Gorakhpur history

The history of Gorakhpur is rooted in deep antiquity, and its name is inextricably linked to the spiritual traditions of India. The city is named in honour of the medieval saint, Guru Gorakhnath, who is considered the founder and populariser of Hatha Yoga. According to tradition, he meditated at this spot around the 12th century, and the Gorakhnath Math temple dedicated to him remains the city's main spiritual centre today. However, the first mentions of the region date back to an even earlier period: in the 6th century BC, this territory was part of the powerful kingdoms of Kosala and Malla. The area also holds sacred significance for Buddhists and Jains: it is believed that nearby, Gautama Buddha renounced worldly life, and Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara in Jainism, was born.

The rise of Gorakhpur was defined by several key factors. Firstly, its strategic geographical location on the banks of the Rapti River and near the border with Nepal made it a vital transit point. This facilitated the city's development as a trade hub and a staging post on the pilgrimage route connecting sites significant to Buddhism — Kushinagar (the place of Buddha's passing) and Lumbini (his birthplace). Secondly, for centuries, the region was under the rule of major political powers, including the Mauryan, Gupta, and Harsha empires, which contributed to its stable development. Thirdly, the city has always been a centre of attraction for pilgrims, which shaped its unique cultural and economic environment.

The early cultural and economic features of Gorakhpur are closely intertwined. Its status as a spiritual centre associated with yoga, Buddhism, and Jainism attracted scholars, ascetics, and followers of these teachings. This fostered not only cultural exchange but also the development of an economy oriented towards serving numerous pilgrims. Trade was likely focused on essential goods, religious paraphernalia, and handicrafts. Thanks to its location at the crossroads of trade and pilgrimage routes, the city transformed from early times into a bustling centre where different cultures and traditions met.

Key Milestones in the History of Gorakhpur

• 6th Century BC — The territory of modern Gorakhpur is part of the influential kingdoms of Kosala and Malla, serving as an important centre of Aryan civilization.
• 4th Century BC – 7th Century AD — The region is successively under the rule of the great empires of the Mauryas, Kushans, Guptas, and Harsha, ensuring its stable development.
• Approx. 12th Century — Guru Gorakhnath lives and preaches in Gorakhpur, after whom the city was later named; the Gorakhnath Math spiritual centre is founded.
• 13th–16th Centuries — The city and surrounding lands become part of the Delhi Sultanate and later the Mughal Empire, which is reflected in its administrative and cultural structure.
• 1801 — The Nawab of Oudh cedes the territory of Gorakhpur to the British East India Company, marking the beginning of the colonial period.
• 1829 — Gorakhpur becomes the administrative headquarters of the eponymous division, uniting several districts.
• 1857 — The city becomes one of the centres of the Indian Rebellion (Sepoy Mutiny) against British rule.
• 4 February 1922 — An incident occurs in the neighbouring town of Chauri Chaura, which compelled Mahatma Gandhi to halt the nationwide Non-Cooperation Movement.
• 1923 — Gita Press is founded in Gorakhpur, which subsequently became the world's largest publisher of Hindu religious literature.
• 1947 — Gorakhpur, along with the entire country, gains independence and becomes part of the Republic of India.

Major Stages of City Development

The evolution of Gorakhpur from a religious settlement into a major industrial and transport hub of Northern India passed through several key stages. Each of them introduced significant changes to the economy, culture, and urban landscape.

• Formation of the Spiritual Core (12th Century) — The founding of the Gorakhnath monastery served as the starting point for the development of the urban environment. Markets, inns, and residential quarters for pilgrims began to spontaneously emerge around the temple complex, transforming the religious site into a centre of regional economic activity.
• Status as Administrative Centre (1801) — The transfer of the city to the administration of the British East India Company led to a radical shift in the urban planning paradigm. The appearance of courts, barracks, the collectorate, and Civil Lines introduced elements of European planning and an ordered administrative structure to the chaotic development.
• Railway Revolution (Late 19th Century) — The decision to locate the headquarters of the Bengal and North Western Railway (now the North Eastern Railway zone) here became a powerful driver of growth. This turned the city into a logistics hub, attracted thousands of skilled engineers and workers, and led to the construction of a vast railway colony with its own infrastructure.
• Cultural Expansion via Gita Press (1923) — The opening of the publishing house made the city a global centre for printing Hindu literature. This event not only strengthened the cultural status of the city, which is a source of pride for all of India, but also created a sustainable publishing industry providing employment and trade flows for a century.
• Emergence as an Educational Hub (1957) — The founding of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya University changed the demographic and social face of the city. The appearance of a major university attracted youth from neighbouring districts and Nepal, stimulating the development of the service sector, book trade, and rental housing.
• Industrialisation (1960s) — The launch of the chemical fertiliser plant (FCI) marked the transition to large-scale industry. A new residential township grew around the enterprise, expanding the city boundaries and diversifying its economy, which had previously depended mainly on agriculture and trade.
• Modern Infrastructural Transformation (21st Century) — In recent years, the city is experiencing a renaissance thanks to major investments. The opening of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the renovation of the airport, and the revival of the fertiliser plant are transforming it into the main medical and industrial centre of Eastern Uttar Pradesh.

The architectural appearance of Gorakhpur represents a multi-layered canvas upon which various historical eras and cultural influences have left their mark. The city cannot boast a single dominant style; its built environment is rather an eclectic combination of traditional Indian, Mughal, Colonial, and modern architecture, reflecting its rich history as a spiritual, administrative, and trading centre.

Religious and Traditional Architecture

Central to the city's architectural and spiritual landscape is the Gorakhnath Math (Gorakhnath Temple). Although the shrine has existed for centuries, the current complex, spread over 52 acres, is the result of numerous reconstructions and renovations, especially after destruction during the Mughal period. Its architecture represents a synthesis of traditional Hindu temple architecture with elements of the Mughal style, which is evident in the shape of the gates and general outlines. The complex includes the main temple, shrines, meditation halls, and residential quarters adorned with carvings and sculptures. Another important site is the Vishnu Mandir, which houses a remarkable 12th-century statue of Vishnu carved from black stone.

Mughal and Indo-Islamic Period

The influence of the Mughal Empire, under whose rule the city remained for several centuries, is noticeable in the layout of the old quarters and in several iconic structures. A striking example is the Imambara, built in the late 18th century by Roshan Ali Shah. Although it belongs to a later period, its architecture bears the features of the Indo-Islamic style. The city has also preserved ancient mosques, such as the Jama Masjid in the Urdu Bazar area, built in 1699 by Emperor Aurangzeb's son, Muazzam Shah, and the Sangi Masjid (1618), demonstrating the domes, arches, and decorative carvings characteristic of the Mughal era.

British Colonial Era

With the transformation of Gorakhpur into an administrative centre in 1801 under the British East India Company, buildings in the colonial style began to appear in the city. The architecture of this period was predominantly functional: administrative buildings, courts, bungalows, and, crucially, railway infrastructure facilities were built. The Gorakhpur railway station building, which serves as the headquarters of the North Eastern Railway, bears features of the Indo-Saracenic style — a hybrid of European (Neo-Gothic, Neoclassical) and Indo-Islamic architectural motifs. This style, popular in British India, symbolised imperial power but adapted to local traditions.

Modern Development

After India gained independence, Gorakhpur's urban planning focused on addressing the challenges of a growing urban centre. New residential areas, industrial zones, educational, and medical institutions appeared. The architecture of this period is predominantly utilitarian in character. Key facilities include the campus of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya University (founded in 1957), the Gita Press publishing house, and modern commercial complexes. The city's development in recent decades is characterised by chaotic construction, typical of many rapidly growing Indian cities, where modern concrete and glass structures sit side by side with historic buildings.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Gorakhpur

Gorakhpur, being an important cultural, spiritual, and political centre for centuries, has been the birthplace or place of activity for many iconic figures in India's history. These individuals have left a deep mark on the country's literature, politics, sports, and spiritual life.

• Guru Gorakhnath (approx. 11th-12th centuries) — A medieval saint and yogi, after whom the city is named. He is considered the founder of the Nath tradition and the populariser of Hatha Yoga. His teachings and the Gorakhnath Math temple he founded transformed the city into a major spiritual hub, attracting pilgrims from all over India and the world.
• Munshi Premchand (1880–1936) — One of the greatest writers in the history of Hindi and Urdu literature. Although born in Varanasi, Gorakhpur became his "Karma-bhoomi" (land of work). Here he worked as a teacher and, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's speech in 1921, resigned from government service to dedicate himself to writing and the struggle for independence. It was in Gorakhpur that he wrote famous works such as "Idgah" and "Namak Ka Daroga".
• Ram Prasad Bismil (1897–1927) — A prominent Indian revolutionary, poet, and freedom fighter. He was a key figure in the famous Kakori conspiracy. Although Bismil was from Shahjahanpur, his name is inextricably linked to Gorakhpur, as it was in the city prison that he spent his final days and was hanged by British authorities on 19 December 1927. This place has become a symbol of his sacrifice for India's independence.
• Firaq Gorakhpuri (1896–1982) — The pen name of Raghupati Sahay, one of the most famous Urdu poets of the 20th century. A native of Gorakhpur, he was also a writer and literary critic. His work earned him India's highest literary awards, including the Jnanpith Award. He made an immense contribution to the development of Urdu poetry, and his pen name forever glorified his hometown.
• Yogi Adityanath (born 1972) — An influential modern politician and religious figure. Before becoming the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, he served for many years as the head priest (Mahant) of the Gorakhnath Math temple and was elected to the Indian Parliament five times from the Gorakhpur constituency. His activities are closely tied to the administration and development of the city.
• Anurag Kashyap (born 1972) — A renowned Indian film director, screenwriter, and producer, considered one of the leaders of independent cinema in India. He was born in Gorakhpur, and although his career developed in Mumbai, his origins in this region are often noted in the context of his creative journey.