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Uttar Pradesh in one of the most ancient cradles of Indian culture. Though that no Harappa and Mohan-Jodaro have been discovered in the State, the antiquities found in Banda (Bundelkhand), Mirzapur and Merrut link its history to early stone age and Harappan era. Chalk drawings or dark red drawings by primitive men are extensively found in the Vindhyan ranges of Mirzapur district. Utensils of that age have also been discovered in Atranji-Khera, Kaushambi, Rajghat and Sonkh. Copper articles have been found in Kanpur, Urmao, Mirzapur, Mathura and some other districts. All these finds allude to a civilization before the advent of the Aryans in this State. It is most probable that snapped links between the Indus Valley and Vedic civilizations lie buried under the ruins of ancient sites found in this State. The liberal traditions continued to flourish in Uttar Pradesh in the middle age as well. Varanasi remaineda prominent centre of Hindu learning and Jaunpur, under the Sharqi rulers, a prominent centre of Islamic culture. Jaunpur was describe as the 'Shiraz' of India. The Sharqi rulers were patrons of music also and there were many famous musicians in their court. Brij region was an important centre of devotional music in those days.
It was in Uttar Pradesh that 'Sufis' took inspiration from Hindu thought and philosophy. Ramanand and his famous disciple Kabir and other saints like Ravidas, Darya Shah and Guru Gorakhnath were some of the great men of those times who gave a new direction to the life and culture of this State. The Hindu teachers laid emphasis on monotheism (onensess of God) and focused attention on the meaninglessness of the caste system. The Muslim sufis were greatly influenced by mysticism. All these saint-poets contributed to the enrichment of both Hindi and Urdu literature. Sultan Feroz Tughlaq who got Sankrit works translated into Persian made a notable contribution. Among the authors of this age, Zia-ud-din Barni will always be held in high esteem.
The tradition of cultural synthesis, which was started by the sufis and saints during the rule of Sultans, received great impetus during the reign of wise Mughals. It was a time when a distinct liberal outlook was discernible in all the spheres of human life such as religion, art and literatures. Many Madarsas and Maktabs were opened for Muslim education and Varanasi became the traditional centre of Hindu education. Hindi and Urdu literatures developed further and work of translation of Sanskrit books into Persian gained nomentum. Tulsidas, Surdas, Keshavdas, Bhushan, Malik Mohammad Jayasi, Raskhan, Matiram, Ghananand, Bihari, Dev and Giridhar Kavirai were some of the great poets, who brought laurels to Uttar Pradesh. After the Disintegration of the Mughal Empire, smaller states, which came into being, also pursued a policy of giving patronage to poets and musicians.
Kushan Dynasty
The Kushan dynasty was established by Kujul Kadphises-I. His son and successor, Vim Kadphises or Kadphises-II had come upto the Ganga valley. His sucessor, Kanishka was doubtlessly the greartest among all Kushan rulers. Stories of war which Kanishk fought with the king of Soked (Saket) have been preserved in the accounts of Chinese and Tibetan historians and several inscriptions and coins found in excavations in extensive parts of Uttar Pradesh indicate that this territory was at sometime part of the Kushan empire. Mathura was at that time a well known centre of art.

The reign period of Kanishk and genealogy of Kushan rulers are uncertain. Some scholars are of the view that Kanishk ascended the throne in 78 AD, while some others are of the view that Kanishk ruled between 120 and 14 AD. His capital was Purushpur of Peshawar and other capital was in Mathura. Gandhar, Kashmir and basins of Indus and Ganga valleys came under his kingdom. After Kanishk his son Huvishk succeeded to the throne and was followed by his son, Vasudev.

The empire of the Kushanas was greatly reduced during Vasudev's rule and after him disintegrated and split into several small border kingdoms. With the approach of third century AD, the Kushan suzeranity in Madhya Desh had collapsed and a number of smaller states had once again sprung up in the place. Although the names of some of them are still preserved in the pillar inscription of Samudragupta (4th century AD) at Allahabad, the most powerful dynasty to rule north India during this period was of the Nagas.Mathura and Krantipuri were the headquaters of the rulers of this dynasty. Another sect of the Nagas, the Bharshivas also rose to power during this period. An idea of their power and the extent of their empire can be had from the fact that they performed ten Ashwamedh Yajnas and were anointed with sacred water brought from the Ganga for their coronation.

The history of the period from the middle of the second century up to the rise of the Gupta rulers in the 4th century is very nebulous. The Kushanas were losing power and several smaller states had once again started establishing their soverignity. The Panchalas of Ahichhatra had a powerful kingdom, which probably extended upto Mathura. The entire area comprising Kumaon and Garhwal and probably extending upto Kulu and Simla hills formed the kingdom of the Kunindas. The remains found in Kashipur and various places in Terai show that it was an important and powerful kingdom. After the decline of the Kushan power, Kaushambi (Kosam near Allahabad) probably became independent. A loacal dynasty reled over Magadh and subsequently the Guptas also emerged from this very region
The Mauryan Empire
With the emergence of the Mauryans in the 3rd century B.C., a new chapter was opened in the history of Art. It is said that Ashok visited Sarnath and Kushinagar and had personally ordered for construction of Stupas and Viharas at both these two sacred places. Their traces have disappeared but the remnants of stone pillars found at Sarnath, Allahabad, Meerut, Kausambi, Sankisa and Varanasi give us an idea of the excellence of Mauryan Art.
All the Ashokan pillars have been built with Chunar stones (red sandstone). The Lion Capital of Sarnath, which is also a National emblem, is doubtlessly an excellent specimen of Mauryan Art. The famous historian Vincent Smith, has described it as, 'It would be difficult to find in any country an example of ancient animal sculpture, superior or even equal to this artistic expression of Sarnath, because it successfully combines realistic treatment with idealistic dignity where every detail has come out with utmost perfection.'

Mathura was another important centre of Art in the Mauryan Period. Colossal sculptures of Yakshas and Yakshinis (akin to angels) have been found in the district Parkham, Borada and Jhing-ka-nagar. These structures today can be found in the contemporary folk art of Mathura.

There was considerable artistic activity in Uttar Pradesh during ShungSatvahan Period. A large number of architectural and other fragments found in the ruins of Sarnath tell us the story of buildings, etc. built during this period. The remains of a semi-circular temple of this period is now represented only by its foundation wall.
During those days Mathura had become a prominent centre of Bharhut-Sanchi School of Art. Several important specimens of this schools have been found here.
The Gupta Empire
With the advent of the Guptas in 4th century AD, political unity was again restored in India and during two centuries of their rule, Madhya Desh (Uttar Pradesh) shared general peace and prosperity with other regions.

After the decline of the Gupta empire in 6th century AD, the power was once again decentralised. The Maukharis of Kannauj ruled over a large part of Madhya Desh for some tome. They had to contend fiercely with the Gupta kings of Malva. Their last ruler, Grihwarman was defeated and killed about 606 AD by the Malva king Devagupta. After this Grihwarman's ministers handed over the reins of administration to his brother in-law Harshavardhan, the king of Thaneshwar.

With the accession of Harsha, the ruling dynasty of Thaneshwar and Kannauj joined hands. Kannauj became a major city of north India. For centuries, it enjoyed the same prestige, which Patalipurta had enjoyed earlier. Because of its grandeur and prosperity, it was known as "Mahodaya Shri" and its possession became the goal of successive Hindu rulers after Harsha (i.e. after 647 AD). The Chinese traveller, Yuan-Chwang, who visited the country at that time, has given a vivid description of Kannauj.

After Harsha, north India was once again thrown in turmoil. It is not possible to construct a coherent history of the period on the basis of available material. Only a few events can be narrated.

The Golden Age
The Gupta Period, commonly known as the golden age in the history of Indian Art. Their artistic endeavors also left an impact on the state of Uttar Pradesh. The stone temple of Deogarh (Jhansi) and brick temple at Bhitargaon in Kanpur district are famous for their artistic panels. Some other specimens of the ancient art and craft are the Vishnu images, the standing statue of the Buddha in Mathura and the seated image of the Buddha in the Sarnath museum.
Both the Mathura and Sarnath schools of Art reached their zenith during the Gupta Period. Elegance and balance were the special features of the architecture of this period while the sculptures were characterised by physical charm and mental peace. Uttar Pradesh saw unprecedented advancement in iconographic forms and decorative motives during this period. Most of the states were made of red sand stone. Some excellent specimens of similar artistic statues made not only of stone but terra cotta as well, have also been found in Rajghat (Varanasi), Sahet-Mahet (Gonda-Bahraich), Bhitargaon (Kanpur) and Ahichhatra (Bareilly).

There was a flurry of building activity again in Uttar Pradesh in the early medieval period. Forts, palaces and temples scattered all over the state in cities like Kannauj, Varanasi, Kalinjar andMathura reflect the rich medieval culture. Kannauj became a prominent centre of art and learning during the reigns of Gurjar-Pratihars and Gaharvars. Gaharvar King Govind Chandra's consort Kumar Devi, also contributed to the art of the state. She had constructed a very grand building at Sarnath known as DharmChakra Jain Vihar. But Kannauj has very few specimen now to tell of the glory and grandeur of that era. Most of the architectural structures were brought down by lusty Muslim invaders. The artistic beauty of the Mathura temples of the same age was such that even the Muslim invader and plunderer, Mahmud of Ghazni had praises for them.
The Chandel rulers of southern Uttar Pradesh were also great patrons of Art. Their building activities were mostly centered around Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh but remains of temples and ponds constructed by contemporary architects have been found in Mahoba, Rasin, Rahilla and some other places of the Bundelkhand region. The fort built by them at Kalinjar was impregnable from defense point of view.
The temples and divine images in hill areas of Uttar Pradesh, now Uttranchal, represent a special Art tradition of its own.
The Age of Buddha
The founder of Buddhism, Gautam the Buddha, was born in Lumbini in Nepal. His father, King Shuddodhan, was the ruler of a small State, Kapilvastu (now in Siddharthnagar district in nothern Uttar Pradesh). His mother, Maya, belonged to the ruling family of another small State, Deodah (now in Deoria district, in Eastern Uttar Pradesh).

The Buddha attained Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya in Bihar but it was in Isipattan or Mrigdav (commonly known as the Deer Park) in Sarnath in U.P. that he preached his first sermon and also laid the foundation of his order. From this point of view, Sarnath has the distinction of being the birthplace of 'Dhamma' and 'Sangha', the two elements of the Holy Trinity of Buddhism, the third being the 'Buddha' himself. Other notable places in Uttar Pradesh hallowed by Buddha's association are Kushinara or Kushinagar (in Deoria district) where he attained 'Mahaparinirvana', Shravasti, the capital of Kosal where he performed a great miracle, and Sankashya or Sankisa (in Etah district) where another miracle of his life occurred.

The rulers of most of the kingdoms in ancient then Uttar Pradesh were greatly influenced by the teachings of Buddha. The people of the State also did not lag behind in showing love and devotion to the Tathagat (The Buddha), greater part of whose monastic life was spent in Uttar Pradesh. Thus, it will be no exaggeration to describe Uttar Pradesh as the cradle of Buddhism.

Besides Buddhism and Jainism, Pauranic Brahmanism also had deep roots in the State. Ancient images of Gods and Goddesses of Brahmanical order such as Vishnu, Vasudev, Surya, Kartikeya, Varah, Durga, Lakshmi and other divinities have been found from Mathura. During recent excavation in Sankh in Mathura district, a temple of Kushan period has been found, which relates to Brahmanism. In fact Mathura can be said to be the birth place of Indian sculpture. Other temples of this faith built in different periods are in Varanasi, Allahabad, Ballia, Ghazipur, Jhansi and Kanpur.
Age of Synthesis
In successive centuries after Buddha, Ayodhya, Prayag, Varanasi, Mathura and several other cities continued to play important role in the making of religious and cultural history in India. Several kings who ruled the region became immortal because of Vedic rituals performed by them and patronage extended by them to learning.
Scholars like Ashwaghosh, Kalidas, Ban, Mayur, Diwakar, Vakpati, Bhavbhuti, Rajshekhar, Laxmidhar, Sri Harsh and Krishna Misra adorned their courts. Chinese traveler Yuan-Chwang says that the people of Uttar Pradesh were full masters of the language and spoke it correctly, their pronunciation was like that of the Devas, elegant, beautiful, and their intonation clear and distinct, worthy of emulation by others. All accepted the rules framed by these people. Rajshekhar of Pratihar also pays homage in the similar vein to the people and poets of Panchal.
Varanasi continued to be a prominent centre of learning as in the past. Ayodhya and Mathura acquired fame as birth places of the two most popular Hindu Gods, Rama and Krishna . Pilgrims from every corner of the country continued to throng to Prayag and as such it was called the Tirathraj.
Similarly, the north mountain region, where Kailash and Mansarovar are situated and from where the holy rivers of the country originate, also remained sacred for the pilgrims. The Shankaracharya established one of the four prominent sacred Dhams in Badrikashram in this region.
Age of Instability

During the first quarter of 8th century AD, Yashovarman established sway over Kannauj. He overran almost the whole of India and once again made Kannauj a city of splendour. In alliance with Lalitaditya Muktapid of Kashmir, he also sent his army into Tibet and attained substantial success also but later on Lalitaditya dethroned and killed him in 740AD. during the reign of later Ayudh rules, Kannauj becamne a bone of contention between Palas of Bengal, Rashtrakuts of south and Gurjar Pratihars of western India but ultimately the Gurjar Pratihars were successful. The empire that they established was in no way mferior to the empires of any Gupta in its extent and fame.

The Gurjar Pratihars held sway over north India during the whole of the 9th and 10th centuries. They were vanquished by Mahmood of Ghazni in 1018-19 AD. The Chandel rulers of Jejak-Bhukti of present Bundelkhand successfully met the onslaught of Mahmud of Ghazni, thanks to their fortress at Kalinjar. Two Chandel rulers, Dhang and Vidyadhar played a glorious role in the wars with invaders. After the decline of Pratihars, anarchy once again gripped Madhya Desh but rise of Gaharwars at the time helped in restoration of peace and order and a new era a prosperity began in the region.The two prominent Gaharwar rulers were Govind Chandra (1104-1154) and Jaichandra (1170-1193 AD).

Due to short-sightedness of Jaichandra, Chauhan king Prithviraj III had to face defeat at the hands of Muhammed Ghori at the battle of Tarain in 1192 AD and he himself was defeated and slained at Chhandwar in Etawah next year. Soon Meerut, Koil (Aligarh), Asani, Kannauj and Varanasi also fell victims to invaders. Though the Chandel ruler Parmardidev (Veer Parmal of folk-lore) was defeated in a battle with Qutub-ud-din Aibak in 1203 AD, the Chandels later retrieved the situation and continued to rule Jeijak-Bhukti, albeit with reduced territory for over about two centuries. Similarly, the distant north hill region also remained safe from the invaders.
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