Prayagraj history

Prayagraj, one of the oldest cities in India, boasts a rich and multi-layered history closely interwoven with the country's spiritual culture. Its emergence and development were defined by its unique geographical location and religious significance.

Originally, the city was known as Prayag, which translates from Sanskrit as "place of sacrifice" or "place of offering." The first mentions of it are found in ancient Vedic texts, where it is described as a sacred site for pilgrimage. The city emerged at the confluence of three rivers: the sacred Ganges and Yamuna, as well as the mythical underground river Saraswati. This location, known as Triveni Sangam, is considered one of the holiest in Hinduism. Historical evidence, such as the pillar of Emperor Ashoka erected here in the 3rd century BCE, confirms the city's ancient status. The modern city was largely rebuilt in 1583 by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, who named it Allahabad ("City of God") and constructed a mighty fort.

The development of Prayagraj was driven by several key factors:

• Geographical Location: Its position at the confluence of two of Northern India's largest rivers made the city a strategically important point on water trade routes.
• Religious Significance: The status of "King of all Pilgrimage Centres" (Tirtha Raj) has attracted millions of believers to Prayag for millennia, especially during the Kumbh Mela festival.
• Political Power: The construction of the fort by Akbar strengthened the city's military and administrative importance. Later, during the British Raj, it served as a significant administrative hub.

Since ancient times, Prayagraj has been an outstanding cultural and spiritual centre. Its economy was largely based on serving pilgrims, river trade, and agriculture on the surrounding fertile lands. The city was not only a venue for the world's largest religious festivals but also a centre of knowledge and education, as evidenced by references in ancient epics such as the "Ramayana."

Chronology of Historical Events

• 3rd Century BCE — Emperor Ashoka erects a stone pillar with edicts, confirming the city's ancient status as an important religious centre.
• 1575 — Emperor Akbar visits the sacred Prayag and, recognising its strategic importance, orders the foundation of the city of Illahabas here.
• 1583 — The construction of the grand fort at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers is completed, becoming the largest citadel of the Mughal era.
• 1801 — The Nawab of Oudh hands the city over to the control of the British East India Company, marking the beginning of the colonial period in the region.
• 1857 — Prayagraj (then Allahabad) becomes one of the epicentres of the massive Sepoy Mutiny against British rule.
• 1858 — Lord Canning reads Queen Victoria's proclamation transferring the governance of India from the East India Company to the British Crown.
• 1866 — The High Court is established, becoming one of the first and most influential judicial bodies in the north of the country.
• 1887 — The University of Allahabad opens, quickly earning the unofficial title "Oxford of the East" for its high standard of education.
• 1919 — Motilal Nehru acquires the Anand Bhawan mansion, which soon transforms into the main headquarters of the national liberation movement.
• 1931 — The famous revolutionary Chandrashekhar Azad dies heroically in a shootout with British police in the city's Alfred Park.
• 1948 — The solemn ceremony of immersing Mahatma Gandhi's ashes takes place at the sacred Triveni Sangam confluence.
• 1954 — The city hosts the first Kumbh Mela festival after independence, gathering millions of pilgrims.
• 2018 — State authorities officially return the city to its historical name, renaming Allahabad back to Prayagraj.

Major Stages of Prayagraj's Development

Prayagraj, known for centuries as Allahabad, has undergone numerous transformations that have shaped its modern appearance. From a strategic fortress to the intellectual hub of the nation, each stage has left a noticeable mark on its history and culture.

• Mughal Transformation (16th Century): In 1583, Emperor Akbar built a powerful fort at the confluence of the rivers and renamed the city Allahabad. This turned it into a vital military-administrative centre of the Mughal Empire and one of the provincial capitals. This urban planning decision defined the city's strategic importance for many years.
• Capital of British India (19th Century): Following the Sepoy Mutiny in 1857, the city became the capital of the North-Western Provinces in 1858. This status attracted investment in infrastructure: administrative buildings and courts were built, and the new Civil Lines district was laid out in a European style. The city evolved into a key political centre of British rule.
• Educational Breakthrough (1887): The founding of the University of Allahabad, nicknamed the "Oxford of the East," was a crucial cultural milestone. The university turned the city into a magnet for the intellectual elite from across India and played a key role in shaping ideas of national revival.
• Centre of the Liberation Movement (Early 20th Century): Prayagraj became the cradle of India's struggle for independence. The city was home to the Nehru family and many other prominent figures. Key meetings of the Indian National Congress were held here, cementing its status as the political heart of the nation.
• Infrastructure Development in the 20th Century: The construction of new bridges across the Ganges and Yamuna, as well as the development of railway connections, strengthened the city's economic position. This improved transport accessibility and promoted the growth of trade and industry, primarily related to food production and services for pilgrims.
• Return of the Historical Name (2018): The official renaming of the city from Allahabad to Prayagraj became a symbolic act highlighting its ancient Hindu heritage and cultural identity. This step reflected modern cultural and political trends in the region and the country.

The architectural appearance of Prayagraj represents a unique blend of styles from different eras, reflecting its rich history. From the monumental structures of the Great Mughals to the elegant buildings of the British colonial period, the city is a living museum of urban development.

Mughal Era Architecture

The most significant contribution of this era to the city's architecture is the Allahabad Fort, built by Emperor Akbar in 1583. This massive structure, located at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, serves as a striking example of Mughal military architecture. It is characterised by massive red sandstone walls, majestic gates, and internal pavilions that combine elements of Islamic, Persian, and Indian architecture. Another important monument of this period is Khusro Bagh, a garden complex with tombs demonstrating classic features of Mughal mausoleums: symmetrical layout, graceful domes, and intricate stone carving.

British Colonial Heritage

During the British Raj, when the city was a major administrative centre, its architecture was enriched with new styles. In this period, the Civil Lines district was established with straight, wide streets and spacious bungalows. The main architectural trends were the Gothic and Indo-Saracenic styles.

• Indo-Saracenic Style: This hybrid style, combining European and Indo-Islamic motifs, is reflected in iconic buildings such as the Allahabad High Court and the main building of the University of Allahabad (Muir College). They are characterised by domes, chhatri turrets, pointed arches, and openwork lattice screens.
• Gothic Style (Neo-Gothic): The brightest representative of this style is All Saints Cathedral, designed by architect William Emerson. It is distinguished by high spires, pointed windows, and massive stone walls, making it resemble classic European Gothic cathedrals of the 13th century.

Modern Architecture

After India gained independence, urban development in Prayagraj focused mainly on functionality. New structures are primarily residential complexes, administrative, and commercial buildings designed in a modern international style. However, the historic city centre and colonial districts have largely retained their original appearance, creating an expressive contrast between the old and the new.

Distinguished Figures Connected to Prayagraj

Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) has been the birthplace and centre of activity for many prominent figures who have left a deep mark on the history, politics, and culture of India. The city can rightfully be called a cradle of political leaders and literary geniuses.

• Jawaharlal Nehru (1889–1964) — The first Prime Minister of independent India and a key figure in the independence movement. He was born and raised in Prayagraj, in a house that is now the Anand Bhawan museum. His work laid the foundations of modern Indian statehood.
• Indira Gandhi (1917–1984) — The first and only female Prime Minister of India, daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru. She was born in Prayagraj on 19 November 1917 and spent her childhood here, absorbing the political atmosphere of the Nehru household.
• Motilal Nehru (1861–1931) — A distinguished lawyer, politician, and father of Jawaharlal Nehru. He was one of the leaders of the Indian National Congress, and his home in Prayagraj served as the unofficial headquarters of the independence movement.
• Harivansh Rai Bachchan (1907–2003) — One of the most famous poets of the 20th century writing in Hindi. He lived and taught at the University of Allahabad for a long time, making a huge contribution to literature. He is the father of the famous actor Amitabh Bachchan.
• Chandrashekhar Azad (1906–1931) — A fiery Indian revolutionary and freedom fighter. He died on 27 February 1931 in a shootout with British police in Alfred Park in Prayagraj, which now bears his name (Chandra Shekhar Azad Park).
• Dhyan Chand (1905–1979) — A legendary Indian field hockey player, three-time Olympic champion, considered by many to be the greatest player in the history of the sport. He was born in Prayagraj on 29 August 1905. His birthday is celebrated in India as National Sports Day.
• Mahadevi Varma (1907–1987) — A distinguished Indian poetess and writer, one of the key figures of the Chhayavaad literary movement. She spent most of her life in Prayagraj, where she served as the Vice-Chancellor of the women's college Prayag Mahila Vidyapeeth.