Chunar

Chunar
Name	Chunar
Settlement type	Town
Pushpin label position	right
Coordinates	25, 07, N, 82...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	India
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Uttar Pradesh
Subdivision type2	District
Subdivision name2	Mirzapur district
Unit pref	Metric
Elevation m	84
Population total	37,185
Population as of	2011
Population density km2	auto
Demographics type1	Languages
Demographics1 title1	Official
Demographics1 info1	Hindi
Timezone1	IST
Utc offset1	+5:30
Postal code type	PIN
Postal code	231304
Area code type	Telephone code
Area code	05443
Registration plate	UP-63

Chunar. Chunar is a historic town and nagar panchayat situated in the Mirzapur district of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Located on the southern bank of the Ganges River, it is renowned for its formidable hill fort, which has played a pivotal role in the regional history of North India for centuries. The town's strategic location and its distinctive quartzite stone have contributed significantly to its historical and economic importance.

History

The antiquity of the area is evidenced by Ashoka's Major Rock Edict located nearby, linking it to the Maurya Empire. The Chunar Fort gained prominence during the medieval period, serving as a key stronghold for the Delhi Sultanate and later the Mughal Empire; it was captured by Sher Shah Suri in 1532 after a long siege. The fort later came under the control of the East India Company in the 18th century, becoming a significant military and administrative center during the expansion of British rule in Awadh and Bundelkhand. It was also used as a state prison and was notably associated with the rebellion of Warren Hastings's opponent, Maharaja Nandakumar.

Geography

Chunar is positioned at at an average elevation of 84 meters above mean sea level. The town lies on the right bank of the Ganges River, approximately 35 kilometers southwest of Varanasi. The region is characterized by the Vindhya Range foothills, and the town is famous for the fort built upon a rocky quartzite hill. This geological formation provides the source for the prized Chunar sandstone, extensively used in historical architecture across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Demographics

As per the 2011 Census of India, Chunar had a population of 37,185. The sex ratio was 898 females per 1000 males, and the literacy rate stood at 70.96%, slightly below the state average. Hindi is the official and most widely spoken language, with Urdu also in use. The majority of the population follows Hinduism, with significant communities of Muslims and followers of other religions.

Economy

The local economy has traditionally been anchored by the quarrying and crafting of the fine-grained Chunar sandstone, used in monuments like the ghats of Varanasi and the Allahabad Fort. While stone quarrying remains significant, agriculture along the Ganges basin, involving crops like rice, wheat, and pulses, is a primary occupation. Small-scale industries and handicrafts also contribute, alongside a growing dependence on tourism drawn to the historical fort and its connection to the holy river.

Transport

Chunar is well-connected by road and rail. The town is situated on the Grand Trunk Road (NH 19), linking it to major cities like Varanasi and Allahabad. Chunar railway station lies on the Mughalsarai–Kanpur section of the Howrah–Delhi main line, a crucial artery of the Indian Railways network. The nearest major airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport in Varanasi.

Notable people

Historical figures associated with Chunar include the Mughal emperor Humayun, who sought refuge at the fort, and Sher Shah Suri, who captured it. During the colonial era, Warren Hastings, the first Governor-General of India, frequently used the fort as a residence. The 18th-century social reformer and founder of the Brahmo Samaj, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, also had familial connections to the area.

Category:Towns in Mirzapur district Category:Ancient Indian cities