State: Uttar Pradesh

District: Kanpur District

Main languages: Urdu and Hindi

 

History:

 

The city of Kanpur is one of the most populous cities in the north India and the most populous within the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is located on the bank of the river Ganges and is a popular industrial centre. The city has cultural and historical significance and was founded by the Hindu King Chandel of Sachendi. The city got its name from Kanhiyapur, the town of Kanhiya or Lord Krishna. This name was gradually abbreviated and anglicized. But there are some scholars who believe that the city got its name from Karnapur and is associated with Karna of Mahabharata., one of the heroes of the Mahabharata. The city is also one of the oldest civilizations of India. There are various ancient forts and monuments in and around the city of Kanpur. Kanpur also had a historical significance in the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny of India. The British rule in this area led to the development of industries like steel and iron in this area which made the region an industrial hub. 

 

Geography:

 

The city is located about 83 km from Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh. Kanpur forms a part of the lower Doab along with Allahabad and Fatehpur. The city is surrounded by the rivers Ganges in the north-east and the Pandu River in the south.

Kanpur is the home for various residential and migratory birds which can be seen at the IIT Kanpur campus and areas alongside the Ganga Canal. It also has Asia's biggest zoological garden with exotic species of flora.  

 

Demography

 

As per the 2001 census of India Kanpur had a population of 4.13 million which has risen to approximately 6 million in 2008.  

 

Climate:

 

The city has high summer temperatures of 50 °C with a minimum of -3°C in the winters. Due to the growing industrialization and pollution, the city has heat waves during the summer months.

 

Economy:

 

The main sources of economy in Kanpur are the huge industrial set ups here. Some of the biggest enterprises in India have their establishments here. There are many small scale and cottage industries here which continue to flourish with handicrafts trades. The service industry and education have become prominent in the area too.

 

Education:

 

The city is the home to some of the most prestigious institutes like the IIT and various other reputed engineering, technological and cultural institutes. 

 

Culture:

 

Since the independence time Kanpur has undergone a lot of changes. It has the largest shopping centre named Navin Market, after the poet Bal Krishna Sharma aka "Navin". This city has been the home to some of the most famous Hindu and Islamic poets and writers. Both mosques and temples are abundant in this area and the peaceful co-existence between the different castes and religions exists here. Currently there has been a growth of the urban corporate group in this area.

 

Tourism:

 

There are many places to see in and near Kanpur like the Shri RadhaKrishna Temple, in Bithoor, which is also a tourist spot on the banks of the Ganges.  Other tourist attractions here include Green Park Stadium, Modi Stadium, The Allen Forest, Moti Jheel and many more.

 

Transportation:

 

Kanpur has its own airport and is well connected through roads and railways. A metro railway is also being constructed in the city.

 

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