Chunar

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Chunar is a small town famous as the culmination point of great mythological legends, historical incidents, modern industrial setups & handicrafts and scenic natural beauty. Situated at a distance of 42 km. from Varanasi in the Vindhya Range and housing the district headquarters of Mirzapur, Chunar is now a popular tourist destination and favored excursion from Varanasi.

The town is nestled between the banks of Holy Ganges on the right side and River Jirgo’s bank on the left and is shaped in a trianglular form. Like most places in the region, Chunar too traces its roots to several incidences and legends from the past, some mythological while others are historical. The town even finds its mention in the Vedic puranas that describes its name to be Charandri, which was born out of the incidence in which Lord Vishnu in his Vamana incarnation took his first step here in during King Bali’s reign. Other legends states that Bhartihari, the ruler of Ujjain came here for penance to take rest and later built a kindom in the region. It is also said that Raja Sahadeo built a rock statue and named it Nainagarh, which later on changed to Chunar. All these legends and myths signifies the prominent place that the town possesses in the Hindu mythology and folklore.

Chunar is also a historical town and was visited by several famous Mughal rulers like Babar, Humayun, Akbar, Aurangzeb followed by the British forces.

Attractions in Chunar

Chunar Fort :The town of Chunar is synonymous with Chunar Fort, the historical monument that has witnessed several takeovers and ballets during its glorious history. It still stands today recounting tales and legends from the past when Royalty resided within its walls, control changed hands often and many a battles were waged in order to possess it.

The fort was originally established by Maharaja Vikrmaditya –ruler of Ujjain to commemorate his brother Raja Bhartihari after the latter had taken his Samadhi in alive stage, a monument that still exists within the fort and is still worshiped. It is also said that in 1029 AD, the fort was built by King Sahadeo as his capital who also constructed a stone umbrella based on 52 pillars symbolizing his victory over 52 other kings which exits to this day.

During the advent of the Mughals, the fort was used as the residence of Mughal Dynasty founder Babar in 1525 AD. The afghan ruler Shershah Suri obtained its possession from Babur by marrying the wife of Taj Khan Sarang-Khani, the Governer of Ibrahim Lodi. It was not until 1574 AD., when the Mughals were able to reclaim the fort with Emperor Akbar successfully capturing the fort and it remained under their control up to 1772 AD. In 1772, the fort was captured and used as a depot of Artillery and ammunition by the british forces and in 1781 AD it was used to hose the British governor general Warren Hastings. Raja Bhartihari Samadhi, Sonva Mandap, Bavan Khamba & Solar Watch are the sightseeing places inside the fort

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