Amar Shaheed Chandrashekhar Azad Park , Prayagraj

This park is a very important historical site in the city. Here’s a detailed overview:

Establishment and Early History (British Colonial Era):

• Alfred Park (1870): The park was established in 1870 and was originally named “Alfred Park.” It was named after Prince Alfred, the Duke of Edinburgh, son of Queen Victoria, who visited Prayagraj (then known as Allahabad) that year. It was built in the heart of the city’s British quarter, near Civil Lines.
• Company Bagh: During the British Raj, the park was also commonly referred to as “Company Bagh” (Company Garden). It served as an important recreational space for the British residents of the city.

Role in India’s Independence Movement and Chandrashekhar Azad’s Martyrdom (1931):

• Center of Revolutionary Activities: Alfred Park became a significant meeting point and a hub for secret activities of Indian freedom fighters and revolutionaries.
• Chandrashekhar Azad’s Sacrifice (February 27, 1931): The park’s most historically significant event is the martyrdom of the revolutionary Chandrashekhar Azad. On February 27, 1931, Chandrashekhar Azad was surrounded by British police in the park. He engaged in a fierce gunfight, and when he ran out of ammunition and was unwilling to be captured alive by the British, he shot himself with his last bullet. This act of self-sacrifice made the park a deeply symbolic place in the history of India’s struggle for independence.

Post-Independence Era:

• Renaming: After India gained independence in 1947, Alfred Park was renamed “Amar Shaheed Chandrashekhar Azad Park” (Immortal Martyr Chandrashekhar Azad Park) to honor his sacrifice and contribution to the freedom movement.
• Memorial and Other Structures: A memorial dedicated to Chandrashekhar Azad was erected in the park at the spot where he was martyred. The park also houses other important institutions like the Allahabad Museum and the Allahabad Public Library. The large stone canopy (originally intended for a statue of Queen Victoria) also remains within the park.

Significance:

• The park is not just a green space in Prayagraj; it’s a living testament to India’s fight for freedom.
• Chandrashekhar Azad’s martyrdom transformed the park into a place of national pilgrimage and a symbol of patriotism.

In summary, the transition from Alfred Park to Amar Shaheed Chandrashekhar Azad Park is more than just a name change; it represents a crucial chapter in India’s history. The park serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made for independence and the courage of figures like Chandrashekhar Azad.