Allahabad
About the city
Being a city with a rich history, Allahabad offers many sightseeing options to the tourists. The Sangam, situated 7 km from Civil Lines, is the meeting point of three holy rivers-the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. It becomes a hub of activity during the Kumbh Mela, which is held here after every 12 years.The vicinity of Allahabad is dotted with many places of tourist attractions, both historical and religious. Jhusi (also Pratisthanpuri) is a serene place dotted by ashrams and temples. Barely 9 km from Allahabad, it is a hot favourite among the tourists. Another notable place is Kaushambi (62 km), which finds mention even in the Mahabharata. Bhita (20 km) is an archaeological site on the banks of the Yamuna River.
Allahabad is among the largest cities in Uttar Pradesh. Hindu mythology has it that for the Prakrishta Yagna, Lord Brahma, the creator God of the Trinity, chose a land on earth, on which the three rivers would flow in to a quiet confluence. Brahma also referred to it as "Tirath Raj" or the "king of all pilgrimage centres". Recorded evidence also exists in the revered scriptures - the Vedas and the grand epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, as also in the Puranas - of this holy place formerly called Prayag. Allahabad stands at the confluence of two of India's holiest rivers, the Ganga and the Yamuna. Sangam, as the confluence is called, is the venue of many sacred fairs and rituals, and attracts thousands of pilgrims throughout the year. This number swells to millions during the world-famous Kumbh Mela. A third mythical Saraswati river, believed to flow underground towards the Sangam, gives the confluence its other name "Triveni".
Emperor Akbar founded this city in 1575 and called it by name of "Illahabas", which has now become modern Allahabad. The monarch realized its strategic importance as a waterway landmark in North India and also built a magnificent fort on the banks of the holy Sangam.
Over the centuries that followed, Allahabad remained on the forefront of national importance - more so, during the days of the Indian independence struggle. The city being an important cantonment during the British Raj has some beautiful remnants of colonial architecture. In the early 20th century, Allahabad University was the foremost center of learning in the country.
Allahabad, today is an important city where history, culture and religion create a confluence much like the sacred rivers that caress this God-graced land. Allahabad is also famous for the Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh Melas held every twelve and six years respectively.
These are attended by the largest congregation of saints, believers and followers of Hindu religion in India and from across the world. Allahabad is also known for its annual Magh Mela (mini Kumbh Mela) and colourful Dussehra festival. 'Prayag' or 'Allahabad' as it is known today is one of the most sacred pilgrimage centres of India.
Demography
The city Allahabad has a population of about 20,00,000. Males constitute 55% of the population and females 45%. Allahabad has an average literacy rate of 63%. The male literacy is 77% and female literacy is 46% approximately.History
Built on an ancient site, Allahabad was known as Prayag in Aryan times. The Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang described visiting the city in 634 AD.Emperor Akbar founded this city in 1575 and called it by name of Illahabas, which today stands as modern Allahabad. The monarch realized its strategic importance and built a magnificent fort on the banks of the holy Sangam. Later Allahabad was conquered by the Marathas, sacked by the Pathans and finally ceded to the British in 1801 by the Nawab of Avadh.
It was in Allahabad that the East India Company officially handed over the control of India to the British government in 1858, following the Mutiny. It houses some beautiful remnants of their colonial architecture. Over the centuries that followed, Allahabad remained at the forefront of national importance - more so, during the days of the India's struggle for independence.
In the early 20th century, Allahabad University was the foremost centre of learning in the country. Today, it is an important city where history, culture and religion create a confluence, much like the sacred rivers that caress this God-graced land. The city was also a centre of the Indian National Congress and at the conference here in 1920, Mahatma Gandhi proposed his programme of non-violent resistance to achieve independence.
Allahabad is anh ancient town, as is illustrated by references in the Vedas (circa 1500 B.C.). It was known as ‘Prayag' where Brahma, the Hindu Creator of the Universe, is believed to have attended a sacrificial ritual. In 1584, the town was renamed as Allahabd, or the Abode of Allah, by Mughal Emperor, Akbar, who built one of his largest forts here. It was from Allahabad that Prince Salim, later to become Emperor Jahangir, revolted against his father, the Mughal Emperor, Akbar. In 1602, Prince Salim held a paralled Imperial court in Akbar's fort in Allahabad. Akbar named Salim his succewssor, and in 1605, an imperial summon forced the prince to leave Allahabad and proceed to wards Delhi.