Why is there East and West Uttar Pradesh but not North and South Uttar Pradesh?

Uttar Pradesh (UP), one of India's most populous states, boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and geography. A mention of East UP and West UP often arises in socio-political and cultural conversations, but why isn't there a similar reference to North and South UP? Let's delve deep and unpack this conundrum.

• Historical Context: The division of Uttar Pradesh into East and West is rooted in historical contexts. Before the state was named Uttar Pradesh in 1950, this region was known as the United Provinces, which had geographical, historical, and cultural divisions akin to the present-day East and West UP. Avadh (Oudh) and the Gangetic plain formed the eastern part, while areas like Meerut and Agra formed the western part. These distinctions have persisted over time, often reflecting in the state's electoral politics, economic disparity, and cultural nuances.
• Geographical Orientation: The elongated shape of Uttar Pradesh runs mostly from the west to the east. Given this spread, the differences between the eastern and western regions are more pronounced than any potential north-south differentiation. The mighty Ganges River, which flows through the state, also follows a west-east trajectory, further emphasizing this geographical orientation.
• Socio-Cultural Differences: The cultural distinctions between East and West UP are stark. While both regions share a common language, Hindi, the dialects, food preferences, and even festive celebrations exhibit subtle variations. For instance, the Awadhi dialect is more prevalent in eastern UP, while the western part has a stronger influence of Khari Boli.
• Economic Disparities: Historically, West UP, with its proximity to the national capital Delhi and fertile plains, experienced faster industrial and agricultural growth. East UP, in contrast, has faced challenges such as frequent floods, leading to economic disparities that further emphasize the east-west divide.
• Political Landscape: The political dynamics of Uttar Pradesh have often revolved around the east-west divide. Different regions have their power centers, caste dynamics, and political allegiances. This has led politicians to often strategize based on the unique characteristics and voter sentiments of East and West UP.

While the divisions of East and West Uttar Pradesh are historical, geographical, cultural, economic, and political in nature, the state doesn't exhibit such a pronounced differentiation between its northern and southern parts. Hence, the narrative has been dominantly about the contrasts and dynamics between East and West UP, rather than a North-South divide. This understanding helps individuals, whether they're policy-makers, researchers, or general enthusiasts, navigate the intricate tapestry of Uttar Pradesh's socio-cultural landscape.