Ancient Cities of Uttar Pradesh

During the 6th century BCE, out of the 16 Mahajanapadas mentioned in ancient texts such as the Anguttara Nikaya, as many as 8 Mahajanapadas were located wholly or partially in present-day Uttar Pradesh, including Kashi, Kosala, Vatsa, Panchala, Malla, Surasena, Chedi and parts of Magadha. Early republican states also flourished in this region. Prominent among them were the Mallas of Kushinagar and Pava, as well as tribal republics like the Shakyas and Koliyas in the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh.

Ancient Cities of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is a state with a rich history and heritage. Numerous ancient cities of the state narrate the story of India’s glorious past. These cities were once beacons of culture, religion, knowledge, trade and political power.
Studying these ancient cities provides deep insight into civilisational continuity, architectural brilliance and cultural pluralism of India.

Varanasi (Kashi)

• Varanasi, also known as Kashi or the City of Lights, is a sacred city located on the western bank of the river Ganga. It is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, flourishing for more than 3000 years, and is regarded as the cradle of Vedic civilisation.
• It is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Major ancient sites include Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Manikarnika Ghat, and nearby Sarnath with Dhamekh and Chaukhandi Stupas.
• Varanasi has been declared the first Cultural and Tourism Capital of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Significance of Varanasi

• Geographical Significance: Situated on the fertile Gangetic plains, supported by alluvial soil and river-based agriculture.
• Economic Significance: Major centre for Banarasi silk, handicrafts, trade, tourism and transport connectivity in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
• Cultural Heritage: A global centre of music, art, literature and spirituality; home to BHU and Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum.
• Tourism: Over 80 ghats, boat rides, Ganga Aarti, and Sarnath as a major Buddhist site.
• Religious Confluence:

  • One of the 12 Jyotirlingas

  • Buddha’s first sermon nearby

  • Birthplace of Jain Tirthankaras Suparshwanath, Chandraprabha and Shreyansanath

Ayodhya

• Ayodhya, historically known as Saketa, is one of the most ancient cities of India and one of the Sapta Mokshapuris. Situated on the banks of the Sarayu River, it was the capital of the Kosala kingdom.
• It is the birthplace of Lord Rama and the central setting of the Ramayana. The Atharvaveda describes Ayodhya as a city “built by the gods.”

Significance of Ayodhya

• Cultural–Historical Importance: Centre of Ramayana tradition and ancient Kosala polity.
• Geographical Significance: River Sarayu supported settlement, agriculture and trade.
• Pilgrimage Importance: A major Hindu pilgrimage city with pan-India accessibility.
• Religious Pluralism: Jainism, Buddhism and Islam flourished here; five Jain Tirthankaras were born in Ayodhya.

Mathura–Vrindavan

• Mathura, situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. It was a major urban centre in ancient India and part of important trade routes.
• Vrindavan is closely associated with Krishna’s childhood and Bhakti traditions. The ISKCON Temple has global religious importance.

Significance of Mathura

• Geographical Significance: River Yamuna ensured agricultural prosperity and settlement.
• Trade Importance: Located on ancient trade routes linking Gangetic plains with western India.
• Economic Significance: Dairy industry, milk products, handicrafts and religious tourism.
• Tourism: Krishna Janmabhoomi, Holi, Janmashtami attract millions of devotees annually.

Kannauj (Kanyakubja)

• Kannauj, originally called Kanyakubja, is among the oldest cities of India. Archaeological remains show prehistoric habitation.
• Chinese pilgrim Fa-Hien visited it during the Gupta period. Under Harshavardhana, Kannauj became the imperial capital and the centre of the Tripartite Struggle.

Significance of Kannauj

• Historical Importance: Capital of major dynasties – Guptas, Pratiharas, Palas and Chauhans.
• Cultural Heritage: Ancient temples like Chausath Yogini and Kaleshwar Mahadev.
• Economic Significance: Famous for attar industry, earning the title Perfume Capital of India.
• Agriculture: Fertile Gangetic plains support farming and allied activities.

Sankisa

• Sankisa, identified with Basantpur village in Farrukhabad district, lies on the banks of the Kali River.
• According to Buddhist tradition, Lord Buddha descended here from Tushita Heaven. Emperor Ashoka erected an elephant-capital pillar.

Significance of Sankisa

• Geographical Significance: Fertile Gangetic plains with good road connectivity.
• Historical Importance: Mauryan, Kushan and Gupta influences visible in archaeological remains.
• Religious Significance: Important Buddhist pilgrimage site with Ashokan and Gupta remains.
• Tourism & Cultural Exchange: Promotes international Buddhist tourism and intercultural dialogue.

Shravasti

Shravasti, about 15 km from Bahraich, was the capital of the Kosala kingdom.
Buddha spent 24 monsoons here and delivered key sermons. The Jetavana Monastery, donated by Anathapindika, was a major Buddhist centre.

Significance of Shravasti

• Geographical Significance: Located in fertile plains near the Rapti River.
• Religious Importance: One of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
• Cultural Heritage: Ruins at Saheth-Maheth and Jetavana monastery.
• Tourism: Connected under the Buddhist Circuit; World Peace Bell installed with Japanese support.

Prayagraj (Prayag)

• Prayagraj, located at the Triveni Sangam (Ganga-Yamuna-Saraswati), is revered as Tirtha Raja.
• Archaeological evidence from Koldihwa shows the earliest rice cultivation.
  It played a crucial role in the Indian freedom movement and has produced the highest number of Prime Ministers in independent India.

Significance of Prayagraj

• Mythological Importance: Mentioned in Vedas, Puranas, Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• Religious Significance: Venue of Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering.
• Administrative Importance: Judicial capital of Uttar Pradesh; Allahabad High Court.
• Educational Hub: Allahabad University, MNNIT and IIIT.

Ahichhatra

• Ahichhatra, located in present-day Bareilly district, was the capital of Northern Panchala.
• It flourished during the Mahajanapada period and later under the Guptas.

Significance of Ahichhatra

• Political Importance: Capital of Panchala Mahajanapada.
• Archaeological Value: Gupta temples, terracotta art and coins discovered.
• Cultural Heritage: Reflects early urban planning and temple architecture.

Kaushambi

Kaushambi, near Prayagraj, was the capital of the Vatsa Mahajanapada.
It was an important centre of Buddhism and Jainism.

Significance of Kaushambi

• Political Importance: Capital city during Mahajanapada period.
• Religious Importance: Visited by Buddha; associated with Jain Tirthankaras.
• Trade Centre: Important inland trade hub in ancient India.

Hastinapur

Hastinapur, located in present-day Meerut district, was the capital of the Kuru kingdom. It is central to the Mahabharata narrative.

Significance of Hastinapur

• Mythological Importance: Capital of Pandavas and Kauravas.
• Religious Significance: Important Jain pilgrimage centre.
• Archaeological Evidence: Painted Grey Ware culture excavations.

Sarnath

Sarnath, near Varanasi, is where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon.

Significance of Sarnath

• Religious Importance: Birthplace of the Buddhist Sangha.
• Archaeological Heritage: Dhamekh Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, monasteries.
• Global Importance: UNESCO-recognized Buddhist heritage site.

Government Initiatives for Heritage Conservation and Tourism Development in UP

• PRASHAD Scheme (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive):
  • Aims at the integrated development of major pilgrimage destinations by improving last-mile connectivity, civic amenities, sanitation, lighting, riverfronts and heritage aesthetics, thereby enhancing both spiritual experience and local livelihoods.
• Tourism Circuits in Uttar Pradesh:
  • Tourism circuits are thematic travel routes connecting multiple destinations linked by religion, history, culture or heritage, developed with integrated infrastructure to enhance tourist experience and regional development.
    Examples: Ramayana Circuit (Ayodhya–Chitrakoot), Buddhist Circuit (Sarnath–Shravasti–Sankisa–Kushinagar), Krishna–Braj Circuit (Mathura–Vrindavan)
• HRIDAY & Swadesh Darshan Schemes:
  • HRIDAY emphasizes holistic revitalisation of heritage cities by improving urban infrastructure while preserving cultural identity, whereas Swadesh Darshan develops theme-based tourist circuits with integrated infrastructure, branding and destination management.
• Digital Archaeological Mapping & Museum Modernisation:
  • Use of GIS mapping, 3D documentation, digital archives and virtual tours to scientifically record, preserve and present archaeological sites and museum collections, ensuring better conservation, research access and public engagement.
• Kumbh Mela Infrastructure Development (Prayagraj):
  • Large-scale investments in roads, bridges, ghats, sanitation, crowd management, disaster response and digital services to manage the world’s largest congregation while creating long-term urban infrastructure benefits.

Challenges in Heritage Conservation and Tourism Development in UP

• Urbanisation Pressure on Heritage Sites:
  • Rapid population growth, unplanned construction and infrastructure expansion threaten the physical integrity and historical context of ancient cities and monuments.
• Inadequate Conservation Funding and Expertise:
  • Limited financial resources, shortage of trained conservation professionals and delayed maintenance lead to deterioration of monuments and archaeological remains.
• Encroachment and Environmental Degradation:
  • Illegal encroachments, river pollution, solid waste dumping and air pollution adversely affect heritage structures, ghats and sacred water bodies.
• Limited Community Participation:
  • Local communities are often excluded from heritage management, resulting in low ownership, poor awareness and conflicts between conservation and livelihood needs.

Way Forward

• Integrated Heritage–Tourism Master Plans: Preparation of city-level plans that balance conservation, urban development and tourism through zoning regulations, heritage impact assessments and coordinated governance.
• Community-Based Conservation Models: Involving local residents, artisans and religious institutions in protection, interpretation and tourism services to ensure inclusive growth and long-term sustainability.
• Digital Documentation and Smart Heritage Cities: Leveraging technologies such as AI, GIS, AR/VR and smart monitoring systems for real-time tracking, virtual access and predictive conservation of heritage assets.
• Sustainable Tourism with Carrying-Capacity Norms: Promoting responsible tourism by regulating visitor numbers, diversifying tourist circuits, encouraging off-season travel and minimizing ecological footprints.

Conclusion

The ancient cities of Uttar Pradesh represent the civilisational backbone of India. From Vedic rituals to Buddhist philosophy and freedom struggle leadership, these cities continue to shape India’s cultural identity. With effective conservation and sustainable development, Uttar Pradesh can emerge as a global heritage and spiritual tourism hub.