Category Archives: Historical Links / Pre-Independence

Statues of Akbar’s ‘navratnas’ to come up in Fatehpur Sikri fort

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, Travel

Agra:

The nine gems of Akbar’s court will soon adorn Fatehpur Sikri Fort, with Agra Development Authority (ADA) and Uttar Pradesh tourism planning to install their statues in the premises of the monument.

Despite his illiteracy, Mughal ruler Akbar appreciated the presence of artists and intellectuals. His passion for knowledge and interest in learning from great minds meant that men of great intellect received patronage from the emperor. Such men went on to constitute the nine courtiers, also known as ‘navratnas’, of Akbar’s kingdom. The navratnas are Abul Fazl, Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana, Birbal, Mulla Do-Piyaza Faizi, Raja Man Singh, Raja Todar Mal, Fakir Aziao-Din and Tansen.

According to ASI, Mughal institutions such as the ‘Ibadat-Khanah’, ‘Din-i-Ilahi’, ‘Tarikh-i-Ilahi’ , Jharokha-Darshan, the doctrine of Sulh-i-Kul and policy of liberal patronage to indigenous arts and literatures, were founded here.

Under the plan, the statues of the nine courtiers would be built at a cost of Rs 10 lakh and will be set up in the interpretation centre coming up in the Fort complex. Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of Mughal Emperor Akbar for 13 years, from 1572 to 1585. The complex of monuments was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1986.

Dinesh Kumar, regional tourist officer, said, “We plan to install the statues the way Akbar used to hold court meetings with them. Tourists will also be provided information about them in detail. Although the place for their installation has not been finalized yet, we are trying to get it done in the interpretation centre. A meeting with the divisional commissioner will soon be held to get his permission.”

The interpretation centre will provide a glimpse of history and culture of the Mughal era as well as facilitate tourists’ visit to the Fort. Its construction work is likely to be completed by next month, Kumar added.

Perhaps the most famous of the ‘navratnas’ is Birbal, a Brahmin advisor in the court of Akbar. He is mostly remembered in folk tales that focus on his wit.

In 1586, he led an army to crush an unrest in the north-west Indian subcontinent, which failed tragically when he was killed along with many soldiers in an ambush by the rebel tribe.

Towards the end of Akbar’s reign, local folk tales emerged involving his interactions with Akbar, portraying him as extremely clever and witty. Birbal’s defeat was one of biggest military setbacks during Akbar’s reign and his death is said to have caused the Mughal emperor much grief.

In the folk tales, Birbal is mostly shown as being younger than Akbar, religious and surrounded by envious Muslim courtiers. These tales involve him outsmarting them and sometimes even Akbar, using only his intelligence and cunning, often by giving witty and humorous responses and impressing Akbar.

Mulla Do-Piyaza is a character from a series of folk tales featuring the Mughal emperor Akbar and his witty courtier Birbal. Mulla Do-Piyaza, also portrayed as witty, is Birbal’s rival. Even though these folk tales originated at the end of Akbar’s reign (1556-1605), Mulla Do-Piyaza began to appear later, popularized by writers in the late 19th century. Most scholars consider him to be completely fictional.

The next most heard of navratna was perhaps Tansen, a prominent Hindustani classical music composer, musician and vocalist, known for a large number of compositions. He was also an instrumentalist who popularized and improved the plucked rabab (of Central Asian origin). Akbar gave him the title Mian, an honorific, meaning learned man.

Abul Fazal was the vizier of the Mughal emperor and author of the Akbarnama, the official history of Akbar’s reign in three volumes, (the third volume is known as the Ain-i-Akbari). He was the brother of Faizi, the poet laureate of Akbar.

Abdul Rahim Khan-e-Khana, another ‘navratna’ was a poet known for his Hindi couplets and his books on astrology. The village of Khankhana, which is named after him, is located in the Nawanshahr district of Punjab.

A poet and scholar of late medieval India, Shaikh Abu al-Faiz ibn Mubarak was popularly known by his pen-name, Faizi. In 1588, he became the Malik-ush-Shu’ara (poet laureate) of Akbar’s Court. He was the elder brother of Akbar’s historian Abul Fazl. Akbar recognized the genius in him and appointed him tutor for his sons and gave place to him among his decorative ‘navaratnas’.

Man Singh, the Rajput Raja of Amber, a state later known as Jaipur in Rajputana, was a trusted general of the Mughal emperor Akbar, while Todar Mal rose to become the finance minister in Akbar’s darbar. He was born in Laharpur, Uttar Pradesh in a Hindu family.

Faqir Aziao-Din was a mystic and a chief advisor in emperor Akbar’s court. Akbar regarded his advice on religious matters in high esteem.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Agra / by Aditya Dev, TNN / December 14th, 2014

An ode to Akhtar

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders
Vidya Shah / by Special Arrangement
Vidya Shah / by Special Arrangement

The Hindu Lit for Life 2015 – Poetry with Prakriti festival closes tonight with Delhi-based Hindustani classical musician Vidya Shah’s tribute to the music and poetry of the legendary singer Begum Akhtar in her centenary year. Excerpts from an interview with Vidya:

What drew you to Begum Akhtar and her work?

I learnt in the lineage of Begum Akhtar, taught by Shanti Hiranand, one of her senior-most disciples. So I grew up listening to vignettes about her life. Begum’s most important contribution to music was her singing of the ghazal, which is what drew me to her. Through this project, I’d hoped to highlight aspects of her life that reveal her greatness as a person, and the way in which she gave the ghazal a mainstream space in an otherwise hierarchical musical world. And since I’m presenting this at a poetry festival, I will look at the wonderful way in which she understood poetry, and the poets of her time, many of whom she had special relationships with. Her music was very much a part of that poetry, and it shaped her spirit and her singing.

Tell us about the process of creating this concert and its structure.

This concert is my understanding of Begum Akhtar, my perspective on her as a contemporary musician living in these times. I examine who Begum Akhtar was, her journey from being a bai to a begum, and in these journeys how she empowered herself with music and poetry. The performance is woven with a narrative that highlights interesting aspects of her life with anecdotes, some rare and others better known, which reveal how she could make such a fantastic impact on audiences even today. Choosing pieces from her vast repertoire was quite a difficult process. I was often overcome and overwhelmed with greed because I’d want to sing this song and that one too, because there are so many charming pieces she’s done. But ultimately, what I did choose are those that reasonably showcase the versatility of her singing, the richness in her choice of poetry and the journeys she made within her world of music.

What about Begum still resonates with audiences today?

It is musicians like Begum who paved the way for us. We don’t have the social baggage that they carried but we have the opportunities to present similar work. Begum was an assertive, independent feminist, who, despite the struggles in her life, was able to empower herself and others. For instance, in Hindustani classical music, the ritual of the ganda bandhan initiates one into a formal guru-shishya relationship. In her time, it was an entirely male practice. She was one of the first women to do it for her female students. So there was a lot of élan and strength to her as a person, and she found an amazing balance between her joie de vivre, and life’s struggles and sorrows. And that passion shows through in her music. Which is why she will remain relevant forever.

How has creating this project changed you?

Right at the start, I knew I could never reproduce or replicate Begum’s music. That would be impossible. The biggest advantage of her music, though, was the inherent quality that lets you imbibe it, absorb it, understand it, internalise it and make it your own. The project is now a year old and I’m still growing with it, still learning from it. It has given me a lot of humility and it’s been a humbling experience. It has also given me a lot of strength. I can now sense what must have been her greatness. And I’m excited to bring this now to Chennai, being a Tamilian myself, singing Urdu poetry here and sharing the life of a diva who wasn’t from here, but whose story still resonates here. I’m excited to be making that journey for myself.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Lit for Life / by Esther Elias / December 09th, 2014

Supply Corps’ soldier saw first action as 21-year-old in WWI, recalls his daughter

Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, World Opinion

Lucknow :

The Army Supply Corps, which completed 254 years of existence today, is undoubtedly one of the oldest units to serve the Indian Army. From World War-1 to Kargil conflict, the ASC’s has made its presence both during war and also during peace. And as the nation gears up to salute the officers and soldiers of the ASC, an octogenarian daughter of a World War veteran (who was a part of the Royal Indian Army Supply Core) recalls the life, action and time of her father during the turbulent period in the annals of world history.

Speaking to TOI, octogenarian Probhati Bose said that even before completing 21 years of age his father Bibhuti Bhushan Dey Majumdar had become a part of the British Army, and the first major action, which the young lad from Allahabad saw was the first World War (WW-1), which broke out on July 28, 1914 following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne in Sarajevo by a Yugoslav nationalist.

“My father (Bibhuti Bhushan Dey Majumdar) was born in the summer of 1893, and in January 1914 he joined the British Army’s Royal Indian Army Supply Corps. Within few months of joining, he got to see the first major action in World War-1, when he along with his regiment went to Mesopotamia to extend support to the infantry soldiers, who were facing the enemy bullets,” said Probhati Bose.

Recalling some of the stories narrated by her father (which she could recall), Bose said, “As per my father, mostly Punjabi Muslims and Sikhs fought for the Allies (Britain, France, Russia, US and others) against Germany, Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman empire. The Lahore and Meerut infantry divisions had to stop the Germans on the western front (in Europe). The soldiers also saw significant action in Mesopotamia, East Africa and South-East Asia.”

As per the New Delhi-based Centre for Armed Forces Historical Research, India contributed immensely to the war effort in terms of both men and material. Her soldiers served in numerous battlefields – France and Belgium, Aden, Arabia, East Africa, Gallipoli, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Palestine, Persia, Russia, and even in China. By the end of the war 1,100,000 Indians had served overseas at the cost of 75,000 dead. They earned more than 9,200 decorations for gallantry including 11 Victoria Cross (VCs).

However, the daughter of the World War veteran lamented that military history, which is taught in most of the schools or colleges, is virtually devoid of India’s contribution to World Wars. She said, “It is really unfortunate that most of the news channels or newspapers are obsessed about the Indo-Pak wars. It is sad that the media gives comparatively less coverage to the illustrious history of India’s contribution in the World Wars. And it is only on few occasions, that the World War veterans are remembered.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / by Arunav Sinha, TNN / December 08th, 2014

Church goers fondly remember ‘Shah Jahan of Christians’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, Travel

Aligarh :

The name ‘Daniel Wilson’ might not ring a bell in the streets, but for a handful of Christians in the town, he remains a figure of reverence. He founded the Christ Church in 1835, which continues to be thronged by the Protestants here. The building is a symbol of pride for them, they say. And a symbol of pride for the city as well. For this is the church that has withstood the tribulations of time and attacks from fringe right-wing groups. An exemplar of India’s chequered history of diversity.

The mention of Bishop Daniel Wilson brings a smile on the cluster of people present at the Church, who call him the “Shah Jahan of Christians”. Advocate Osmond Charles said, “Bishop Wilson is Shah Jahan of Christians because he built 20 churches in four years’ time. He built churches in cities lying between Aligarh and Calcutta.”

The church came into existence as part of the British’s plan to promulgate Christianity through the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel (SPG), which was a missionary organization of the Church of England in 1701. The establishment was involved in establishing some of the oldest missionaries and churches in Kanpur in 1833. In the 19th century, SPG, which is now called the Churches of North India, sent clergymen equipped with religious literature to Britain’s colonies to expand the Abrahamic religion.

With November 30 being the foundation day for the Churches of North India and the day on which a refurbished Christ Church opened its gates to its devotees again, it gave the community a chance to hark about the past. They darkly recall the past when the church came under attack from right-wing forces. Sherley J Joy, a resident of the town, said: “I was very young when this incident occurred in 1998. I remember some fascist outfits came and uprooted the cross that was used as an indicator to the Church. We felt threatened to practice our faith. As a young girl, I accompanied the other Christian families to the collector’s office to fight for our fundamental right to practice our faith.”

The secretary of the church A Verghese also spoke of the turbulent days. He recounted his experience of carrying out a procession on the streets, and how they fought for their rights during those bleak days. But he also spoke about the significance of the Christ Church, both in terms of history and art. “This building has a lot of significance for us. Besides being one of the oldest churches in North India, the church has an artistic appeal as well. Several museologists and theologians come to the church every year to take in the building’s impressive architecture.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Agra / by Eram Agha, TNN / November 30th, 2014

Architectural nuances of Chhatar Manzil impresses INTACH team

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, Travel
Young conservation architect Shweta and her team have come on behalf of INTACH to prepare an inventory of defects and damages.
Young conservation architect Shweta and her team have come on behalf of INTACH to prepare an inventory of defects and damages.

Lucknow :

Their maiden visit to the Chhatar Manzil reminded them of one of the primary lessons in architecture — Rome was not built in a day. The sentiment ruled the mind of young conservation architect Shweta and her team who have come on behalf of INTACH to prepare an inventory of defects and damages.

“The roman proverb is quoted to teach that conservation of an architectural building is sure to take months and years and instill some sense of patience in us. In this sense, Chhatar Manzil is our patience test,” said Shweta who’s accompanied by architect Shaista and interns Dhravi and Mukul.

They reached Chhatar Manzil at around 1 pm with a camera, a couple of torches, measuring tapes, notebooks and observations in mind made during an assessment of building’s old pictures and descriptions. Presence of an extra floor at many places was the first problem the team noted.

Showing the one on the front facade, Shweta said, “Photographic evidences suggest that the 2nd floor is extra. And from the inside, the twin-floors break into 3-4 sections against the original look.” They discovered that portion housing canteen was the most altered segment. Here, old pillars have been scooped out to make way for drains. Shifting of CDRI has left behind scores of huge holes and burrows in this part. Chemical waste and other glass substances is also to be disposed.

Air conditioners ducts have created many bruises on the oriental building. “Rectangular tin boxes to fit ACs inside circular windows look like a patch stitched over velvets,” remarked one of them. On the rear side of the building, temporary structures particularly tin sheds ruin the look.

Dampness and vegetation are the other two challenges. However, biggest of all problems is unavailability of material that describes the inner portions of the building. “In this case, we would bank on the characteristics of the construction system of the age,” said Vipul Varshney, convener INTACH Lucknow chapter who also inspected the place later during the day. “Lack of dampness in the basement is a good news as it would make restoration easy,” she added.

"Chutter Munzil, Lucknow," a photo by Edward Sache, c.1880's; and * / www.columbia.edu
“Chutter Munzil, Lucknow,” a photo by Edward Sache, c.1880’s; and * / www.columbia.edu

Journey of the building

Nawab Saadat Ali Khan bought this grand piece of architecture 200 years ago for Rs 50,000 from Claude Martin, a French army officer and architect.

Not meant for public eyes, Saadat Ali Khan commissioned the construction of an extension, which is now Chhatar Manzil. From then, it became the principal residence of the Avadh sovereign.

Nawab Saadat Ali Khan died before the completion of the construction of Chhatar Manzil and it was completed by his successor Nawab Ghazi-ud-din Haidar.

After the war of independence in 1857, the British acquired the palace and turned it into the United Services Club — stripping much of its former grandeur.

After Independence, it was taken over by the government and on February 17, 1951, then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru inaugurated the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) here to start the first drug research laboratory in the country.

Now that it has been handed over to the state archaeological department, the doors of Farhat Baksh Kothi and Chhatar Manzil will be opened to public for the first time in history.

Later, the even more opulent Qaiserbagh Palace by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah overshadowed Chhatar Manzil’s grandeur. During the mutiny, Indian soldiers used the palace as a shelter.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / by Shailvee Sharda, TNN / November 20th, 2014

Ignorance turns Nehru’s closed associate’s house in ruins

Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Inspiration / Positive News and Features

Allahabad :

While the country fondly remembers Pt Jawaharlal Nehru as India’s first Prime Minister, the role of his close aides in small districts is often forgotten. One of his close aides, Pundit Krishna Chandra Dubey, is one such example.

Popularly known as ‘Vaidji’, Pt Dubey used to play host to Nehru when the latter came to Phulpur during canvassing in his constituency. Nehru used to stay at Pt Duey’s home for months at times. Once known for its grandeur, Pt Dubey’s house, located in Phulpur tehsil (around 35 kilometers from Allahabad), is now in ruins.

The entire area has turned into ruins, dominated by half-exposed bricks and shrubs which have cropped up at several places. Wooden frames, of doors and windows, are on the verge of collapsing and the well, which once used to give potable water, is filled with mud and debris.

The entire area is now known as remains of a forgotten civilization than a place which once housed country’s first Prime Minister.

Nagesh Kumar Vaid, 52, a descendant of Vaidji, points out, “Until the time of our father Shiv Kumar Dubey, a close associate of Indira Gandhi, every dawn came along with promises for the change but things are not the sam now. However, we still take pride in being associated with Nehru’s”.

Another old-timer of the tehsil, M L Jaiswal, who was often part of Nehru’s local entourage when he came visiting said, “He had a special fondness for his jail mates at Naini, one of whom was Krishna Chand Vaid in whose house Nehruji stayed whenever he came here”. Once Vaidji had asked Nehru about the neglected state of Phulpur after which Nehru sent him to Orissa and Bastar. When he returned, Nehruji asked him what he saw, and Vaidji replied that he saw hunger and deprivation to which Nehru replied, isn’t Phulpur better off? My concern is for people who have nothing, Nehru had said,” remembers Jaiswal.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Allahabad / by Rajeev Mani, TNN / November 14th, 2014

Canberra designer, buried in Lucknow, cited at G20

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, World Opinion

Brisbane/Lucknow:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday shared with his Australian counterpart Tony Abbott and US President Barack Obama the fascinating story of an American architect who had an emotional link with their countries.

The discussion among the leaders who met for the G20 summit here centered around Walter Burley Griffin, the well-known American landscape architect who designed Australian capital Canberra and who is buried in Lucknow.

Around 15 students from department of landscape, University of Western Australia will do a joint studio with second year Master of Architecture (M Arch) students of faculty of architecture (affiliated to UP Technical University) for the design of a memorial for Australian architect Griffin on the banks of river Gomti.

Christopher Vernon of the Australian delegation had earlier told TOI, “Griffin died in Lucknow on February 11, 1937 at the age of 61 years. He was buried here. Griffin and his wife Marion in their memoirs talked about walking on the banks of Gomti and so we thought it would be appropriate to have a memorial there.”

Griffin’s house in Butler Palace was destroyed. The only place which still exists is his house in New Hyderabad.

The prime minister shared with Abbott and Obama the fascinating story of Griffin, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin tweeted. A couple of photos of the three leaders engaged in the discussion were posted on the spokesperson’s Twitter account. A photo of the final resting place of Griffin at Lucknow Christian Cemetry was also among them.

He is known for designing Canberra, Australia’s capital city and has been credited with the development of the L-shaped floor plan, the carport and an innovative use of reinforced concrete.

Influenced by the Chicago-based Prairie School, Griffin developed a unique modern style. He worked in partnership with his wife Marion Mahony Griffin.

In 28 years they designed over 350 buildings, landscape and urban-design projects as well as designing construction materials, interiors, furniture and other household items.

Through their contacts during their time at the Greater Sydney Development Association, Griffin won a contract in 1935 to design the library at the University of Lucknow in Lucknow.

Although he had planned to stay in India only to complete the drawings for the library, he soon received more than 40 commissions, including the University of Lucknow Student Union building; a museum and library for the Raja of Mahmudabad; a zenana (women’s quarters) for the Raja of Jahangirabad; Pioneer Press building, a bank, municipal offices, many private houses, and a memorial to King George V.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / TNN / November 16th, 2014

How Begum Hazrat Mahal got her share of fame

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All, Travel

Lucknow :

Begum Hazrat Mahal’s wouldn’t have been an inspiring tale of patriotism had it not been for Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. The Royal Family of Avadh is in possession of testimony written by Begum’s descendant Prince Anjum Qader.

Great grandson of Begum Hazrat Mahal, Kaukab Qader was present at function to honour martyrs of 1857 revolution in Lucknow and was saddened that the contribution of his ancestor was second to none, yet she was ignored. He and his younger brother Anjum decided to meet Pandit Nehru. In Anjum’s own confession written two years after Pandit Nehru’s death, “I prepared a memorandum and, picking up our youngest brother Nayyer from Aligarh Muslim University, we arrived in New Delhi on August 15, 1957.”

Their claim to the 1857 legacy made news and attracted the PM’s attention. Anjum was bowled over by Nehru’s ‘disarming charm’. All praises for the Queen of Oudh, he inquired about her grave so that something to perpetuate her memory there could be done. In response, Anjum said it was government’s duty to search for it and honour the Begum’s final resting place. Jawaharlal Nehru frankly admitted the lapse and promised to do the needful.”

The 10-minute appointment lasted for an hour and ended with the family providing the PM some reference material. Two months later, Indian government informed the family that the Begum’s grave was found in Kathmandu city and Indian Embassy in Nepal was taking care of it.

On May 9, 1958, Indian government announced state recognition for 1857 Freedom Struggle leaders including Begum Hazrat Mahal. UP government too promised a memorial. “Although we are not aware of the happenings behind the scenes, Mr. Nehru’s hand could easily be felt in the changed attitude,” Anjum writes. Soon after, the famous Victoria Park in Lucknow was renamed after the nawab begum who never gave in to British. Months later, Nehru held his public meeting in the same park.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / by Shailvee Sharda, TNN / November 13th, 2014

No remains of house where Nehru was born

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All

Allahabad:

House number 77 in Meerganj locality, where India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was born in 1889, doesn’t exist. The rented accommodation was demolished in 1931 by the then municipality as part of its development drive, much after the Nehru family moved out. Its exact location is now unknown.

There is still a house bearing number 77 in the area but as per records, address was re-allotted after the demolition drive. Now, what remains is a rare photograph of the house taken by Baldev Ram Dave, the then chairman, Improvement Trust (now Allahabad Development Authority). It was taken before the building was getting demolished. The photograph was later gifted to late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in early 1980s by his family members.

“Original caption of the photograph mentioned the location, longitude and latitude of the house, also stating that Jawaharlal Nehru was born in the only room on the upper floor of the house before sunset. Now, the caption has been changed,” a senior member of the family, who do not wished to be named, said.

Jawaharlal was around three years old when his father Motilal Nehru moved out to a posh location at 9, Elgin Road in Civil Lines. After gaining success in the legal profession, Motilal shifted to a big bungalow, now known as Swaraj Bhawan, in Colonelganj area in 1899.

“On the suggestion of Mahatma Gandhi, the bungalow was dedicated to All India Congress Committee in 1930. Motilal Nehru had by then, built a new two-storied building adjacent to Swaraj Bhawan and had named it Anand Bhawan. He shifted to Anand Bhawan in 1928, which is now a museum,” SP Mal, assistant director, Anand Bhawan Museum, said.

He added: “Swaraj Bhawan was the residence of the son of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, founder of Aligarh Muslim University. He sold it to SN Pandey, who later passed it on to Raja Jai Kisen Das in 1894. Motilal Nehru, then purchased it for Rs 20,000. Swaraj Bhawan served as the headquarters of the freedom struggle activities till Independence.”

Anand Bhawan and Allahabad Museum have exhibited a replica of the two-storied 77 Meerganj. Old timers claimed that it was a red-light area then. When business started flourishing in the area, the area became a hub of flesh trade.

Mal claimed that attempts were not made to build a memorial at the place probably because the area was congested. The locality never finds mentions in any function related to Nehru probably due to existence of red light area there. Even Congress workers refrain from mentioning anything about the place.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / by Vinod Khanal, TNN / November 12th, 2014

Nehru defied British, made salt at Allahabad

Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All

Allahabad :

Although much has been written and said about the famous Namak Satyagrah undertaken by Mahatma Gandhi, only a few would know that a similar disobedience movement was carried out by Jawaharlal Nehru at Sangam city way back on April 11, 1930.

When the movement was at its peak, Jawaharlal Nehru and his supporters had defied the British policy by making salt at the crossing of Hewitt Road and Crosthwaite Road (presently near Hindi Sahitya Sammelan Crossing) following which he was arrested for engaging in ‘illegal’ practice by the then British regime.

As per the then police and court papers, when the salt was measured it weighed around ‘one-fourth tola’ (around 2.75 gram). Nehru was arrested and produced before then city magistrate M S Sant, who ordered six months of rigorous imprisonment to him. The salt was kept with police till Independence and after it, when Nehru dedicated his ancestral house ‘Anand Bhawan’ to the nation, the salt was recovered and exhibited there for the visitors.

Regional archive officer Amit Agnihotri said, “As per the court judgement, Nehru was arrested and prosecuted under section 9 (c) of Indian Salt Act III of 1882 for abetting the manufacture of contraband salt on April 11 on open land near Crosthwaite Road.”

Further, when Nehru was informed of the charges and asked whether he pledge guilty or not guilty, he replied that he was not prepared to take any part in the trial.

Nehru even admitted in taking part in breaking the law, reveals the documents in possession with TOI.

Taking into evidence submitted by Naim-Ul-Haq, sub inspector of police who arrested Nehru, the city magistrate pronounced his order for six months of imprisonment.

After Independence, Anand Bhawan was dedicated to the nation and a trust, Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund, was formed to look after it. Along with all the belongings of Gandhi-Nehru, the salt too was then recovered from police and given to supervisor of the building R N Gupta for exhibition.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Allahabad / by Vinod Khanal, TNN / November 09th, 2014