Massacre Ghat

Satti Chaura Ghat or Massacre Ghat (Hindi: सती चौरा घाट / मसकर घाट, कानपुर ) is a famous ghat(riverbank steps) in Kanpur city, the industrial hub of Uttar Pradesh in North India. It is located on the bank of River Ganges in Kanpur near Jajmau.

Importance

River Ghats have been a traditional part of Indian secular and religious life. They have served religious and community gathering purposes. When located on holy rivers like River Ganges, they often have attached temples dedicated to deities of the Hindu pantheon.

Sati Chaura Ghat has been an important maritime boarding point for the river route from Kanpur to Allahabad from pre colonial period. In recent years, after the acquisition of the surrounding areas by Cantonment Board and private industrialists, it has receded in its traditional historical importance as the center of urban life in the old city of Kanpur.

History

During the beginning of the colonial annexation of Awadh, the ghat had earlier been nicknamed as Massacre Ghat, by the East India Company officials after the historical events of the 1857 Indian Mutiny at Cawnpore.

It was at this location that the initial momentous events of Indian Rebellion of 1857, named as Siege of Cawnpore in British colonial records, took place.

Location

The ghat is located on the southern bank of River Ganges and marks the northern boundary of Kanpur city.

Establishment

The origins of the ghat date to pre-colonial times.

Historical Awareness

This Ghat has become historically important since the Indian Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. On June 27, 1857, Kanpur (formerly Cawnpore) saw one of the grimmest stories of Indian history of independence. Around 300 British men, women and children were slaughtered at the Satti Chaura Ghat, later gaining identification as Massacre Ghat. Those who escaped the brutal fate that day were later killed at the Bibighar Massacre. The rebellion was believed to be led by Nana Sahib of Peshwa from which the Ghat was renamed as Nana Rao Ghat. The Ghat now stands alone evoking the sad story. What was massacre to the Britons, the then colonial masters, was the War of Independence for the colonized Indians. Today the Massacre Ghat bears a tranquil scene marked by a small white temple. The Ganges here has turned unclean and efforts are in process to help the Ganges regain its sanctity.

Attractions

• A Hindu temple built in 1966.
• It attracts a lot of visitors from Kanpur city during the monsoon months when the River Ganges threatens to breach the banks.
• There is a sand pit / dangal (अखाड़ा) for kushti of local wrestlers. An annual wrestling competition is held during the months of July/August.
• It is a favorite haunt of a large population of Indian rhesus monkeys.

Maintenance and Sponsors

The ghat is under the charge of the Kanpur Cantonment Board. It is still in use as a bathing and ritual ghat for local population.

References