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Culture and tradition is apparent in all parts of India. However, Uttarnchal also is known for its own culture no other state in India can swank about their culture as vibrant as Uttar Pradesh culture. This state has an opulent history and has contributed to a great extent towards the consolidation of its stunning culture.
Several emperors of India have ruled this state in the name of different dynasties. Almost each one of them, whether he is a Moghul or a Nawab has contributed tremendously in consolidating the culture of Uttar Pradesh. The culture of Uttar Pradesh is rich as it has a heritage of songs as well as dances and these are observed as an integral part of their culture. This state has a unique song culture including various classical, folk, semi-classical and semi-folk genres. The Ghazal and Quawwali are quite famous and are sung and danced for every important event or occasion.
Capital of Uttar Pradesh: This is the land that Lord Rama is said to have gifted his brother, Laxman. The exotic land of the Nawabs -- Lucknow. The land of exquisite sunrises and sunsets. Legendary gardens, palaces, mosques and bazaars. Towering minarets and golden cupolas. Fresh water-melon and Jasmine flowers, Fish, 'biryani' and 'ittar' perfumes. charcoal stoves and ghazals, Silver smiths and sequin embroiderers. Industrialists and romantics. Sweet 'phirni', poetry and betal leaf. Spicy gossip and 'kababs'.
History of Uttar Pradesh: In the Vedic period, Uttar Pradesh formed part of the ancient country, Madhyadesha. From the 16th -18th c., it was the Mughals who remained rulers. The British gradually extended their power west from Bengal in the 19th century, and UP became the main scene of the Mutiny of 1857 against the British. The area was in the forefront of the Indian independence movement; six of the first nine prime ministers of independent India (including Jawaharlal Nehru and his daughter, Indira Gandhi) were from Uttar Pradesh.
The People: Two ethnographic groups inhabit the state--Mongoloid peoples in the far north near the Tibetan border and Aryan-Dravidian people in the plains and the hill and plateau region of the central and southern part of the state. Hindus constitute more than 80 percent and Muslims, more than 15 percent of the population. Hindi is the mother tongue of most, with about 15 percent speaking Urdu. The western plain is the most urbanized region. Agriculture is by far the most important sector of the state's economy, employing about three-fourths of the work force.
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Culture of Uttar Pradesh: The Kathak dance style, nurtured in Uttar Pradesh, is the most popular form of classical dance in India. Old centres of learning - Varanasi, Allahabad, Lucknow - were local points for classical music and dance. This is the home of many a great artiste: Hin- dustani classical vocalist Siddheshwari Devi, Kathak dancers like Birju Maharaj and mainstream actors like Amitabh Bachchan. Today, foreign nationals have also learnt this elegant dance form to perfection: the beautiful Veronique Azan being one example. The songs and dances of the countryside are significant features of local culture. They include the kajari of Mirzapur and Varanasi; the Alha Udal, a folk epic; and various village dances.
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Handicrafts from Uttar Pradesh: Bhadohi, Khamaria and Mirzapur are famous for carpet weaving; Farrukhabad for handprinting; Lucknow, for chikan (a type of embroidery); Moradabad, for metal enameling; Varanasi, for brocade and brass ware and Nagina, for its ebony work.
UP is the largest Brass and Copperware making region in India with thousands of establishments. In domestic-ware each of the scores of lotas (small water-pots) is known by the name of its origin, like Etawah, Banaras, Sitapur, etc.
Climate in Uttar Pradesh: The entire state, except for the northern region, has a tropical monsoon climate. In the plains, January temperatures range from 12.5º-17.5º C and May records 27.5º-32.5º C, with a maximum of 45º C. Rainfall varies from 1,000-2,000 mm in the east to 600-1,000 mm in the west.
Population in Uttar Pradesh: 167 million
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