meerut for me!!!!!!!!!

The history of Meerut is full of a number of eventful happenings. In fact Meerut has been in the center of a flurry of activities. Its closeness to Delhi contributed in a big way to its progress and development. However its proximity to Delhi also acted a major disadvantage for Meerut as it was the site for myriad upheavals. The history of Meerut is an endless saga of hard work and dedication of its inhabitants that comprise of the Tyagis, Vaishyas, Rajputs, Jats and Gujjars, all of whom were instrumental in the all-round development of Meerut.

A detailed study of Meerut's history will reveal the fact that Meerut had to bear the brunt of the invasions of Qutub-ud-din and Timur.

During this demanding period, Meerut stood up against its attackers with invincible courage and tenacity. The Revolt of 1857 has a deep rooted significance in the historical background of Meerut. 24th April, 1857 was a fateful day in the history of Meerut, when eighty five cavalrymen belonging to the third cavalry refused to even touch the cartridges which led to ten years of imprisonment as a form of penalization. This event acted as a catalyst for the general upheaval against the British oppression that was to assume the proportion of the first war of Indian independence.

The socio-religious reform movement that created ripples in the Indian society during the nineteenth century did not exclude Meerut. Illustrious figures of reform movement like Dayanand Saraswati, Colonel Olcott, Annie Besant and Sir Syed Ahmed Khan graced Meerut with their visits. The history of Meerut also reveals the fact that the Arya Samaj Movement also gained much popularity in Meerut. Meerut was an important seat of religious, cultural, intellectual and political activities. Meerut has also gained international prominence because of the fact that during archaeological excavations that were carried out in the Alamgirpur Village, historical remains belonging to the Harappan civilization were unearthed. An ancient well and painted grey wares stumbled upon during the diggings can be traced back to the Mauryan Period.

The temple of Augarnath at Meerut in the Northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is a little-known place of worship but of great historical importance. It is significant not only for its religious significance but also for its distinctive role in India’s freedom struggle.

No one knows exactly when this temple was built. It is said the ‘shiv linga’ present in this temple emerged on its own – a miracle that has been attracting the followers of Lord Shiva ever since its inception. According to local priests, the great Maratha rulers used to worship here and seek blessings before proceeding with their victory processions.

A Favorite Place for the Army
During the British rule, the Indian army was called ‘Kali Paltan’ (black army). Since the temple is located close to the army barrack, it is also know by the name ‘Kali Paltan mandir’ (not to be confused with Goddess Kali). Its close proximity to the Indian army camps offered a safe haven for freedom fighters, who used to visit and stay here for their secret meetings with the officers of ‘Kali Paltan’.

The Revolt of 1857
There was also a well inside the temple complex that the soldiers use to frequent to quench their thirst. In 1856, the Government introduced new cartridges for their guns, and soldiers were supposed to remove its seal using their teeth. Since the seal was made of cow fat (cow is sacred in Hinduism), the priest disallowed them to use the well. In 1857, this triggered off a revolt against the British establishment by the Indian army that spread throughout Northern India and jolted the very roots of British rule in the country.

The New Avatar
Until 1944 this huge complex consisted only of a small temple and the nearby well. All this was surrounded by huge cluster of trees. In 1968, a new temple with modern architecture (with the old shivlinga very much there) replaced the old temple. In 1987, a huge hexagonal hall was built for the purpose of religious ceremonies and ‘bhajans’. In May 2001, a 4.5 kg gold plated ‘kalash’ (pitcher) was installed at the spire of the temple.