Tag: Tomb of Lord Cornwallis

In this post, I would like to mention some of the major buildings, institutions, Temple built in and around Benares under the East India Company and which are still in existence and which are a major part of the daily life of the people of Banaras from the time of its construction till the present.

EAST INDIA COMPNY RULE AND BANARAS

In 1781, the East India Company took control of Banaras, declaring the rule of the Nawabs and Rajas unsuccessful. The Company appointed magistrates to govern the city.

In 1788, Jonathan Duncan, a young man, was appointed as the Resident and Superintendent of Benares. The East India Company also took control of the mint house from the Raja of Banaras. Starting in 1794, East India Company civil and criminal courts were established in the city.

BITTER MEMORIES OF BANARAS (VARANASI)

Benaras Slaughter

After learning from the “Benaras Rebellion,” Duncan decided not to interfere with the religious practices and rules of the Hindus. In 1781, the people of Banaras rose against Warren Hastings, who had insulted Raja Chet Singh. This uprising became known as the “Benaras Slaughter” among the British because a large number of British soldiers were killed during the rebellion.

For more information: https://nithinks.com/2020/08/14/benares-rebellion-15august-1781/

GOVT. SANSKRIT COLLEGE BENARES

By the end of the 18th century, the British decided to establish a Sanskrit college in Banaras. Kashi Nath, the first Acharya (principal) of the Sanskrit College, wrote a letter to the East India Company officials regarding the establishment and functioning of the college.

In 1791, Jonathan Duncan wrote a letter to the officers of the East India Company about establishing the Sanskrit College in Banaras. Although Duncan moved to Bombay in 1795, he remained connected with the Sanskrit College throughout his life.

The college started with eight teachers and about 200 students. Initially, the curriculum focused solely on the rituals, traditions, and religious beliefs of Hinduism, which is why most of the teachers and students at the college were Brahmins.

Expansion of Sanskrit College

In 1846, Dr. J.R. Valentine was appointed as the principal of Sanskrit College. In 1852, the college moved to a new building, and it was renamed Queen’s College.

The new building of Queen’s College was designed by Major Kittu. Built in Gothic style, the structure was made using Chunar sandstone.

In 1870, renowned scholar Bapu Dev Shastri taught Indian astrology to his students at Queen’s College.

SAMPURNANAND SANSKRIT UNIVERSITY

With the efforts of the then Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Dr. Sampurnanand, the college was upgraded to university status and renamed from “Queen’s College” to “Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya Varanasi.” In 1974, it was again renamed to its current title, Sampurnanand Sanskrit University.

Unlike before, the university now offers a broad curriculum that includes various subjects related to Hindu religion, culture, and civilization. The university also houses a museum and the Saraswati Bhavan Library.

• Sampurnanand University Archaeological Museum: Most of the artifacts in the museum were discovered during excavations in Sarnath by Major Kittu.
• Sarnath, located about ten kilometers from Varanasi, is a significant Buddhist site where Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon, known as the “Turning of the Dhamma Chakra.”
• Saraswati Bhavan Library:
• The library holds thousands of manuscripts and rare ancient texts, preserving invaluable knowledge of Indian history and culture.

Note: There is an intermediate college near Sampurnanand University also called Queen’s College. Do not confuse this with the university.

Tomb of Lord Cornwallis

The tomb of Lord Cornwallis is situated in Ghazipur city, which is approximately 84 km from Varanasi.

Lord Cornwallis, known for his significant role in the American Revolution as a Major General, later served as the Governor General of India.

He is often called the “father of civil services” in India due to his major administrative reforms. Cornwallis passed away on 5th October 1805 in Ghazipur, possibly due to smallpox. His tomb was built using British stones and is located in Gorabazar, Ghazipur.

Gorabazar was once a locality where the British bungalows and kothis were situated, which is why it came to be known as “Gorabazar” (meaning “Colony of white people”). This area played a significant role during British colonial rule and remains an important landmark today.

The painting of the Cornwallis tomb under construction was created by Sita Ram, a painter employed by the East India Company.

This artwork, made in 1814-15, depicts the tomb of Lord Cornwallis while it was still in the process of being constructed in Ghazipur.

Sita Ram, who was traveling from Patna to Banaras at the time, captured the scene of the tomb under construction, giving us a rare visual glimpse into the historical site during that period.

His painting is significant not only for its artistic value but also for its documentation of colonial-era architecture and British memorials being built in India.

The painting shows the tomb’s unfinished structure and the labor involved in its construction, providing an insight into the colonial ambition to memorialize figures like Lord Cornwallis.

This work is important as it offers a snapshot of the early 19th-century British presence in India, as well as the artistic style of the time, blending colonial architecture with Indian artistic traditions.

Today, this painting is a crucial historical artifact, preserving a moment in the construction of a key colonial monument and shedding light on the cultural exchange and interactions between British colonial powers and local Indian artists like Sita Ram.

CHUNAR FORT CHUNAR GADH OR CHUNAR GUR

The Chunar Fort is one of the oldest and most historically significant forts in India, with a rich past spanning several centuries.

Chunar Fort

Evidence shows that the fort was once under the control of Vikramaditya, the legendary king of Ujjain in 56 AD, showcasing its deep historical roots. Over time, the fort saw rule from various notable figures, including Prithvi Raj Chauhan.

In 1538, Sher Shah Suri, the founder of the Suri Empire, made this fort his residence, adding a pavilion to the fort during his rule. The fort later came under Mughal control and remained under their authority for a long period, marking its significance during their empire.

After the Battle of Buxar in 1764, the fort fell into the hands of the British.

This Kothi was built by the company(EAST INDIA COMPANY) in Chunar Fort

Warren Hastings, the first Governor-General of India, took refuge in the fort during the rebellion in Banaras, cementing its role in British history. Under British rule, the fort was modernized, and British-style bungalows were constructed within the fort’s walls, blending colonial architecture with the fort’s traditional design.

The fort’s historical importance is clear from its long-standing strategic, military, and political relevance under various rulers. The fort has witnessed the rise and fall of empires and continues to be a reminder of India’s rich and diverse history. This proves why Chunar Fort remains an important historical site, reflecting a blend of ancient, medieval, and colonial influences.

How the East India Company Shaped India’s Landscape Through Architecture

The history of the East India Company’s rule in India marks a pivotal chapter in the nation’s past, shaping both its political and social landscape.

The buildings constructed during this period serve as living symbols of the era’s colonial influence, showcasing architectural styles that blended British and Indian traditions.

These structures are not only important for their historical and architectural value, but also for the stories they tell of India’s struggle, resilience, and transformation during British rule. Many of these buildings, still standing today, continue to serve as witnesses to the significant events and changes that took place during that time, reminding us of India’s complex journey toward independence.