Uttar Pradesh
LUCKNOW
The capital of India most populous state UTTAR PRADESH- the very name Lucknow
was the abode of NAWABS AVADH and their regal pastimes and pleasure were legendary
.Many of the royal residence are now crumbling ,but the best known of Lucknow
's architectural representatives are the Imambaras and the Bhulbhulaiyan , a
labyrinth is their Cuisine and the fragrance of Kababas roasting over grilled
fires in the evenings is a common occurrence.Lucknow also continues to be home
to the fine chikan embroidery executed with fine skill on fabric ,sarees and
kurtas.
Lucknow is situated in the upper Gangetic plains of the country. Therefore,
the climate of this region is characterized by hot and humid summers but cold
and chilly winters. Summers generally start by the end of March and remains
till June. Immediately monsoon takes over and gives the people of Lucknow a
much-needed relief from the heat. October is the time when winter starts and
it remains for almost five months, i.e., till February end. The best time to
visit Lucknow would be winter, i.e., between October and February, when the
climate is pleasant and comfortable, making it easy to travel.
Jhansi
Jhansi was a stronghold of the Chandela kings. Balwant Nagar was the name of
this place. But in 11th. century Jhansi lost its importance. In 17th. century
under Raja Bir Singh Deo of Orchha Jhansi again rose to prominence. Raja Bir
Singh Deo had good relations with the mughal emperor Jehangir. In 1613 Raja
Bir Singh Deo constructed the Jhansi fort. He died in 1627. After his death
his son Juhar Singh succeeded him.
Maharaja Chattrasal Bundela of Panna was a good administrator and a brave warrior.
In 1729 Mohammed Khan Bangash attacked Chattrasal. Peshwa Baji Rao(I ) helped
Maharaja Chattrasal and defeated mughal army. As a mark of gratitude Maharaja
Chattrasal offered a part of his state to Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao(I). Jhansi
was also included in this part.
In 1742 Naroshanker was made the subedar of Jhansi. During his tenure of 15
years he not only extended the Jhansi fort which was of strategic importance
but also constructed some other buildings. The extended part of the fort is
called Shankergarh. In 1757 Naroshanker was called back by the Peshwa. After
him Madhav Govind Kakirde and then Babulal Kanahai were made the subedars of
Jhansi.
In 1766 Vishwas Rao Laxman was made the subedar of Jhansi. His period was from
1766 to 1769. After him Raghunath Rao (II) Newalkar was appointed the subedar
of Jhansi. He was a very able administrator. He increased the revenue of the
state. The MahaLakshmi Temple and the Raghunath Temple were built by him. For
his own residence he constructed a beautiful building Rani Mahal in the city.
In 1796 Raghunath Rao passed the subedari in favour of his brother Shiv Rao.
AYODHYA
The city of Ayodhya is an important pilgrim place for Hindus in India. It is
one of the seven holiest cities of India. Ayodhya is the birthplace of Lord
Ram, who is an important deity in the Hindu pantheon. This small, quiet town
attracts pilgrims from all over the country. Hindu pilgrims visiting Ayodhya
during festivals and important religious functions consider a holy dip in the
sacred Saryu River very auspicious.
Ayodhya is located in center of the state of Uttar Pradesh, in the northern
region of India. It is a part of the great northern plains and is situated on
the south bank of river Saryu. The climate of Ayodhya is tropical. The summers
are hot (April-June) while the winters are cool (November-February). The southwestern
monsoon rains hit Ayodhya in July-September. Ayodhya is 130 km east of Lucknow
and 6 km from Faizabad.
Though the weather of Ayodhya is generally mild with hot spells in summer (April-June),
it is advisable to travel here in the winter months.
Ayodhya city was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Ayodhya, where Lord Ram
was born. It is also mentioned in Hindu mythology and the Ramayana. The ancient
scripture of Atharvaveda describes Ayodhya as 'a city built by gods' and compares
its prosperity with the glory and splendor of the paradise. Babur, the founder
of the Mughal Empire in India, constructed a mosque in Ayodhya. It became the
part of the great Mughal Empire and was ruled by them for many years. After
the decline of the Mughal Empire, it became a part of the regional state of
Awadh, which was later annexed by the British.
The main tourist attraction of Ayodhya was the Babri Masjid (Mosque), built
by the Mughal king Babur. Unfortunately, the traveler can no longer see this
monument as it was demolished in the riots that took place here in 1992. It
is said that Ayodhya has 7000 temples, but there are some 100 temples of relative
significance. Near the remains of the Babri Masjid, the traveler can see the
Ram Janmabhumi (birthplace of Lord Ram) shrine. It is believed that Lord Ram
spent much of his childhood here. Other places to visit in Ayodhya are Lakshman
Ghat, Kala Ram temple and the Kanak Bhavan temple, which was built in the 19th
century. There are several Jain shrines in Ayodhya. One kilometer east of the
Ram Janmabhumi shrine is Hanumangadhi (Fortress of Hanuman, the revered monkey
god and friend/devotee of Lord Ram). It is said that Lord Hanuman lived in a
cave nearby to protect the Ram Janmabhumi. The town of Faizabad is 6 km from
Ayodhya. It was once the capital of the regional kingdom of Awadh and has a
few monuments belonging to that dynasty.
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