Chunar
Chunar is a town in Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh in India. Located on the Banks of the Ganges it houses a mighty fort with over 2000 years of history. The town also has several temples, tombs and darghas. The famous chunar stone (a form of sandstone) is found in this region. Chunar is best explored by a day trip from Varanasi.
Understand
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Chunar is located on the right (east) bank of the Ganges. A Chunar the Ganges takes a northern bend and heads towards Varanasi. The history of Chunnar dates back over 2000 years and has been mentioned in different mythological texts. Chunar also has a significant role in medieval history and its fort served as a citadel for Suris and Mughals. Later the British also had a large presence in the city and the fort still houses a British-era cemetery. The town is home to the famous Chunar stone, a type of sandstone extensively used in architecture and handicrafts.
Get in
[edit]Chunar can be reached easily from both Varanasi and Allahabad. While Varanasi is just 30 km, Allahabad is about 120 km. There are regular bus services from both places.
- 1 Chunar Junction. The Chunar Junction is on the Howrah Delhi mail line. Being a smaller junction some of the major trains may not halt here. Compared to Chunar, Mirzapur has more train stoppages making it an alternate station. Mirzapur is about 33 km from Chunar and has frequent auto/bus service.
Get around
[edit]- Auto-rickshaw: Auto-rickshaws are available to visit places within and around Chunar. There are no fixed rates, so fix up the price before the tour begins. Do bargain.
- Car: Most tourists prefer to explore Chunar on a day trip from Varanasi. Varanasi hotels can arrange for cars and the trip may be extended to Mirzapur.
See
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- 1 Chunar Fort. Established by Maharaja Vikrmaditya the King of Ujjain to commemorate the stay of his brother Raja Bhartihari who had taken his Samadhi when he was alive and still that Samadhi Sthal is worshipped. As per Alha Khand in 1029 AD. King Sahadeo made this fort as his capital and established the statue of Naina Yogini in a cave of Vindhya hill and put the name as Nainagarh. King Sahadeo built a stone umbrella based on 52 pillars in the memory of the victory on 52 other kings, inside the fort which has been preserved.
- 2 Mausoleum of Iftikhar Khan. Iftikhar Khan was an official in the court of Jahangir. The tomb dates back to 1605. It is a Mughal-styled domed structure flanked by four chatris, The tomb stands at the centre of a walled complex planned in char bagh style. The entrance is through a massive gateway from the west. North of the tomb complex lies an 3 Unknown Tomb.
- 4 Dargah of Kasim Shah Sulemani (Chunar Dargha Sarif). Kasim Shah Sulemani was a sufi saint from Peshawar , Pakistan who visited India during the reign of Jahangir. Jahangir, who was a disbeliever of saints, had him imprisoned at Chunar Fort. Despite his imprisonment, he was seen offering prayers in the neighborhood. Jahangir saw the miracle and immediately released him and became his follower. He died in 1606 had was led to rest on the banks of the Ganges. The complex also houses the grave of his son Wasil Shaw. The tomb complex is approached through a magnificent gateway on the south. The gateway is made of chunar stone and has intricate ornamentations. Today tomb complex overlooks the mighty Ganges and is approached by a magnificent Chunar stone gateway. Apart from the octagonal tomb of Kasim Shah Sulemani the complex houses several graves and tombs including the tomb of his son Wasil Shaw. It is an active dargah attracting people of all faiths. Every year, a fair is held at Chunar Dargah Sharif after Holi. It is believed that wishes made here come true. No wonder it attracts people, irrespective of faith, from far and wide.
- 5 British Cemetery. The cemetery is located on the banks of the Ganges and falls on the left side of the road leading to Chunar Fort. There are several graves of British and European origin.
Do
[edit]Buy
[edit]- Chunar stone artifacts
- Local specialties include chini mitti toys and cups.
Eat
[edit]Local foods include samosa and lavanglata.