Unit 3: Northern plains-2 & central India

Part 1: Uttar Pradesh (Northern Plains-2)

1. An Overview of the Culture of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh (UP) is often considered the cultural heartland of India. It is the birthplace of Hinduism's major epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, and a major center for Buddhism, Jainism, and Islam. Its culture is a vibrant synthesis of various historical influences, most notably the Hindu-Islamic syncretism known as the Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb.

• Language and Literature: Hindi and Urdu are the predominant languages. The state has a rich linguistic diversity including dialects like Awadhi, Braj Bhasha, Bhojpuri, and Bundeli. UP is the birthplace of legendary writers and poets such as Kabir, Tulsidas, Surdas, Munshi Premchand, and Mirza Ghalib.
• Music and Performing Arts:
  • Kathak: One of the eight major forms of Indian classical dance, originating from the Kathakars (storytellers) of ancient northern India, highly nurtured under the Nawabs of Awadh.
  • Classical Music: A prominent hub for Hindustani classical music, birthing styles like Khayal, Thumri, Dadra, and Ghazal. The Benaras and Lucknow Gharanas are legendary.
  • Folk Arts: Includes Ramlila (enactment of Ramayana), Raslila (Krishna's dance), Nautanki (folk theater), and Qawwali (Sufi devotional music).
• Festivals and Fairs: Home to the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj (one of the largest peaceful gatherings in the world). Other major celebrations include Diwali in Ayodhya, Lathmar Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon, Eid, and Muharram.
• Cuisine: UP cuisine is divided into Awadhi and Mughlai. Awadhi cuisine (Lucknow) is famous for its Dum Pukht style of slow cooking, Galouti kebabs, and rich biryanis. Traditional vegetarian cuisine includes kachoris, chaat, and sweets like peda (Mathura) and petha (Agra).

2. Art and Crafts of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is India's largest brass and copper producing state and a powerhouse of traditional handicrafts. The patronage of Mughal emperors and Nawabs left a lasting legacy on the local craftsmanship.

• Metal Crafts (Moradabad & Aligarh):
  • Moradabad is globally known as Peetal Nagari (Brass City). Artisans create intricately carved brassware, including urns, trays, and decorative items featuring enamel (Minakari) work.
  • Aligarh is famous for its traditional locks and hardware fittings.
• Pottery and Ceramics:
  • Khurja Pottery: Located in Bulandshahr, Khurja is famous for its brightly colored, glazed ceramic tableware and decorative pieces.
  • Nizamabad Black Pottery: Made using local clay, baked in closed ovens to achieve a black color, and then etched and filled with a silvery mixture of zinc and mercury.
  • Gorakhpur Terracotta: Known for unglazed, highly detailed terracotta animal figures, especially the ornate terracotta horses.
• Wood Carving (Saharanpur): Saharanpur is the epicenter of wooden handicrafts in India. Artisans use sheesham, sal, and teak wood to create intricately carved furniture, screens, and inlay work with brass or copper.
• Stone Craft (Agra & Varanasi): Agra is famous for Pietra Dura (marble inlay work), a craft introduced by the Mughals, prominently visible in the Taj Mahal. Artisans embed semi-precious stones into white marble to create floral and geometric patterns.
• Glassware (Firozabad): Known as the Suhaag Nagari, Firozabad is India's largest manufacturer of glass bangles, chandeliers, and decorative glass items.

3. Textiles of Uttar Pradesh

The textile heritage of UP is distinguished by its intricate embroidery, rich silks, and exquisite weaving techniques.

• Chikankari (Lucknow):
  • A delicate and artful hand-embroidery historically done using white thread on sheer, pastel-colored cotton or muslin fabrics.
  • Features over 32 different stitching techniques (such as Tepchi, Bakhiya, Hool, Zanzeer).
  • Widely used for kurtas, sarees, and home furnishings.
• Banarasi Silk & Brocades (Varanasi/Banaras):
  • Among the finest sarees in India, known for their gold and silver brocade (zari), fine silk, and opulent embroidery.
  • Characterized by intricate floral and foliate motifs (kalga and bel), a string of upright leaves at the outer edge of the border (jhallar), and heavy weight due to dense weaving.
  • Varieties include Katan (pure silk), Organza with zari, Georgette, and Shattir.
• Zardosi / Zari Work:
  • Heavy, ornate embroidery using metallic threads (gold and silver), pearls, beads, and precious stones.
  • Prominent in Lucknow, Agra, and Bareilly; heavily utilized in bridal wear and royal garments.
• Carpet Weaving (Bhadohi & Mirzapur):
  • Bhadohi is known as the "Carpet City" of India. It produces hand-knotted, hand-tufted, and woven carpets featuring Persian-inspired floral designs as well as modern geometric patterns.

Part 2: Madhya Pradesh (Central India)

1. An Overview of the Culture of Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh (MP), often called the "Heart of India," features a rich cultural tapestry shaped by its geographical centrality and massive tribal population. The state acts as a cultural bridge between North and South India.

• Tribal Heritage: MP has the largest tribal population in India. Major tribes include the Bhils, Gonds, Baigas, Sahariyas, and Korkus. Their animistic beliefs, folklore, and close relationship with nature deeply influence the state's culture.
• Language: Hindi is the official language. Regional dialects are highly prominent, including Malvi, Nimadi, Bundeli, Bagheli, and various tribal languages like Bhili and Gondi.
• Music and Performing Arts:
  • Classical Music: A premier center for Hindustani Classical music. The Gwalior Gharana is one of the oldest singing gharanas. The Maihar Gharana (founded by Ustad Allauddin Khan) is also globally renowned.
  • Folk Dances: Tribal and folk dances include Matki (Malwa region), Gaur (danced by the Bison Horn Marias), Karma (Gond and Baiga tribes), Tertali, and Phulpati.
• Festivals:
  • Khajuraho Dance Festival: A week-long festival of classical dances set against the backdrop of the famous Khajuraho temples.
  • Tansen Samaroh: A classical music festival held in Gwalior.
  • Bhagoria Haat Festival: A vibrant tribal festival celebrated by the Bhil and Bhilala tribes before Holi, functioning as a matchmaking fair and celebration of the harvest.
• Cuisine: Famous for distinct regional flavors. Iconic dishes include Poha-Jalebi (Indore), Dal Bafla (similar to Dal Bati), Bhutte ka Kees (grated corn snack), and Seekh Kebabs (Bhopal).

2. Major Art and Crafts of Madhya Pradesh

The crafts of Madhya Pradesh are heavily utilitarian yet aesthetically rooted in tribal traditions and local ecosystems.

• Gond Tribal Art:
  • A vibrant form of painting practiced by the Gond tribe, originally done on mud walls but now transitioned to canvas and paper.
  • Characterized by intricate patterns of dots and dashes, vivid colors, and motifs derived from nature, folklore, and mythology (e.g., Mahua tree, tigers, birds).
  • Jangarh Singh Shyam was a pioneer who brought Gond art to global prominence.
• Dhokra / Bell Metal Craft:
  • Practiced by the tribal artisans of Betul and Tikamgarh.
  • It uses the ancient lost-wax casting technique (Cire Perdue) to create non-ferrous metalware, including figurines of deities, animals, and lamps.
• Terracotta:
  • Deeply tied to tribal rituals. Artisans in Mandla, Jhabua, and Chhatarpur create votive offerings like the terracotta horses and elephants offered to local deities.
• Woodcraft:
  • Due to abundant forests, wood carving is prominent. The tribal belts produce beautifully carved wooden doors, masks, pipes, and memorial pillars.
• Papier-Mache and Stuffed Toys:
  • Ujjain and Gwalior are known for papier-mache art. Gwalior is famous for its Batto Bai dolls—handmade cloth and papier-mache dolls dressed in traditional attire.

3. Major Textiles of Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh boasts some of India's finest handloom traditions, marked by sheer textures, royal patronage, and distinct dyeing techniques.

• Chanderi Textiles:
  • Originating from the town of Chanderi (Ashoknagar district), these textiles are renowned for their sheer texture, light weight, and luxurious drape.
  • Woven from a mix of silk and cotton with intricate zari borders.
  • Motifs are inspired by nature and architecture, including swans, gold coins (asharfi), trees, and geometric floral patterns.
• Maheshwari Sarees:
  • Originating in Maheshwar, introduced and patronized by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar in the 18th century.
  • Traditionally made of pure cotton, now available in silk-cotton blends.
  • Known for their distinctive striped or checkered patterns, narrow borders, and reversible borders (the saree can be worn on either side).
  • Motifs (like karn phool and rui phool) are inspired by the carvings on the Maheshwar Fort.
• Bagh Prints:
  • A traditional hand-block printing technique originating from Bagh in the Dhar district, practiced by the Khatri community.
  • Involves the use of natural vegetable dyes, primarily in striking red (alum) and black (iron rust) colors against a white background.
  • Motifs are geometric and floral, inspired by the murals of the nearby Bagh Caves. The local Bagh River's copper content is said to enhance the richness of the colors during washing.
• Batik Print:
  • Practiced heavily in Ujjain and Indore, this is a wax-resist dyeing technique.
  • Melted wax is applied to the fabric to resist dyes; when the wax is cracked and dyed, it creates beautiful, vein-like patterns.
• Nandana Print:
  • A traditional block printing style from Tarapur, historically worn by the women of the Bhil tribe.
  • It relies on traditional motifs like Amba (mango), Mirchi (chilli), and Diba (box), often printed on a dark indigo or green background.