Allahabad

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Allahabad
इलाहाबाद
اللہآباد
The new Yamuna bridge at Allahabad
Allahabad
Location of Allahabad
in Uttar Pradesh and India
Coordinates 25°27′N 81°51′E / 25.45°N 81.85°E / 25.45; 81.85
Country  India
State Uttar Pradesh
District(s) Allahabad
Mayor Mr.Jitendr Nath Singh
Population 1,215,348[1] (2008)
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
Area
Elevation

98 m (322 ft)


Allahabad (Hindi: इलाहाबाद, Urdu: اللہآباد),or City of God,which is also known as Prayag (Hindi: प्रयाग, Urdu: پریاگ), is a city in north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and administrative headquarters of Allahabad District. The ancient name of the city is Aggra (Sanskrit for "place of sacrifice") and is believed to be the spot where Brahma offered his first sacrifice after creating the world. It is one of four sites of the Kumbh Mela, the others being Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. It has a position of importance in Hindu scriptures for it is situated at the confluence, known as Triveni Sangam, of the holy rivers, Ganges and Yamuna, and Hindu belief says that the invisible Sarasvati River joins here also.[2]

Many government offices are present in the city like Allahabad High Court, Principal Accountant General Office (AG office), UP Public Service Commission Office, Headquarters of North Central Railway, the Regional Office of the Central Board of Secondary Education and the UP Board of High School and Intermediate Education.

Allahabad also known to be associated with 7 out of 14 Prime Ministers of India. Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Gulzarilal Nanda, Vishwanath Pratap Singh and Chandra Shekhar were all either born in Allahabad, were alumni of Allahabad University or got elected from a constituency in Allahabad.[3]

Government of India has selected Allahabad as one of the mission cities for Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission(JNNURM), with the goals of improving urban infrastructure, efficient governance and basic services to urban common citizens[4].

Contents

[edit] Etymology

The name is derived from the one given to the city by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1583. The name in Indian languages generally is Ilāhābād; ilah being Arabic for "(a) god" (in this context from Din-i-Ilahi, the religion founded by Akbar), and "-ābād" is Persian for "to construct or to create", which explains the meaning of the name Illahabad as "God's creation".

[edit] History

Mahatma Gandhi attends a Congress Working Committee meeting at Allahabad. Vallabhbhai Patel is to his left, Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit to his right. January 1940.

In ancient times, the city was known as Prayag (place of the confluences). It is believed to be the where Brahma, the Hindu Creator of the Universe, attended a sacrificial ritual.

When the Aryans first settled in India, Allahabad and the district of Kaushambi were important parts of their territory. The area became a part of the Mauryan and Gupta empires of the east and the Kushan empire of the west before becoming part of the Kannauj empire.

Allahabad became a part of the Mughal Empire after their invasion of India in 1526. The Mughal emperor Akbar built a magnificent fort in Allahabad. The city was the scene of Maratha incursions before colonial rule was imposed over India.

In 1765, the British established a garrison at Fort Allahabad. In 1857, Allahabad was active in the Indian Mutiny.

In 1931, at Alfred Park in Allahabad, the revolutionary Chandrashekhar Azad killed himself when surrounded by the British Police. In the years of the struggle for Indian independence, the Nehru family homes of Anand Bhavan and Swaraj Bhavan, both in Allahabad, were at the center of the political activities of the Indian National Congress. Thousands of satyagrahis (nonviolent resistors) went to jail. The first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, was a native of Allahabad.

[edit] Geography

Surroundings of Allahabad, India.

Allahabad is located at 25°27′N 81°50′E / 25.45°N 81.84°E / 25.45; 81.84 in the southern part of the Uttar Pradesh at an elevation of 98 metres (322 ft) and stands at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers. The region was known in antiquity as the Vats country. To its southwest is the Bundelkhand region, to its east and southeast is the Bagelkhand region, to its north and northeast is the Awadh region and to its west is the lower Doab region.

Allahabad stands at a strategic point both geographically and culturally. An important part of the Ganges-Yamuna Doab region, it is the last point of the Yamuna River and is the last frontier of the Indian west.

The land of the Allahabad district that falls between the Ganges and Yamuna is just like the rest of Doab, fertile but not too moist, and is especially suitable for the cultivation of wheat. The non-doabi parts of the district, which are the southern and eastern part of the district, are somewhat similar to those of adjoining Bundelkhand and Bagelkhand regions - dry and rocky.

The Indian longitude that is associated with Jabalpur also passes through Allahabad, which is 343 km (213 mi) north of Jabalpur on the same longitude.

[edit] Reorganisation of Allahabad

The Allahabad division and the district underwent a major reorganisation in the year 2000. The Etawah and Farrukhabad districts of the Allahabad division were merged with the Agra division, while Kanpur dehat was carved out from the Kanpur district and a separate Kanpur division was created.

Parts of the western areas of Allahabad were carved out to create the new Kaushambi district. Now the new Allahabad division consists of Allahabad, Kaushambi, Pratapgarh and Fatehpur districts.

[edit] Demographics

Allahabad City has a population of 1,042,229 as per the 2001 census. It lists as the 32nd most populous city in India[5]. Allahabad has an area of about 70 km2 (27 sq mi)[6] and is 98 m (320 ft) above sea level.

The dialect of Hindi spoken in Allahabad is Awadhi, although Khariboli is most commonly used in the city area. In the eastern, non-doabi part of the Allahabad district Bagheli dialect is more common.

All major religions are practiced in Allahabad. Hindus comprise about 85% and Muslims about 12%. There are small groups of Christians, Sikhs and Buddhists.

[edit] Climate

Allahabad
Climate chart
J F M A M J J A S O N D
 
 
10
 
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10
 
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0
 
31
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90
 
37
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290
 
32
27
 
 
290
 
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170
 
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40
 
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0
 
27
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0
 
22
12
average max. and min. temperatures in °C
precipitation totals in mm
source: Weatherbase

Allahabad experiences three seasons-hot dry summer,cool dry winter and warm humid monsoon. The summer season lasts from April to June with the maximum temperatures ranging from 40 °C (104 °F) to 45 °C (113 °F). Monsoon begins in early July and lasts till September. The winter season lasts from December to February. Temperatures rarely drop to freezing point. Maximum temperatures are around 22 °C (72 °F) and minimum around 10 °C (50 °F). Allahabad also witnesses severe fog in January resulting in massive traffic and travel delays. It does not snow in Allahabad.

Lowest temperature recorded, −2 °C (28.4 °F) −2 °C; highest 48 °C (118 °F) 48 °C.[7]

[edit] Civic Administration

Municipal Corporation of Allahabad (also called Allahabad Nagar Nigam), is one of the old municipalities of the state. The corporation came into existence in 1864[6], when Lucknow Municipal Act was passed by Government of India. City municipal area is divided in total 80 wards and a member (the Corporator) from each ward is elected to form the Municipal Committee[8]. The Corporators elect the Mayor of city. The chief executive is the Commissioner of Allahabad who is appointed by the state government.

[edit] Cityscape

All Saints Cathedral, Allahabad in the night, late 19th century, figures among the finest Cathedrals of India
Anand Bhavan is a large mansion which belonged to Nehru-Gandhi family earlier, now owned by Government and converted into a museum.

Allahabad is situated at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers. It encompasses a large area and is an inland peninsula surrounded by rivers on three sides with only one side connected to the mainland. Because of this fact, to handle growing traffic and connectivity demands, Allahabad has many bridges crossing rivers the Ganges and Yamuna.

The urban area of city can be classified into three categories. The Old City is economic center of city. This area is having high density where major roads are used as transport corridors as well as market streets. The newer city around Civil Lines area, was conceived during British rule. This area is well planned on grid-iron road pattern with additional diagonal roads which makes it an efficient city. It is a low density area with wide tree lined avenues. It houses major educational institutions, offices, gardens and cantonment areas. The outer growth areas include satellite towns along major highways passing through cities. It also includes city areas trans Ganges and Yamuna.

[edit] Places

Allahabad is well known for its sporting activities in the fields of Cricket, Badminton, Tennis and Gymnastics. There are several sports complexes that can be used by both amateurs and professionals. These include the Madan Mohan Malaviya Cricket stadium, Mayo Hall Sports Complex and the Boys' High School & College Gymnasium. There are several swimming facilities throughout the city as well. Allahabad has a prominent place in Indian Gymnastics. It is the leading team in SAARC and Asian countries. Khelgaon Public School at Jhalwa, Allahabad provides training in Gymnastics. Khelgaon Gymnasts won two Gold and 3 silver medals at 33rd Tulit Peter Memorial Cup-2007 held at Hungary. The largest icon of Indian hockey till date, Major Dhyanchand, was born on August 29, 1906, in Allahabad. He won gold medal in three successive Olympic games: Amsterdam Olympics 1928, Los Angeles Olympics 1932 and Berlin Olympics 1936. Mohammed Kaif, Indian cricket player, is from Allahabad. Another prominent sporting personality from Allahabad is Abhinn Shyam Gupta who won the National title of badminton in 2002.

The Sangum

Some places of interests in Allahabad are:

  • Sangam and around, particularly in December to February, when Kumbh Mela is going on.
  • Anand Bhavan and Jawahar Planetarium.
  • New Yamuna Bridge, Yamuna bank road.
  • Company Bagh, Alfred Park and Allahabad Museum.
  • Allahabad High Court building
  • All Saints Cathedral - was built in Century Gothic Style in 13th Century. Also commonly known as Patthar Girja Ghar, this cathedral stands at a prominent location of the city in lush green premises. It figures among the finest Cathedrals of India. Though it was consecrated in 1887, it took another 40 years for it to be completed.
  • Allahabad University, established on 23 September 1887, is the fourth oldest University of India after Calcutta, Bombay and Madras University. Its sprawling 320 acre campus in the middle of the city has many heritage buildings.
  • Ewing Christian College - American and Victorian Era architecture; the College was established by American Presbyterians in 1902 by the banks of the river yamuna.

[edit] Architecture

The All Saints’ Cathedral is built of red and white stone, a closer view showing the style of architecture that has been adopted in the building is an early phase of 13th Century Gothic.

The imprints of Britishers and Mughals can be seen in buildings, gardens and places in Allahabad. The styles of buildings reflect a good mix of western Gothic and Mughal architectures.

All Saints Cathedral, designed by great English architect William Emerson who also designed Victoria Memorial of Calcutta. This cathedral is the most beautiful building in city. Styled in 13th Century Gothic architecture, building's interior is more beautiful than its exterior with high ceilings and stone Gothic arches[9].

Muir College (1874), designed by William Emerson, in Indo-Saracenic architecture, an excellent mix of Gothic and Indian architectural elements. Its foundation was laid in 1874 and opened in 1886. It has an arcade quadrangle, which is dominated, by a 200 feet minaret tower in cream coloured sandstone from Mirzapur with marble and mosaic floors. The domes of the Indo-Saracenic structure are clad in Multan glazed tiles.

University Science Faculty buildings have classical architectural designs and have strong Victorian and Islamic style architectural influences.

Allahabad High Court (1916) - Chief Justice, Sir John Staley laid the foundation in 1911. It was finally completed in 1916 and opened by Viceroy Lord Chelmsford. Designed by Frank Lishman. this structure is subtly adapted to the climate as is evident from the double roofing with tiles from Allahabad on top to beat the summer heat. Conceived in a grand fashion, it has a domed pediment centre, arcade wings, stone balustrades and engrained arches. It reflects a beautiful synthesis of Eastern and Western architectural styles.

Khusro Bagh - The three sandstone mausoleums within this walled garden, present an exquisite example of Mughal architecture.

Public Library (1864)- Standing at Alfred Park it is a beautiful building designed by R.Roskell Rayne. This public library is another remarkable example of Gothic Style. The memorial has a lofty tower and accorded cloisters.

The Old High Court and Public Offices - They are four-storied block. Made of sandstone and ashore these were built by Colonel Pile in I 870 in the classical style. The Minto Park to the west of the ton has a Memorial Pillar enriched with Royal medallions and four lions carrying the Imperial coronet. This was a memorial pillar to the Royal Proclamation of the assumption of rule by the British crown in 1858. The Municipal Museum adjoining the library is yet another colonial structure that is a treasure-trove of archaeological artifacts.

The new Yamuna bridge built jointly by Hindustan Construction Company and Hyundai Engineering and Construction, is India's first cable stayed four lane road bridge in India, representing modern design structure.[10] This large bridge has two pylons made of concrete, which support a large part of bridge deck with the help of attached steel cables.

[edit] Transportation

This Cable-Stayed four lane road bridge on Yamuna river in Allahabad is one of the largest constructions of India.

[edit] Air

Allahabad is served by the Allahabad Airport (Bamrauli Air Force Base) (IXD) and is linked to Delhi and Kolkata (Calcutta) by JetLite and Air India Regional. Other larger airports in the vicinity are at Varanasi (Varanasi Airport 142 km (88 mi)) and Lucknow (Amausi International Airport 210 km (130 mi)).

[edit] Road

National Highway 2, one of the Golden Quadrilateral routes, runs through middle of the city. Allahabad is located in between Delhi and Kolkata on this highway. National Highway 96 connects to NH 28 at Faizabad. Another is National Highway 27 which is 93 km (58 mi) long and starts from Allahabad and ends at Mangawan in Madhya Pradesh connecting to National Highway 7. A four lane access controlled bypass road of 84.7 km aided by World Bank is nearing its completion.[11] This will not only reduce transport constraints but will also de-congest heavy transport traffic passing through middle of city. There are other state highways that link Allahabad to all other parts of the country. Allahabad has two bus stations catering to different routes - at Leader Road and Civil Lines. A number of road bridges on rivers Ganges and Yamuna have been built to connect Allahabad with its suburb towns like Naini, Jhusi etc. A new eight lane access controlled expressway- Ganga Expressway is also proposed to pass through Allahabad.[12] Tourist taxis, auto rickshaws (or tempos) are available for local transport. There is also a local bus service that connects various parts of the city. But the most convenient method of local transport is the cycle rickshaw. Rates are not fixed and one needs to bargain.

Allahabad Railway Station

[edit] Train

Served by Indian Railways, Allahabad is the headquarters of the North Central Railway Zone, and is well connected by trains with all major cities, namely, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Indore, Lucknow, Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Bangalore and Jaipur. Allahabad has eight railway stations with in its city limits namely Prayag , Allahabad City (Rambagh), Daraganj, Allahabad Junction, Naini Jn, Prayag Ghat, Subedar Ganj & Bamrauli.

[edit] Education

Science Faculty of Allahabad University

Allahabad attracts students and learners from all over country. Allahabad has one central university, three deemed universities, research and technical institutions and colleges known for providing higher education in vast range of disciplines. Few of the reputed ones can be listed as following.

There are many government aided and private schools and colleges in Allahabad which are affiliated with either the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE), the Central Board for Secondary Education (CBSE), or the UP Board of High School and Intermediate Education. Allahabad is one of the regional divisions of CBSE and head office of UP Board of High School and Intermediate Education. English is the medium of instructions in most private schools while government aided schools and colleges offer both Hindi and English medium education. Bishop Johnson School & College, St Joseph's College, Boys' High School and College, Maharshi Patanjali Vidya Mandir, Delhi Public School, St Mary's Convent School, Girls' High School, Government Intermediate College and Colonelganj Intermediate College are some of the reputed schools in city.

To cater needs of vocational, technical and professional education in rural areas of Allahabad and nearby districts, the Ministry of HRD, Government of India has recently started another university named[16] at Dubawal village of Allahabad. The university currently offers academic programs at graduate and post graduate levels in various disciplines including Arts, Commerce, Science, Education (as subject), Law, Management, Rural Development, Master of Social Works, Computer Applications, Journalism etc[17].

[edit] Industries

Allahabad has few industries. The main industrial area of Allahabad is Naini where several public and private sector companies have their units, offices and factories. These include Areva T&D India (a division of multinational Areva Group), Indian Telephone Industry (ITI), Bharat Pumps and Compressors Limited (BPCL), Reliance Industries - Allahabad Manufacturing Division, Hindustan Cables, Triveni Structurals Limited (TSL, a subsidiary of Bharat Yantra Nigam), Glass Factory etc.

Indian Farmers Fertilizer Co-Operative (IFFCO) is situated in the Phulpur area. IFFCO's Phulpur complex has two production units and is the world’s largest fertilser complex based on naphtha as feed stock.

Noorani Oil is a pain and massage oil manufactured by Rahat Industries in Naini.

[edit] Notable people from Allahabad

[edit] References

Swarn Bhushan Singh (POET)

[edit] External links


Sasikumar ( POET)