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India is rich in traditions, culture, flora, fauna, history, minerals, etc. Every state is different from the other. The geographical conditions, the population, the religious groups, biodiversity, etc., all give a state its uniqueness. To celebrate and recognize each state, the government declared individual state symbols as per the state’s prominent features. These symbols are selected based on what represents the state the best and can be found easily all over a given state. For example, the symbols for Uttar Pradesh represent the cultural aspects and the heritage of the state.
Uttar Pradesh State Symbols
State Capital | Lucknow |
State Animal | Swamp deer (Barasingha) |
State Bird | Sarus crane |
State Tree | Ashoka |
State Flower | Palash |
State Dance | Kathak |
State Sport | Hockey |
State Capital: Lucknow
Lucknow has a rich history of being ruled by Nawabs and Mughals. It is a civilised and beautifully designed city. It was chosen as capital many times during the Mughal reign. Located near the Gomati river with stunning palaces, big gardens, and deep-rooted Mughal history, it attracts many tourists each year. The administrative headquarters of Uttar Pradesh is also located in Lucknow. These factors helped the government choose Lucknow as the state capital.
State Animal: Swamp Deer
Scientifically known as Rucervus duvacelii, this deer can be found in the forests of Uttar Pradesh. It went extinct in Bangladesh and Pakistan and is now exclusively found in northern and eastern India.
State Bird: Sarus Crane
The sarus crane is a non-migratory bird that lives in India. Its scientific name is Grus antigone. Its mention in the Ramayana signifies its role in Indian history and religion. It is an endangered species but can be found in the Indian subcontinent, Australia and Southeast Asia.
State Tree: Ashoka
The Ashoka tree, scientifically known as Saraca asoca or Saraca indica, has great religious significance as it can be found in many religious folk tales. It is often grown on royal grounds and near temples. As per Hinduism, it is a sacred tree. Due to its religious significance, which also represents the richness of the state’s religious culture, it was declared the state tree.
State Flower: Palash
Scientifically known as Butea monosperma, Palash has great religious importance in Uttar Pradesh. It is also known as Flame of Forest because of its colourful flowers. It is commonly found in the northern and central Indian provinces. The flowers bloom all over the tree, cover the leaves and almost change the colour of the tree.
State Dance Form: Kathak
Kathak was first introduced in 400 BCE. It is mainly related to storytelling in the form of dance, and the dancers are called Kathakars. Facial expressions, rhythmic foot movements, eye movements, and hand movements help mesmerise the viewer and tell a better story. It is believed that the earlier dancers were storytellers who travelled across the northern province of India to perform Kathak. This dance form covers stories from mythology, especially about Lord Krishna. Since Kathak is at the root of Uttar Pradesh and its surrounding states, it has been chosen as the state dance form.
State Sport: Hockey
Historians say hockey was played for hundreds of years before the Britishers modernised it. Before British rule, a version of hockey played in India was called Khido Khundi. It was very famous in Punjab and north India. Even though the names of the two games are different, the basics were similar. This helped hockey gain popularity in North India and then become the state sport of Uttar Pradesh.
State Emblem:
Uttar Pradesh’s state emblem shows the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna in the centre, a bow on top and one fish on either side of the confluence. The pair of fish (matsya) symbolise the Muslim rulers of Oudh. The central band that shows the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna marks one of the most important river systems in Uttar Pradesh. The bow on top symbolises Lord Ram. These motifs, together, promote the message of unity in diversity. The emblem represents the historical, geographical, and cultural significance of Uttar Pradesh.
Conclusion
The state symbols of Uttar Pradesh represent the rich culture and tradition of the state and highlight its unique history. In the case of sports, hockey was chosen based on its roots and popularity. Apart from hockey, people also love to play football, cricket, wrestling, etc. Highlighting the animal, bird, and flower helps the state stand out and contributes to the conservation of flora and fauna.
