Kanpur History, India

Kanpur is the most populous city of Uttar Pradesh (which happens to be the most populous state of India). The importance of Kanpur has come down in last couple of years but history has proves that Kanpur was an important hub for those who were responsible for India’s Independence.

Kanpur is located on the sides of River Ganga but it is located on higher altitude and hence flood like situations are rare in Kanpur. It is documented that Chandel, the Hindu King, laid the foundation of the city.

History says that the city got its name from the town of Kanhiya (Lord Krishna) which was called as Kanhiyapur in those days. As time passed the pronunciation and spelling of this city’s name changed many times to land to what we know today as Kanpur. From Kanhiyapur the name was changed to Kanhapur and later on to Cawnpore (during the British rule). Finally it was called as Kanpur after the Independence of India in 1947.

The Jajmau area located in the east of Kanpur was the first original settlement for this city. Later on with the increase in population, the city expanded to what we know as Kanpur.

Kanpur has its root in Bithoor (which is around 20 kilometer from the main city) which is considered to be the place where Lord Brahma performed the traditional ritual called as Ashvamedh Yajna. Jajmau and Bithoor are two prominent areas which slowly expanded and city of Kanpur was born.

An ancient fort, which is said to be as old as from the Vedic age, is situated in Jajmau. Although the condition of this fort has worsened in last couple of years, after research work it was proved that the fort was from Chandravanshi race and its King. This race is said to be 8th after Lord Brahma. This proves the connectivity of Kanpur with medieval history.

Kanpur was an important place for British Soldiers. Around 7000 soldiers used to stay in the cantonment area of Kanpur. During the Revolt of 1857, Kanpur played a very major role for Nana Sahib and his army who fought bravely against the British. Although, the Revolt wasn’t successful and was curbed down but Kanpur had its name written in the history books after its involvement in this Revolt.

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