Uttar Pradesh (The Land and the People)

About the Book

Located in the Indo-Gangetic plain, Uttar Pradesh even after the formation of Uttarakhand State comprising its hilly areas in the Himalayan region, continues to be the largest state in terms of population. The present book provides expansive and pragmatic insights regarding distinctive characteristics of land, people, customs, resources, historical background, culture, crafts, literature, economy etc. of Uttar Pradesh.

About the Author

Sri S.N. Jha, IAS (1972), formerly Chairman, Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation, Lucknow, has acquired a long experience of more than three decades occupying many important positions in the State administration with distinguished records. He is presently Director General & Additional Secretary (Commerce) with Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.

Preface

This book owes much to my experience while working in the Planning Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh and my association with a number of departments as also with divisional and district administration in different parts of this State, which provided me expansive and pragmatic insights regarding distinctive characteristics of land, people, customs, resources, economy, etc. of Uttar Pradesh together with its fascinating past with illustrious events of power and politics; bravery and brilliance: sacrifices and successes, etc, on the one hand and treasure of culture and crafts; literature and learning; religion and rituals on the other, In fact, spectrum of such a wide range of valuable ingredients formed the subject matter of this book.

In the treatment of the text, a conscious attempt has been made to cover facts and features of every component pertaining to the state of Uttar Pradesh in this slender document to the possible extent so as to ensure their conceptual and emperical validation. No claim is, however, made that the book is. either "comprehensive" or free from weaknesses.

However, the present study which encompasses so vast, varied and significant matters that each of these itself deserves treatment of a separate volume. It is hoped that book will generate enough interest among students including scholars and prove useful to those interested in the study of Uttar Pradesh.

I am indebted to Sri Banwari Lal, former Joint Director and Advisor to the State Planning Institute, U.P, Lucknow, for his valuable help and advice without which this work would not have been timely accomplished. My discussions with Dr. D. M. Diwakar, Prof. Giri, Institute of Development Studies, Lucknow have always been rewarding. I am also grateful to all those who helped me in this regard.

Lastly, I wish to place my gratitude on record to the National Book Trust, India, New Delhi for offering me an opportunity to write this book.

Located in the Indo-Gangetic plain, Uttar Pradesh even after the formation of Uttarakhand State comprising its hilly areas in the Himalayan region, continues to be the largest state in terms of population. The present book provides expansive and pragmatic insights regarding distinctive characteristics of land, people, customs, resources, historical background, culture, crafts, literature, economy etc. of Uttar Pradesh.Sri S.N. Jha, IAS (1972), formerly Chairman, Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation, Lucknow, has acquired a long experience of more than three decades occupying many important positions in the State administration with distinguished records. He is presently Director General & Additional Secretary (Commerce) with Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.

Contents