Chandrashekar Azad Park

Chandrashekar Azad Park, Prayagraj – History, Timings, Entry Fee & Best Time to Visit

Chandrashekhar Azad Park, more often known as the Company Garden, was once known as Alfred Park during the British colonial era. This park, which is situated in George Town of Prayagraj, was created in 1870 as a noteworthy commemoration of Prince Alfred’s entry into the city. Following the latter’s martyrdom here, Company Gardens was renamed the Chandrashekar Azad Park in 1931.

Company Gardens, the largest park in the area, is a 133-acre green area that is suitable for picnics, jogs, and walks. In the middle of the garden, the park also features enormous statues of Victoria and George V.

History of Alfred Park/ Chandrashekhar Azad Park, Prayagraj

When Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, visited Allahabad in 1870, a park was constructed in the center of the city to commemorate his visit. The 133-acre park was eventually used as a location for formal ceremonies, frequently followed by the Police Band’s musical performances. It took eight years to build this park from start to finish.

Alfred Park/ Chandrashekhar Azad Park & Indian Struggle for Independence

In the Indian battle for independence from nearly 200 years of British rule, the park attained a historic significance. India had experienced political instability in the years leading up to its independence in 1947. To liberate the country, freedom fighters employed both pacifist and radical tactics. Because of his abilities and tactics, the British administration and the Imperial Police feared the extreme leader Chandra Shekhar Azad. Azad was meeting with his close aide Sukhdev in the park when the British police encircled it after receiving a tip from one of his close buddies. The ensuing gunfight lasted an hour, during which Azad bravely engaged the cops.

Ultimately, an injured Azad used his last round to shoot himself, but not before creating an opening for Sukhdev to flee and killing three police officers in one go. The area was renamed Chandra Shekhar Azad Park upon independence. In the location of Azad’s death, a statue of him was placed. When you visit the tree that Azad hid behind while he fought the police, history seems to come to life.

Attractions at Chandrashekhar Azad Park, Prayagraj

Being the largest park, Chandrashekhar Azad Park is also home to some of the most important locations. Among these is the Chandrashekar Azad Memorial, the site of Chandrashekhar Azad’s sacrifice.

Other noteworthy sights in this area are the Thornhill Mayne Memorial, the Allahabad Museum, Madan Mohan Malviya Stadium, and Prayag Sangeeth Samiti, a musical training organization.

Built in 1906, the Italian limestone canopy-structure of Victoria Memorial is also a component of the Chandrashekhar Azad Park. A gigantic idol of Queen Victoria was once roofed by this canopy, but it was later removed from the location.