China to its north. Located on the fertile Gangetic Plains, it is home to millions while all important religions have places of worship. Hindus associate Uttar Pradesh with Mathura, Brindavan (early childhood of Lord Krishna) and Ayodhya the birthplace of Lord Ram. The confluence of River Varuna&Assi at Varanasi is the holiest Hindu City, bringing in millions of Hindu Pilgrims each year. With the confluence of three rivers, Allahabad holds the Kumbh Mela once every twelve years. Lord Buddha preached his first sermon at Sarnath; Buddhists from across the world make a beeline to this place of worship, located an hour drive to the east from Varanasi. Devout Muslims frequent Lucknow especially during Muharram where a number of processions, religious discourses are held at Imambaras. This magnanimous state is clearly a meeting point for different religions, resulting in creating plural cultures who propagate tolerance.

The capital city Lucknow located in Central Uttar Pradesh has truly fascinating monuments like the Residency and Great Imambara, a historical edifice with marvelous architecture, showing a mixture of Rajput as well as Mughal Styles with Gothic influences. Built in 1784 by Asaf-ud-Daula, it is a huge building having interesting elements with a strong Islamic influence especially seen at hall and vault sites. Residency on the other hand is a complex of ruins in a sprawling complex dotted with green lawns. The first seeds against foreign invaders were first sown here, during the uprising of 1857. For 148 days the British soldiers held out against the Indian mutineers consisting of persons from the serving armed forces. The ruins bear testimony to an intense struggle and are left untouched

East of Lucknow is the small town of Ayodhya, drawing in Hindu pilgrims around the year. Said to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, a number of important festivals are held to celebrate the life of Lord Rama, including Ramnavami and Parikrama. Revered as one of the seven most sacred sites of Hinduism, Varanasi finds mention in the Ramayana as well as Mahabharata and was visited by both, Lord Mahavir and Gautam Buddha. The center for art, learning, education and culture was plundered by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1033, while Alaudin Khilji tore down temples, replacing them with mosques during his reign of Delhi from 1294-1316. Three Jain tirthankars were born in Varanasi.

From a tourist point of view, a day spent at the ghats on the banks of River Ganga is an enthralling experience. Taking a motor boat ride in the early morning hours, one witnesses a range of activities on the river bank steps. A well restored palace of Maharaja Man Singh of Amber is seen at Man Mandir Ghat, while widows are fed at Mir Ghat. TulsiGhat commemorates the Saint Poet Tulsi Das. At the extreme southern end, Harishchandra Ghat is the cremation ground with burning pyres. It is said dying at Varanasi liberates the soul from the body. The flames never die at Harishchandra Ghat&ManikarnikaGhat. More importantly it's the sight of hundreds of believers taking a dip in the chill waters of the Holy River that's a take home memory for most visitors. The evening arati (ceremony) at DashashwamedhGhat with chanting of Vedic Hymns by Hindu Priest amidst clanging of cymbals, sound of gongs, smoke filled incense rising into the open sky is yet another fascinating experience deeply embedded in the minds of tourists.

To the eastern most part of Uttar Pradesh, lies Kushinagar, the site of Lord Buddha's death and cremation. This site marks his final liberation from the cycle of life and death. A number of important sites, including Nirvana Stupa and Ramabahar Stupa are built in a large park at Kushinagar. Buddhists congregate in large numbers during Buddha Purnima.

The magnificence of Uttar Pradesh can truly be experienced by visiting it during the winter months of October to March.