[Indian Year Book 2022-23]* Indian Year Book Notes | Chapter 30. States and Union Territories

 

Indian Year Book

(2022-23)

Chapter – 30. States and Union Territories

 

Andhra Pradesh

Ø  THE earliest mention of the Andhras is said to be in Aitereya Brahmana (2000 BC). It indicates that the Andhras, originally an Aryan race living in north India, migrated to south of the Vindhyas and later mixed with non-Aryans. Regular history of Andhra Desa, according to historians, begins with 236 BC, the year of Ashoka’s death. During the following centuries, Satavahanas, Sakas, lkshvakus, Eastern Chalukyas, and Kakatiyas ruled the Telugu country. Other dynasties that ruled over the area in succession were the kingdoms of Vijayanagar and Qutub Shahi followed by Mir Qumruddin and his successors, known as the Nizams. Gradually, from the 17th century onwards, the British annexed the territories of the Nizam and constituted the single province of Madras. After Independence, Teluguspeaking areas were separated from the composite Madras Presidency and a new Andhra State came into being on October 1, 1953. With the passing of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, there was a merger of Hyderabad State and Andhra State, and consequently Andhra Pradesh came into being on November 1, 1956.

Ø  It is the eighth largest state in the country, having the second longest coastline of 974 km among all the states, second only to Gujarat. A small enclave of 30 sq. km of a district of Puducherry, lies in the Godavari delta to the north east of the state.

 

§  Forests & Rivers

·         The major rivers of the state are Godavari, Krishna, Pennar, Nagavali and Vamsadhara.

 

§  Art and Culture

·         Sidhendrayogi of Muvva, Krishna district, around 15th century created Kuchipudi form of Bharatanatyam. This style is a watermark in Indian classical choreography. Music has been extensively patronized by Andhra Gajapati of Vizianagaram College of Music, established in Vizianagaram. Massive structures and great monuments of architecture were erected during Vijayanagar period at Hampi (in ruins now), Tadipatri (13-16’h century). Lepakshi near Hindupur (Ananthapuramu district) is another example (16th century) of classical Andhra art forms. The Amaravati and Nagarjuna Konda, etc., of early Christian era are fi ne examples of schools of Indian art.

·         The state is divided into fi ve tourism hubs for concentrated growth in tourism sector. Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation continues to strive for promotion of new tourism products such as eco-tourism, beach-tourism and cruise-tourism. Charminar, Salarjung Museum, Golconda Fort in Hyderabad, Thousand Pillar Temple and Fort in Warangal, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple at Yadagirigutta, Buddha Stupa at Nagarjunakonda, Nagarjuna Sagar, Sri Venkateswara Temple at Tirumala-Tirupathi, Sri Mallikarjunaswamy Temple at Srisailam, Kanaka Durga Temple at Vijayawada, Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Temple at Annavaram, Sri Varaha Narasimha Swamy Temple at Simhachalam, Sri Sita Rama Temple at Bhadrachalam, Araku Valley, Horsley Hills, Nelapattu, etc., are among the major tourist attractions of the state.

 

Arunachal Pradesh

The widely scattered archaeological remains at different places in Arunachal Pradesh bear testimony to its rich cultural heritage. Places like Itafort, Malinithan, Bhishmaknagar, Rukmininagar, Bhalukpung, Nakshaparvat, Parsi-Parlo bear testimony to its rich cultural heritage and linkages with the rest of the country. During the medieval period, a number of Buddhist monuments of Mahayana tradition were constructed at Tawang, Dirang, Kalaktang and Mechuka. The Tawang Monastery of 1681 A.D. is the largest and most celebrated Buddhist monastery of the state.

 

§  Wildlife

              Arunachal Pradesh has twelve wildlife sanctuaries, one orchid sanctuary and two national parks - Mouling National Park and Namdapha National Park. The wildlife of the state is both rich and varied with tigers, leopards, elephants, deers, bears and apes. The Mithun (bos frontalis), found both in wild and semi-domesticated environment, has great socio-economic and religious signifi cance for the tribal communities of the state. The state is also the happy home of the great Indian Hornbill.

 

§  Festivals

             The festivals, marked by elaborate rituals and dances, form an essential element of the socio- cultural life of the people. Some of the important festivals are Mopin of the Galos, Solung of the Adis, Losar of the Monpas, Dree of the Apatanis, Si-Donyi of the Tagins, Nyokum of Nyishis and Reh of the Idu Mishmis.

 

§  Tourist Centres

            Places of tourist interest are Tawang, Dirang, Bomdila, Tipi, Itanagar, Mal inithan, Likabali, Pasighat, Along, Tezu, Miao, Roing, Daporijo Namdapha, Bhismaknagar, Parshuram Kund and Khonsa.

 

§  Art and Culture

              Verrier Elwin, the renowned anthropologist has placed the people in Arunachal Pradesh under three broad cultural groups on the basis of their socio-religious affi nities. The fi rst group includes the tribes who follow Buddhism or have been infl uenced by Buddhism. They are characterised by their expertise of carpet making, weaving, dancing, painting, mask-making and elaborate dresses. The second group consists of the Nyishis, the Apatanis, the Adis, the Mishmis, the Tagins, the Mijis, the Akas, the Sulungs (Puroik) and the Khowas. The religion of this group can be termed as animistic-naturalistic. They worship natural objects and ancestors. The third group comprises the Noctes, the Tangsas, and the Wanchoos of Tirap and Changlang districts. These tribes are known for their masculine dances, and art of woodcarving. They have been known for their association with the practice of headhunting and their contacts with Burmese tribes.

 

 Assam

Assam was known as Pragjyotisha or the place of eastern astronomy during the epic period and later named as Kamrupa. The earlier epigraphic reference to the kingdom of Kamrupa is found in the Allahabad pillar inscription of King Samudragupta. Kamrupa is mentioned as a pratyanta or frontier state outside the Gupta Empire, but with friendly and subordinate relation to it. Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese scholar pilgrim who visited Kamrupa in about 743 AD on an invitation of its monarch, Kumar Bhaskar Varman, left a record of the kingdom he called Kamolupa. Kamrupa also fi gured in the writings of the Arabian historian Alberuni in the eleventh century. Thus, from the epic period down to the twelfth century AD, the eastern frontier kingdom was known as Pragjyotisha and Kamrupa and kings called themselves ‘Lords of Pragjyotisha’.

 

§  Physiography

·         A signifi cant geographical aspect of Assam is that it contains three of six physiographic divisions of India—the Northern Himalayas (eastern Hills), the Northern Plains (Brahmaputra Plain), and the Deccan Plateau (Karbi Anglong). As the Brahmaputra fl ows in Assam, the climate here is cold and there is widespread rainfall. The hills of Karbi Anglong, North Cachar and those in and close to Guwahati (also Khasi-Garo Hills) now eroded and dissected are originally parts of the South Indian Plateau system. In the south, the Barak originating in the Barail Range (Assam-Nagaland border) fl ows through the Cachar district with a (40-50 km) wide valley and enters Bangladesh with the name Surma. The almond shaped valley is built mostly by aggregation work of the Brahmaputra and its tributaries. Most of the prominent towns and cities of Assam are situated in this valley, which is of 725 km in length and 80-100 km in breadth. Running through a narrow passage at the Meghalaya plateau and Bhutan-Arunachal¬Himalayas, the valley fi nally opens out into the North Bengal Plains.

·         The second natural division of Assam is the Barak or Surma valley which is surrounded by North Cachar, Manipur and Mizoram. This valley is dominated by the Barak river. It fl ows through the valley and fi nally empties itself to the old bed of Brahmaputra in Bangladesh. This valley has hills and ‘BeeIs’ or lakes in plenty. Flood is a common feature lending the quality of fertility to the val ley.

·         The two valleys are separated by long range of hills. The Karbi Hills and the North Cachar (N.C). Hills are located in the south of the Brahmaputra valley. Karbi Hills are a part of the Meghalaya plateau. These hills are dotted with plain areas. The average height of this plateau is 600 metres with occasional peaks like Chenghehision (1,359 m) and Dunbukso (1,361 m). Greenery is the hallmark of these hills, slowly reaching their full height towards the middle of the Dima Hasao district, merging with the Barail range, which is the highest hill range in Assam. The elevation of the Barail range varies from 1,000 to 1,200 metres above sea level. The south side of the Barail range is very steep. It attains a maximum height of 1,953 metres in Mahadeo peak to the east of Hafl ong. This valley is full of dense forest and rare wildlife.

 

§  Festivals

Assam, shares all the religious festivals observed elsewhere in the country. The state also has an exclusive range of festivals which have enriched the cultural mosaic of the land. Bihu is by far the most important festival of Assam. While Rongali Bihu or Bohag Bihu, coinciding with the Assamese New Year, is the principal Bihu, the harvest festival, known as the Bhogali Bihu or Magh Bihu is equally important. There is a third Bihu called the Kangali Bihu or Kati Bihu, which is solemnly observed for love and yearning, sometimes having distinct erotic overtones, with characteristically catchy and earthy tunes. The Bodos, the largest tribal group of the state, perform Kherai puja, which assumes the shape of a fair in most places. The Kherai puja is accompanied by shamanistic dance performed by female artists. Bathow is another important puja of the Bodos.

 

§  Tourist Centres

Important places of tourism are Kamakhya Temple, Umananda (Peacock Island) Temple, Navagraha (temple of nine planets), Basistha Ashram, Doul Govinda Temple, State Zoo, State Museum, Madan Kamdev Temple—a magnifi cent archeological place of interest, Saraighat Bridge, Srimata Sankaradeva Kalakshetra Science Museum, Kaziranga National Park, etc.

 

Bihar

§  History and Geography

·         The name ‘Bihar’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Vihara’ which means “abode”. The word Vihar is itself derived from the word Brahmavihara meaning “Brahma abidings” of “Sublime attitudes”. The state fi nds mention in the Vedas, Puranas, ancient epics, etc., and was the main scene of activities of the Buddha and 24 Jain Tirthankars. Taking off from its origin, Bihar or ancient Magadha has been the cradle of Indian civilisation and the centre of Indian culture and education since time immermorial. From Magadha arose India’s fi rst greatest empire, the Maurya Empire, as well as one of the world’s greatest pacifi st religions, Buddhism. It has also been the home to Jainism. It was in Bihar that the ancient universities of India Nalanda and Vikramshila were built to convey the educational riches of the state.

·         Bihar has a number of rivers, the most important of which is the Ganga. The other rivers are the Sone, Punpun, Falgu, Karmanasa, Durgawati, Kosi, Gandak, Ghaghara, etc.

§  Tourist Centres

·         A state with so much of history and knowledge has its share of places of tourist interest. Bihar attracts hordes of tourists not just of the country but abroad as well. Prominent places of interest include: Patna, Bodh Gaya, Gaya, Rajgir, Sitamarhi — the birth place of Sita, Barabar Caves, Kesaria Stupa, 100 feet tall Dev Sun Temple of Aurangabad, Jain temples, Buddlist Stupas to name the prominent ones.

 

Chhattisgarh

Ø  Chhattisgarh, carved out of Madhya Pradesh, came into being in November 2000 as the 26th state of the Union. It fulfi ls the long-cherished demand of the people. In ancient times the region was known as Dakshin-Kausal. This fi nds mention in Ramayana and the Mahabharata also. Between the 6th and 12th centuries Sarabhpurias, Panduavanshi, Somvanshi, Kalchuri and Nagvanshi rulers dominated this region. Kalchuris ruled in Chhattisgarh from 980 to 1791 AD. With the advent of the British in 1845, Raipur gained prominence instead of capital Ratanpur. In 1904, Sambalpur was transferred to Odisha and estates of Sarguja were transferred from Bengal to Chhattisgarh.

Goa

Ø  Goa, known in the bygone days as Gomanchala, Gopakapattam, Gopakapuri, Govapuri, Gomantak, etc., abounds in a rich historical heritage. Early history of Goa is obscure. In the fi rst century of the Christian era, it was a part of the Satavahana empire, followed by the Kadamba, the Rashtrakutas of Malkhed, the Chalukyas and the Silharas. The empire of the Yadavas by the end of the 14th century was displaced by the Khiljis of Delhi and thus Muslim rule came to Goa. After the discovery of the sea route to India by Vasco-da-Gama in 1498, many Portuguese expeditions came to India. In 1510, Alfonso de Albuquerque with the help of the emperor of Vijayanagar attacked and captured Goa. With the arrival of the Jesuit priest Francis Xavier in 1542, proselytisation began in Goa. However, the Portuguese continued to rule over the territory except for an interlude during the latter half of the 17th century when Shivaji conquered a few areas in and around Goa.

Ø  Even after India’s independence, Goa continued to be in the hands of the Portuguese. However, they could not fulfi l the aspirations of the Goan people and ultimately on December 19, 1961, Goa was liberated and made a composite union territory with Daman and Diu. In May1987, Goa was conferred statehood and Daman and Diu was made a separate union territory. It is situated on the western coast of the Indian peninsula. On its north runs the Terekhol river which separates Goa from Maharashtra and on the south lies north Canara district of Karnataka. On the east lie the Western Ghats and in the west the Arabian Sea. panaji, Margao, Vasco, Mapusa and Ponda are the main towns of Goa.

 

Gujarat

 The history of Gujarat goes back to 2000 BC. It is believed that Lord Krishna left Mathura to settle in the west coast of Saurashtra, which later came to be known as Dwarka. Later, it witnessed various kingdoms as Mauryas, Guptas and others. It was during the rule of Chalukyas (Solankis) that Gujarat witnessed progress and prosperity. In spite of the plundering of Mahmud Ghazni, the Chalukya kings were able to maintain general prosperity and well-being. After this glorious respite, Gujarat faced troubled times under the Muslims, Marathas and the British rule. Before independence, the present territories of Gujarat used to be in two parts—the British and the Princely territories. With the reorganisation of the states, the Union of the States of Saurashtra and the Union Territory of Kachchh along with the former British Gujarat became a part of the biggest bilingual State of Bombay. Gujarat was offi cially formed as a state in May 1960. It is situated on the west coast of India. The state is bounded by the Arabian Sea on the west, Pakistan and Rajasthan in the north and north-east respectively, Madhya Pradesh in the south-east and Maharashtra in the south.

 

§  Industries

·         Gujarat has the world’s largest petroleum refi ning hub at Jamnagar. The state is a global leader in processed diamonds and world’s third largest producer of denim. Gujarat is also emerging as an automobile hub. The state has been ranked the highest in the second edition of Logistics Ease Across Different States (IEADS) Index report, 2019. Gujarat leads in plastic exports with a lion’s share of 45 per cent in the national exports.

 

§  Tourist Centres

·         Gujarat is home to incredible diversity due to its geographic and strategic location. Major cities are Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Surat, Baroda, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Bhuj, Junagadh, Dholavira, Idar, Patan, Lakhota Palace, Rani-ki¬vav, Vijaynagar circuit, Gandhi Smirti are main attraction as heritage sites. Gandhi circuit is developed by covering Kocharab Ashram, Gandhi Smriti, Kirti Mandir, Rashtriyashala, Gandhi Ashram, Kaba Gandhi No Delo, National Salt Satygraha Memorial – Dandi, Sardar Patel National Museum – Bardoli.

·         The Statue of Unity – world’s tallest statue with height of 182 metres – is major attraction worldwide. It has huge exhibition hall covering an area of 4,647 sq.uare metres. The hall showcases the life of Sardar Patel, his contribution and his role in the merger of princely states. The Shool Paneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, life and culture, the tribal people of Gujarat and the Sardar Sarovar Dam are also displayed through an audio-visual show.

·         Religious spots like Dwarika, Somnath, Palitana, Pavagadh, Taranga, Ambaji and Girnar are also major tourist attractions.

Haryana

Ø  Haryana has a proud history dating back to the Vedic Age. The state was home to the legendary Bharata dynasty, after which the country was named Bharat. The land of Haryana has been the cradle of Indian culture and civilisation. Archaeological fi ndings by Guy E. Pilgrim in 1915 established that 15 million years ago, the early man lived in the Shivaliks. Vamana Purana states that King Kuru ploughed the fi eld of Kurukshetra with a golden plough, drawn by the Nandi of Lord Shiva, and reclaimed an area of seven ‘kosas’.

Ø  Replete with myths, legends and Vedic references, Haryana’s past is steeped in glory. It was on the soil of Haryana that Saint Ved Vyas wrote the Mahabharata. It was here that Lord Krishna preached the gospel of duty to Arjuna about 5,000 years ago. It was here that the epic battle of the Mahabharata was fought. Being the gateway to north India, the region has been the battleground of many a war. The Huns, the Turks and the Tughlaqs invaded India and decisive battles were fought on this land. At the end of the 14th century, Taimur led an army through this area to Delhi. Later, the Mughals defeated the Lodhis in the historic battle of Panipat in 1526. Another decisive battle was fought in 1556 at this very site, establishing the supremacy of the Mughals up to the advent of the British rule, and the rise of Delhi as the imperial capital of India.

Ø  An adjunct to Delhi, Haryana practically remained anonymous until the uprising in 1857. After the British crushed the rebellion, they deprived the Nawabs of Jhajjar and Bahadurgarh, the Raja of Ballabhgarh and Rao Tula Ram of Rewari in Haryana region, of their territories. These were either merged with British territories or handed over to the rulers of Patiala, Nabha and Jind, making Haryana a part of the Punjab province. With the reorganisation of Punjab in November 1956, Haryana was born as a full-fl edged state.

 

§  Agriculture

Agriculture is the mainstay of more than 81 per cent population in the state with the second largest contribution to the food bowl of the country. Under the diversifi cation of crops, more and more area is being brought under cash crops like sugarcane, cotton and oilseeds, vegetable and fruits. Sustainable agriculture is being promoted through the propagation of resource conserving technologies and organic farming. Schemes focusing on major areas such as soil health management, integrated nutrient management, pest management, availability of quality inputs, reclamation of alkaline and saline water-logged soils, construction of water harvesting structures, on-farm water management, promotion of farm mechanisation, coverage of area and yield estimation, crop diversifi cation, Pardhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) are implemented in the state.

 

Himachal Pradesh

 Himachal Pradesh is divided into three distinct topographical regions. These are (1) Shiwalik Hills; (2) Mountains — Lesser Himalayas, Greater Himalayas and Trans Himalayas; (3) Valleys - Shiwalik Dun valleys, fl uvial and glacio¬fl uvial valleys. The state has diverse climatic conditions. Local sight factors like aspect, nearness to forest and water bodies infl uence the climate. The state is located roughly within the 30° North latitude, which correspond to the warm temperate zone of Mediterranean region but the high Himalayan mountainous ranges and the southwest monsoons play an important role in modifying its climate. The infl uence of altitude modifi es the climate into a mountainous type, while southwest monsoon winds make it more humid than the Mediterranean type of climate.

 

§  Wildlife

Himachal Pradesh is home to a wide spectrum of wildlife including various animals and plants. The state is home to snow leopard, Himalayan wild yak, blue sheep, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, and Himalayan wolf. Wild plants include several species of meconopsis, roscoe, primula, etc. Wild fl owers like bombax ceiba and bauhinia variegata are found in the state. With a view to conserving the total range of wildlife available in the state, the state government has declared several areas, and as conservation reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. At present, there are 5 national parks, 26 wildlife sanctuaries and 3 conservation reserves in the state.

 

§  Rivers

Mainly fi ve rivers fl ow in the state namely Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab and Yamuna. Satluj river has the largest catchment area covering 20,398 sq. km followed by Beas with 13,663 sq. km, Chenab covers 7,850 sq. km while Yamuna has 5,872 sq. km area and the Ravi covers an area of 5,528 sq. km.

 

§  Forests

Forests in Himachal Pradesh cover an area of 37,948 sq. km. and accounts for 68.16 per cent of total geographical area of the state. The state has a diverse fl ora and fauna. The forests of state can be classifi ed into nine forest types, which are dry alpine, moist alpine scrub, subalpine, Himalayan temperate, wet temperate, subtropical pine, subtropical broad-leaved hill, tropical dry deciduous and tropical thorny forests.

 

§  Horticulture

 Himachal Pradesh is called the ‘Fruit Bowl’ of the country. Over 2.33 lakh hectare area has been brought under fruit cultivation and fruit production has reached 8.45 lakh MT. The state has favourable climatic conditions to produce a variety of fruits such as apple, pear, peach, plum, apricot, mango, litchi, guava, strawberry and citrus fruits. In 2020-21 a fund of Z 20 crore was allocated under Installation of Anti-Hail Net scheme to protect the fruit crops from hail storms. For providing employment to the skilled and unskilled unemployed youth and promoting Commercial Floriculture Farming in the state, Z 10 crore were allocated under Himachal Pushp Kranti Yojana. To produce quality fruit crops and increasing production besides increasing honey production and other bee products, ‘Mukhya Mantri Madhu Vikas Yojana’ was started. ‘Himachal Khumb Vikas Yojana’ has been launched to promote mushroom cultivation in the state.

 

§  Culture, Art & Festivals

Himachal has rich cultural heritage tracing its roots to Vedic Times. It is also known as Dev-Bhumi, has been the abode of many Sages. The life in villages mainly revolves around local deities. The state has preserved its rich culture and traditions throughout its development journey. Handicrafts and handlooms are being promoted in the state and various products of the state like Kangra painting, Chamba Rumal (handkerchief), Kangra tea, Kala Zeera (Black cumin seed), Chulli oil, Mushroom, Kinnauri and Kullavi cap, Kullavi shawl are world famous in the country and abroad. Many historical fair and festivals like Mandl Shivratri, Ku Ilu Dushehra, Rampur’s Lavi, Chamba’s Minjar have now garnered international repute becoming major attraction for local as well as international tourists.

 

Jharkhand

Damodar, Maurakshi, Barakar, North Koyel, South Koyel, Sankh, Subarnarekha, Kharkai, and Ajay are major water resources in the state. The net sown area is 1.8 million hectare of which 8 per cent is irrigated. The installed capacity of power in the state is 2,591 MW.

 

§  Festivals

This state astonishingly combines antiquity with modernity. The festive celebrations are marked with great ebullience and traditional ardour. The most important festivals are Holi, Diwali, Ramnavami, Dussehra, Basant Panchami, Chhath Puja, Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, and Muharrum. The tribal festivals also have their share of exuberance and excitement. They include Karma, Sarhul, Hal Punhya, Bhagta Parab, Rohin, Karam, Bandna, Tusu or Makar.

 

§  Tourist Centres

·         There are many scenic attractions in the state, namely, Ichagarh Bird Sanctuary, Udhwa Sanctuary-Sahibganj (Pataura Lake), Chachro Crocodile Breeding Centre—Koderma (Tilaya Dam), Chandrapura Bird Sanctuary, Jawaharlal Nehru Zoological Garden (Bokaro), Tenughat Bird Sanctuary, Dalma WildLife Sanctuary (Jamshedpur), Tata Steel Zoological Park (Jamshedpur), Palkote Wildlife Sanctuary (Gumla), Bhagwan Birsa Zoological Gardens (Ranchi), Birsa Deer Sanctuary (Kalmati Ranchi), Betla National Park (Palamau), Ranchi Aquarium (Ranchi), Hazaribagh National Park, Tatoloi Hot Water Stream (Dumka) and Saranda Forest.

·         Apart from this, Jharkhand has some famous temples like Jharkhand Dham, Langta Baba Temple/ Majar, Bindhvashini Temple, Masanjore Dam, etc.

 

Karnataka

Ø  Karnataka has a recorded history of more than 2,000 years. Apart from its subjection to the rule of Nandas, Mauryas and the Satavahanas, Karnataka came to have indigenous dynasties like the Kadambas of Banavasi and the Gangas from the middle of the 4th century AD. The world renowned Gomateshwara monolith at Shravanabelagola was installed by a Ganga minister Chavundaraya. The colossal rock cut image of Sri Gomateshwara is the most magnifi cent among all jaina works of art. Numerous visitors arrive at Shravanabelagola to look at this and other monuments. The Chalukyas of Badami (500-735 AD) reigned over a wider area, from Narmada to the Kaveri from the days of Pu I i kesh i II (609-642 AD) who even defeated the mighty Harshavardhana of Kanauj. This dynasty created fi ne, everlasting and the most beautiful monuments at Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal, both structural and rock-cut. Aihole has been one of the cradles of temple architecture in the country. The Rashtrakutas (753-973 AD) of Malkhed who succeeded them heaped tributes on the rulers of Kanauj successively in the so-called ‘Age of Imperial Kanauj’. Kannada literature developed during this period. Outstanding Jain scholars of India lived in their court. The Chalukyas of Kalyana (973 to 1189 AD) and their feudatories, the Hoysalas of Halebidu built exquisite temples, encouraged literature and various fi ne arts. Noted jurist Vijnaneshwara (work: Mitakshara) lived at Kalyana.

Ø  The great religious leader Basaveshwara was a minister at Kalyana. Vijayanagar empire (1336-1646) patronised and fostered indigenous traditions and encouraged arts, religion and literature in Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu and Tamil. Overseas trade fl ourished. The Bahamani Sultans (Capital: Gulbarga, later Bidar) and the Bijapur Adilshahis raised fi ne Indo-Saracenic buildings and encouraged Urdu and Persian literature. Advent of the Portuguese resulted in the introduction of new crops (tobacco, maize, chillies, groundnut, potato, etc.). After the fall of the Peshwa (1818) and Tipu (1799), Karnataka came under British rule. Christian missionaries introduced English education and printing during the 19th century. Revolution in transport, communication and industries was ushered in. The urban middle-class emerged. Mysore dynasty initiated and helped industrialisation and cultural growth.

§  Tourist Centres

 Karnataka “One State Many Worlds” is becoming a hub of tourist attraction of south India. The IT and BT Centre in Bengaluru has received a lot of tourists in the recent past. The state is known for its heritage monuments and eco-tourism destinations. The Golden Chariot named after the famous Stone Chariot in Hampi, a world heritage site, in southern India, travels through timeless historical heritage sites, resplendent palaces, wildlife and golden beaches. Its 7 nights/8 days colourful journey begins every Monday from Bengaluru and traverses through Mysuru, visiting Srirangapatna, Mysore Palace, the Nagarhole National Park (Kabini) and continuing to the historical sites of Shravanabelagola, Belur—the 11th century cradle of Hoysala architecture and a world heritage site, Halebiclu, Hampi and thereafter entering into the triangular heritage sites of Badami, Pattadakal, Aihole and fi nally the golden beaches of Goa before ending in Bengaluru.

 

Kerala

Kerala is in the extreme south-west of the Indian subcontinent. When independent India amalgamated small states together, Travancore and Cochin states were integrated to form Travancore-Cochin state in July 1949. However, Malabar remained under the Madras province. Under the States Re-organisation Act, 1956, Travancore-Cochin state and Malabar were united to form Kerala state in November 1956. In between the high Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west, the width of the state varies from 35 km to 120 km.

 

§  Health

Kerala’s health sector has been a model for other states of country, not only in terms of gains in the sector but also in dealing with public health exigencies. The state has made signifi cant gains in health indices such as high life expectancy, infant mortality rate, birth rate, and death rate. The Aardram Mission has transformed the health infrastructure. A signifi cant step taken in the health insurance sphere is the formation of the State Health Agency in July 2020. From July 2020, the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi scheme converges all the Government sponsored health insurance schemes namely, Rashtnya Swastha Bima Yojana (RSBY), Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CHIS), and Senior Citizen Health Insurance Scheme (SCHIS).

 

§  Festivals

Kerala is home to many colourful festivals. Onam is the most typical of festivals which coincides with the harvest season. It is now celebrated on astronomical New Year Day. Navarathri is celebrated as Saraswathi Pooja. Maha Shivarathri is celebrated on the banks of Periyar river as a spectacular festival which is compared to Kumbhamela. The 41-day festival, which coincides with Makaravilakku in Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple, attracts lakhs of people from India and abroad. The Vallamkali or boat race is typical Boat Race conducted in the Punnamada Lake. Thrissur celebrates Pooram festival in April-May every year with an impressive procession of caparisoned elephants and display of unparalleled pyrotechnics

 

§  Art and Culture

 The state is well-known as a land of arts and festivals with a variety of art forms. Historically, the TamilDravidian culture and the Aryan-Indian culture were important infl uences on the culture of the state. The infl uences are clearly felt in the multiple realms of its culture including its art forms, crafts, languages history, festivals, martial arts, dress, and other things. The long contact with foreign cultures via trade and other connections has also remained an important factor in shaping its culture. The people of different religions, races, and communities infl uence the growth of a diversifi ed culture. The state has a number of unique performing arts. They are Koodiyattam, Kathakali, Kummattikali,Kanniyarkali, Mohiniyattam, Thullal, Thirayattam,Padayani, Koothu, Keralanatanam, to name the popular ones. The folk arts of Thiruvathirakali, Parichamuttukali,Kalaripayattu, Oppana, Kolkali, and Margamkali are famous. Besides these, the folk and ritual arts like Kalamezhuthu, Sarpamthullal, Theyyam,and Velakali, and the art forms of tribals are also a big hit with the art lovers. The popularity of art forms like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam” has long brought scholars and visitors to the state.

 

Madhya Pradesh

Ø  Madhya Pradesh is the second largest Indian state in size with an area of 3,08,000 sq. km. Geographically it occupies a pivotal position in the country. King Ashoka, fi rst of all, ruled over Ujjain. A sizeable portion of Central India was part of the Gupta empire (300-500 A.D.). The Muslims came here in the beginning of 11th century. First, Mahmud Ghazni came and then Mohammad Gouri, who incorporated some parts of Central India into the ruling territory of Delhi. This part was also part of the Mughal empire. During the period between the beginning of the infl uence of Marathas and the death of Madhoji Scindia in 1794, Marathas were on the ascendant in Central India but later on the small states started coming into existence. These small states became the cause of perpetuation of British power in the country.

Ø  Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, the Gond Maharani Kamalapati and Queen Durgawati, etc., were women rulers whose names have left an indelible imprint on Indian history for their outstanding rule. Madhya Pradesh came into being in November 1956. It was reorganised in November 2000 to create a new Chhattisgarh state. The successive state, now, is bounded in north by Uttar Pradesh; east by Chhattisgarh; south by Maharashtra; and west by Gujarat and Rajasthan.

 

§  Festivals

 A number of festivals are celebrated in the state. An important tribal festival is Bhagoriya marked by traditional gaiety and enthusiasm. Shivratri is celebrated in Khajuraho, Bhojpur, Pachmarhi and Ujjain and has its own local fl avour while Ramnavami festival at Chitrakoot and Orchha has a unique sense of devotion imbued with tradition. Festivals of Orchha, Malwa, Pachmarhi bring to the fore repertoire of culture and art of the people. Tansen Music Festival, Gwalior; Ustad Allauddin Khan Music Festival Maihar; Kalidas Samaroh, Ujjain; and Festival of Dances at Khajuraho was some of the well-known art festivals of Madhya Pradesh. An annual Narmada Festival has been started from this year at Bedhaghat in Jabalpur, famous for its marble rocks. Shivpuri festival and Betwa festival have also been started.

 

§  Tourist Centres

Perfectly preserved medieval cities, refreshing and enchanting wildlife sanctuaries and some of the holiest and most revered pilgrim centres offer to the tourist the most fulfi lling experience. Tranquil beauty of Pachmarhi, glittering splendour of marble rocks and roaring sound of Dhuandhar Fall at Bedaghat, Kanha National Park, with its unique Barasingha, and Bandhavgarh National Park with its prehistoric caves and wildlife are some of the major attractions of the state. Gwalior, Mandu, Datia, Chanderi, Jabalpur, Orchha, Raisen, Sanchi, Vidisha, Udaygiri, Bhimbetika, Indore and Bhopal are the places well-known for their historical monuments. Maheshwar, Omkareshwar, Ujjain, Chitrakoot and Amarkantak are major centres of pi Igrimage..Unique temples of Khajuraho are famous all over the world. The temples of Orchha, Bhojpur and Udaypur attract large number of tourists as well as pilgrims. Archaeological treasures are preserved in the museums at Satna, Sanchi, Vidisha, Gwalior, Indore, Mandsaur, Ujjain, Rajgarh, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Rewa and many other places. Omkareshwar, Maheshwar and Amarkantak have been declared holy cities for their integrated development in accordance with their religious signifi cance.

 

Maharashtra

Ø  The fi rst well-known rulers of Maharashtra were the Satavahanas (230 BC to 225 AD), who were practically the founders of Maharashtra, and have left a plethora of literary, epigraphic, artistic, and archaeological evidence. Then came the Vakatakas, who established a pan-Indian empire. Under them, this area witnessed an all-sided development in the fi elds of learning, arts and religion. Some of the Ajanta Caves and Fresco Paintings reached their pinnacle during their rule. After the Vakatakas and after a brief interlude of the Kalachuri dynasty, the most important rulers were the Chalukyas followed by the Rashtrakutas and the Yadavas apart from the Shilaharas on the coast. The Yadavas, with Marathi as their court language extended their authority over large parts of the Deccan.

Ø  While the Bahamani rule brought a degree of cohesion to the land and its culture, a uniquely homogeneous evolution of Maharashtra as an entity became a reality under the able leadership of Shivaji. A new sense of Swaraj and nationalism was evolved by Shivaji. His noble and glorious power stalled the Mughal advances into this part of India. The Peshwas established the Maratha supremacy from the Deccan Plateau to some areas in northern India

 

§  Tourism

Maharashtra has fi ve exclusive UNESCO World Heritage Sites, viz., Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Elephanta Island, Chhatrapati Shivaj Maharaj Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) and the 2018 inscribed Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai. Lonavala, Matheran, Mahabaleshwar and Panchagani are the main hill stations, while Alibag, Murud-Janjira, Ganapatipule and Tarkarli are the top beach destinations. Shirdi, Kolhapur, Pandharpur, Tuljapur, Trimbakeshwar, Bhimashankar, Ambejogai are the leading religious places. Sachkhand Sri Hazur Saheb at Nanded is a major destination for Sikh pilgrims.

 

Manipur

Agriculture and allied activities are the only mainstay of the state’s economy where about 70 per cent of the population depends on it. The state has two topographical zones — valley and hills. The valley is known as the ‘Rice Bowl’ of the state. The valley has sub-tropical to tropical to sub-temperate climates. The hills have sub-temperate to temperate climate with an average altitude of 3,000 metres above MSL. It has distinct winter, warm, humid and rainy summer. The average rainfall during the last ten years has been recorded 1,482.20 mm, with heavy precipitation during the month of June, July and August.

 

§  Art & Culture

Manipur’s art-forms and cultural expressions and ramifi cations distinctly showcase the state to the world. Its famous classical dance, The Raas Leela, remains unique among all dance-forms whether folk, classical or modern and has a different style and gestures of movement.

 

§  Festivals

The state is a land of festivals. A year in Manipur represents a cycle of festivals. Hardly a month passes by without a festival which to the Manipuris is a symbol of their social, cultural and religious aspirations. Important festivals of the state are Lai Haraoba, Rasa Leela, Cheiraoba, Ningol ChakKouba, Rath¬Jatra, Eid-ul-Fitr, lmoinu lratpa, Gaan-Ngai, Lui-Ngai-Ni, Eid-ul-Zuha, Yaoshang Durga Puja, Mera Houchongba, Diwali, Kut, Christmas, etc.

 

Meghalaya

Ø  Meghalaya was created as an autonomous state within the state of Assam in 1970. The full-fl edged state of Meghalaya came into existence in 1972. It is bound on the north and east by Assam and on the south and west by Bangladesh. Meghalaya literally means the ‘Abode of Clouds’ and is essentially a hilly state. It is predominately inhabited by the tribal Khasis, Jaintias and Garos population.

Ø   The Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills which form the central and eastern part of the state, forming an imposing plateau with rolling grassland, hills and river valleys. The southern face of the plateau is marked by deep gorges and abrupt slopes, at the foot of which, a narrow strip of plain runs along the international border with Bangladesh. The greater part of Garo Hills range in height from 450 to 600 metres and drop steeply to the Brahmaputra valley on the north and to the plains of Bangladesh on the south, Nokrek Peak (1,412 m) east of Tura town, is the highest peak in western Meghalaya.

 

§  Agriculture

Meghalaya is basically an agricultural state with about 81 per cent of its total population depending entirely on it for their livelihood. The hilly terrain and land conditions of the state do not offer much scope in bringing additional area under wet condition, but the state has a vast potential for developing horticulture.

 

§  Rivers:

A number of rivers, none of them navigable, reign this mountainous state. In the Garo hills, the Manda, the Damring and the Janjiram fl ow towards the north while the Ringge and the Ganol fl ow in the westerly direction. Those that fl ow to the south are the Simsang, which is the biggest river in Garo hills and the Bhogai.

 

§  Wildlife

The state is also rich in wildlife. There are elephants, tigers, bears, wild-boars, leopards, golden cats, leopard cats and jungle cats, deers of various kinds, binturongs, slow loris, monkeys of different types including capped-langurs, golden langurs and hoolock, fl ying squirrels and giant squirrels. There are also many rare and interesting birds including the hornbills, partridges, pheasants, teals, snipes, geese, ducks and quails. The state has two national parks: Nokrek and Balpakram and two wildlife sanctuaries: Nongkhyllem and Siju.

 

§  Festivals

·         The most common festivals are- Pomblang Nongkrem popularly known as the Nongkrem Dance is one of the most important festivals of the Khasis. It is fi ve-day religious festival held annually. This festival is celebrated as a thanksgiving to the Almighty for the good harvest and to pray for peace and prosperity. One of the most important and colourful festivals of the Khasis is ‘Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem’ (Dance of the joyful heart). It is a thanksgiving dance. It is held in Shillong in the month of April every year. The festival lasts for 3 (three) days.

·         Beh dienkhlam is the most important festival of the jaintias and is celebrated after the sowing is over. It is very popular and colourful festivals where only men, young and old, take part in the dancing to the tune of drums and fl ute. Women do not take part in the dancing, but have an important role to play at home in offering sacrifi cial food to the spirits of the ancestors. Wangala dance is the biggest of all festivals of the Garos performed in collection with the Jhum cultivation. It is usually held in November and so sometimes synchronises with the Durga Puja, but each village sets its own time and so there are two or three weeks during which Wangala is celebrated in two or three villages. After harvest, the annual dance of joy and thanks giving commences.

 

Mizoram

§  Forests

Mizoram has one of the largest forest cover among the states of India. Tropical semi-evergreen, tropical moist deciduous, sub-tropical broad-leaved hill and subtropical pine forests are the common vegetation types found. Bamboo resources cover around 16per cent (about 3,476 sq.km) of its geographical area and as many as 35 species of bamboo have been identifi ed in the state of which Melocanna baccifera (mautak) contributes about 77 per cent of the total bamboo coverage.

 

Nagaland

Nagaland became the 16th state of the Indian Union in 1963. It is bordered by Myanmar on the east, Arunachal on the north, Assam on the west and Manipur on the south. It lies between the parallels of 98 degree and 96 degree east longitude and 26.6 degree and 27.4 degree latitude north of the equator

§  Agriculture

Nagaland is basically a land of agriculture with about 70 per cent of the population depending on agriculture. The contribution of this sector is very signifi cant. Rice is the staple food. It occupies about 70 per cent of the total area under cultivation and constitutes about 75 per cent of the total food production in the state. The major land use pattern is slash and burn cultivation locally known as jhum.

 

§  Rivers

The major rivers of Nagaland are Doyang, Dikhu, Dhansiri, Tizu, Milak, Dzu, Langlong, Zungki, Likimro, Lanye and Dzudza. There are other lesser known rivers such as Manglu, Tsurong, Nanung, Tsurong or Disai, Tsumok, Menung, etc. Major rivers like Dhansiri, Doyang and Dikhu fl ow westward into the Brahmaputra river that falls into Bangladesh, while Tizu fl ows eastward and joins the Chingwing river in Myanmar.

 

§  Wildlife

There are numerous rare and endangered species of plant and animal life in Nagaland’s forests. The Blythe’s Tragopan Pheasant, the state bird, and the Mithun, the state mascot, are themselves rare species in the world.

 

Odisha

Ø  The history of Odisha dates back to antiquity, its most famous old names being Kalinga, Utkal and Odra. By the time of Mahavir and Buddha, the Kalinga region on the entire east coast acquired recognition and fame. Mauryan Emperor, Ashoka’s invasion of Kalinga was an epoch-making event of ancient times of far reaching consequences. Kalinga was conquered but the conquest changed the heart of the conqueror. The transformation of Ashoka changed the course of religious and cultural history not only of India but also of the whole of Asia.

Ø  The next great era of Odishan history commenced during the reign of Mahameghavahana Kharavela who ruled in the 1st half of the second century B.C. During Kharavela’s reign the empire of Kalinga extended up to the river Ganga in the north and the river Godavari in the south. Subsequently the great dynasties such as the Shailodvabas, Bhoumakaras, Somavamsis, Gangas were not only great empire builders, but also promoters of art, literature and culture. The world famous Sun Temple at Konark was built in the 13th century by Narasimha Deva, the famous Jagannath temple at Puri in the 12th century by Anangabhima Deva and the Lingaraj temple, Bhubaneshwar in the 11th century by Jajati-II. Odisha was ruled successively by fi ve Muslim kings till 1592 from mid-16th century, when Akbar annexed it into the Mughal empire. With the decline of the Mughal empire, Marathas occupied Odisha. They continued to hold it till the British took over the province in 1803. Modern Odisha was born in 1936.

 

§  Wildlife

·         The state has stepped up for ensuring development and strengthening of the preservation work of 14 elephant corridors Two national parks (Similipal and Bhitarkanika) and 19 wildlife sanctuaries constitutes the protected area network of the state covering 5.19 per cent of its geographical area. The state also includes 2 tiger reserves (Similipal and Satakosia), 3 elephant reserves (Mayurbhanj, Satakosia Gorge of Mahanadi, Sambalpur) and 1 biosphere reserve (Similipal). Odisha has a total shore line of 480 Kms. which is very rich and houses preferred habitats of marine and estuarine fl ora and fauna

 

§  Art & Culture

§  The state has a long tradition of art and architecture and the early monuments date back to the third century BC. The rock cut caves of Khandagiri and Udayagiri and inscription recordings of Emperor Kharavela’s short but eventful reign during the 1 st century BC constitute the second phase of evolution of Odishan art. Odisha is best known for its cultural diversity. Monuments of distinct character and innumerable fi nely sculpted magnifi cent temples are a sight of beauty,

§  The rich folklore, Bratakatha, the Odissi classical music and traditional compositions, Chhanda, Champu, Chautisha, Kabyas; traditional dances and dramas like the Pala, Daskathia, Geetinatya, Jatra, Ghodanacha, Chhaunacha have earned international fame. The Odissi dance has been acclaimed as a leading and perfect classical dance form of India. Folk arts like Jhoti Chita with rice paste, Muruja (Rangoli) in different religious occasions like Manabasa Gurubara, symbolizes mother Lakshmi Puja are all unique and rich cultural traits of the land.

 

§  Rich Cultural Heritage

·         Odisha the land of enchanting beauty is well known for its exquisite handicraft, silver fi ligree, bone and horn handicrafts, applique work, dhokra casting, jute and paper handicrafts, stone carving, wood carving and embroidery work, brass and bell metal works, cane, golden grass and bamboo products, terracotta and rock and shell handicrafts, glass crafts which deserve special mention. Kala Bhoomi has been established in Bhubaneswar with an objective to preserve the rich heritage of handicrafts and handlooms The tribal crafts like, todas, kotas, irulas, pariya, nilgiris are very much popular.

·         Odisha, the soul of incredible India has tremendous potential in tourism sector, because of its golden history, strategic geographical location, diverse demography and profound bounties of nature. Puri the shrine of Mahaprabhu Sri Jagannath one of the oldest piligrimage centres famous for the car festival, attracts lakh of pilgrims round the year. The world famous Sun temple, an UNESCO heritage site at Konark (12th century), the temple city of Bhubaneswar (9th century) and Puri (11th century) are widely popular as golden triangle. Ancient Buddhist and Jain Monuments at Khandagiri, the Diamond Triangle of Lalitgiri-Ratnagiri-Udayagiri draw the attention of the tourists and pilgrims across the globe.

 

Punjab

Ø  Ancient Punjab formed part of the vast Indo-Iranian region. In later years, it saw the rise and fall of the Mauryas, Bactrians, Greeks, Sakas, Kushans and Guptas. Medieval Punjab saw a supremacy of the Muslims. Ghaznavi was followed by the Ghoris, the slaves, the Khiljis, the Tughlaks, the Lodhis and the Mughals. Fifteenth and sixteenth centuries marked a period of watershed in the history of Punjab. Through teachings of Guru Nanak, Bhakti movement received a great impetus. Sikhism began as a socio-religious movement, which was more interested in fi ghting evils in religion and society. It was Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru, who transformed the Sikhs into the Khalsa. They rose to challenge tyranny and after centuries of servitude, established a Punjabi Raj based on secularism and patriotism. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, in the works of a Persian writer, changed Punjab from MadamKada to Bagh-Bahisht (from the abode of sorrow to the garden of paradise). But soon after his death, the entire edifi ce collapsed due to internal intrigues and British machinations. After two abortive Anglo-Sikh wars, Punjab was fi nally annexed to the British Empire in 1849.

Ø  Eight princely states of East Punjab were grouped together to form a single state called PEPSU—Patiala and the East Punjab States Union—with Patiala as its capital. PEPSU state was merged with Punjab in 1956 with its capital at Chandigarh. Later in 1966, Haryana was carved out of Punjab. Situated in the north-western corner of the country, Punjab is bound on the west by Pakistan; on the north by Jammu and Kashmir; on the north-east by Himachal Pradesh; and on the south by Haryana and Rajasthan.

 

§  Agriculture

Punjab has been a star performer in agriculture during the heydays of the Green Revolution. Agriculture grew at a rate of 5.7 per cent during 1971-72 to 1985-86, which was more than double the all-India growth rate (2.31 per cent during this period). It was this spectacular performance of Punjab, fi rst wheat surpluses followed by steep rise in production of rice, which helped India free itself from the PL 480 food aid and its associated political strings. Punjab played a crucial role in achieving the much-needed food security. However, the state slipped soon after and grew at a lower rate of about 3 per cent between 1986-87 and 2004-05, equivalent to the all-India agricultural growth rate. The agriculture has now reached a sort of plateau in terms of productivity and profi tability.

 

Rajasthan

Ø  Rajasthan is the largest state in India area-wise. Prior to independence, it was known as Rajputana or Rajputs—a martial community who ruled over this area for centuries. The history of Rajasthan dates back to the pre-historic times. Around 3000 and 1000 BC, it had a culture akin to that of the Indus Valley civilisation. It were the Chauhans who dominated Rajput affairs from 7th century and by 12th century they had become an imperial power. After the Chauhans, it were the Guhilots of Mewar who controlled the destiny of the warring tribes. Besides Mewar, the other historically prominent states were Marwar, Jaipur, Bundi, Kota, Bharatpur and Alwar. Other states were only offshoots of these. All these states accepted the British Treaty of Subordinate Alliance in 1818 protecting the interest of the princes.

Ø   The process of uniting scattered states commenced from 1948 to 1956 when the States Reorganisation Act was promulgated, fi rst came Matsya Union (1948) consisting of a fraction of states, slowly and gradually other states merged with this Union. By 1949, major states like Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer joined this Union making it the United State of Greater Rajasthan. Ultimately, in 1958, the present state of Rajasthan formally came into being, with Ajmer state, the Abu Road Taluka and Sunel Tappa joining it.

 

§  Forests and Wildlife

The state animals are chinkara and camel and the state bird is godavan while the state tree is khejdi. Three national parks (Ranthambore, (Sawai Madhopur), Keoladeo (Bharatpur) and Mukandra Hills (Kota, Chittorgarh); 3 tiger project (Ranthambore, Sariska and Mukandra Hills), 27 sanctuaries and 2 Ramsar sites (Keoladeo National Park) (Bharatpur) and Sambhar Lake (Jaipur) are in the state for the protection of wildlife.

 

§  Tourists Centres

Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner, Mount Abu (Sirohi), Ranthambore National Park (Tiger Reserve)- (Sawai Madhopur), Sariska Tiger National Park (Alwar), Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur), Ajmer, Jaisalmer, Pali, Bundi, Kota, Jhalawar, Shekhawati (Sikar) and Chittorgarh are important places of tourists interest in the state.

 

Sikkim

The early history of Sikkim starts in the 13th century with the signing of a blood-brotherhood treaty between the Lepcha Chieftain Thekong Tek and Bhutia Chieftain Khye-Bumsa at Kabi Lungtsok in North Sikkim. This follows the historic visit of three revered Lamas to Yuksam in 1641 in West Sikkim where they consecrated Phuntsog Namgyal, a sixth generation descendant of Khye-Bumsa as the fi rst Chogyal of Sikkim, thus heralding the beginning of the Namgyal dynasty in Sikkim. With the march of history, events in Sikkim saw the process of democratisation and became an integral part of the Indian Union in 1975. Sikkim, the land blessed by Guru Padmasambhava during his sojourn to Tibet in 8th century, are inhabited by people from different communities and live in total harmony.

 

Tamil Nadu

Ø  Tamil Nadu has a hoary antiquity. Though early Sangam.classics throw historical references, it is only from the Pallavas we pass to recorded history. South India had remained under the hegemony of the Cholas, the Cheras and the Pandyas for centuries. The Pallavas held supremacy from about the second quarter of the 4th century AD. They were the originators of the famous Dravidian style of temple architecture. The last Pal lava ruler was Aparajita in whose reign the later Cholas under Vijayalaya and Aditya asserted themselves by about the 10th century. At the end of the 11th century, Tamil Nadu was ruled by several dynasties like the Chalukyas, Cholas and Pandyas. In the two centuries that followed, the imperial Cholas gained paramountcy over South India.

Ø  Muslims gradually strengthened their position, which led to the establishment of the Bahamani Sultanate, by the middle of the 14th century. At the same time, the Vijayanagar Kingdom quickly consolidated itself and extended its sway over the whole of South India and at the close of the century, Vijayanagar became the supreme power in South. However, it crumbled at the battle of Talikota in 1564 to the confederate forces of the Deccan Sultans.

Ø  The Portuguese, the Dutch, the French and the English came in quick succession and established trading centres known as ‘Factories’. East India Company which had established their factory at Masulipatnam, now in Andhra Pradesh, in 1611 gradually annexed territories by encouraging enmity among the native rulers. Tamil Nadu was one of the fi rst of British settlements in India. The state is the successor to the old Madras Presidency which in 1901 covered the bulk of the southern peninsula. The composite Madras state was later reorganised and the present Tamil Nadu was formed.

§  Tourism

The state has some of the most remarkable temple architecture in the country and a living tradition of music, dance, folk arts and fi ne arts. Tamil Nadu is well renowned for its temple towns and heritage sites, monuments, forts, hill stations, waterfalls, national parks, beaches, local cuisine, natural environment and wildlife. It has UNESCO declared World Heritage sites, namely, Shore Temple, Five Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance - Mamallapuram, Brahadeeswarar Temple -Thanjavur, Iravatheeswarar Temple - Darasuram, Brahadeeswarar Temple -Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Nilgiri Mountain Railway.

 

Telangana

The name ‘Telangana’ refers to the word Trilinga Desa, earned due to the presence of three ancient Shiva temples at Kaleswaram, Srisailam and Draksharamam. A more historical reason is that during the reign of Nizams the region was known as Telugu Angana to differentiate it from the areas where Marathi was spoken. The region has been ruled by great dynasties such as Sathavahanas, Kakatiyas, Chalukyas, Mughals, Qutubshah is, Asafjah is. The Kakatiyas contributions to architecture are considered very impressive. Among Kakatiyas, Prataparudra was a great ruler who ruled till 1323 AD. The Satavahanas ruled Telangana region for about 400 years right from the 2nd century BC to beyond the 2nd century AD.

 

§  Arts and Crafts

·         Handicrafts have been an integral part of the state. The region offers many astounding handicrafts like bidri crafts, banjara needle crafts, dokra metal crafts, nirmal arts, bronze castings, lacquerware, etc. Be it an intricate needle craft or the surprising bronze castings, metal craft or the classic stone craft, Telangana has a wide assortment of handicrafts.

§  Festivals

·         ‘Bathukamma’ is a colourful and vibrant festival and this unique festival of fl owers stands as a symbol of cultural identity. “Bonalu” is an annual Hindu festival celebrated in the state in which Goddess Mahakali is worshipped. Dussehra, Samakka Saarakka Jaathara, Peerla Panduga, Ramzan are also largely celebrated in Telangana.

 

Tripura

Tripura has its unique tribal culture and a fascinating folklore. The history of Tripura can be learnt from Rajmala chronicles of King Tripura and writings of historians. There are references of Tripura even in the Mahabharata and the Puranas. According to Rajmala, the rulers were known by the surname Fa meaning father. There is a reference to rulers of Bengal helping Tripura kings in the 14th century. Kings of Tripura had to face frequent Mughal invasions with varying successes. They defeated the Sultans of Bengal in several battles. Nineteenth century marked the beginning of the modern era in Tripura when King Maharaja Bir Chandra Kishore Manikya Bahadur modelled his administrative set-up on the British India pattern and brought in various reforms. His successors ruled Tripura till October 15, 1949 when the state merged with the Indian Union. Initially, a part ‘C’ State, it became a centrally administered territory with the Re-organisation of States in 1956. In 1972, Tripura attained the status of a full-fl edged state.

 

·         Art and Culture

Tripura has a great legacy of art and culture. It has remarkable heritage of plastic art. The impressive sculpture of Devtamura, the terracotta of Pilak and the rock sculpture of Unakoti has a historical signifi cance. The royal court painting of the state has given birth to two most prominent trends in art, that is, the traditionalistic and modernistic. The art practice which started from royal family, gradually spread in the society.

 

Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand fi nds mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures as Kedarkhand, Manaskhand and Himavant. The Kushanas, Kunindas, Kanishka, Samudra Gupta, Pauravas, Katuris, Palas, Chandras and Panwars and the British have ruled it in turns. It is often called the Land of the Gods (Dev Bhoomi) because of its various holy places and abundant shrines. Uttarakhand was earlier a part of the United Province of Agra and Awadh which came into existence in 1902. In 1935, the name of the state was shortened to the United Province. In January 1950, the United Province was renamed as Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal remained a part of Uttar Pradesh before it was carved out in 2000.

 

§  Tourist Centres

Prominent places of pilgrimage/tourist interests are Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Hemkund Sahib, Nanakmatta, etc. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra can be performed through the Kumaon region. The world-famous Valley of Flowers, Pindari Glacier, Roop Kund, Dayara Bugyal, Auli and hill stations like Mussoorie, Dehradun, Chakrata, Nainital, Ranikhet, Bageshwar, Bhimtal, Kausani, Lansdowne, etc., are the other tourist destinations.

 

Uttar Pradesh

The history of Uttar Pradesh is very ancient and interesting. It is recognised in the later Vedic Age as Brahmarshi Desha or Madhya Desha. Many great sages of the Vedic times like Bhardwaja, Gautam, Yagyavalkaya, Vashishtha, Vishwamitra and Valmiki fl ourished in this state. Several sacred books of the Aryans were also composed here. In the 6th century BC, Uttar Pradesh was associated with two new religions—Jainism and Buddhism. It was at Sarnath that Buddha preached his fi rst sermon and laid the foundations of his order and it was in Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh where Buddha breathed his last. Several centres in Uttar Pradesh like Ayodhya, Prayag, Varanasi and Mathura became reputed centres of learning. In the medieval period Uttar Pradesh passed under Muslim rule and led the way to new synthesis of Hindu and Islamic cultures. Ramananda and his Muslim disciple Kabir, Tulsidas, Surdas and many other intellectuals contributed to the growth of Hindi and other languages.

 

§  Tourist Centres

Besides ancient places of pilgrimage like Varanasi, Vindhyachal, Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, Prayag, Naimisharanya, Mathura, Vrindavan, Dewa Sharief, Dargah of Sheikh Saleem Chisti in Fatehpur Sikri, Sarnath, Shravasti, Kushinagar, Sankisa, Kampil, Piprahwa and Kaushambi, places like Agra, Ayodhya, Sarnath, Varanasi, Lucknow, Jhansi, Gorakhpur, Jaunpur, Kannauj, Mahoba, Devgarh, Bithur, and Vindhyachal have rich treasures of Hindu and Islamic architecture and culture. UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri (three of the universally admired masterpieces) also adorn the state.

 

West Bengal

Ø  The name of Bengal or Bangla is derived from the ancient kingdom of Vanga, or Banga. However, Stone Age tools dating back 20,000 years have also been excavated in the state. The region saw settlement of Dravidian, Tibet-Burman, and Austro-Asiatic people and was a part of the Vanga kingdom of ancient India. It was a part of Magadha empire. It was one of the four main kingdoms of India during the times of Mahaveera and Buddha, and consisted of several Janapadas. Bengal was referred to as Gangaridai by the ancient Greeks around 100 BC, meaning, speculatively, a land with the river Ganga in its heart. The fi rst recorded independent King of Bengal was Shashanka, reigning around the early 7th century. After a period of anarchy, the Buddhist Pala dynasty ruled the region for 400 years, followed by a shorter region of the Hindu Sena dynasty.

Ø  Islam came to Bengal in 12th century by Sufi missionaries. Later, occasional Muslim raiders reinforced the process of conversion by building mosques, madrassas and Sufi Khanqahs. Bengal was ruled by various Muslim rulers and governors till the Mughal period in the 16th century.

Ø  History of modern Bengal begins with the advent of Europeans, more precisely, with the English trading companies. The Battle of Plassey in 1757 changed the course of history when the English fi rst gained a strong foothold in Bengal and India as well. Bengal was partitioned in 1905 to achieve some political returns. The land frontiers touch Bangladesh in the east and are separated from Nepal in the west; Bhutan lies in the north-east; while Sikkim is on the north. On the west are the states of Bihar and Jharkhand, while in the south lies Odisha and the Bay of Bengal washes its southern frontiers..

 

Festivals

The state celebrates myriad festivals like the Durga Puja, Poila Baishakh (the Bengali New Year), Rathayatra, Dolyatra or Basanta-Ursab. From Christmas carnivals to Eid-ul-Fitr and Muharram; from Buddha Purnima to the legendary Ganga Sagar Yatra, all are celebtrated with great zeal.

 

§  Tourism

West Bengal boasts of artisanal excellence with its extraordinary terracotta work, handloom weaves, heritage sarees and various other unique handicrafts. The state offers an astounding variety of religious places such as the most number of Shaktipeeths in the likes of Kalighat Temple and Tarapith; magnifi cent temples like Belur Math, Mayapur ISKCON Temple, Hangseshwari Temple and Tarakeshwar Temple; opulent mosques like the Nizamat Imambara and Katra Mosque in Murshidabad, Furfura Sharif and Tipu Sultan Shahi Mosque in Kolkata; gurdwaras and majestic churches like the Basilica of the Holy Rosary in Bandel, St. John’s Church, Lt. Jame’s Church (Jora Girja), St. Paul’s Cathedral and Church of the Lord Jesus; and Buddhist monasteries of Ghoom, Bhutia Busty, Mag-Dhog Yolmowa, Tharpa Choling, Zang Dhok Palri Phodang among others

 

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Islands located north of 10° north latitude are known as Andaman Group of Islands while islands located south of 10° north latitude are called Nicobar Group of Islands. The climate of the Islands can be defi ned as humid, tropical coastal climate. The Islands receive rainfall from both the south-west and north-east monsoons and maximum precipitation is between May and December.

 

§  Forests

Many types of forests are found, such as tropical wet evergreen,tropical semi-evergreen, moist deciduous, littoral mangrove and swamp forests. A large variety of timbers are also found. The most valuable timbers are padauk and gurjan. These species are not found in Nicobar.

 

Chandigarh

Chandigarh and the area surrounding it, were constituted as a Union Territory on November 1, 1966. It serves as the joint capital of both Punjab and Haryana states. It shares its boundary on north and west by Punjab and on the east and south by Haryana.

 

Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu

Ø  In order to keep the English at bay and to enlist their support against the Mughals, the Marathas made friends with the Portuguese and signed a treaty in 1 779. According to this historic treaty of friendship, the Maratha-Peshwa agreed that the Portuguese will be allowed to collect revenue from Dadra and Nagar Haveli which consisted of 72 villages, then known as “parganas” in compensation for their loss of a warship called “Santana”, which had earlier been captured by the Marathas but not surrendered to the Portuguese inspite of their many entreaties. These territories were earlier ruled by the Koli chiefs who were defeated by the Hindu kings of “Jawhar” and “Ramnagar”. The Marathas conquered and annexed these territories to their kingdom. Portuguese rule over the Union Territory lasted until August 2, 1954, and traces of it can still be found. After liberation, the administration was carried out by local body known as Free Dadra and Nagar Haveli Administration till its merger with the Indian Union in 1961. Consequently, the free Dadra and Nagar Haveli administration was succeeded by formal statutory administration headed by an Administrator.

Ø  Daman was acquired by the Portuguese from the Shah of Gujarat. They noticed the port of Daman for the fi rst time in 1523. They attacked it several times and fi nally obtained it in 1559 by means of a treaty with the Shah. Thereafter, it was under the rule of Portuguese till its liberation in 1961. Early in 1535, the Portuguese Governor De Cunha had led his expedition for the capture of the town in Diu, but was defeated by the Sultan. However, around that period, the Gujarat Sultan Bahadur Shah’s kingdom was overwhelmed by Mughal invasion. Pressed on by the Mughal king Humayun on one side and the Portuguese at the gates of Diu, Bahadur Shah entered into a treaty with Nuno da Cunha in 1535 who agreed to assist Bahadur Shah against his enemy by land and sea. In turn he received permission to construct a fortress at Diu and a site was granted for this purpose in the harbour. After the Mughal danger receded, the Shah of Gujarat realised his mistake in allowing the Portuguese to construct the fort. Finally Diu was conquered by the Portuguese in 1546 who ruled there till 1961.

Ø   Dadra and Nagar Haveli is a land-locked union territory of India, situated at the western coast in the foot-hills of Western Ghats between the parallels of 20°--0’ and 200-25’ north and between meridians 72°-50’ and 73°-15’ of longitude east. The territory has hilly terrain especially towards the north-east and east where it is surrounded by ranges of Sahyadri Mountains (Western Hills)

Ø   The terrain is intersected by the River Daman Ganga and its three tributaries. The river rises in the hill (64 kms.) from the Western coast and discharges itself in the Arabian Sea at the port of Daman. Daman district is situated nearly 200 kms north from Mumbai and is surrounded by Valsad district of Gujarat in north, east and south. Daman Ganga river coming from Nasik passes through the middle of Daman district dividing it into two parts namely, Moti Daman and Nani Daman. Diu district is an island on southern portion of Gujarat Peninsula. It is joined with Una district of Gujarat by two bridges over a sea creek.

Ø   Daman is bound on the east by Gujarat, on the west by the Arabian Sea, on the north by the Kolak river and on the south by Kalai river. The neighbourhood district of Daman is Valsad in Gujarat. Diu is an island connected by two bridges. The neighbouring district of Diu is Junagarh of Gujarat.

Ø   Daman and Diu which was earlier a separate union territory was merged with Dadra and Nagar Haveli in January 2020.

 

Delhi

Delhi fi nds prominent reference right from the times of the epic Mahabharata. Its control passed from one ruler/dynasty to another, beginning with the Mauryas, Pallavas, Guptas of Central India and then going on to the Turks of Afghan during the 13th to 15th centuries, and fi nally to the Mughals in the 16th century. In the latter half of the 18th century and early 19th century, British rule was established in Delhi. In 1911, Delhi became the centre of all activities after the capital was shifted from Kolkata (Calcutta). It was made a Union Territory in 1956. Lying in the northern part of the country, Delhi is surrounded by Haryana on all sides except the east where it borders with Uttar Pradesh. The 69th constitutional amendment is a milestone in Delhi’s history as it got a Legislative Assembly with the enactment of the National Capital Territory Act, 1991.

 

§  Tourist Places

The capital is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar and Red Fort apart from other major tourist places like Purana Qila (Old Fort), Jama Masjid, India Gate, Birla Mandir, Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple, Nizamuddin Durgah, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, etc.

 

Jammu and Kashmir

Ø  According to the most popular legend that is also recorded in Rajtarangani and Nilmat Purana, two most authoritative books, Kashmir was once a large lake and it was Kashyap Rishi who drained off the water, making it a beautiful abode. But geologists have their own theory, which says that geographical changes made way for the outfl ow of water by subsidence of the mountain at Khadianayar, Baramulla and thus emerged the Valley of Kashmir, the paradise on earth. Ashoka introduced Buddhism to Kashmir in the 3rd century BC which was later strengthened by Kanishka. Huns got the control of the valley in the early 6th century. The valley regained freedom in 530 AD but soon came under the rule of the Ujjain empire. After the decline of the Vikramaditya dynasty, the valley had its own rulers. There was a synthesis of Hindu and Buddhist cultures. Lalitaditya (697-738 AD) extended his rule up to Bengal in the east, Konkan in the south, Turkistan in the north-west and Tibet in the north-east. Considered as the most famous Hindu ruler, he was known for constructing beautiful buildings. Islam came to Kashmir during 13th and 14th centuries AD. Zain-ul-Abedin (1420¬70) was the most famous Muslim ruler, who came to Kashmir when the Hindu King Sinha Dev fl ed before the Tatar invasion. Later, Chaks over-ran Haider Shah, son of Zain-ul-Abedin. They continued to rule till 1586 when Akbar conquered Kashmir. In 1752, Kashmir passed on from the control of the Mughal emperor to Ahmed Shah Abdali of Afghanistan. The valley was ruled by the Pathans for 67 years.

 

§  Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation

The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, was enacted (MHA, SO No. 3979 (E) dated November 2, 2019) to provide for reorganisation of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into the two union territories—one to be eponymously called Jammu and Kashmir, and the other Ladakh, Accordingly, the “State Legislature including Legislative Council of the State” has been abolished and shall now onwards be construed as “Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir”.

 

Ladakh

Ø  Ladakh occupies the westernmost extension of the high and dry Tibetan Plateau in the extreme north of India. The region undoubtedly has been endowed with unique geographical features. Sandwiched between the Karakoram and Zanskar ranges, almost running parallel in a south-east to north-west direction, it is one of the largest districts in the country bordered by Sinkiang in north; Tibet in east; Himachal Pradesh to the south; union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Pakistan administered Gilgit-Baltistan to the west.

Ø  Ladakh is an area that has its own unique history, culture, and traditions. It was and still is the meeting point of the Islamic and Buddhist worlds and of the Tibetan and Indic cultures. Historically, it was a staging post on the formidable trade routes that crossed the Himalayas to connect Central Asia with India and central Tibet. For nearly 900 years, from the middle of the 10th century Ladakh enjoyed uninterrupted history of Buddhism over 1,000 years. Buddhism was introduced here before it arrived in Tibet, during the third Buddhist council in Kashmir (272-232 BC) when Emperor Ashoka sent Buddhist missionaries to Ladakh and other parts of Central Asia. The presence of Kharosti inscriptions discovered near Khaltse bridge on the Indus in Lower Ladakh shows that Ladakh was a part of the Kushan Empire before Buddhism was fi rmly established in the 11th century by Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo, who during the twilight of Buddhism in mainland India was busy in transplanting Buddhist art and culture in the regions of Indian Himalayas as well as western Tibet. In fact, Tibetan cultural renaissance began with Rinchen Zangpo in 11th century. Over the years, the Lamas and the kings of Ladakh had taken great pains in preserving and promoting Buddhist art and culture in Ladakh region

 

§  Fairs and Festivals

·         Ladakh has a rich culture of celebrating fairs and festivals. Losar festival marks the beginning of the New Year and is the most important winter festival. During the festival a medley of cultural events, ancient rituals and traditional / folk singing and dance performances are performed collectively by the villagers. Hemis (monastic) festival among other ritualistic monastic festivals attracts thousands of tourists from around the world to Ladakh. Similarly, Aryan festival, Ladakh festival, Ladakh Singge Khababs, Sindhu festival among others attract a good number of locals as well as tourists.

 

§  Tourism

·         It offers unique destinations like the lakes of Tsomoriri, Pangong, Kargil Pensila, monasteries like Hemis, Thiksey, Alchi, Mulbekh, Rangdum, valleys of Nubra, Suru and peaks like Nun Kunand Stok Kangri. Ladakh is also popular for adventure, and Chadder Trek, ice hockey, snow skiing, ice climbing, rafting, Polo and mountain biking are attracting tourists in increasing numbers. Ladakh is now promoting astro-tourism as it is in the unique position to offer clear skies with least humidity and pollution and is situated at an altitude that suits best for viewing the stars and celestial activities.

 

Lakshwadeep

Not much is known of the early history of these Islands. It is believed that the islands were originally inhabitated at Amini, followed by Andrott, Kavarati and Agatti. It was earlier believed that the islanders were originally Hindus and later converted to Islam under the infl uence of Arab traders sometime in the 14th century. But archaeological evidences unearthed indicate that there were Buddhist settlements around the 6th or 7th century. Earliest Muslim converts or settlers pre-date the year 139 AH of the Hijri year (eighth century) of which period grave stones have recently been discovered in Agatti. This would tend to bear out the traditional belief that Islam was brought to the Island by Arab Saint, Ubaidulla in 41 AH.

 

§  Tourist Centres

Tourism is developing into an important industry. Important tourist places are Agatti, Bangaram, Kalpeni, Kadmat, Kavaratti and Minicoy, etc.

 

Puducherry

Ø  The Union Territory of Puducherry, an ex-French enclave, comprises four isolated regions of Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam. Puducherry, the capital of the territory was once the original headquarters of the French Government in India. The French Government handed over the administration of their territories in November 1954. The territories thus handed over were constituted into the Union Territory of Puducherry.

Ø  Puducherry region is bounded on the east by the Bay of Bengal and on the three sides by Tamil Nadu as a conclave of Cuddalore and Villupuram districts of Tamil Nadu. The union territory has a very interesting language composition, primarily due to the scattered location of the regions. Since Puducherry and Karaikal are adjacent to Tamil Nadu, local vernacular language in these two regions is Tamil. Mahe is located in between Kozhikode and Cannanore districts of Kerala, well connected by national highway. Hence, their vernacular language is Malayalam. In Yanam, language spoken by the people is Telugu as it is in Andhra Pradesh as an enclave of east Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh connected by road to Kakinada. For communication purpose, the local government made English its offi cial language. Being a former French Territory, French is also spoken by many French/Indian nationals residing here.

 

§  Art and Culture

 The unique dance form pertaining to Puducherry is “Masquerade” dance that has been left behind by the French as a legacy of their rule over the region. Masquerade dancers are a feature of religious societies in many areas. Animal masks are a common feature of masking. The type of mask infl uences the style of the masquerade dance. Masqueraders who perform as entertainers have emerged from the rituals societies. They usually start with popular aerobatic dances and then display their prowess by changing into a series of animal and masked fi gures.

 

 

 

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