New Delhi: The Mahakumbh Mela will be held in Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh from January 13 to February 26. One of the biggest Hindu festivals, the Mahakumbh is attended by crores of people from different corners of India and even from foreign nations. Like previous editions, this year too people will go to Prayagraj to bath in the Mahakumbh as it washes away all sins and helps us to attain salvation as per popular belief. Notably, Prayagraj is the place of the holy confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers.
Formerly known as Allahabad, the city of Prayagraj has immense historical significance which goes back to ancient times. If you are going to Prayagraj for the Mahakumbh, then you can visit some historical places in and around the city.
Famous historical places you can see in Prayagraj
Allahabad Fort
In 1583, Mughal Emperor Akbar built the Allahabad Fort at Prayagraj. It stands on the banks of the Yamuna river, near its confluence with the Ganges river. The Archaeological Survey of India has classified it as a monument of national importance. It is the largest fort that Akbar built. This fort has three galleries flanked by high towers. According to historian William Finch, it took 5,000 to 20,000 workers of different denomination over a period of 40 years to build the fort.
Allahabad High Court
Allahabad High Court is the high court in Prayagraj city. It was established on March 17, 1866, making it one of the oldest high courts to be established in India. On March 11, 1919, its name was changed to High Court of Judicature at Allahabad. The High Court maintains a permanent circuit bench at Lucknow, the administrative capital of Uttar Pradesh.
University of Allahabad
The University of Allahabad in Prayagraj was established on September 23, 1887. It is the fourth oldest modern University in India and is recognised as an Institute of National Importance (INI). It was earlier known as Muir Central College and its foundation stone was laid by Governor-General of India, Lord Northbrook on December 9, 1873. The college was named after Sir William Muir, who was the Governor of the erstwhile United Province. William Emerson, who also designed Kolkata’s Victoria Memorial and Mumbai’s Crawford Market, designed the building of the university.
Swaraj Bhavan
The Swaraj Bhavan is a large mansion in Prayagraj which was once owned by Motilal Nehru and it served as the home to the Nehru family until 1930. It has 42 rooms and a number of memorabilia including a charkha of Mahatma Gandhi, photographs of the Indian freedom movement and personal belongings of the Nehru family.
Madan Mohan Malaviya Park
The Madan Mohan Malaviya Park (formerly Minto Park) is the place where Earl Canning, the Governor-General of India, read out the declaration of Queen Victoria’s Proclamation at November 1, 1858. It led to the complete transfer of India’s control from the East India Company to the British Crown. In 1908, the Earl of Minto, the Viceroy of India, installed a proclamation pillar to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the event. In 1910, the park was named Minto Park. After independence, the park was renamed Madan Mohan Malaviya Park.
Mayo Memorial Hall
Mayo Memorial and Town Hall is a large meeting hall. Richard Roskell Bayne designed the hall and its construction was completed in 1879. The hall was meant for public meetings, balls and receptions in commemoration of the assassinated Viceroy Mayo.
Anand Bhavan
The Anand Bhavan is a historic house which was bought by Motilal Nehru in the 1930s to serve as the residence of the Nehru family when the original mansion Swaraj Bhavan became the local headquarters of the Congress. Today, the Jawahar Planetarium is located there along with a museum.
Khusro Bagh
Khusro Bagh is a large walled garden and burial complex. It has the tombs of Jahangir’s first wife Shah Begum, Jahangir’s eldest son Khusrau Mirza, Jahangir’s daughter Nithar Begum, and Bibi Tamolan. The four sandstone mausoleums present an exquisite example of Mughal architecture.
All Saints’ Cathedral
All Saints’ Cathedral is a United Protestant cathedral which is also known as Patthar Girja (Church of Stones). It was modelled after 13th-century Gothic style churches. It was consecrated in 1887 and was completed four years later. British architect Sir William Emerson designed the cathedral.
Chandra Shekhar Azad Park
Chandra Shekhar Azad Park is a public park in Prayagraj. It was built in 1870 to mark Prince Alfred’s visit to the city and it is the biggest park in Prayagraj. Notably, it was in this park that legendary freedom fighter Chandra Shekhar Azad laid down his life while fighting British soldiers on February 27, 1931. The place where he died now has the Chandra Shekhar Azad Memorial.
The Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, from January 13 to February 26, draws millions of people. Beyond the spiritual significance of bathing in the Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj boasts rich history. Explore iconic sites like Allahabad Fort, Allahabad High Court, Swaraj Bhavan, and Anand Bhavan, witnessing centuries of Indian heritage. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
