Uttar Pradesh (UP) is India’s most populous state and a key player in national politics, sending 80 Members of Parliament to the Lok Sabha—the highest among all states. It has produced the most Indian prime ministers, including Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Charan Singh, and Narendra Modi.
The state was formed in 1950 when the United Provinces were renamed Uttar Pradesh. In 2000, Uttarakhand was carved out to better represent the Himalayan regions. UP’s capital is Lucknow, while the Allahabad High Court, based in Prayagraj, is its highest judicial authority.
Uttar Pradesh is known for its historical and cultural significance, home to landmarks like the Taj Mahal, Varanasi, and the mythically important Ayodhya. It hosts the Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering, held every 12 years in Prayagraj. However, the 2024 Maha Kumbh was marred by a tragic stampede, highlighting concerns over crowd management at major religious events.
The state has also witnessed significant social and political unrest, including the Hathras rape case, which sparked nationwide outrage over issues of gender and caste-based violence and institutions responsible for the delivery of justice. UP remains a focal point in India’s socio-political landscape, balancing rapid development with persistent challenges in law and order, infrastructure, and governance.
Typical Hindi heartland culture. No wonder UP is an integral part of the infamous “cow belt”.