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About Kanpur |
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Though Kanpur is believed to have a history that dates back to the time of Mahabharata, it is hard to find a recorded account of its ancient and medieval history up to thirteenth century. The sources that throw light on the era that preceded the recorded part of its history are legendary tales and the remains of Jajmau and Bithoor. According to a legend, Kanpur was known in antiquity by the name of Kanhiyapur, a town founded by Hindu King Chandel and named after Lord Krishna. Some people ascribes the source of its name to Karna, the great warrior of the Mahabharata, and are of the view that it was known by the name of Karnapur during the time.
Bithoor, located at a distance of 20 km from the modern city, is believed to be the site where the ashram of Valmiki, the famous sage who wrote the Ramayana, was located and where the twin sons of Lord Rama were brought up by their mother.
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Another site of historical importance is Jajmau, which is located eight kilometer east of Kanpur city. There is a huge mound of debris in Jajmau, which suggests the existence of a grand fort in ancient period. It is believed that the fort was built by a king of Chandravanshi race known as Yayati. There also exists a Siddhanth temple of Lord Shiva and another temple of Siddha Devi, a Hindu deity, at Jajmau, both of which belong to the Buddhist period.
Before the advent of the Mughal era, Kanpur was supposed to be ruled by Parihar kings, Bhoj and Mihir. The village of Kohna, which was later to become the modern city of Kanpur, was established by Raja Kanti Deo of Prayag in 1207. Although Kanpur continued to survive and progress steadily all along its history, its first mention in the historical accounts was found only during the time of Sher Shah's regime in 1579. It gained significance when it came into the hands of the British after the defeat of Shuja-ud-daula in the battle fought near Jajmau. The village as a part of the Oudh kingdom fell under the dominion of the British, who realizing its strategic importance, converted it into a military garrison. Soon Kanpur was made a district and the era of industrial development and human settlement was begun.
By 1857, Kanpur has become a major stronghold of British army and the first battle of independence, initiated in the same year, saw much bloodshed and atrocities perpetrated by the British "Army of Retribution". The massacre at the Satichara Ghat, which involved the killing of many British, was a result of utter confusion. Nana Sahib, the leader of the nationalists and rebel sepoys, was prosecuted on false charges and an unrestrained vengeance by the ruling government followed in response to the massacre. Several changes were made during this period, which paved the way for the emergence of Kanpur as an industrial force in later years.
Even before the independence of India, Kanpur has become an important center for the production of textile and leather goods. A large number of textile mills were established by indigenous entrepreneurs that attracted multitudes of labors from adjoining areas and also prompted many other industrialists to set up their base here. As a result, soon Kanpur grew into a major industrial city of the country, a position which it has succeeded to maintain even now.
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