Allahabad

Allahabad



Introduction
Allahabad, sacred city of Hinduism was formerly called 'Prayag' in commemoration of a sacrifice done by Lord Brahma. According to Hindu mythology for the 'Prakrishta Yagna' Lord Brahma chose a piece of land on the earth on the confluence of the three rivers - the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the mytical Sarswati. This confluence is called Sangam. The Sangam is the venue of many sacred fairs and ritual and attracts thousands of pilgrims throughout the year. Akbar had visited Prayag in 1575 AD and founded a new city by the name Illahabad which has now become Allahabad. The city was an important cantonment during the British Raj and has some beautiful remnants of colonial architecture. In the the early 20th century, Allahabad was the foremost centre of learning in the country.

Sangam
At this point the shallow, muddy Ganges meets the green River Yamuna. During the month of Magha (mid-January to mid-February) pilgrims come to bathe at this holy confluence for the festival known as the Magha Mela. Astrologers calculate the holiest time to enter the water and draw up a 'Holy Dip Schedule'. The most propitious time of all happeens only every 12 years when the massive Kumbh Mela take place. There's a half-mela (Ardh Mela) every six years.

Fort
Built by Akbar in 1583, The fort stands on the northern bank of the Yamuna, near the confluence with the Ganges. It has massive walls and three gateways flanked by high towers. It is most impressive when viewed from the river. Near the fort is an Asoka pillar dating from 232 BC. Its inscription eulogises the victories of Samudragupta and contain the usual edicts.

Anand Bhawan
This shrine to the Nehru family and it is the best kept museum in the country, indicating the high regard in which this famous dynasty is held in india. The family home was donated to the indian government by Indira Gandhi in 1970. The exhibits in the house show this well-off family became involved in the struggle for indian independence and produced four generations of astute politicians - Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. You can see Nehru's bedroom and study, the room where Mahatma Gandhi's used to stay during his visits and Indira Gandhi's room, as well as many personal item connected with the Nehru family. You can also see the extensive bookshelves (full of Marx and Lenin) indicate where india's post-Independence faith in socialism sprang from. In the manicured garden is an outbuilding housing a pictorial display of Jawaharlal Nehru's life. Next door is Swaraj Bhawan, where Motilal Nehru lived until 1930 and where Indira Gandhi was born. It houses a museum featuring dimly lit rooms and an audio-visual presentation 'The Story of Independence'.

Allahabad Museum
It has galleries devoted to local archaeological finds, including terracotta figurines from Kausambi. It also has natural history exhibits, an art gallery and a large room of artefacts donated by the Nehru family. In the latter are all sorts of wonderful and ridiculous items presented to Nehru while he was prime minister.

Minto Park
Near the Yamuna, is where Lord Canning read out the declaration by which Britain took over controle of india from the East india Company in 1858.

Khusru Bagh
Close to the Allahabad railway station is Khusru Bagh, a scrappy walled garden which contains the tomb of Prince Khusru, son of Jehangir, who sought to wrest power from his father and was executed by his brother Shah Jahan. Nearby is the unoccupied tomb intended for his sister and the tomb of his Rajput mother, who was said to have poisoned herself in despair at Khushru's oppositon to his father.

All Saints Cathedral Dedicated to the memory of people of all ages and places who have kept their faith in God. The All Saints Cathedral is one of the finest cathedrals in this part of the country. Designed more than a century ago, by Sir William Emerson, the eminent architect who also designed the Victoria Memorial, Calcutta, the Cathedral has some truly exceptional stained glass murals. It is also called Patthar Girja.

EXCURSION

Kausambi
This ancient Buddhist centre, once known as Kosam, is 63km south-west of Allahabad on the way to Chitrakut. It was the capital of King Udya, a contemporary of the budha, and the Enlightened One is said to have preached several sermons here. There's a huge fortress near the village which contains the broken remains of an Ashoka pillar.

SHOPPING
The main shopping centres are Civil Line, Chowk and Katra where one can buy gifts and novelties, dress material, jewllery and brassware.

PLACES TO EAT :
Restaurants This city’s restaurants serve a variety of Continental, Chinese and indian cuisine. Some of them are:
El Chico Restaurant, 24, M.G. Marg, Civil Lines, Allahabad.
Jade Garden, Hotel Tepso, Civil Lines, Allahabad.
Kwality Restaurant, Civil Lines, Allahabad.
Hot Stuff Restaurant,21c, L.B.S. Marg, Allabahad.

TRAVEL INFORMATION
Air
Nearest airport; Lucknow- 210 kms; Kaanpur- 224; Varanasi- 147kms.
Rail
Allahabad is the major railway junction and connected directly by mail express and superfast trains with main cities of the country.
Road
Allahabad is connected by road with all parts of the country.


 
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