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Index
Chapter
Page No.
Copyright 2023, by Sam- 1. History, Civilization, Culture & Ancient Cities of UP 3-15
Samayik Ghatna Chakra 2. Architecture, Museum, Archive and Archaeology of UP 16-19
Private Limited. No Part of 3. Contributions of UP in Pre & Post 1857 Freedom Struggles
this publication may be of India 20-27
reproduces or distributed in 4. Eminent Freedom Fighters and Personalities of UP 28-34
any form or by any means, 5. Rural Urban & Tribal Issues 35-44
electronic, mechanical, 6. Political System of UP 45-55
photocopying, recording or 7. Public Service Commission, Auditing, Advocate General,
otherwise or stored in database High Court 56-63
8. Special State, Language, Fund, Political Parties and
or retrieval system without the
State Election Commission 64-68
prior written permission of
9. Local Self Government 69-73
publisher. The program 10. Good Governance 74-81
listings (if any) may be entered 11. Land Reforms In UP 82-87
stored and executed in a 12. Issues Related to Security in UP 88-92
computer system, but they 13. Law and Order and Civil Defence in UP 93-98
may not be reproduced for 14. Medical & Health Issues in UP 99-101
publication. 15. State Education system of Uttar Pradesh 102-107
Associate Writers : 16. Contribution of Uttar Pradesh in Development of India 108-110
17. Current Affairs of UP 111-120
l Pratiksha Tripathi 18. Implementation of Jalshakti Mission and other Central
Welfare Scheme in UP 121-126
l Rajesh Kumar Shukla
19. NGO’s in UP 127-129
l Upendra Pratap Singh 20. Tourism in UP 130-132
21. Emphasis on innovation in various fields in UP 133-135
l Rajesh Kumar Sahu
l Asif Iqbal • IMPORTANT TIPS 136

2
 HISTORY, CIVILIZATION,
CULTURE & ANCIENT
UNIT–
1 CITIES OF UP

Topics Covered in this Unit

Ancient History of UP Culture of UP
Medieval History of UP Ancient Cities of UP
Modern History of UP Civilization of UP

• Civilization–Any complex society, made up of

different cities with certain characteristics of
PRE-HISTORICAL PERIOD
cultural & technology development. • This period began in the stone Age. This period is
divided into three eras–
HISTORY 1. Paleolithic Period–
• “History is the study of change over time, and it
covers all aspects of human society.”
 Totally savage by nature
 live in isolation.
 Hunting & gathering practice
HISTORY OF UP
 Belan Ghati or Belan Valley is prominent
site of U.P. along Belan river (Sonbhadra).
 Paleolithic Age remains have also been
unearthed in Singrauli Valley (Sonbhadra)
ANCIENT MEDIEVAL MODERN
and the Chakia region of Varanasi.

ANCIENT HISTORY • Special Features :

(1) Dwellers used weapons/implements made of

• The history of Uttar Pradesh starts with the advent

of Aryans hordes from Central Asian Region. It
quartzite rock.
(2) Also used, flake tools made of shiny Jasper
started as early as 1500 BCE when Aryans started and chert rocks.
setting along the Doab of Ganges & Ghagra. • Prominent sites of Middle Palacolithic Age in U.P.

• This region was known as Madhyadesa or middle

country, predominantly rural in nature.
are–Sarai Nahar Rai, Mahadaha, Damdama,
Chopani Mando.

• We can divide Ancient history of UP in to three

stages/ages :
Mesolithic Period

ANCIENT HISTORY OF UP
• Lekhahia is a mesolithic site in U.P. It is situated in
Mirzapur. It yielded skeletons which are not studied
much yet.

Neolithic Period
Pre-historical
Period
Proto-historical
Period
Historical
Period • Prominent sites—Lahuradev (Sant Kabir Nagar),
Koldihwa (On the banks of Belan River), Mahgada
Human origin's 3000 BC 600 BC and Panchoh, Jhusi (Recently discovered).
till 3000 BC

to 600 BC

& ahead

• Special Features :
 Most ancient evidences of Agriculture
Stone Indus Valley Begins with
Age Civilisation the advent  Unbaked bricks found
& of Mauryan  Dwellings made of straw & hay
Vedic Age Empire  Signs of grain cultivation & harvesting dated
back to 9000-7000 BCE

HISTORY, CIVILIZATION, CULTURE & ANCIENT CITIES OF UP | (3)

 About Lahuradeva (Santkabir Nagar) ARTIFACTS FOUND
• Neolithic site, in Ganges Valley, Uttar Pradesh. • Typical Harappan pottery was found and the
• Evidence of cultivation of food grains as early as
9000-7000 BC have been found.
complex itself appeared to be a pottery workshop.
Ceramic items such as–Roof tiles, dishes, cups,
vases, cubicle dice, beads terracotta cakes, corts
• Slash & Burn cultivation techniques have been
found.
and figurines of Humped bull & a snake. Evidence
of cloths is also found here.
• It is also found that the first settlers at Lahuradeva
were growing rice during 6500 BC. • OCHRE COLOURED POTTERY (OCP) Culture
is contemporary to Indus Valley civilization.
• They were using mostly handmade red & black &
red were for storing grains. • Copper Hoard Culture flourished around 2000 BCE
around Western & Central UP (Auraiya, Bithoor).
PROTO-HISTORICAL PERIOD • Red ware Culture have been found in district of
Saharanpur, Badaun, Bijnore, Shahjahanpur,
• In India, Proto-history spams the period, around
from 3000 BC-600 BC, covering the Bronze Age and
Etawah etc.

Chalcolithic Culture from beginning of Harappan VEDIC PERIOD in UP (1500-500 BCE)

civilization up to the beginning of the historical
period in 6th century BC, which is the period of • The Vedic Period is period in the Late Bronze Age
and early Iron Age. The Vedic Period is divided
Buddha & Mahavira.
• Human first began the use of metals in this period.
into
Early Vedic Period (1500-1000 BC)

Later Vedic Period (1000-600 BC)

Copper > Bronze > Iron sequence wise
first metal metal used
t da y
Presen
to be used Afg h a n istan
& Ganga-

• P unja b Yamuna
In UP, archaeological sites of this period have been doab
found at Meerut & Saharanpur. Early

• Other sites in UP– Hulas (Saharanpur),

Badagaon (Bagpat), Manpura (Buland Shahr),
Vedic
Period Later
Vedic
Period
Kairana (Shamli) and Mandigaon (Muzaffarnagar)
etc.
• Major features–
• Early Vedic Period–The founder of Early Vedic
 Mixing tin with copper to make Bronze. period were the Aryans, who inhabited this region
 First urban civilization in South Asia. between the upper Gangetic Plain & present day
Afghanistan & Punjab. This region is also known
 Alamgirpur as easternmost site, situated on
as Sapta Sindhavad because this region is fed by
the banks of Hindon river (Meerut).
seven rivers–
About Alamgirpur Rivers Name (Old) (New)
1. Shatudri Sutlej
• It is also known as Parasaram Ka Khera.
2. Parushni Ravi
• Major excavation at this site are–many parts of
utensils, rosary beads, rolling pins for making rotis. 3. Vipasa Beas

• On the clay utensils, animal images & some script

has been found.
4.
5.
Asakini
Vitasta
Chenab
Jhelum

Indus Valley Civilization in UP

• Present Uttar Pradesh got very less mention in
Vedic hymns. River Ganga and Yamuna have been

• Alamgirpur is an archaeological site of the IVC

described as land of Aryans.
that thrived along Yamuna River (3300-1300 BC) • Later Vedic Period in UP–Later Vedic Period
started with knowledge of iron. Aryans expanded
from the Harappan-period, located in Meerut
district, UP. from Punjab to Gangetic Plain, which includes

HISTORY, CIVILIZATION, CULTURE & ANCIENT CITIES OF UP | (4)

 Ganga-Yamuna doab, The Himalayas, Vindhyan 7. Kuru Indraprastha
mountain ranges and nearby adjoining areas. This 8. Panchal Kampila, Ahikshetra
whole region is called as Madhya Desh/Brahmarshi (Ahichhatra)
Desh/Central country. This region was rural in
About Kosala Kingdom : Capital  Shravasti
nature.
Mentioned in • Kosala Kingdom were comprised of present day
Ayodhya, Shravasti, Basti, Lucknow regions
Anguttaranikaya
(Buddhist (Awadh Area Ayodhya Division).
Rise of Mahajanapada in UP Literature)
& • Kosala Janapada was situated on the banks of
Sarayu River. It was almost as large as modern
Bhagwati Sutra
(Jain Literature) Awadha.

• Out of total 16 Mahajanapadas, 8 Mahajanapada • Major cities–Ayodhya, Saket, Shravasti.

were emerged in Madhyadesha (Present day UP).
They were–Kuru, Kosala, Panchal, Kashi, Surshen,
• Culture–Kosala belonged to the Northern Black
polished ware culture, which was preceded by the
Chedi, Vatsa, Malla. Black & red ware culture.
• Among them most notable one was Kosla that was
ruled by king Dasaratha and his successor Ram.
• Religion–Kosala-Videha culture was at the centre
of unorthodox vedic traditions, ascetic &
• They later became the protagonist of epic called speculative traditions.

•
RAMAYANA.
Another epic Mahabharat, also talks about kings
• Kosala-Videha culture is thought to be the home of
Shukla School of Yajurveda.
who ruled in and around modern UP and were
participant in the war of succession between • About Kashi Kingdom–Kashi kingdom were
comprised of present day Varanasi. It found its
Kauravas & Pandavas.
first mention in Atharvaveda.
• Kashi kingdom was famous for learning, prosperity,
architecture and trade.
• Son River was the western part of Kashi.
Kuru
Panchal Kuru Mahajanapadas

•
Kosala
Shurshena Kuru Mahajanapads was spread from present day
Meerut to Delhi regions. Its capital was
Indraprastha.

Panchala Mahajanapadas
Malla

Chedi Vatsa Kashi • Panchala Mahajanapads was spread in present lays

Bareilly, Badaun, Farrukhabad region. The capital
of Northern Panchala was Ahichhatra and the capital
of Southern Panchala was Kampilya.
• Shurshen Mahajanapada extends to the areas of
Mathura (present day).
8 Mahajanpada in UP
• Vatsa Mahajanapads was situated to the southwest
of Kashi (present day prayagraj) and capital was
Mahajanapadas in UP
present day Kaushambi. Kaushambi was main
Mahajanapadas Capital centre for Theravada (thera sect).
1. Malla Kushinara and Pava
2. Kashi Varanasi Republics in UP
3.
4.
Kosal
Vatsa
Shravasti and Saket
Kaushambi
• Apart from, Mahajanpadas, there were existences
of many republics in India in Sixth Century BC.
5. Chedi Shuktimati/Sotthivati Present day UP contained seven Republics.
6. Shurasena Mathura • They were–

HISTORY, CIVILIZATION, CULTURE & ANCIENT CITIES OF UP | (5)

 Name Current Location • Shakyas were a branch of Ikshvakus of Kosala
Janapadas.
1. Shakya of Kapilvastu Siddharthnagar
2. Koliya of Ramgram Gorakhpur • Buddha delivered most of his discourses in
Shravasti, the capital of Kosala. Buddha spent major
3. Moriya of Pippalivana Gorakhpur
four years in Shravasti.
4. Malla of Kushinagar Kushinagar
5. Malla of Pava Fazilnagar • In Shravasti Buddha met & Reformed Anguli Mala
made his disciple.
6. Maggas of Samasumaragiri Mirzapur
7. Kalam of Kesput Ganga-Yamuna • In this city a merchant named Anathapindak
purchased a forest called Jetavana & Gifted to
Basin
Buddha.
• In the republics, real power lay in the hand of tribal
oligarchies. They conduct their polity on • Vishakha from Shravasti gifted a Vihar to the
Buddha.
democratic lines. Representatives chosen by people
would conduct the state’ affairs. Rulers were like • Prasenjit also donated two vihars to the Buddhist
Sangha in Shravasti.
servant of people. Buddhist literature also mentioned
about these Republics. • Mother of Buddha belong to the ruling family of
another state Dedah (Deoria District).
Buddhism in Uttar Pradesh • The Buddha attain enlightenment at Bodh Gaya in
Bihar. But he preached his first Sermon in Sarnath
• Buddhism is an Indian religion based on teachings
of Lord Buddha. All eight (8) Mahajanapads of Uttar
(Mrigdava) (U.P.) and laid the foundation of his
order.
Pradesh hold an important place in spread of
Buddhism & Jainism tradition. • From here Sarnath has distinction of Being the Birth
place of Dhamma & Sangha, the two elements of
holy trinity of Buddhism.
Buddha

Devgarh (Maharajganj Sangha Dhamm

Shravasti Kushinagar
Siddharthnagar (Pava) Holy trinity of Buddhism
(Kapilvastu)
•
Ramgram
(Gorakhpur) Sarnath (Rishipattan) is also known as
Dharmachakra Pravartan or turning of wheel, here
Buddha delivered his first sermon to five Brahmin
boys, whose names were Kaundinya, Assaji,
Sarnath
Bhaddiya, Vappa and Mahanama.
• Kushinagar–Kushinagar or Kushinara and Pawa
are also famous Buddhist site in U.P. The
Mahaparinirvana of Buddha (his passing from the
Major Buddhist sites in UP world) took place in 483 B.C. on the day of
Vaisakh Purnima at Kushinara on the Banks of
About Buddha Gandak river. After his Nirvana 8 Stupas were
constructed on the Buddhas ashes of which four
• He was born in Lumbini (Nepal) and grewup in are located in U.P.
Kapilvastu (a town in the Ganges plain) & he spent
his life in modern Bihar & UP.
• Sankashyara/Sankisa (Farrukhabad District)–This
is another Buddhist site in U.P.
• The Buddha was a prince of Shakya Clan which
was governed by a small oligerchy or republic like
• Ramgram–situated in Gorakhpur, also known as
Ramgadh Tal. It was the capital of Koliya Republic.
council where there were no ranks but seniority The wife of Gautam Buddha, Yasodhara was the
mattered. princess of Koliya Republic.

HISTORY, CIVILIZATION, CULTURE & ANCIENT CITIES OF UP | (6)

• Pawapuri–This Buddhist site situated in the
present day Kushinagar. Here Buddha fell ill after
Parshvanath

eating at Chund (A Blacksmith) house, after which

attained Mahaparinirvana.
• Conclusion–The land of Uttar Pradesh has been
graced by teachings & preaching of Lord Buddha. Shreyansa-Nath Chandraprabha
Buddha known as first missionary of spirituality,
lived and preached in Uttar Pradesh. Thus it will be Suparshvanath
no exaggeration to describe Uttar Pradesh as the
cradle of Buddhism. • Parshvanatha : [23rd Tirthankara]
• The Buddha went beyond rituals, encouraging
kings and the masses to look at their Immortal
Parshvanatha was the son of king Ashwasena of
Naga Dynasty of Kashi. Parshvanath established
identity and to rise above shackles of desire, four vow’s of Jain Religion
suffering from death.
Ahimsa
• He taught & travelled extensively in U.P.–
 Kapilvastu (spent his early years)
 Sarnath (attained enlightenment & gave his first
sermon) Satya 4 Asteya
 Shravasti (Buddha spent twenty four Vows
monsoons)
 Kaushambi (visited here after enlightenment)
 Sankisa (Here Lord Buddha desconded after Aparigraha
giving sermon to his mother in heaven)
 Kushinagar (attained Mahaparinirvana), are • The follower of Parshvanath are called Nirgrantha
(not following to a book).
witness to this great spiritual lord Buddha who
soothes the world with the message of peace
“Be our own light”.
• Although last and the most prominent Tirthankara
in jain Religion. Mahavir Swami belongs to Vaishali
(Bihar). The no. of his follower was largely in Uttar
Jainism in UP Pradesh.

• Uttar Pradesh has long association in Jainism. • Mahavir Swami included Brahmcharya among five
great vow’s of Jainism. Famous Jainism Centre in
According to Jain tradition five Tirthankarss were
born in Ayodhya. U.P.–
1. Mathura 2. Kashi
Rishabhanatha/Rishabhdev
3. Kaushambi 4. Hastinapur
5. Mahoba 6. Ayodhya
7. Shrawasti 8. Devgarh etc.
Anantanatha Five
Tirthankaras
Ajitanatha
• Devgarh–Devgarh is famous for jain complex that
was built during 8th to 17th Century consist of 31
born in
Ayodhya Jain temple. Which is largest such collection in the
world.

Sumatinatha Abhinandananatha • Bundelkhand– Bundelkhand has strong

presence and influence in Jainism. There are many
• Risabhdev (first Tirthankar) the founder of Jain sect Tirthas in Bundelkhand.
was born in Solar dynasty or Suryavamsa of
Ayodhya. • Mathura–Kankali Teela is a mound located at
Mathura. The name derive from Hindu goddess
• According to the Jain tradition Risabhdev’s-eldest
son Bharat became a great emperor and it is through
Kankali. There are existence of two Jain temple &
stupa.

•
him that our country is also called Bharatvarsha.
According to Jain tradition Kashi (Varanasi) is the
• Conclusion–The vast land of Uttar Pradesh is
richly blessed by Jain pilgrimages. Uttar Pradesh
birth place of four Tirthankara– has been birth place of many tirthankars and has

HISTORY, CIVILIZATION, CULTURE & ANCIENT CITIES OF UP | (7)

 ancient connection with jainism. The influence of
jainism can be seeing largely in Bundelkhand region
• Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of
Mauryan Empire. Empire was founded in around
of U.P. where Devgarh is important site for fort 321 BCE by Chandragupta who had over thrown
temple. the Nanda Dynasty. It originated from kingdom of
Magadh in Indo-Gangetic plane (Modern Uttar
Rise of other sects in U.P. Pradesh, Bihar, Bengal) whose capital city was
1. Vaishnava / Bhagavata Sect Patliputra (Patna). Father of Chandragupta Maurya
2. Shaivism / Shaiv Sect had established small kingdom called Moriya near
Ramgram (Gorakhpur) whose capital was
3. Shakti / Shaktism Sect
Pipphalivana.
• These all sects are part of Hinduism. Uttar Pradesh
has been important region for developing these • Empire of Chandragupta Maurya included Kashi,
sects. The Greece ambassador Megasthenes writes Kausal and all the major part of Uttar Pradesh.
in his book Indica. That the resident of river Yamuna
worshiped Bhagavata Sect.
• Sohgaura inscription– This is copper plate
inscription of Chandragupta Maurya found at
• Sites in U.P. Gorakhpur near Sohgaura. The language of
1. Dashavatara Temple in U.P. (district Lalitpur) inscription is Prakrit and in the Brahmi Script.
highly aesthetic images of Vishnu reclining on The inscription contains mention of construction
the divine serpent Sheshnag is situated here. of three store houses of food grain for famine.
2. Other Centre are kashi, Ayodhya, Mathura,
Prayagraj, Gorakhpur (Nath Sect). Chandragupta Maurya  Bindusar 
3. Now a days Gorakhpur is also known for its Ashoka  Brihadrath
distinctness in the Hathyoga.

Rise of Mauryan Empire in U.P. Assassinated by Pushyamitra Shunga

• The Mauryan Empire was the first pan India Empire,

ruled by Mauryan Dynasty, was a geographically
• After Kalinga war Ashoka followed policy of
Dhamma in place of imperial expansion.
extensive and powerful political military empire in
Ancient India. • The great Ashoka constructed more than forty
inscriptions to propagate his message to the people.
• Five inscriptions of Ashoka have been found in
U.P. the language of all inscriptions is Prakrit and
their script is Brahmi.

Mathura
Siddharthnagar
(Kapilvastu) Meerut
Gorakhpur

Sarnath

Prayagraj
Major Mauryan sites in UP Sarnath

• Literary sources of Mauryan Empire–

1. Arthashastra of Kautilya Kaushambi Mirzapur
(Ahraura)
2. Mudrarakshash of Vishakhadutta
Major Ashoka's inscription in UP
3. Indica of Megasthenes

HISTORY, CIVILIZATION, CULTURE & ANCIENT CITIES OF UP | (8)

 Place Inscription • Kushan Dynasty– Kanishka was a most
important ruler of Kushan Dynasty. He was not only
1. Ahraura Minor Rock edict
2. Meerut Major Pillar edict great conqueror but also a patron of Religion and
Art.
3. Sarnath Minor Pillar edict
4. Kaushambi Minor Pillar edict • He established Mathura in Uttar Pradesh as his
Second capital.
5. Prayagraj Major Pillar edict
• Sarnath-Minor Pillar edict– It is most • The empire of Kanishka was a vast one extending
Gandhara in the west to Banaras in the East, and
sophisticated pillar capitals of Ashoka. The lion
capital of Sarnath is example of it. It has been from Kashmir in North and Mathura in south.
adopted as a national emblem. • Kanishka & Buddhism–Kaniska embraced
• Features of Lion Capital of Ashoka– Buddhism in the early part of his reign. However
his coins exhibit the images of not only Buddha but
 Made of polished sand stone.
also greece and Hindu Gods.
 Its crowning features are four life sized lions
set back to back on a drum shape Abascus. • In the age of Kanishka the Mahayana Buddhism
came into vogue. It is different in many respects
 Four animals–Lion, Elephant, Bull, Horse follow
from the religion taught by the Buddha and
eath other from right to left.
propagated by Asoka. Thus image worship and
 A bell shaped Lotus forms lowest part of capital. rituals developed in Mahayana Buddhism.
 It is carved out single monolithic column.
 It is commemorated the site of Gautam Buddha’s • Kanishka also sent missionaries to Central Asia
and China for the propagation of new faith.
first sermon. Buddhist Chaityas and Viharas were built in
• Other Stupas in U.P. are–Dhamekh Stupa &
Chaukhandi Stupa.
different places. He patronized Buddhist scholars
like Vasumitra, Asvagosha and Nagarjuna. He also
convened the 4th Buddhist council to discuss
Post Mauryan period in U.P. matters relating to Buddhist theology and doctrine.
• After the Assassination of Brihadrath, Sunga
Dynasty has been established by Pushyamitra
The famous physician of ancient India Charak was
also patronized by him.
Shunga in 184 BC. • Mathura School of Art–The school of art that
• Ayodhya inscription has important information
regarding Pushymitra Shunga.
developed at Mathura in modern UP is called the
Mathura art. It flourished in the first century A.D.
• Pushyamitra Shunga was follower of Brahminism. In its early phase, the Mathura school of art

• He performed two Ashwamedha Yajnas & sacrifies. developed an indigenous lines. The Buddha images
exhibit the spiritual feeling in his face which was
• The official priest of these Ashwamedha Yojnas was
Patanjali (wrote Mahabhasya)
largely absent in the Gandhara School. The Mathura
school also carved out the images of Siva and
Dynasty of Post Mauryan Period Vishnu along with their consorts Parvati &
Lakshmi.
Shungas Dynasty
 Gupta Empire in U.P.
Kanva Dynasty
 Sources to reconstruct the History
Shakas Dynasty (Rulles in Mathura)
Literary Epigraphical Numismatic

Kushana Dynasty (Made Mathura as a second • Puranas • Mehrauli • Gold, Silver
capital) • Devichandra- Iron Pillar & other coins
guptan and inscription
• Sakas Dynasty–Sakas belongs to Sciythian
Ethnic family. Sakas invaded in India for the 2nd time
Mudrarakshash • Allahabad Coins contains
Pillar name of Legends
in 78 A.D. and got victory to commemorate their inscription and figures.
victory. They established Saka Samvat in 78 AD–
• Bheetri
 The Sakas established their rule in Mathura, Pillar
Maharashtra, Ujjain. inscription

HISTORY, CIVILIZATION, CULTURE & ANCIENT CITIES OF UP | (9)

• Allahabad Pillar inscription–This is the most
important source for the reign of Samudragupta.
drama Shakuntala and other literary works
like–Malvikagnimitran, Vikramourvashiyam,
• It describes his personality and achievements. Raghuvansam, Kumarvansam, Meghadutam.

• This inscription is engraved on Ashokan pillar. Post Gupta Period in U.P.

• It is written in classical Sanskrit language using
nagri script. It consists of thirty three lines
composed by Harisena.
• The decline of Gupta Empire was followed by the
period of political disorder and disunity in North
• It describes the circumstances of Samudragupta’s
accession, his military compaign in North India
India. It was only in the beginning of seventh
century AD (7th AD) that Harsvardhan succeeded
Deccan, his relationship with other contemporay in establishing large kingdom in North India.
rulers & his acomplishment as a poet & schollar.
• Pushyabhuti Dynasty–The founder of family of
• Bhitri Pillar inscription– This inscription
belongs to last effective ruler of Gupta Dynasty
Harshvardhan was Pushyabhuti. Pushyabhuti’s
were feudatories of Gupta they called themselves
that is Skandagupta. It is located in Saidpur tehsil as Vardhan. After their invasion they got
of Gazipur district in U.P. This inscription contains independence his capital was Thaneswar (present
first Hun invasion in India and their defeat by day Haryana).
Emperor Skandagupta.
• Harshavardhan became the most powerful ruler in
Northern India is 7th century. He assumed power in
Srigupta  Ghatotksha  Chandragupta-I  Kannauj and shifted his capital from Thaneswar to
Samudragupta  Chandragupta-II  Kannauj. After that Kannauj became the political
Kumargupta  Skandgupta centre in Northern India.

• Chandragupta-II assumed the title of Vikramaditya • Kannauj Assembly– Harsh organized a

religions assembly at Kannauj to honour chinese
due to his faith in Bhagvada/Vaisnavism he
pilgrim HIUEN TSANG. He invited representative
assumed the title of Parambhagvata.
of all religious sects such as Jain, Buddh, Bramin,
• Chandragupta-II advances literature, science,
Literature, Astrology, Astronomy, Maths during his
etc.

period. The Legendary poet Kalidas was among • Hiuen Tsang explained values of Mahayanas
Doctrine and established superiority over the
the Chandragupta’s Navratnas. That’s why this
period is called a golden age of India. others. However violence broke out and also an
attempt on life of Harsha soon it was brought under
• Gupta Dynasty–Founder of Gupta Dynasty was
Srigupta but Actual founder of Gupta Dynasty was
control & guilty were punished.
Chandragupta-I [319 AD-335 AD]. The Mehrauli
pillar inscription mentions his extensive
Allahabad Conference
conquests.
• Hiuen Tsang mentions in his account about the
conference held at Allahabad known as Prayag. It
Culture of Gupta Period
was one of among the conference routinely held by
• Gupta period witnessed huge cultural progress in
the form of Art, architecture, literature, paintings,
Harsha once in a five year. Here Harsha gave his
enormous wealth as gift to the members of all
scientific development etc. religions.

• Different type of Temple styles–Nagar style, Dravina • According to Hiuen Tsang (Book-Si-Yu-Ki).
Harsha was so Lavish that he emptied the treasury
style, developed.
• Temple at Devgarh near Jhanshi and the sculptures
in the temple at Garhulas near Allahabad remain
and even gave away the clothes, jewels, he was
wearing.
important specimen. • Cultural Progress during Harsha Period
• The beautiful statue of standing Buddha is also
found at Mathura & Sarnath.
1. Harsha himself wrote Ratnawali, Priyadarsika,
Nagananda.

• Kalidas (Navratnas) was famous for Sanskrit 2. Development of Nalanda University.

HISTORY, CIVILIZATION, CULTURE & ANCIENT CITIES OF UP | (10)

 MEDIEVAL HISTORY OF UP Tughlaq Dynasty

• Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (1320–1324 AD)

Delhi Sultanate The Mughal

 Founder of Tughlaq dynasty.
Period Period  He repelled back the mangol invaders several
times.
1. SLAVE DYNASTY
1. BABUR
• Muhammad-Bin-Tughlaq (1324–1351 AD)
(1206–1290 AD) 2. HUMAYUN  He was very attractive character in the history
2. KHILJIS DYNASTY of medieval India owing to his ambitions and
3. AKBAR
(1290–1320 AD)
experiments.
3. TUGHLAQ DYNASTY 4. JEHANGIR
(1320–1414 AD)  He tried to do many reform like
5. SHAHJEHAN
4. SAYYID DYNASTY  Taxation in the doab
(1414–1451 AD) 6. AURANGZEB
 Transfer of capital etc.
5. LODI DYNASTY
(1451–1526 AD) • Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351–1388 AD)
 Firoz Shah Tughlaq founded two city in Uttar
• The Muslim invasions into India had ultimately
resulted in the establishment of Delhi Sultanate
Pradesh in memory of his cousin Muhammad-
which existed from (1206–1526 AD). The era saw Bin-Tughlaq (Fakruddin Jamma Khan).
the downfall and humiliation of Rajputa rule in  The name of two cities are – Jaunpur and
Uttar Pradesh and their influence was largely Firozabad (also known as Firoz Shah Kotla).
confined to the pockets surrounding the
• Jaunpur City–Also known as Shiraz-e-hind.
Rajputana (Rajasthan).
• The Sultan of Delhi Feroz Shah Tughlaq founded
• Uttar Pradesh came under rule of almost all rulers
of Sultanate Period. The Mughal period enriched
this city.

history of UP when emperor Akbar choose the city • Feroz Shah appointed Malik Sarwar.

of Agra & Fatehpur Sikri as his capital cities. • In 1394 Malik Sarwar declared independence.
• He and his son Mubarak Shah founded a kingdom
SLAVE DYNASTY that came to be known as the SHARQI DYNASTY
(meaning dynasty of East).
• The slave dynasty was also called as MAMLUK
DYNASTY. The slave dynasty ruled Delhi from AD • During Sharqi period, Jaunpur was a strong military
power in Northern India.
1206 to 1290.
• Qutubud-din Aibak had played a vital role and he • It was major centre of URDU + SUFI knowledge &
culture. The Sharqi dynasty had excellent relation
was slave of Muhammad Ghori, who made him the
between Muslims & Hindus.
Governor of his Indian possessions.
• After death of Ghori, Aibak declared his • Jaunpur’s independence came to an end in 1479,
when city was conquered by Bahlol Lodi, the Sultan
independence.
of Delhi.
• Aibak had suppressed the revolt in Meerut in
absence of Ghori (1192 AD). • Several important monuments are–Atala Masjid,
Jama Masjid, Lal Darwaza Masjid etc.
• Aibak was also known as Lakh Baksh due to his
habit of donating lavishly. • Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451 AD)

• Iltutmish (1210–1236 AD) 1. Khizr-Khan (1414–1421)

• Raziya Sultan (1236–1240)  First & last women

among the muslim rulers.
2. Mubarak Shah
3. Mohammad Shah

• Balban (1266–1287) • Lodhi/Lodi Dynasty (1451–1526)

• Khilji Dynasty  Jalal-ud-dinKhilji (1290–96)
(1290–1320)  Ala-ud-dinKhilji (1296–1316)
1. Bahlol Lodi (1451–1489)–Captured Jaunpur
and ended Sharqi rule.

HISTORY, CIVILIZATION, CULTURE & ANCIENT CITIES OF UP | (11)

 2. Sikandar Lodi–He brought the whole of Bihar
under his control, many Rajput Chiefs were
• He built a new city on the banks of the river Yamuna
near Delhi. Now the old fort called Purana Qila
defeated. and its mosque is alone surviving.
 Sikandar Lodi established the city of Agra
in 1504 & made Agra as its second capital.
• He also built a mausoleum at sararam which is
considered as one of the master pieces of Indian
• Agra–situated on the banks of river Yamuna. architecture.

• Daulat Khan Lodi invited Babur to invade India. • Malik Muhammad Jayasi wrote the famous Hindi
work Padmavat during his reign.
Babur marched against Delhi and defeated & killed
Ibrahim Lodi in the first battle of Panipat (1526) &
Mughal Rule established in India.
• After Shershah’s death in 1545 his successors ruled
till 1555 when Humayun reconquered India.

MUGHAL EMPIRE (1526–1857) Akbar (1556–1605)

1. Babur (1526–1530) • Akbar was one of the greatest monarchess of India.
• Babur was first mughal emperor of India. After
defeating Ibrahim Lodi with support of Punjab
• Akbar defeated Raja Rama Chandra of Kalinjar
(Banda) in 1569 and gave him Jagir near Prayag.
Governor, Daulat Khan Lodi, Babur turned his
attention to the Rajputa confederacy & defeated
• Akbar changed the name of Prayag to ILLAHABAS
(Allahabad) in 1575 AD.
Mewar ruler Rana sanga.
• In 1572–73, Akbar constructed a new city named
• Babur was a great statesman and a man of solid
achievements. He wrote his memoirs, Tuzuk-i-
Fatehpur Sikri to commemorate his Gujrat Vijay
(victory). This city was established 37 km. from Agra.
Babri in Turkish language.
2. Humayun (1530–1556) Delhi
• Humayun was defeated by the Afgan noble Sher
Shah in 1539. In the Battle of Chausa held in 1539,
Agra
Awadh
Sher Shah destroyed the mughal army and Allahabad (Prayagraj)
Humayun escaped from there.
• Humayun reached Agra to negotiate with his
brothers. But as they were not cooperative,
Humayun was forced to fight with Sher Shah alone
in Battle of Bilgram (1540). This battle was also
known as Battle of Kanauj. Humayun was
thoroughly defeated by Sher Shah. After losing his
Mughal Empire under Akbar
Kingdom, Humayun become an exile for next 15
years.
• In 1575, he ordered for the construction of Ibadat
Khana (House of worship) at his new capital
Rise of Sur Dynasty Fatehpur Sikri. This city was to pay his respects
to the famous sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chisti.
• The founder of the Sur dynasty was Sher Shah
(Farid). Farid served under the Afgan ruler of Bihar, • In 1582, he promulgated a new religion called Din-
e-Ilahi or divine faith. It believes in one God.
who gave him the title Sherkhan for his bravery.
• Sher Shah waged extensive wars with the Rajputs • Akbar had nine great scholars from different fields
in his court. They were collectively called as nine
& expanded his empire. His empire consisted of the
whole of the North India except Assam, Nepal, gems.
Kashmir and Gujrat.  Birbal
• Sher Shah remained a pious muslim and generally  Todarmal
tolerant towards other religious. He employed
hindus in important offices. He was also a patron of
• Akbar was tolerant of all religions. He learned
and tried to imbibe the good features of every
art and architecture. religion.

HISTORY, CIVILIZATION, CULTURE & ANCIENT CITIES OF UP | (12)

• Jahangir (1605–1627 AD) Arts & Crafts
• Shahjahan (1627–1658) Languages Dance
• Aurangjeb (1658–1707) Intangible Festivals
& Fairs
culture
Nawabs of Awadh Culture
of
• The Nawab of Awadh was the title of the rulers who
governed the state of Awadh in north India during
UP
Architecture Music
the 18th and 19th centuries.
Drama Art Forms
• The Nawabs of Awadh belonged to an Iranian
dynasty. In 1724, Nawab Saadat Khan established Dress
Oudh State with their capital in Faizabad and
Lucknow. • Uttar Pradesh culture is intriguing and unique in its
diversity, in fact it can be said that hindi, urdu, art,
• The Nawabs of Awadh were semi-autonomous
rulers within the fragmented polities of Mughal India
craft, dance, literature, music, poetry, have stepped
into the state and the microcosmic fabric of the
after the death of Aurangzeb in 1707. state’s culture has saved Indian Culture.
• They fought wars with Peshwa, Battle of Bhopal
and Battle of Karnal.
• U.P. as cradle of Indian Culture is quite appropriate.
Within its boundaries a multi-culture, multi-ethnic
• The nawabs of Awadh, along with many other
Nawabs were regarded as members of the nobility
and multi-religious population that has absorbed
many of the nuances of foreign and immigrant
of the greater Mughal Empire. they joined Ahmad culture which have in turn created a vast diversity
Shah Durani during the Third Battle of Panipat of culture that have seamlessly blurrded cultural
(1761) & restored Shah Alam II to the imperial trades.
throne.
1. Attire in Uttar Pradesh
• The Nawab of Awadh also fought the Battle of Buxar
(1764) preserving the interests of the Mughal. • The traditional dress forms like Dhoti and Payjama
Churidar are common among the men while women
• The EIC won the battle of Buxar 1764 and the
Treaty of Allahabad was signed.
wear the Salwar-Kameez informally and the Sari for
more formal occasion.
• Asafuddaula became the nawab after Shujauddaula.
Asafuddaule transferred his capital from Faizabad
• Some Muslim Women wear the Purdah. Trousers
and Shirts in western styles are donned by men &
to Lucknow. women. In some cities like–Aligarh men still wear
• Wajid Ali Shah was the last Nawab of Awadh.
Dalhousie annexed Awadh on the charges of
Sherwani.
2. Language in Uttar Pradesh
maladministration and made it a part of British
Empire. • The state languages are Hindi and Urdu are in the
use.
CULTURE OF UP
Bhojpuri

• Culture of UP is an Indian Culture which has its

roots in Hindi, Bhojpuri and Urdu literature, music,
Aw ad h i

fine arts, drama and cinema.

Culture of UP Khari
Boli
i
uj
na
an

h el i
K

Harappan Vedic Post Vedic Buddhism & Ba g

Braj Bundelkhandi
Culture Culture Culture Jainism Culture

Local Dialects in UP
Awadh Mughal Delhi Gupta Mauryan
Culture Culture Sultanate Period Period
Period
• The strong presence of Urdu across the state can
be attributed to the Persian and Mughal influences

HISTORY, CIVILIZATION, CULTURE & ANCIENT CITIES OF UP | (13)

 Lakhnavi (Lucknow) Urdu is regarded as a superior 5. Cuisines of Uttar Pradesh
literary form.
3. Religion in Uttar Pradesh
• U.P. is home to the two of the most popular cuisines
with a long history of culture and tradition i.e.
Awadhi food and mughal food.
Muslims • The Biryanis, Koftas and Kheers are part of
standard fare as well as customized for special
Others

19.3%
occasions.
6. Fairs and Festivals of Uttar Pradesh

79.7%
Hindus ela
1. Buddhist iM
a nd la
au
ch Me
2. Jains N w ar ela
Meerut te s sh M
3. Christians Ba Ka ila
r if
4. Sikhs Sa
va
D D evip atan Mela
e

n Mela
•
Agra Barabanki Ramaya
The vast population of the state is made up mostly
Balrampur
of Indo-Dravidian ethnicity, small pockets of
communities living along the Himalayan region Ayodhya
display Asiatic–Aryan traits. Almost 79.7% of the
population comprises Hindus, about 19.3% are
Banda
Muslims and the rest is made up of Buddhists, Prayagraj
Christians, Jains & Sikhs.
4. Art and Craft of Uttar Pradesh Kalinger Mela
Kumbh Mela

e
Metalw ar

Muradabad P ottery
Stone C
raft are
• Uttar Pradesh is the confluence of religion, culture
and tradition and therefore, festivals, attain added
lassw
le s, G
Khurja Ba ng
colour and status. Besides the festivals celebrated
Chickenkari
in honour of various religious events and highlights
Agra Terracotta throughout the year, melas and utsavs like the
Firozabad
Lucknow Bateshwar fair, the Ganga festival and the Kailash
Gorakhpur fair attract huge crowds. The Maha Kumbh Mela in
Allahabad is celebrated every twelve year and
Aardh Kumbh is celebrated every six years.
7. Music and Dance of Uttar Pradesh
Bhadohi

• U.P. has been long considered hub of Hindustani

classic music with many Gharanas from the States.
Carpet
Weaving
• The famous Banaras & The Lucknow Gharanas are
two schools of classical music.

• A vibrantly rich art and craft heritage define Uttar • Kathak is the purest and the classical dance of U.P.
It is known as pride of North India.
Pradesh. Besides the Mughal stamp of architectural
elegance in crafts like Pietra Dura. It is world Folk Dance
renowned for black & ceramic pottery, brass Dance Area
artifacts, carpets, chikan work embroidery, fabric &
Charkula Brij
metal zari work, glass artifacts, oriental scents and
perfumes, metalware silk fabrics, terracotta, wood Rai Bundelkhand
carvings & many more. Diwari pai danda Bundelkhand

HISTORY, CIVILIZATION, CULTURE & ANCIENT CITIES OF UP | (14)

 Folk Music 1. Prayagraj
Music Area • Prayagraj is believed to be the most important
pilgrimage centre for Hindus. Traditionally river
Rasiya Brij
confluences are regarded as auspicious places, but
Kajri Mirzapur
in Sangam, the significance of the confluence is
Aallah Bundelkhand most pious because here the holy Ganga, Yamuna
Birha Purvanchal & the mythical Saraswati meet to become one.
• It is famous for Triveni and is especially sacred to
hindus.
• It is seat of great sage Bhardwaj, sage Durvasa and
sage Pannas.

Braj
• It is city of mixed culture of Hindus, Muslims, Jains
and Christians.
• It is Birth place of Som, Varuna and Prajapati.
• At 1575 AD, Emperor Akbar founded the city in by
name of ILLAHABAS which later became
Purvanchal
Allahabad meant “The City of Allaha” impressed
Rasiya Birha with the strategic importance of the SANGAM.
Bundelkhand • Thus, from the days of civilization Prayagraj has
been seat of learning, wisdom and writing. It is the
Mirzapur
Allah
most vibrant politically spiritually conscious and
spiritually awakened city of India.
Kajri
2. Varanasi
• The land of Kashi has been the ultimate pilgrimage
spot for hindus for ages. Hindus believe that one
PAINTINGS
who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would
• Cave paintigs of Sonbhadra & Chitrakoot. attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth
• Art of painting got its peak during reign of Jahangir. and re-birth. Adobe of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the
origins of Varanasi are yet unknown.
• Bundelkhand painting.
• Vaishnavism and Shaivism have co-existed in
• Painting of Mathura, Gokul, Vrindavan depict seen
from the life of Krishna.
Varansi harnomiously.

• Garhwal painting. • Varanasi has also been a great center of learning

for ages.
Ancient Cities of U.P.
Practice Questions — Mock
1. Put some light on Lahuradeva ancient site of UP?
2. Explain Briefly Later Vedic Period in UP?
3. Briefly explain the various Buddhist sites in UP?
Mathura 4. Write short note on Jainism in UP?
5. Explain briefly about Sarnath Minor Pillar Edict?
Agra
Lucknow 6. Describe Allahabad pillar inscription?
7. Examine Harshvardhan’s Rule as administrator in
Shravasti
UP.
Ballia
8. Write a short notes on Nawabs of Awadh?
Jhansi Mahoba 9. What do you know about Culture & Civilization?
Varanasi
Prayagraj Explain briefly the culture of UP?
10. Short note on Kathak dance?
11. What do you know about Hindustani Music?
12. Describe briefly about major ancient cities of UP?

HISTORY, CIVILIZATION, CULTURE & ANCIENT CITIES OF UP | (15)

 ARCHITECTURE, ITS
SIGNIFICANCE &
MAINTAINABILITY MUSEUM,
UNIT–
2 ARCHIVE AND ARCHAEOLOGY
OF UP
Topics Covered in this Unit
Ancient Architecture of UP Medieval Architecture of UP
• Buddhist Architecture
• Jain Architecture Museums of UP
• Hindu Architecture Archives & Archaeology of UP
1. The Dhamek Stupa–It is an impressive 43.6
Architecture and Its Significance meters high and 28 meters in diameter.
And Maintainability 2. The Dharamrajika Stupa is one of the few pre-
Ashokan stupas remaining, although only the
• Architecture of UP demonstrates a diverse and
electric combination of Buddhist, Hindu, Indo-
foundations remain.
Islamic and Indo-European architectural style. 3. The Ashoka pillar erected here, originally
surmounted by the “Lion Capital of Asoka”
Three of its architectural monuments–The Taj
(presently on display at the Sarnath Museum),
Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan,
was broken during Turk invasions but the base
the Agra Fort as well as the township of Fatehpur still stands at the original location.
Sikri founded by the Mughal emperor Akbar–are
designated UNESCO world Heritage sites.
• The Architectural structures in UP include ancient
Buddhist Stupa and Viharas, ancient Buddhist &
Hindu monasteries, township, forts, palaces,
temples mosques, mausoleums, memorials and Animal (4 Lions)
other community structures.

Ancient Architecture

Buddhist Jain Hindu

Architecture Architecture Architecture

Stupa/Pillar
Buddhist Architecture in UP Chaitya Abacus
Vihar

• Most of the ancient buildings and structures at

SARNATH are damaged or destroyed. Base

• SARNATH/INSIPATANA/MRIGDAVA is one of the

four pilgrimage sites for Buddhist, Designated by
Gautam Buddha. The other three sites are
Kushinagar, Bodh Gaya and Lumina. Turks
destroyed most of the ancient Buddhist structures Pillar Shaft
and buildings at Sarnath, some of the major ruins SARNATH PILLAR
left over are–
ARCHITECTURE, MUSEUM, ARCHIVE AND ARCHAEOLOGY OF UP | (16)
• The Sarnath Archaeological Museum houses the
famous Ashokan lion capital, which miraculously
• Some Famous temples are
1. Deogarh
survived its 45 foot drop to ground (from the top of
2. Kankali Tila mathura
the Asokan pillar) and became the National Emblem
of India and national symbol of flag of India. 3. Sobhnath Temple Shravasti
4. Ashtapad Temple Meerut
Some points about Lion Capital
Hindu Architecture
• Mauryan Period 273–236 BCE (Time of Asoka)
• Sarnath • Famous temples are the Dashavatara temple in
deogarh, Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi and
• Polished Sandstone
Krishan Janmbhoomi in Mathura.
• One column erected along pilgrimage route to see
holy sites connected with life of Buddha. • A lot of religious architectural styles were seen
during Gupta period. According to the studies, it is
• Lowest portion represents down turned petals of
lotus blossom.
believed that the temples might have been built only
a couple of centuries back before the Christian era
• Lotus flowers emerging clean from dirty water
symbolizes presence of divine purity in imperfect
began. An example of a plan is known to be from
Mathura, which is about 1800 years old apsidal brick
world. temple.
• Abacus decorated with 4 wheels, Animals
symbolizes 4 great rivers of worlds.
• Some of the notable temple examples belong to the
13th & 14th centuries from city of Varanasi &
• 4 roaring lions symbolizes 4 cardinal directions,
symbolize universal nature of buddhism.
Sonbhadra.

Medieval Architecture
• Pattern of realistic elements also found.

Yasti Delhi Mughal Post Mughal

Chatras
Harmika Stupa Sultanate Period Period
Passageway Period (Oudh/Awadh)
Dome

West East
Torana Torana
Indo-Islamic Architecture
• Sultanate–The rise of the process of dynamic
synthesis was seen during the sultanate
Double South Stone architecture period, which led to a cultural
Staireway Torana Fence reproaching and fusion of two diametrically
Buddhist Chaitya
opposite artisic tradition.

Jain Architecture
• Indo-Islamic architecture is the architecture of the
Indian subcontinent produced by and for Islamic
patrons and purposes. Despite an initial Arab
• Jain Temple Complex–These 31 Jain temples
are complex and somewhat later in origin than the
presence in sindh, the development of indo-Islamic
architecture began in earnest with the establishment
Vishnu Temple, but are no less remarkable.
of Delhi as capital of the Ghurid dynasty in 1193.
• They are situated inside the Fort of Karnali on the
hills overlooking the Betwa. The site was a Jain • Special Features :
centre from the 8th to 17 century. The temples (1) Large building forms with mosque and tombs.
abound in panels depicting scenes from Jain (2) Use of large domes & arches. (taken from
mythology. hindu architecture)
• Tirthankara images, pillars, tables, jain images
visible from all sides and pillars carved with
(3) Use of Arabic script on the stones and
marbles.
thousands jain figures. It houses about 2000 (4) Also adapted some elements from regional
sculptures which is largest such collection in World. architectures.

ARCHITECTURE, MUSEUM, ARCHIVE AND ARCHAEOLOGY OF UP | (17)

  Diwan-i-Aam & Diwan-i-Khas
Mughal Architecture
 Jodha Bai palace
• Mughal architecture is a seamless fusion of Hindu
Islamic and Central Asian Culture. The splendour
 Panch Mahal etc.

of UPs Islamic building has received world acclaim. • Kashi Vishwanath Temple–Kashi Vishwanath
temple is a famous hindu temple dedicated to Shiva.
• Taj Mahal– The Taj Mahal, in Arga, build
between 1631 and 1648 during reign of Mughal
It is located near Varanasi. Temple is most sacred
pilgrimage sites for Shaivites & is among the 12
emperor Shah Jahan is considered to be one of Jyotirlinga.
the best examples of Mughal architecture; while
earlier Mughal buildings were primarily
• It is standing on the western banks of Ganges. The
temple had been demolished several times, most
constructed of red sandstone, Shah Jahan importantly Aurangzeb, who constructed the
promoted the use of white marble inlaid with semi- Gyanvapi Mosque on the site. The current structure
precious stones. Buildings under his patronage was built on an adjacent site by the Maratha ruler
reached new levels of refinement. It is surrounded Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in 1780.
by vast gardens from all four sides.
• Since 1983 the temple has been managed by a board
• Oudh–Lucknow, the capital of the state, has
several beautiful historical monuments such as
of trustees set up by the government of UP.

Bara Imambara, Chhota Imambara. It has also • Bara Imambara–Bara Imambara, also known as
Asafi Imambara is an immabara complex in Lucknow,
preserved the damaged complex of the oudh
India built by Asaf-ud-Daula, Nawab of Awadh in
period British resident’s quarters, which are being
1786–1791.
restored.
• The building also includes the large Asfi mosque,
the Bhul Bhulaiya, Bowli, a step well with running
British Colonial Period
water. Two inspiring gateways lead to the main hall.
• European styles–The Allahabad Public Library
build in the Scottish Baronial Style, all Saints
It is said that there are 1024 ways to reach the
Terrace but only two to come back first gate or last
Cathedral, Allahabad and Kanpur Memorial Church gate. It is accidental architecture.
built in the gothic revival style are example of
European-styled buildings in UP.
• Chhota Imambara also known as Imambara
Hussainabad Mubarak is an imposing monument
• Indo-Saracenic Architecture–The Lucknow
Charbagh railway station and Kanpur Central
located in the city of Lucknow, UP. Built as an
imambara or a congregation hall for Shia Muslims,
railway station were built in the Indo-Saracenic by Muhammad Ali Shah, the Nawab of Awadh in
Style. 1837–1842. It was to serve as a mausoleum for
• Post-independence–NOIDA is a planned city himself and his mother, who is buried beside him.
and IT hub. • This Imambara consist of two halls and a
Shehnasheen (a platform where Zarih of Imam
Some Famous Architecture of UP husain is kept). Zarih is the replica of the protective
grill which is kept on the grave of Imam Husain at
• Fatehpur Sikri–It is a city predominantly in red
sandstone, was built by Akbar, in the honour of
Karbala, Iraq. The exterior of Imambara is very
beautifully decorated with Quranic Verses in Islamic
great sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti. Its
calligraphy.
magnificence and uniqueness offers a fine example
of architecture. There are many architecture/ Museums of UP
structures like–
 Buland Darwaza • Museum is a building where collections of valuable
and interesting objects are kept and shown to the
 Jama Masjid
public. A museum is a not-for-profit, permanent
 Ibadat Khana institution in the service of society that researches,
 Jamat Khana collects, conserves, interprets and exhibits tangible
 Tomb of Salim Chisti and intangible heritage.

ARCHITECTURE, MUSEUM, ARCHIVE AND ARCHAEOLOGY OF UP | (18)

 ruggle M
useum
• “Archaeology is the study of the human past using
material remains. These remains can be any objects
eedom st
Govt. Fr
that people created, modified or used.
Stellar
Children
• Archaeological findings have indicated the
presence of stone age Homosapiens hunter-
Museum
Noida Regional Science City gatherers in up between around 85000-73000 years
State Museum Lucknow
old Uttar Pradesh has rich content in terms of
Taj Museum Agra Rail Museum
Gorakhpur archive and archaeology.
Govt. Museum
Mathura
1. Belan Valley–Belan valley lies at the foothills of
the Vindhyas, is rich in stone tools and animal
fossils including cattle and deer. These remains
Sarnath Museum related to both lower & middle stone ages. The
P ra y r y
a g ra Galle relevant excavated sites of Belan Valley which
j Mu
s eum K irti
indicate transition from the food-gathering stage
J hansi
M useum to the food producing stage are Chopani-mando
Bh arat Kala
Bh Koldihawa and Mahagara.
Museum (Vara awan
na si)
2. Alamgirpur–It is prominent site of Indus valley
Major Museums of UP civilization, situated in Meerut. Major excavations
were several ceramic titles like roof tiles, cups, vases,
• Allahabad Museum–Most catalogued sections
and seperate galleries devoted to specific
beads and carts. Also a humped bull and broken
copper blade were unearthed at this site.
collections of prized items such as art, painting,
3. Ahichhartra (Bareilly)– Here excavations
rare manuscripts. Some by personal effects and
reveled a number of coins which includes caste
documents housed here were by Pt. Jawahar Lal
coins from earliest strata followed by Panchala
Nehru.
coins, Kushan coins, coins of Achyuta. Here OCP,
• Taj Mahal Museum– Taj Mahal Museum
displays the elaborate constructions plans, the
PGW and NBPW also found.
4. Hastinapura, Meerut–Located on the right
accuracy and levels of precision maintained by
bank of Ganga. Here two places known as Draupadi
artisans centuries earlier along with an amazing line
Ghat and Kama Ghat remind one of the Mahabharata
up of objects and pieces that are invaluable
personages. Excavations suggest PGW culture. The
treasures. The highlight of Museum is the celadon
people were in an agro-cum pastoral stage economy.
plates and crockery that may have been used in
They also produced rice.
royal palaces of the Mughals.
5. Sohgaura Copper plate inscription–
• Kirti Gallery (Varanasi)–It is one of the perfect
delights for art and culture buffs. Located in the
Gorakhpur. It is written in Prakrit in Bramhi script.
The plate, consisting of a line of symbolic drawings
heart of city. It was founded by Navneet Raman an
and four line of text, is the result of a molding. The
artist, who aimed to create an art centre in the city
inscription is sometimes presented as pre-ashokan,
of Varanasi. This gallery provides a perfect platforms
even pre-mauryan.
for artists to showcase their contemporary Indian
& western art. 6. Sarnath Pillar Edict.

• Sarnath Museum– With its stunning

assortment of sculptures, edifices, antefacts and
7. Kausambi pillar Edict–artefact symbolises
golden period of the mauryan empire.
images Sarnath museum is reckoned to be one of 8. Merrut-Delhi Pillar Edict.
the best places to visit in Sarnath for people of all
ages. It has rare collection of findings that were Model Questions
recovered from the Excavation at various
1. What is Architecture? Explain in detail the Ancient
archeological sites of Sarnath.
Architecture of UP?
• Archive & Archeology of UP– ”An
archaeological archive consist of the records and
2. Indo-Islamic Architecture forms a peak-in
architectural history of U.P. Explain?
finds made during an archaeological projects
including written or drawn documentation, digital 3. What is museum? Describe any 3 Museum of UP?
files and materials such as pottery, stone, 4. What is archive & archaeology? Discuss major
metalwork, animal bone and wood. archives of UP?

ARCHITECTURE, MUSEUM, ARCHIVE AND ARCHAEOLOGY OF UP | (19)