Massacre Ghat
Kanpur, India
- Explore the Bibi Ghar building
- Pay respects at the memorial well
- Reflect by the Ganges river
- Visit the historical Massacre Ghat memorial
Known for:
Description:
Massacre Ghat, a poignant historical site in Kanpur, stands as a memorial to the victims of the 1857 uprising. Located on the banks of the Ganges River, it marks the spot where hundreds of British women and children were tragically killed. The ghat features a memorial garden, the well into which the bodies were thrown, and the surviving Bibi Ghar, offering a somber reflection on a dark chapter in Indian history. Visitors can pay their respects and learn about the events that unfolded here. The serene riverfront setting adds to the contemplative atmosphere.
History:
During the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny, also known as the First War of Indian Independence, Nana Sahib, a prominent leader of the rebellion, captured Kanpur. As the British forces retreated, a large group of British women and children sought refuge at Bibighar, a building near the Ganges. On July 15, 1857, they were tragically massacred, and their bodies were thrown into a nearby well. This event, known as the Bibighar Massacre, became a symbol of the brutality of the uprising and further fueled the conflict. After the British recaptured Kanpur, a memorial was erected at the site, which later became known as Massacre Ghat.