History of Allahabad

During the Aryan period, Allahabad was known as Prayag. Legend says, Lord Brahma who is considered to be the creator of the Universe did a sacrifice in the holy place. History says that the Chinese pilgrimHiuen Tsang visited the city in 634 AD. The holy site got its name in 1584, under the reign of Emperor Akbar who founded the city in 1575 and the city was called Illahabas.

Credit must be given to Emperor Akbar who could fathom its strategic importance as a waterway landmark in North India. Soon a splendid fort was constructed on the banks of holy Sangam known as the Triveni Sangam.

The history of Allahabad witnessed lot of shift of power. It was conquered by the Marathas, sacked by the Pathans and finally handed over to the British in 1801 by the Nawab of Avadh.

Allahabad also occupies an important place in the Modern Indian History. It was here he East India Company officially handed over the control of India to the British government in 1858 after the famous Sepoy Mutiny. Even today the city houses splendid colonial architectures reminiscent of the bygone era.

During India’s struggle for Independence, the city gave birth to several noted scholars, poets, writers, thinkers, statesmen and leaders. It took active part in scripting various social, cultural, political and historical events such as the historical moment when Mahatma Gandhi spoke about his programme of non-violent resistance for attaining freedom.

In the beginning of 20th century, Allahabad University was the most revered center of learning in the country. Today, the ancient Prayag is a lovely confluence of history, culture and religion.