On the eastern side of the city of Kanpur, there is a mound, which is to be found next to where the River Ganga flows. This mound is known as the Jajmau. The Jajmau, Kanpur is said to be of great historical significance, which is why it is one of the chief Tourist Attractions in Kanpur.
History of Jajmau, Kanpur :
The mound of Jajmau in Kanpur, India, had always aroused curiosity in the minds of historians. To give vent to their curiosities, excavations were carried out in 1957-58. As a result of such excavations, several antique items belonging to the period between 600 A.D. and 1600 A.D. were dug out.
The excavations led to the recovery of numerous articles like potteries, utensils and busts. All these items have revealed a strong influence of the Vedic period and of times beyond that. Among others all these excavations have resulted in unearthing various items that throw a light on the life and times of later Vedic period and beyond. Items that have been excavated include potteries.
Extensive research was carried out on the articles that were dug out and finally, historians came up with the conclusion that the items were of the time of a Pauranic king who is said to have ruled the kingdom of Yayati and was known for his bravery and intelligence. Jajmau was also known by the name of Siddhapuri in ancient times. Some historians have also arrived at the conclusion that a fort of the king, overlooking the Ganges was situated on the high mound.
Further, Jajmau, Kanpur also boasts of a mention in the Hindu Mythologies. Puranas and Kands have referred to Kanpur Jajmau on various instances.
Description of Jajmau, Kanpur :
Today Jajmau houses the temples of Siddhnath and Siddha Devi. It is because of these names that Jajmau was previously known as Siddhapuri. Besides, there is also a mausoleum of Makhdoom Shah Ala-ul-Haq. Makhdoom Shah was a renowned Sufi saint, who believed in the idea of secularism and preached it all his life. In the year, 1358, Feroze Shah Tughlaq built the tomb of Makhdoom Shah Ala-ul-Haq. In 1679 A.D. a mosque was also built at Jajmau, Kanpur by Kulich Khan.
