Dotted with holy shrines and pilgrim places, Uttar Pradesh plays an important role in the politics, education, culture and industry of India. Heroes like Buddha, Mahavira, Asoka the Great, Akbar and Mahatma Gandhi were either born or lived in this region. The Taj Mahal, the world famous monument of love, is located here, along with Varanasi, the holy city of Hinduism on the Ganges River.

Uttar Pradesh is described as a "rainbow land" where the multi-hued Indian culture has blossomed. This fourth largest state is about the size of Idaho. Inhabited by over 150 million people representing a mix of groups, languages and religions, Uttar Pradesh is the most populated state in India. Hindus represent 82 percent of the population while Muslims comprise 17 percent. Sikh, Christian and Jain populations together represent less than one percent of the population. The languages spoken are Hindi (90%), Urdu (9%) and Punjabi (less than 1%).

The main occupation of the people is farming. Sugar cane, wheat, rice, pulses, vegetables and fruits are grown. Important industries include textiles, paper, leather goods, machine tools, aircraft and information technology.

Christianity first came to Uttar Pradesh during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar (1556-1605). Akbar sought out educated Jesuit priests from Goa and gave them permission to bring Christianity to his people. However, Christianity in this state has long been a tiny, stagnant minority. In 1995 there were less than 500 Christian workers. Intimidation and threats by anti-Christian groups have led some to return to the practices of Hinduism.

Gospel for Asia in Uttar Pradesh:
Work began in 1993
Personal evangelism
Church planting
Bible schools
Film ministry
Radio broadcasts in Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi and several tribal languages