Uttar Pradesh has been one of the most important states in Indian history because of its size and location. Fundu Fact 7 of the India's 10 Prime Ministers come from Uttar Pradesh. The state is one of the most important religious places for Indians. It is believed that the great epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata are based on this state. The Ganges river, which originates and flow through much of the state is the sacred river of Hindus. The birth of Buddhism and Jainism is also connected with Uttar Pradesh. It was at Sarnath, just outside Varanasi, that Buddha first preached his message of the middle way. The name Uttar Pradesh comes from 'United Provinces'. The British had combined Agra and Oudh into one province and called it 'United Provinces of Agra and Oudh'. The name was shortened to the United Provinces in 1935. After independence, the name was changed to a more 'Indian' sounding Uttar Pradesh. Many towns of Uttar Pradesh are famous for their remarkable handicraft products. Chances are you might have heard of Mirzapur's 'hand-knitted carpets', Lucknow's 'chikan' work kurtas, Firozabad's 'glass work', 'Moradabad's 'brass ware', Gorakhpur's 'terracotta' work, Saharanpur's 'wood carving' and Farrukhabad's 'hand printing'. These are only some of the famous exports of Uttar Pradesh. The most popular tourist attraction of Uttar Pradesh is undoubtedly the Taj Mahal. Referred to as the ninth wonder of the world, Taj Mahal is also the monument, which is most often used to represent India. "The world is divided between those who have seen the Taj and those who have not. Very soon, I hope to be on the side that has seen the Taj." William Jefferson Clinton, President, United States of America (while addressing the Indian Parliament on 22.03.2000 before he visited the Taj Mahal). Fatehpur Sikri, the capital city of the Mughals (1570-1586), around 40 km away from Agra is also a must see. The story goes that Emperor Akbar had made a pilgrimage to the powerful saint Sheikh Salim Chisti at this place to ask his blessings for a male heir. The blessings bore fruit and to honour the great saint, Akbar not only name his son Salim but also founded a new city to mark his birth. Lack of adequate water supply and other such factors meant that the city couldn't serve as capital for long, but the majestic palaces built by the Mughal ruler still stand. Land of culture: Kathak, one of the four classical dances of India was born in Uttar Pradesh. Birju maharaj is a well known kathak dancer of India. Heard of Rani Laxmibai, the brave queen of Jhansi? Well, Jhansi is a place in Uttar Pradesh and the fort, which this brave queen defended against the British, still stands as a reminder of the greatness of this courageous lady.