Ghaziabad History, India

Ghaziabad was founded as a city only in 1740 but archeological excavations and allied research works have established that quite like Delhi and Agra, the region has been inhabited pretty longbefore, since around 2500 B.C. Neighboring regions of Ghaziabad like Ahar and Garhmukteshwar were identified as the scenes of some Ramayana/Mahabharata episodes. But even if you look beyond these epic-incidents (which, for many, are mere myths), you will find ample information on human existence in the region in ancient times.

Researches indicate that the region was the site of as many as 7 wars and at least a few of these like the war between Samudra Gupta and the Kot Dynasty rulers were fought in periods of Ghaziabad history when the city had not been founded. The Loni Fort (which is believed to have existed since the times of the Ramayana and named after Lavanasura) premises, likewise, did not only witnessed wars and destruction (Taimur Lang’s 1398 attack being one such) but was also a much favored getaway of the rulers in the days of the Mughal Empire (the presence of the Baage Ranap is a strong proof of the fact).

Ghaziabad History – The Foundation of the City

As said, the foundation of the city of Ghaziabad was laid in the year 1740 by the Mughal minister (Wazir) Ghaziuddin and was named by him as Ghaziuddinnagar. The original city constructed by Wazir Ghaziuddin’s orders was a walled city with four giant gates – Dasna Gate, Delhi Gate, Shahi Gate and Sihani Gate. There was also a 120-room sarai inside the city. (Nothing much remains today except the gates and sections of the boundary wall).

Ghaziabad History – The Sepoy Mutiny Days and Indian Independence

The most glorious incident in Ghaziabad history has certainly been the active participation of the people of the region in the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny (which is now being termed India’s First War of Independence). As the rebellion (which had started from Bengal) turned into a sort-of mutiny, an attempt at overthrowing British rule in India, the Indian sepoys of the Meerut Cantonment engaged in a war with the British soldiers on the banks of Hindon River. Many local leaders and villagers joined hands with the Indian soldiers. Although the Indian troops were defeated and many of the rebel-leaders were hanged, the bravery and sacrifice of the people got etched into the minds and hearts of all. Inspired by this single incident many people from the region jumped into all the subsequent wars and battle fought to secure India’s freedom from British Rule in 1947.

Between these battles and revolutions happened a quite significant event of Ghaziabad history and that was the introduction of the railway in 1864. Until 1864, Ghaziabad was known as Ghaziuddinnagar; but when printing the full-name of the city on the tickets posed a problem, the name was changed to Ghaziabad.

Ghaziabad History – The Creation of the District and the Present City

After India’s independence, Ghaziabad became a part of the Meerut District; however, in 1976, on the occasion of India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s birthday, Ghaziabad was declared a separate district with its H.Q. in Ghaziabad city. This important happening enhanced the importance of Ghaziabad city many-times. The present city of Ghaziabad is one of the industrialized cities of North India as much famous for its excellent transportation infrastructure as for its advanced facilities.