Uttar Pradesh, one of India’s most historically rich states, has a history that dates back to the arrival of Aryans from Central Asia around 2000 BC. The region, known as Madhyadesh in ancient times, was a fertile land stretching between Delhi and Patna. The history of Uttar Pradesh is divided into three major periods: Pre-historic Age, Proto-historic Age, and Historic Age.
Pre-Historic Age (Stone Age)
1. Palaeolithic Age (Old Stone Age):
- Tools: People used simple stone tools during this time. Evidence of these tools has been found in areas like the Belan Valley (Prayagraj), Sonbhadra, and Chandauli.
- Lifestyle: People lived a nomadic life, hunting animals and gathering food. They didn’t know about agriculture, constructing huts, or using fire.
- Notable Discoveries:
- A bone statue of a maternal goddess was found in the Lohanda Nola region of the Belan Valley.
- The material used for tools was quartzite.
2. Mesolithic Age (Middle Stone Age):
- Tools: The tools were smaller and sharper than those used in the Palaeolithic Age.
- Evidence:
- In Prayagraj, remains of huts and pottery were discovered.
- 15 human skeletons were found in Sarai Nahar Rai, Pratapgarh, buried with their heads facing west.
- Lifestyle: People continued to hunt and gather food, but evidence of settlements in places like Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, and Pratapgarh suggests a more settled lifestyle.
3. Neolithic Age (New Stone Age):
- Tools: Stone tools became even smaller, more beautiful, and sharper.
- Evidence:
- Early farming practices, like paddy cultivation, were found in places like Koldihwa (dating back to 7000-6000 BC).
- The earliest Neolithic site in India, Lahuradewa, provides evidence of slash-and-burn cultivation.
- Lifestyle: People began domesticating animals like cattle, sheep, and goats. They used animal skins for clothing and started painting pottery.
Proto-Historic Age (Bronze Age)
1. Chalcolithic Age:
- Tools: For the first time, people started using tools made of copper.
- Evidence:
- Copper tools were discovered in regions like Meerut and Saharanpur.
- Grey painted pottery and copper artefacts were found in the Upper Ganga Valley and the Ganga-Yamuna Doab.
2. Indus Valley Civilization:
- Settlement in Uttar Pradesh: The Indus Valley Civilization (2500 BC) extended to parts of Uttar Pradesh, with urban settlements found in places like Alamgirpur (Meerut) and Hulas (Saharanpur).
- Discovery: Alamgirpur was discovered by Bharat Sevak Samaj in 1958. It was an important site for cotton cultivation.
Historic Age (Iron Age)
1. Iron Age:
- Tools: This period saw the use of iron tools for the first time.
- Evidence:
- Painted greyware and black polished utensils were found in places like Ahichhatra, Hastinapur, and Mathura.
- Iron furnaces were discovered in Hastinapur and Atranjikheda.
2. Vedic Civilization:
- Rig Vedic Period (1500-1000 BC):
- Location: The Aryan civilization was centered in the Punjab and Sindh regions.
- Society: The society was divided into various tribes like Anu, Druhya, Yadu, Puru, and Turvashas.
- Post Vedic Period (1000-600 BC):
- Expansion: Vedic culture spread across northern India, including Uttar Pradesh.
- Madhyadesh: This region included large states like Kuru and Panchal. The Kuru kingdom extended from Meerut to Delhi, with Hastinapur as its capital. Panchal was centered in Bareilly, Budaun, and Farrukhabad, with Kampilya as its capital.
Epic Era
During the Epic Era, two great Indian epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, were composed. These texts form the foundation of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
- Ramayana: The story of Lord Rama, who belonged to the Ikshvaku dynasty, was composed by Maharshi Valmiki.
- Mahabharata: The story of the Kuru dynasty, which ruled Hastinapur, was written by Maharshi Ved Vyas.
Mahajanapadas and Uttar Pradesh
The Buddhist and Jain texts list 16 Mahajanapadas (great kingdoms), of which eight were located in present-day Uttar Pradesh:
| Mahajanapada | Capital | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Kuru | Indraprastha (Delhi) | Meerut, Delhi, Thaneshwar |
| Panchal | Ahichhatra (Bareilly) & Kampilya | Bareilly, Budaun, Farrukhabad |
| Shursena | Mathura | Mathura |
| Kosala | Saket & Shravasti | Awadh |
| Vatsa | Kaushambi (Prayagraj) | Prayagraj |
| Malla | Kushinagar & Pava | Kushinagar |
| Kashi | Varanasi | Varanasi |
| Chedi | Suktimati (Banda) | Bundelkhand |
Emergence of New Religions
1. Jainism:
- Parshwanath: The 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism, Parshwanath, was born in Varanasi.
- Mahaveer Swami: The 24th Tirthankara was born in Vaishali (Bihar).
- Mathura: During the Kushana period, Mathura became a significant center for Jainism.
2. Buddhism:
- Gautam Buddha: Born in 563 BC at Lumbini, Buddha was the founder of Buddhism.
- Important Events in Uttar Pradesh:
- First Sermon: Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath near Varanasi.
- Mahaparinirvana: Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (final enlightenment) at Kushinagar.
Magadha Empire
- Founding: The Magadha Empire was founded by Bimbisara in southern Bihar and played a key role in the development of Jainism and Buddhism.
- Expansion: Magadha expanded to include large parts of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh under rulers like Ajatshatru, who ruled after Bimbisara.
Maurya Period
- Chandragupta Maurya: He founded the Maurya dynasty in 322 BC and expanded the empire across a vast region of India.
- Ashoka: Chandragupta’s grandson, Ashoka, is one of the most celebrated rulers in Indian history. He adopted Buddhism and spread its teachings across Asia.
| Ashoka’s Pillars and Edicts in Uttar Pradesh |
|————————————————-|
| Place | Pillar/Rock Edict/Inscription |
|---|---|
| Meerut | Inscription |
| Sarnath | Pillar inscription, Schism Edict |
| Allahabad | Pillar Edicts I-VI, Queen’s Edict, Schism Edict |
| Kalsi | Major Rock Edicts |
| Kaushambi | Minor Rock Edicts |
| Ahraura | Minor Rock Edicts |
| Sankisa | Elephant capital only |
| Topra | Inscription |
READ MORE – Medieval History of Uttar Pradesh
Famous Ruling Dynasties of Ancient Period in Uttar Pradesh
The ancient history of Uttar Pradesh is marked by the rule of several significant dynasties, each contributing to the region’s cultural and political landscape. Below is a simplified overview of the prominent ruling dynasties in Uttar Pradesh:
Shunga Dynasty (185 BC – 78 BC)
- Founder: Pushyamitra Shunga established the Shunga dynasty in 185 BC, with Vidisha (Madhya Pradesh) as the capital.
- Cultural Contributions: The famous Buddhist Stupa at Bharhut (Madhya Pradesh) was built during this period.
- Significance: The Shungas were a Brahmin dynasty, as evident from rock inscriptions found in Ayodhya. Pushyamitra Shunga performed the ‘Ashvamedh Yajna’ at Jagatgram near Dehradun (Uttarakhand), with Patanjali, the author of Mahabhasya and a key figure in Yoga philosophy, serving as the priest.
- Military Achievements: The Shungas faced invasions from the Yavanas (Indo-Greeks) led by Menander, who captured regions like Mathura. They were eventually defeated by Vasumitra, Pushyamitra’s grandson.
- Monuments: The period saw the construction of famous monuments like Bharhut Stupa, Sanchi Stupa, Amravati Stupa, and Nasik Chaitya.
- Successor: Pushyamitra was succeeded by his son Agnimitra, the hero of Kalidasa’s drama Malavikagnimitra.
Kanva Dynasty (75 BC – 30 BC)
- Founder: The Kanva dynasty, a Brahmin dynasty, was founded by Vasudeva after replacing the Shunga dynasty.
- Duration: The dynasty ruled for 45 years before being overthrown by Simuk, who founded the Satavahana dynasty.
Kushana Dynasty (90 AD – 100 AD)
- Founder: Kujula Kadphises, also known as Kadphises I, established the Kushana dynasty.
- Key Rulers:
- Vima Kadphises (Kadphises II) issued gold coins, some of which have been found in Mathura, depicting images of Shiva, Trishul, and Nandi.
- Kanishka, the greatest ruler of the dynasty, started the Shaka era in 78 AD and held the 4th Buddhist Council in Kundalavana, Kashmir.
- Cultural Contributions: The Kushana period saw the development of Gandhara and Mathura art forms. Mathura was a major center of trade and culture during this time. Scholars like Parshva, Vasumitra, Asvaghosa, Nagarjuna, and Charaka were patronized by Kanishka.
- Capitals: The capitals during the Kushana period were Peshawar (Purushapura) and Mathura.
Shaka Dynasty (Around 78 AD)
- Origins: The Shakas, also known as Scythians, replaced the Indo-Greeks in India.
- Key Ruler: Rudradaman (130-150 AD) was the most famous ruler of the Shaka dynasty in India.
- Establishment: The first king, Maueus (Moga), established the Kshatrapa dynasty in Mathura around 60 BC.
- Territorial Influence: The Mathura Kshatrapas extended their territory from Mathura to Punjab. In 58 BC, King Vikramaditya of Ujjain effectively fought against the Shakas.
Indo-Greek Invasion (165-145 BC)
- Significance: The Indo-Greeks were the first foreign invaders of India. Menander (165-145 BC) was the most prominent Indo-Greek ruler, expanding his kingdom from the Jhelum River to Mathura in Uttar Pradesh.
Gupta Dynasty (319 AD – 543 AD)
- Founder: The Gupta dynasty was founded by Srigupta, who used the title ‘Maharaja’. He was succeeded by his son Ghatotkacha, who also held the same title.
- Key Rulers:
- Chandragupta I: The first to use the title ‘Maharajadhiraja’, he married into the powerful Lichchhavi dynasty and established control over Allahabad, Awadh, and South Bihar. He started the Gupta era in 319-320 AD.
- Samudragupta: Known as the ‘Napoleon of India’ for his military conquests, Samudragupta’s reign is documented in the Prayag Prashasti (Allahabad Pillar inscription) composed by his court poet Harisena.
- Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya): This period is referred to as the ‘Golden Age’ of ancient India. The Chinese pilgrim Fa-hien visited India during his reign. The Gupta period saw the development of temple art, with significant examples found in Kanpur, Jhansi, Bhitargaon, Ghazipur, and Bhitari.
- Inscriptions: Several inscriptions from the Gupta period have been found in Uttar Pradesh, documenting the reigns of Kumaragupta I, Skandagupta, and others.
Vardhana (Pushyabhuti) Dynasty (550 AD – 647 AD)
- Founder: The capital of this dynasty was Thaneswar, and its most important ruler was Prabhakaravardhana.
- Key Rulers:
- Harshavardhana: The most significant ruler, Harshavardhana, expanded his kingdom across northern India. The Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang visited India during his reign. Harsha organized two major religious conferences in Prayag and Kannauj in 643 AD.
Gurjara-Pratihara Dynasty (Mid 8th – 11th Century AD)
- Key Events:
- The triangular struggle between the Rashtrakutas, Palas, and Pratiharas for control of Kannauj marked this period.
- Nagabhatta II: Defeated Chakrayudha, the ruler of Kannauj, and made it his kingdom’s capital. Major rulers of this dynasty included Mihirbhoja, Mahipala, and Mahendrapala.
- Decline: The Pratiharas were eventually defeated by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1018-19 AD.
Chandela and Gahadavala Dynasties (9th – 13th Century AD)
- Chandela Dynasty:
- Territory: Ruled Mahoba and its surrounding regions for nearly 400 years. Evidence of their rule is still visible in the Khajuraho temples.
- Gahadavala Dynasty:
- Founder: Chandradeva founded this dynasty in Kannauj.
- Key Rulers: Govindachandra and Jayachandra were the most famous rulers. Jayachandra was defeated and killed by Muhammad Ghori in the Battle of Chandawar (Firozabad) in 1194, marking the end of the Gahadavala dynasty.
Timeline of Ancient Dynasties in Uttar Pradesh
| Period | Dynasties and Empires |
|---|---|
| 684 BC – 320 BC | Magadha Empire |
| 322 BC – 187 BC | Mauryan Empire |
| 185 BC – 78 BC | Shunga Dynasty |
| 75 BC – 30 BC | Kanva Dynasty |
| 90 AD – 100 AD | Kushana Dynasty |
| Around 78 AD | Shaka Dynasty |
| 319 AD – 543 AD | Gupta Dynasty |
| 550 AD – 647 AD | Vardhana (Pushyabhuti) Dynasty |
| Mid 8th – 11th Century AD | Gurjara-Pratihara Dynasty |
| 9th – 13th Century AD | Chandela and Gahadavala Dynasty |
READ MORE – MODERN HISTORY OF UTTAR PRADESH
FAQs
- From which age were copper tools found in Meerut and Saharanpur?
Chalcolithic age - Which centres of Uttar Pradesh are not related to the Indus Valley Civilization?
Kalibanga and Lothal - Which site was discovered by Bharat Sevak Samaj on the bank of river Hindon?
Alamgirpur - Kosala (Ayodhya) mentioned in ‘Lord Rama story’ was related to which dynasty?
Ikshvaku dynasty - Which Buddhist literature mentions the Mahajanapadas?
Anguttara Nikaya - Which Jain literature mentions the Mahajanapadas?
Bhagavati Sutra - How many Mahajanapadas are related to Uttar Pradesh?
Eight - During the period of Mahajanapadas, Mathura was the capital of which Mahajanapada?
Shurasena - What was the capital of the Shurasena Mahajanapada?
Mathura - What was the capital city of Kosala during the Mahajanapadas period?
Shravasti and Saket - Kushinara (Kushinagar) was the capital of which ancient group?
Mallas - Where was the 23rd Tirthankara Parshwanatha born?
Varanasi - Which sacred Buddhist place is situated on the river Niranjana?
Bodh Gaya - Where in Uttar Pradesh did Buddha give his first sermon?
Sarnath - Where did the Mahaparinirvana of Mahatma Buddha take place?
Kushinagar - Which place did Ashoka not visit for pilgrimage?
Ayodhya – Haridwar - Who took Ashoka’s pillar inscription of Topra and Meerut to Delhi?
Firoz Shah Tughlaq - Which pillar of Ashoka was not found in Uttar Pradesh?
Siddharth Nagar - Where did Pushyamitra Sunga make his capital?
Vidisha - Who is the expounder of Yoga philosophy?
Patanjali - What was Kannauj known as during Harshavardhana’s time?
Mahodya Shri - Before Kannauj, what was the capital of Harshavardhana?
Thaneshwar - Where were the two famous assemblies during Harshavardhana’s reign held?
Kannauj and Prayaga - Where did Harshavardhana organize Buddha Congress?
Prayaga - Who was the last ruler of the Gahadavala dynasty?
Jayachandra - Which was the capital of Vatsa Mahajanapada?
Kaushambi - Which was the capital of Shurasena Mahajanapada?
Mathura - Which was the capital of Chedi Mahajanapada?
Shaktimati - Which was the capital of Malla Mahajanapada?
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