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ALLAHABAD
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ALLAHABAD SIGHTSEEING
GENERAL
INFO
Allahabad, sacred city of Hinduism was formerly called 'Prayag'
in commemoration of a sacrifice done by Lord Brahma. According
to Hindu mythology for the 'Prakrishta Yagna' Lord Brahma chose
a piece of land on the earth on the confluence of the three
rivers - the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the mytical Sarswati. This
confluence is called Sangam. The Sangam is the venue of many
sacred fairs and ritual and attracts thousands of pilgrims
throughout the year. Akbar had visited Prayag in 1575 AD and
founded a new city by the name Illahabad which has now become
Allahabad. The city was an important cantonment during the
British Raj and has some beautiful remnants of colonial
architecture. In the the early 20th century, Allahabad was the
foremost centre of learning in the country.
SIGHTSEEING
 SANGAM
At this point the shallow, muddy Ganges meets the green River
Yamuna. During the month of Magha (mid-January to mid-February)
pilgrims come to bathe at this holy confluence for the festival
known as the Magha Mela. Astrologers calculate the holiest time
to enter the water and draw up a 'Holy Dip Schedule'. The most
propitious time of all happeens only every 12 years when the
massive Kumbh Mela take place. There's a half-mela (Ardh Mela)
every six years.
 FORT
Built by Akbar in 1583, The fort stands on the northern bank of
the Yamuna, near the confluence with the Ganges. It has massive
walls and three gateways flanked by high towers. It is most
impressive when viewed from the river. Near the fort is an Asoka
pillar dating from 232 BC. Its inscription eulogises the
victories of Samudragupta and contain the usual edicts.
MINTO PARK
Near the Yamuna, is where Lord Canning read out the declaration
by which Britain took over controle of India from the East India
Company in 1858.
 ANAND BHAVAN
This shrine to the Nehru family and it is the best kept museum
in the country, indicating the high regard in which this famous
dynasty is held in India. The family home was donated to the
Indian government by Indira Gandhi in 1970. The exhibits in the
house show this well-off family became involved in the struggle
for Indian independence and produced four generations of astute
politicians - Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru Indira Gandhi and
Rajiv Gandhi. You can see Nehru's bedroom and study, the room
where Mahatma Gandhi's used to stay during his visits and Indira
Gandhi's room, as well as many personal item connected with the
Nehru family. You can also see the extensive bookshelves (full
of Marx and Lenin) indicate where India's post-Independence
faith in socialism sprang from. In the manicured garden is an
outbuilding housing a pictorial display of Jawaharlal Nehru's
life. Next door is Swaraj Bhawan, where Motilal Nehru lived
until 1930 and where Indira Gandhi was born. It houses a museum
featuring dimly lit rooms and an audio-visual presentation 'The
Story of Independence'.
 ALLAHABAD MUSEUM
It has galleries devoted to local archaeological finds,
including terracotta figurines from Kausambi. It also has
natural history exhibits, an art gallery and a large room of
artefacts donated by the Nehru family. In the latter are all
sorts of wonderful and ridiculous items presented to Nehru while
he was prime minister.
KHUSRU BAGH
Close to the Allahabad railway station is Khusru Bagh, a scrappy
walled garden which contains the tomb of Prince Khusru, son of
Jehangir, who sought to wrest power from his father and was
executed by his brother Shah Jahan. Nearby is the unoccupied
tomb intended for his sister and the tomb of his Rajput mother,
who was said to have poisoned herself in despair at Khushru's
oppositon to his father.
 ALL SAINTS CATHEDRAL
Dedicated to the memory of people of all ages and places who
have kept their faith in God. The All Saints Cathedral is one of
the finest cathedrals in this part of the country. Designed more
than a century ago, by Sir William Emerson, the eminent
architect who also designed the Victoria Memorial, Calcutta, the
Cathedral has some truly exceptional stained glass murals. It is
also called Patthar Girja.
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