Kannauj
—  city  —
Nickname(s): Perfume Capital of India
Kannauj
Coordinates: 27°04′N 79°55′E / 27.07°N 79.92°E / 27.07; 79.92Coordinates: 27°04′N 79°55′E / 27.07°N 79.92°E / 27.07; 79.92
Country	India
State	Uttar Pradesh
District	Kannauj
Area
• Total	85,000 km2 (33,000 sq mi)
Elevation	139 m (456 ft)
Population (2001)
• Total	71,530
• Density	0.84/km2 (2.2/sq mi)
Languages
• Official	Hindi
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Website	www.kannauj.nic.in

Kannauj (Hindi: क़न्नौज, Urdu: قنوج), also spelt Kanauj, is a city, administrative headquarters and a municipal board or Nagar Palika Parishad in Kannauj district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The city's name is traditionally derived from the term Kanyakubja^[1] (The city of the hunchbacked maidens). Kannauj is an ancient city, in earlier times the capital of Emperor Harshavardhan. It is said that Kanyakubja Brahmin's are originally from Kannauj. Kannauj is known for the distilling of scents and is a market center for tobacco, perfume, and rose water. It has given its name to a distinct dialect of the Hindi language known as Kanauji. It was called Calinipaxa during reign of Alexander the Great.

The Kannauj Triangle[link]

Kannuaj remained a focal point for the three powerful dynasties, namely the Gurjara Pratiharas, Palas and Rashtrakutas, between the 8th and 10th centuries. The conflict between the three dynasties has been referred to as the Tripartite struggle by many historians.^[2][3]

The Kanauj Triangle was the focal point of three empires: the Rashtrakutas of Deccan, the Gurjara Pratiharas of Malwa, and the Palas of Bengal.

There were initial struggles but ultimately the Gurjar Pratihars succeeded in retaining the city.^[2] The Gurjar Pratihars ruled Malwa, which was bounded to the South by the Rashtrakuta Empire, and the Pala dynasty to the East. The Tripartite Struggle began with the defeat of Indrayudh at the hands of Gurjar Pratihar ruler Vatsaraja.^[2] The Pala ruler Dharampala was also keen to establish his authority at Kannauj, giving rise to a struggle between Vatsaraja and Dharampala. Dharampala was however defeated.^[4] Taking advantage of the chaos, the Rastrakuta ruler Dhruva surged northwards, defeated Vatsaraja, and took Kannauj for himself, completing the furthest northern expansion by a South Indian ruler.^[3][5]

When the Rashtrakuta ruler advanced back to south, Dharampala was left in control of Kannauj for some time. The struggle between the two northern dynasties continued: the Pala Chakrayudh was defeated by the Pratihara Nagabhata II, and Kannauj was again occupied by the Gurjar Pratihars. Dharampala tried to take control of Kannauj but was defeated badly at Moongher by the Gurjar Pratihars.^[2] However, Nagabhata II was in turn soon defeated by the Rashtrakuta Govinda III, who had initiated a second northern surge. An inscription states that Chakrayudh and Dharampala invited Govinda III to war against the Gurjar Pratihars, but Dharampala and Chakrayudh both submitted to the Govinda III, in order to win his sympathy. After this defeat Pratihara power degenarated for some time. After the death of Dharampala, Nagabhata II regained hold over Kannuaj and made it the capital of the Gurjara Pratihara Empire. During this period the Rashtrakutas were facing some internal conflicts, and so they, as well as the Palas, did not contest this.^[2] Thus Gurjar Pratihars became the greatest power in Northern India after occupying Kannauj.^[2]

Gahrwar Rajputs and Kannauj[link]

After the dismemberment of the Gurjara Pratihara Empire, there were repeated incursions in this region. When the "earth" was thus badly disturbed by political upheavals and destructive raids, a bold adventurer of the Gahadvala sept named Chandradeva, arose into this region and by his "noble prowess" put an end to "all distress of the people". The rule of Gahadavala dynasty over the district is incontestably proved by the discovery at Kudarkot of a copper plate grant dated in the reign of Chandradeva. Chandradova founded the Gahadavala dynasty at Kanyakubja after defeating a chief named Gopala. His jurisdiction extended almost over the whole of the present Uttar Pradesh including this district. Chandradeva was succeeded by Madanpala. However, he ruled for a very short period. Madanapala was succeeded by hit son Govindachandra. Two copper plate grants of Govindachandra, dated respectively Samvat 1161, or A. D. 1104, and Samvat 1174 or 1117 A. D. have been found in village Bisahi, two miles north-east of tahsil Bidhuna of the district. Another copper plate grant of this king dated Samvat 1166 or A. D. 1109 has been found at Rahan in the district. Govindachandra seems to have wielded substantial power in the state while he was only a "juvaraja" or crown prince. He defeated the invading bands of Muslims sometimes before 1109 A. D., for the Rahan plate records that he "again and again by the play of his matchless fighting" compelled the Hammira (i e. Amir) to "lay aside his enmity". The Rahan plate further described Govindachandra as "terrific" in cleaving the frontal gloves of arrays of irresistible mighty large elephants from Gauda", which shows that Govindachandra must have made some encroachments in Magadha. In short, Govindachandra made himself a considerable power and under him the glories of this region revised.

Govindachandra was succeeded by his son Vijayachandra sometime in 1155 A. D. Like his father, Vijayachandra also successfully faced Muslim aggressions. By the very beginning of the reign of Vijayachandra an unmistakable symptom of decline of the Gahadavala power manifested itself in the loss of Delhi. The full significance of this loss was realised when, about a generation later, the Muslims attacked Delhi region and occupied it, rendering the Gahadavala frontier practically defenceless. Vijayachandra was succeeded by his son Jaichandra in 1170 A. D. He may be described as the last great king of the Gahadavala dynasty, whose power and extensive jurisdiction struck even Muslim historians. During the reign of Jaichand of Kannauj, the Chauhans, who starting from their territories in Ajmer had annexed Delhi and were at this time bidding for supremacy in the North under the vigorous rule of Prithviraj Chauhan. Towards the south there were the Chandellas whose power at this time was at its height. Apart from this, there were repeated Muslim invasions in North-western India which had already threatened the unity of India The most important event of his region was the celebration of the Swayamvara of his daughter Sanyogita, who was however, carried away by force, in the midst of the ceremonies by Prithviraja. Perhaps, this was the cause which sowed the seed of enemity between these two northern monarrmes. Though there is no reliable evidence of conflict between these two kings, it is quite probable that they were positively hostile to each other; lack of sympathy between these two kings is shown by their mutual non-cooperation on the eve of the final conquest of India by the Muslims, led by Mohammad Ghori.

Monuments[link]

The size and scale of the ancient town can be gauged from the fact that existing ruins extend over the lands of five villages, occupying a semicircle fully 4 miles in diameter. While no historic Hindu structures remain intact, the "great mosque", constructed by Ibrahim Shah of Jaunpur in 1406 still remains. Some Brahmins in Assam, Bengal, Bihar and Orissa trace their origin as Kanyakubja Brahmins to a migration eastwards from this city in the 9th and 10th centuries. There are also eight to nine sacred temples of Hindu goddess.These include the seven temples of seven sisters,the Singhavahini temple and the Kalika Devi temple. Gauri Shanker Mandir, dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort,Gauri, is the greatest of all temples. Its name is recorded in the holy Ramayana and later on followed in the records of the tour of Xuanzang. Kannauj City is surrounded by many ancient Temples and Holy places. Although many temples had been destroyed by invaders, yet the remaining ones clearly tell us the story of their past glory. It is noteworthy that during Muslim era, many temples were destroyed and mosques were built in their places. It was in 1640 that some temples were renovated during the Maratha rule but the number of the temples destroyed is still unknown. It is difficult to trace the history of thousand years. Shitla Devi Temple It is 300 years old temple. At present it is situated at a distance of about 08 Km. from the city in the Village of Seermau. It was also destroyed by Muslim invaders but was renovated by devotees from time to time. The idol of Deviji is in a vandalized condition but people throng here for worship. It is believed that people get rid of their various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, eye troubles etc. by worshipping this idol. Sandohan Devi Temple It is situated in the village of Vahapur, 3 Km. away from Jalalpur- Panwara Railway Station. It is situated in a very pleasant environment. Thakur Baghel Singh, the Zamindar of Mirpur used to maintain it properly. Govardhan Devi Temple This temple stands in village ‘Gudhni’ which is about 4 miles away from the main city. The original temple was destroyed by Muslim invaders but was renovated later by Sikhs & Marathas. According to Padma Puran; the idol appeared by itself after the rigorous worship by the sons of Brahmaji. A fair is held here every Tuesday. Annapoorna Devi Temple (Tirwa) About 18 Km. away from the main city of Kannauj, this grand temple is situated in village Tirwa. It is a very huge temple and a fine example of architecture. The adjacent tank contains five small temples known as ‘Panchvati’. Towards the west lies a big pond known as Rani-Ka-Talab. Padma Sati Temple (Rampur) It is situated right to the east of Dewaria pond in village Rampur. It is said that Rani Padmavali became sati at this very place. Maurari Devi Temple This temple stands on a mound near the Kannauj City Station. This temple contains so many idols some of which are broken now. They were destroyed during the regime of Aurangzeb This place is under the control of Nagas. Suryakund Tirth This place lies near village Makarand Nagar. Its old name was ‘Manikund’. Pakaria Nath (Tiraha Makarand Nagar) This temple stands in village Makarand Nagar alongside the G.T. Road.The present temple was built only 40 years ago. Singhvahini Temple: is situated at Kannauj – Makarand nagar Road. It has an idol of Singh Vahini build of red stone. Today this temple is almost desolate and is located near power house (power station), Kannauj. Kali Devi Temple This temple also stands on Kannauj – Makarand Nagar Road.Idols of Ram, Sita, Saraswati are also found in the temple besides the idol of Kaliji.A huge fair is heldhere every Saturday. Ram Lakshman Temple This temple is situated in Makarand Nagar. It has the idols of Ram & Lakshman. Phoolmati Devi Temple The time of construction of this temple is unknown.Phoolmati Devi is said to be the daughter of King Ben. The temple has the idols of Rani and Raja Ben.A big fair if held here every Guru Purnima. Ajay Pal Temple Ajay Pal was the Guru of King Jai Chandra and this temple was built to commemorate his memory. It has an idol of Ajay Pal made of redstone with a ‘Trishul’ in his hand. Jain Temple It is situated in Chhipatti, north west of Kannauj. It has a big statue of Bhagwan Mahavir.It has been recently renovated. Fort of King Jai Chandra the ruins of the fort are now available. The government auctioned this ruin to the public On its excavation, 22 bricks of Gold, each weighing 50 Tolas and gems like Neelam Panna etc were found. Lacks of goldpieces have been found uptil now. Baba Gauri Shankar Temple It is the most gorgeous temple having a beautiful canopy and flag made of gold . Formerly known as ‘Kanya Kubjeshwar Temple’, it has a ‘Shivling’ in it. It was was renovated by some Maratha ruler. Kshemkari Devi Temple This temple is situated in the north east corner of Jain Chandra fort. Kshemkari Devi is believed to protect the people from miseries. Jama Masjid (or) Sita Rasoi A huge building, called Sita Rasoi by Hindus and Jama Masjid by Muslims stands in Mohalla Tila in Kannauj. The whole structure is based on 56 pillars of white stone.On the main gate, a text is carved in Persian language. At present Namaj prayer is performed here regularly. Dargah Haji Sharif It is famous for ‘Urs’ fair which is attended by Hindus & Muslims both. Jagannath Temple It is situated in Ladhpuri. Chariot Procession takes places here every year with gaiety and frolic. Chintamani This place is situated towards the east of Jai Chandra fort. Formerly this used to be an Ashram of Saint Chintamani a renowned Saint and Worshipper of Devi Saraswati. Today sandles of Saint Chintamani are kept in this temple. Balapir Built in 1660, it is situated to the west of Jai Chandra Fort. It is made of marble and redstone. Balapir was the son of Kasim Suleman of Chunargarh. Makhdum Jahaniyan It is a grand building built on a height in the east of Kannauj city. Domes on outer wall resemble Red Fort style. The name of the building is given after the title name awarded to Saint Jalaluddin Sails who travelled all over the World on foot. He was buried here after his death. The beauty of this building is compared with that of Humayun’s tomb. Kaleshwar Nath Temple It is an old temple situated at Shekhana in Kannauj and was built by the great worshipper of ‘Kalpriya Nath’. This temple has an idol of Lord Vishnu and a ‘Shivling’. People offer snakes to the deity in order to get rid from fears. Kali Durga Temple This temple is situated in Sarai Meera, towards North of G.T. Road. The idols placed here were found white cultivating the field. It is believed that the idols were established when Shankaracharya visited this place. This temple also contains an idol of Mata Bhuwaneshwari among other idols. Shivala (Sarai Meera) It is a big temple situated on G.T. Road in Sarai Meera,built by Lalaman Chhammilal Mishra about 250 years ago. Baba Vishwanath Temple This temple is situated on a high mound in the village of Chaudhariapur. Rajgriha (Rijgir) This place is situated towards the south east of the city, 3-4 miles away from the city of Kannauj. It is in a triangular shape. King Bali performed the ‘Rajsuya Yagya’ in this very place Kind Jai Chandra’s family used to live here It was a very magnificent palace but has now turned into ruins. A little village named Rijgir is also situated there.

Geography[link]

Kannauj is located at 27°04′N 79°55′E / 27.07°N 79.92°E / 27.07; 79.92.^[6] It has an average elevation of 139 metres (456 feet).

Demographics[link]

As of 2001^[update] India census,^[7] Kannauj had a population of 71,530. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Kannauj has an average literacy rate of 58%, lower than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 64%, and female literacy is 52%. In Kannauj, 15% of the population is under 6 years of age.

See Also[link]

• Thakkar Pheru

References[link]

http://jnvkannauj.org/history.php

External links[link]

• District Kannauj Website.
• History of Kanauj: To the Moslem Conquest By Rama Shankar Tripathi

•  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press.