Allahabad

Allahabad
Name	Allahabad
Native name	प्रयागराज
Settlement type	City
Coordinates	25, 26, 09, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	India
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Uttar Pradesh
Subdivision type2	Division
Subdivision name2	Prayagraj
Subdivision type3	District
Subdivision name3	Prayagraj
Established title	Settled
Established date	Ancient
Government type	Municipal Corporation
Governing body	Prayagraj Municipal Corporation
Leader title	Mayor
Leader title1	District Magistrate
Area total km2	82
Elevation m	98
Population total	1,536,218
Population as of	2011
Population density km2	auto
Demographics type1	Languages
Demographics1 title1	Official
Demographics1 info1	Hindi, Urdu
Timezone1	IST
Utc offset1	+5:30
Postal code type	PIN
Postal code	211001–211018
Area code type	Telephone code
Area code	+91-532
Registration plate	UP-70
Website	prayagraj.nic.in

Allahabad, officially known as Prayagraj, is a major city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It stands at the sacred confluence, or Sangam, of the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati River. Renowned as a pivotal site for the Kumbh Mela, the city is a historic center of Hindu pilgrimage, Mughal architecture, and modern Indian administration and education.

History

The area's ancient significance is noted in Vedic scriptures as Prayaga, with the Maurya Empire and later the Gupta Empire establishing it as a key cultural and political center. In 1575, the Mughal Emperor Akbar founded a fort here, naming it Allahabad Fort, which became a strategic provincial capital. The city played a crucial role during the British Raj, notably as the site of the 1858 Proclamation of Queen Victoria and the founding of the Indian National Congress in 1885. The Allahabad High Court, established in 1866, became a prominent institution, and the city was the birthplace of Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister.

Geography

Situated on a peninsula at the Sangam, the city lies within the Indo-Gangetic Plain at an average elevation of 98 meters. The primary rivers, the Ganges and the Yamuna, define its topography, with the city experiencing a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot summers, a monsoon season, and mild winters. Key geographical features include the Allahabad Fort, the Anand Bhavan estate, and expansive riverbanks that host massive religious gatherings.

Demographics

According to the 2011 Census of India, the city had a population of over 1.1 million within its municipal limits, with Hindi and its dialect Awadhi being the most widely spoken languages. A significant portion of the population adheres to Hinduism, with minorities following Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, and Jainism. The city is also home to several prominent educational institutions, including the University of Allahabad and the Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology.

Culture

The city's culture is deeply intertwined with its spiritual heritage, most visibly during the Kumbh Mela, the world's largest religious gathering. Classical music and Hindustani classical traditions thrive here, supported by venues like the Allahabad Museum. Literary culture is strong, fostered by the University of Allahabad and associated with figures like Harivansh Rai Bachchan. Local cuisine features specialties such as Kachori and Jalebi, and festivals like Makar Sankranti and Diwali are celebrated with great fervor.

Administration

The city is governed by the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation and serves as the administrative headquarters of both Prayagraj district and Prayagraj division. Key administrative bodies include the Allahabad High Court, one of India's oldest, and the office of the District Magistrate. It is also a major police jurisdiction under the Uttar Pradesh Police and houses several central government offices.

Economy

As a major service and administrative hub, the city's economy is driven by government services, education, tourism, and trade. The presence of the Allahabad High Court, the University of Allahabad, and numerous Indian Administrative Service training centers sustains a large professional sector. Religious tourism, centered on the Kumbh Mela and the Sangam, generates significant revenue, while the city also functions as a regional market for agricultural produce from the surrounding Doab region.

Transport

The city is a key transportation node, served by the Allahabad Junction railway station on the Howrah–Delhi main line and the Allahabad Airport offering domestic flights. National Highways such as NH 19 and NH 30 connect it to major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Lucknow. Local transport includes a network of Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation buses, auto-rickshaws, and cycle-rickshaws, with the Sangam area also being accessible by boat.

Category:Cities in Uttar Pradesh Category:Hindu pilgrimage sites in India Category:Populated places on the Ganges