Sources of Uttar Pradesh History

Sources of Uttar Pradesh History, Archaeological Sources of UP History, Literary Sources of UP History,

Sources of Uttar Pradesh History

The historical reconstruction of Uttar Pradesh is based on two primary categories: Archaeological SourcesLiterary Sources,

Archaeological Sources of UP History

1. Archaeological Remains and Monuments

• Prehistoric skeletal remains: Human skeletons from many sites like Partapgarh, providing anthropological insights.
• Buddhist Monuments: Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath, associated with Buddha’s first sermon (Dhammacakkappavattana).
• Hindu Temples: Ancient temples at Mathura, Kashi (Varanasi), and Ayodhya – major religious and cultural centres.
• Early Medieval Monuments: Harshavardhana’s Fort in Kannauj – seat of power during early medieval times.
• Indo-Islamic Architecture: Fatehpur Sikri (Akbar’s capital), Allahabad Fort, Taj Mahal, and Agra Fort – representing Mughal grandeur and architecture.

2. Inscriptions

Early Inscriptions

• Ashokan Edicts:
  • Found at Sarnath, Prayagraj, and Kaushambi – promoting Dhamma and moral conduct.
• Junagarh Rock Inscription (Rudradaman I):
  • While located in Gujarat, mentions Uttarapatha connecting to eastern regions.
• Ayodhya Inscription: Mentions Pushyamitra Sunga performing two Ashwamedha Yajnas.
• Prayag Prashasti (Allahabad Pillar):
  • Composed by Harisena, eulogizing Samudragupta’s military campaigns and conquests.
• Bhitari Pillar Inscription (Ghazipur):
  • Details Skandagupta’s victories over the Huns and administrative policies.
• Mathura and Kashi Vishwanath Temple Inscriptions:
  • Rich details on donations, patronage, and temple administration.

Medieval Inscriptions

• Allahabad Pillar Inscription of Jahangir:
  • Records Mughal imperial orders and Akbar’s legacy.

3. Numismatics (Coins)

1. Punch-marked Coins

• Sites of Discovery: Varanasi, Kaushambi, Shravasti, and Ayodhya.
• Features: Coins bearing symbols such as the sun, moon, hills, and geometric patterns, found in large quantities.
• Significance: These coins reflect the early urban economy and trade activities of the Ganga Valley.

2. Kushan Coins

• Sites of Discovery: Mathura and Kaushambi.
• Features: Gold, silver, and copper coins issued by Kanishka and Huvishka, bearing images of deities and rulers.
• Significance: Mathura was a major religious and economic centre during the Kushan period, with wide circulation of coins.

3. Gupta Coins

• Sites of Discovery: Prayagraj, Kaushambi, and Ghazipur (Bhitari).
• Features:
  • Coins depicting Samudragupta playing the veena.
  • Five types of gold coins issued by Skandagupta.
• Significance: The Ganga–Yamuna Doab (U.P.) was the core region of the Gupta Empire. The coins reflect the cultural and economic prosperity of the period.

4. Gurjara-Pratihara Coins

• Site of Discovery: Kannauj.
• Features: Animal motifs, religious figures, and geometric designs.
• Significance: Kannauj was a major political and cultural centre at that time, showcasing the power and legacy of the Pratiharas.

5. Mughal Coins

• Sites of Discovery: Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, and Allahabad (Prayagraj).
• Features: Coins of Akbar and Jahangir, noted for calligraphy, Persian inscriptions, and solar/zodiac motifs.
• Significance: Agra and Fatehpur Sikri served as Mughal capitals, leading to the discovery of a vast number of coins from these sites.
• Coins discovered from Uttar Pradesh – ranging from the earliest punch-marked coins to the Mughal period – reflect the region’s political authority, religious traditions, economic activities, and cultural prosperity. They establish the Ganga–Yamuna Doab as one of India’s major historical and economic centres.

Literary Sources of UP History

1. Religious Literature

a) Hindu Texts

• Vedas: Refer to Ganga river, Kuru and Panchala kingdoms (located in western UP).
• Ramayana: Describes Ayodhya as Lord Rama’s birthplace.
• Mahabharata: Mentions Hastinapur, Mathura, and Kurukshetra (western UP).
• Bhagavad Gita: Philosophical discourse during Kurukshetra War.
• Puranas: Describe pilgrimage centres like Prayagraj, Varanasi, Ayodhya.

b) Jain Texts

• Bhagwati Sutra: Mentions 16 Mahajanapadas, 8 located in present-day UP.
• Kalpasutra: Describes Mathura as birthplace of Jain teachers.
• Acaranga Sutra & Tattvartha Sutra: Composed near Sravasti and Mathura.

c) Buddhist Texts

• Anguttara Nikaya: Lists 16 Mahajanapadas.
• Sutta Pitaka & Dhammapada: Refer to Ashtangik Marg, Sarnath, and first sermon of Buddha.
• Jataka Tales: Mention Varanasi, Sarnath, Sankissa (Farrukhabad) – Buddha descended here from Tushita heaven.

2. Secular Literature

• Kautilya’s Arthashastra: Mentions Uttarapatha (Northern trade route), linking eastern UP.
• Prithviraj Raso (Chand Bardai): Gives insight into Rajput polity and battles, including events affecting western UP.
• Agrahadatta’s Writings: Reflect Gupta socio-political scenario.
• Harshacharita (Banabhatta): Biography of Harshavardhana, describes Kannauj Assembly and Prayag Maha Moksha Parishad.
• Plays by Harshavardhana: Ratnavali, Priyadarshika, Nagananda – reflect socio-cultural ethos.
• Ain-i-Akbari (Abu’l Fazl): Detailed account of Mughal administration, economy, and social structure in UP regions.

3. Accounts of Foreign Travellers

• Megasthenes (Greek envoy to Chandragupta Maurya) – Indica: Describes administration, city planning, and Mauryan society, including areas of eastern UP.
• Fa-Hien (Chinese Buddhist monk): Travelled during Gupta period, documented religious life, monasteries, and social structure including areas of UP.
• Hsuan Tsang (Xuanzang): Visited Kannauj and Sarnath under Harshavardhana; wrote Si-Yu-Ki.
• Al-Biruni (Persian scholar): Kitab-ul-Hind: Describes religion, astronomy, geography, and Hindu philosophy.
• Ibn Battuta (Moroccan traveller): Rihla mentions Delhi Sultanate, religious practices, and eastern India’s polity, including parts of UP.

Uttar Pradesh’s history is richly preserved through archaeological finds, inscriptions, coins, and texts. Early cultures like PGW and OCP, along with cities like Ayodhya and Varanasi, highlight its ancient roots. Foreign accounts provide a non-native perspective and validate indigenous records, offering a balanced historical perspective.

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