Kanpur, as we know it, is one of the most diverse and vibrant city in the country. Not only is it home to the largest population of Indians in U.P, but it is also the place where the major chunk of the industrial revolution began. On the observation of World Heritage Day, we take a look at the best and most historically relevant places that give the city a charm of it own.
1. General Sir Hugh Wheeler’s Entrenchment
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General Sir Hugh Wheeler’s Entrenchment in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has remained as one of the prime tourist spots in Kanpur where you get a slice of historical taste.
Although it cannot be termed as an ‘attraction’, the General Sir Hugh Wheeler’s Entrenchment has over the years been rendered as a location which has witnessed the brutality of mankind in the bygone era! So you can pay this place a humble visit to see the historical ruins!
Where: Just a kilometer away from the Central Railway Station of Kanpur!
2. Patthar Ghat
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Resting on the banks of the sacred river Ganges, Patthar Ghat is a prominent tourist attraction in Bithoor, a suburb in Kanpur!
Patthar Ghat was carved entirely out of the red sandstone by the funds of Tikait Rai who was once a minister of Awadh.
Just like other ghats in the suburb, this ghat is also frequently visited by the locals and the visitors on a large-scale because of its religious and spiritual significance!
On a daily basis, the priests of the temple conduct aartis and numerous people participate in it so you can drop by with the elderly right here!
Where: Fort Rd, Bithoor, Uttar Pradesh 209201!
3. Massacre Ghat
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The Massacre Ghat or often called the Sati Chauraha is a place of great significance in Kanpur’s history. The Ghat- river bank was a revered and auspicious location in the pre-colonial times. It is said that some women had gathered here to commit Sati here and in their commemoration a temple was created.
But what the ghat is most known for is its role in the 1857 ‘Siege of Cawnpore’. It is believed to be the place where, on June 27, 300 British men, women and children were killed during the Sepoy Mutiny.
4. Nana Rao Park
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The Nana Rao Park in Kanpur is another visit worthy place. The Park which was earlier called Company Bagh, housed a memorial well built in the memory of the women and children who were ‘allegedly’ killed in “Bibighar Massacre” in 1857. It is said that people who escaped from the Massacre Ghat were tracked down to the ‘Bibighar’ and killed 200 British women and children. It was followed by punitive actions against the inhabitants of Kanpur by the British government which included paying £30,000 for the construction of this memorial.
After india’s independence the memorial was demolished and a lush park was created in its stead. the park today houses statues of eminent people who played a part in the Indian independence struggle. The statues include inspirational figures like Rani Lakshmi Bai, Lala Lajpat Rai, Ajizan Bai and Tatya Tope.
5. Kanpur Memorial Church
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Another important “relic” in the history of Kanpur is the Kanpur Memorial Church. Built in 1857 the church was called ‘All Soul Church’ and was built by the British in memorial of the people killed during the Siege of Cawnpore. The church is an architectural masterpiece built in the traditional Lombardic Gothic Style. The church houses a beautifully carved figure of an angel with crossed arms and holding patons: a symbol of peace.
The church is symbolic of the struggle people of Kanpur did and the memorial of all lives lost.
