Situated in Northern part of India, Uttar Pradesh is one of the most populous states in the country. Blessed with a variety of geographical land and many cultural diversities, Uttar Pradesh, has been the area of activity of historical heroes like - Rama, Krishna, Buddha, Mahavira, Ashoka, Harsha, Akbar and Mahatma Gandhi. Under British Rule, the state was named as United Province but after independence, the state was renamed as Uttar Pradesh. The state constitutes of 75 districts with Lucknow as the capital city. The state is drained by two major rivers Ganga and Yamuna.
Due to presence of these rivers, Uttar Pradesh is blessed with fertile and mineral-rich soil. Rich and tranquil expanses of meadows, perennial rivers, dense forest land and fertile soil, of Uttar Pradesh have contributed numerous golden chapters to the annals of Indian History. Dotted with various holy shrines and pilgrim places, full of joyous festivals, it plays an important role in the politics, education, culture, industry, agriculture and tourism of India.
The state of Uttar Pradesh has great importance in Hindu mythology. The Hindu religious figures like Lord Rama and Lord Krishna both had a connection with the UP. Lord Rama was born in Ayodhya and Lord Krishna was born in Mathura in Uttar Pradesh. During the medieval period, the region of Uttar Pradesh was ruled by various kings like Guptas, Mauryans, Kushans etc. During the 16th century, the region was ruled by Mughal emperors until British East Indian Company defeated the Mughal Empire to establish its rule. In 1947 after independence, the state was renamed and declared to be part of the Indian Republic.