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One of the largest cities in Uttar
Pradesh Allahabad bears testimony to the transfer of
power from the East India company to the British Crown
after the 1857 uprising The public library, the High
Court, Allahabad University, Muir College, Mayo Memorial
Hall are some structures that portray the exquisite
colonial architecture prevalent in the 19th and the
early 20th century. The most sacred spot in Allahabad is
Triveni Sangam, the confluence of three of the holiest
rivers of the Hindu mythology, the holy Ganga, Yamuna
and the mythical Saraswati. Devout Hindus from all over
India come to this sacred pilgrimage point to offer
prayers and take a dip in the holy waters. It is
believed that a holy dip taken at the Sangam washes away
all sins.
NEARBY CITIES
Varanasi 125 km
Kanpur 195 km
Lucknow 238 km
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
All Saint's Cathedral:
William Emerson designed the Cathedral church of All
Saint's at Allahabad in 1870’s, but it was consecrated
only in 1887AD. The church, which has been described as
the finest Anglican Cathedral in Asia is faced in white
stone from Surajpur with red stone dressings.
Holy Trinity Church:
Constructed in 1839 under the supervision of Lieutenant
Sharp and architect Major Smith, this is the first
church of Allahabad.
Jamuna Church:
Built in 1847 by John Freeman, one of the first American
Presbyterian missionaries who arrived in Allahabad.
OTHERS
Ram Lila:
Allahabad Dussehra is marked with the unique procession
of beautifully decorated "chowkis" accompanied by
Ramdals every evening.
Public Library (1864):
Standing at Alfred Park this building was opened as a
memorial to the friendship of Lord Thornhill, the then C
missioner of Allahabad and Mr. Mayne, the then
Collector. It was called the "Thomhill and Mayne
Memorial". Designed by R.Roskell Rayne, this public
library is a remarkable example of Gothic Style. The
memorial has a lofty tower and accorded cloisters. In
1879 thelibrary was shifted to the present p9remises, at
Alfred Park. It has about 75,000 books, besides a
treasure trove of manuscripts and journals.
The Old High Court and Public
Offices:
They are four-storied block. Made of sandstone and
ashore these were built by Colonel Pile in I 870 in the
classical style. The Minto Park to the west of the ton
has a Memorial Pillar enriched with Royal medallions and
four lions carrying the Imperial coronet. This was a
memorial pillar to the Royal Proclamation of the
assumption of rule by the British crown in 1858. The
Municipal Museum adjoining the library is yet another
colonial structure that is a treasure-trove of
archaeological artifacts.
Allahabad Museum:
The Allahabad Museum has an impressive collection of
Sunga, Gupta, late Gupta and early medieval period
sculptural masterpieces, discovered at different places
around Allahabad.
Muir College (1874):
Designed by William Emerson, this is an excellent mix of
Gothic and Indian architectural elements. Commenced in
1874 and opened in 1886, it has an arcade quadrangle,
which is dominated, by a 200ft-minaret tower in
cream-colored sandstone from Mirzapur with marble and
mosaic floors. The domes of the Indo saracenic structure
are clad in Multan glazed tiles.
Mayo Memorial Hall(1879):
Situated near the Thornhill and Mavne Memorial this
large hall with a 180 ft high tower was designed by
R.Roskell Bayne. Professor Gamble of the South
Kensington Museum, London, ornaments the interior of
this memorial hall with designs. Completed in 1879 this
hall was meant for public meetings, balls and receptions
in commemoration of the assassinated Viceroy.
Ewing Christian College (1901):
In 1901 Dr. Arthur Ewing founded the Allahabad Christian
College with eight students. By 1912 when Dr. Ewing
passed away the college had its own Physics lab,
Princeton hostel, Rhea hostile, engineering buildings,
the main building, Agricultural department, Philadelphia
hostile and Turner hostile. memory of its great founder
this college was a leading educational institution of
Allahabad during early 19th century.
Allahabad High Court(1916):
Chief Justice, Sir John Staley laid the foundation in
1911. It was finally completed in 1916 and opened by
Viceroy Lord Chelmsford. Designed by Frank Lishman. this
structure is subtly adapted to the climate as is evident
from the double roofing with Allahabad tiles on top to
beat the summer heat. Conceived in a grand fashion, it
has a domed pediment center, arcade wings, stone
balustrades and engrained arches. It reflects a
beautiful synthesis of Eastern and Western architectural
styles
Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary:
This 230-sq. kms.of sanctuary is rich in wildlife.
HOW TO GET THERE
Rail: Allahabad has four
railway stations, but major trains on the broad-gauge
Delhi-Kanpur-Kolkatta line arrive at the main Allahabad
Junctions.
Road: Allahabad is well
connected by road to all the major cities and town of
the state and buses ply regularly to nearby towns of
Varanasi, Kanpur & Lucknow.
Local Transport: Taxis,
cycles and auto rickshaws are the most common mode of
transport within the city. |