Gorakhpur History: Nestled in the heart of the Purvanchal region in Uttar Pradesh, Gorakhpur is far more than a bustling city; it is a living chronicle of India’s soul. Its history is a rich, multi-layered tapestry woven with threads of ancient Vedic hymns, the serene footsteps of the Buddha, the fierce spiritualism of Nath Yogis, the grandeur of medieval empires, and the fiery crucible of India’s freedom struggle. To know Gorakhpur is to embark on a journey through time, where every monument, every street name, and every cultural tradition whispers a story from a glorious past. This comprehensive guide unravels the epic saga of Gorakhpur, tracing its evolution from a mythical kingdom to the dynamic urban centre it is today.
Introduction: The Crossroads of Civilizations
Gorakhpur’s strategic location in the fertile Gangetic plains, fed by the mighty rivers Rapti and Ghaghara, has destined it to be a cradle of human civilization for millennia. It has served as a melting pot where Aryan culture met indigenous traditions, where Buddhism flourished before giving way to a Hindu revival, and where successive empires vied for control due to its agricultural wealth and strategic position. The city’s very name evokes a sense of spiritual power and historical significance, drawing scholars, pilgrims, and tourists alike to decode its mysteries.
Chapter 1: The Dawn of Time – Gorakhpur in the Vedic and Ancient Era (Pre-600 BCE)
Long before it was called Gorakhpur, this region was a thriving centre of ancient Indian civilization. The area finds mention in the later Vedic texts, which refer to the land of “Kosala.” Gorakhpur was situated in the eastern part of this great kingdom, known as Uttar (Northern) Kosala, with its capital believed to be at Ahicchhatra or later at Sravasti.
1.1 The Legend of Lord Rama
The region is deeply entwined with the epic Ramayana. It is believed that the forests of this area fell within the domain of the Kosala kingdom, ruled by the Ikshvaku dynasty, to which Lord Rama belonged. While Ayodhya was the western capital, the eastern parts, including present-day Gorakhpur, were integral to the kingdom’s landscape. Local folklore is replete with tales connecting various sites in the region to the exile and travels of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana.
1.2 Archaeological Evidence: The Proof in the Pottery
The historical significance of the region is not merely confined to legends. Extensive archaeological excavations at sites like Chilhavati (near modern-day Gorakhpur), Piprahwa, and Birdpur have unearthed remnants of Painted Grey Ware (PGW) and Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW). These findings provide tangible proof of a sophisticated, urbanized culture flourishing here as early as 1500-600 BCE. The presence of these artifacts indicates well-established trade routes, advanced metallurgy, and a structured social order.
Chapter 2: The Age of Enlightenment – Gorakhpur and the Buddhist Epoch (600 BCE – 300 CE)
This period marks one of the most illustrious chapters in Gorakhpur’s history. The region became a vibrant hub of Buddhist activity, learning, and pilgrimage, attracting monks and devotees from across Asia.
2.1 Kapilavastu: The Boyhood Home of Buddha
One of the most profound discoveries that placed Gorakhpur on the world map of ancient history is its connection to Kapilavastu, the capital of the Shakya republic and the boyhood home of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who later became the Buddha. For centuries, the exact location of Kapilavastu was lost to time. However, archaeological excavations at Piprahwa in the Siddharthnagar district (within the Gorakhpur division) have strongly suggested it as the true site of ancient Kapilavastu.
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The Piprahwa Relic Casket: In 1898, a groundbreaking discovery was made—a stone coffer containing a soapstone casket with bone relics. An inscription on the casket, written in ancient Brahmi script, declared: “Sukiti-bhatinam sa-bhaginikanam sa-puta-dalanam iyam salila-nidhane Budhasa bhagavate sakiyanam.” This translates to “This shrine for relics of the Buddha, the August One, is that of the Sakyas. The brethren of the distinguished One, in association with their sisters and their children and their wives.” This was a monumental find, providing direct physical evidence of the Buddha’s connection to this very land.
2.2 Sravasti: A Thriving Buddhist Centre
Just a short distance from Piprahwa lies Sravasti (Saheth-Maheth), another cornerstone of Gorakhpur’s Buddhist heritage. It was here that the Buddha spent many rainy seasons, delivering some of his most important discourses in the famous Jetavana Monastery, which was donated by his chief lay disciple, Anathapindika. Sravasti became one of the six great cities of ancient India during the Buddha’s time and a major centre for the Sangha (monastic community). The ruins of ancient stupas, monasteries, and temples in Sravasti stand as a silent testament to a time when this region was the epicentre of spiritual seeking.
2.3 Kusinara: The Final Nirvana
Completing the Buddhist circuit in the Gorakhpur region is Kushinagar (ancient Kusinara), the place where the Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana, or final liberation from the cycle of life and death. The grandeur of the Ramabhar Stupa (the cremation site) and the serene Nirvana Temple, housing a magnificent 6th-century CE statue of the reclining Buddha, make it one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Buddhists worldwide.
The Gorakhpur division, therefore, forms a critical part of the Buddhist pilgrimage trail, encapsulating the very essence of the Buddha’s life—from his royal beginnings in Kapilavastu, through his teachings in Sravasti, to his final passing in Kushinagar.
Chapter 3: The Rise of a Spiritual Colossus – Guru Gorakhnath and the Medieval Transformation (11th – 15th Century CE)
As Buddhism gradually declined in the region, a new and powerful spiritual force emerged, one that would permanently etch its name onto the map: the Nath Panth, founded by the revered sage Guru Gorakhnath.
3.1 The Enigmatic Guru Gorakhnath
Gorakhnath is a semi-legendary figure, a master of Hatha Yoga, Tantra, and spiritual alchemy. He is considered one of the two most prominent disciples of Matsyendranath and is credited with formalizing the Nath Sampradaya, a Shaivite tradition of itinerant yogis known for their strict discipline, mastery over the physical body, and pursuit of spiritual liberation (Siddhis). While historical dates are debated, his influence peaked around the 11th-12th centuries CE.
3.2 The Founding of the Gorakhnath Math
The epicentre of this new tradition became the Gorakhnath Math (monastery) in Gorakhpur. It is believed that Gorakhnath chose this location for his spiritual practice, and a temple was later established in his honour. The Math became the supreme seat of the Nath Panth, attracting ascetics and disciples from all over the Indian subcontinent. The institution played a pivotal role in the socio-religious life of the region, promoting a form of Hinduism that was accessible to the masses, transcending the rigidities of the caste system.
3.3 How Gorakhpur Got Its Name
The city’s nomenclature is directly derived from this spiritual legacy. “Gorakhpur” literally translates to “The City of Gorakhnath.” It is widely believed that the city grew around the temple and matha established by his followers. The name signifies the city’s deep and enduring identity with its patron saint. The Gorakhnath Math has, for centuries, been the most powerful cultural and religious institution in the region, wielding significant influence that continues to this day.
Chapter 4: Turmoil and Transition – Gorakhpur under the Mughals and Nawabs (16th – 18th Century CE)
The medieval period saw Gorakhpur caught in the ebb and flow of North Indian empires. Its strategic and economic importance made it a prized possession for various rulers.
4.1 The Delhi Sultanate and Afghan Chiefs
While the region was under the nominal control of the Delhi Sultanate, effective control often lay with local Afghan chieftains and Rajput kings. The powerful Jaunpur Sultanate also held sway over this area for a significant period in the 15th century. This was an era of constant political flux and military skirmishes.
4.2 The Mughal Subah of Awadh
With the consolidation of the Mughal Empire under Akbar, Gorakhpur was incorporated into the Subah of Awadh. The Ain-i-Akbri of Abul Fazl mentions Gorakhpur as a pargana (revenue division) within the Sarkar of Gorakhpur. The Mughals established a semblance of administrative structure, focusing on revenue collection. However, the influence of the Gorakhnath Math remained largely unchallenged, and the yogis often acted as a counterweight to imperial authority.
4.3 The Rise of the Nawabs of Awadh
As the Mughal Empire weakened in the 18th century, the Nawabs of Awadh in Lucknow became the de facto rulers. They appointed their own governors to administer Gorakhpur. It was during this time that the city began to take a more defined urban shape, with the construction of markets, serais (inns), and mosques. However, the Nawabi rule was often marked by heavy taxation and conflicts with local zamindars and the ascetic warriors of the Nath Sampradaya.
For a deeper understanding of this complex period of Indian history, you can explore the resources at the British Library’s collection on the Mughal Empire. (Outer Link 1)
Chapter 5: The British Raj and the Flame of Rebellion (1765 – 1947)
The arrival of the British East India Company marked the beginning of a new, tumultuous era for Gorakhpur, transforming it into a key administrative and military centre while also making it a hotbed of rebellion.
5.1 The Cession to the British
In 1801, under the Treaty of Lucknow, the then Nawab of Awadh, Saadat Ali Khan II, ceded the region of Gorakhpur, along with other territories, to the British East India Company. This was done to pay for the cost of the British troops stationed in his kingdom. Gorakhpur thus officially became a British district.
5.2 The Administrative Hub
The British recognized Gorakhpur’s strategic importance and established it as the headquarters of the district. They built a cantonment (military quarters), civil lines, courts, and jails. The city’s infrastructure was developed to facilitate colonial rule and economic exploitation. The region’s fertile land was used for the production of indigo and other cash crops, often leading to the exploitation of local farmers.
5.3 The Sepoy Mutiny of 1857: Gorakhpur’s Fiery Role
Gorakhpur played a significant and fiery role in the First War of Indian Independence in 1857. The discontent among Indian sepoys (soldiers) and the general population was palpable.
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The Revolt at the Magazine: The rebellion in Gorakhpur erupted on June 10, 1857, when Indian sepoys of the 17th Native Infantry stationed in the city rose up against their British officers. They seized the treasury and the magazine (arms storehouse).
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The Heroic Sacrifice of Baba Raghavdas: A key figure in the revolt was Baba Raghavdas, a revered saint and a disciple of the Gorakhnath Math. He actively encouraged the sepoys to fight for their freedom and provided them with spiritual and moral support. His involvement symbolized the deep connection between the region’s spiritual heart and its political aspirations. The British brutally suppressed the revolt, and many, including Baba Raghavdas, were executed, cementing their place as martyrs in the local folklore.
The events of 1857 solidified Gorakhpur’s reputation as a land of fearless rebels, a spirit that would continue into the 20th-century freedom struggle.
Chapter 6: The 20th Century – Nationalism, the Gita Press, and a New Identity
The 20th century saw Gorakhpur emerge as a prominent centre of the Indian National Movement and a hub for Hindu cultural revivalism.
6.1 The Freedom Struggle and Gorakhpur’s Leaders
The city produced and nurtured several stalwarts of the freedom movement. The people of Gorakhpur actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22), the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34), and the Quit India Movement (1942). The district jails were often filled with satyagrahis (freedom fighters).
6.2 The Gita Press: A Spiritual Revolution in Print
In 1926, Gorakhpur gave birth to an institution of unparalleled cultural significance: the Gita Press. Founded by Jaydayal Goyandka and Hanuman Prasad Poddar, the Gita Press began with the mission of publishing affordable and authentic editions of Hindu religious texts like the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and Puranas. Its monthly magazine, Kalyan, became a household name across India, disseminating spiritual knowledge to millions. The Gita Press turned Gorakhpur into a nerve centre for the Hindu literary and spiritual renaissance, a status it holds to this day.
To understand the impact of print culture on Indian society, you can read this article by Harvard University on the history of printing in South Asia. (Outer Link 2)
6.3 The Post-Independence Era and Political Ascendancy
After India’s independence in 1947, Gorakhpur became an important political centre in Uttar Pradesh. The Gorakhnath Math continued to be a major influence, and its Mahants (head priests) often entered politics. The most prominent figure to emerge from this legacy was Yogi Adityanath, the head priest of the Gorakhnath Math who became the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh in 2017, further highlighting the enduring socio-political influence of the city’s foundational institution.
Chapter 7: Modern Gorakhpur – Industry, Education, and Challenges
Today, Gorakhpur is a bustling metropolis, balancing its profound historical legacy with the demands of the 21st century.
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Economic Hub: It is a major commercial centre for the Purvanchal region. While agriculture remains important, the city has seen growth in industries like sugar processing, food processing, and textiles.
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Educational Centre: Gorakhpur is home to Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University (established 1957), and other prestigious colleges and technical institutes, making it an educational hub for Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Western Bihar.
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Transportation Nexus: The city’s Indian Railways Gorakhpur Junction boasts the world’s longest railway platform, a symbol of its critical connectivity. It serves as the gateway to the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit and Nepal.
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Challenges and Resilience: The city has faced significant challenges, including floods from the Rapti river and public health crises. However, its spirit of resilience, forged over millennia, continues to drive its progress.
For current demographic and economic data, you can refer to the official Gorakhpur District Census Handbook. (Outer Link 3)
Conclusion: The Living Legacy of Gorakhpur
The history of Gorakhpur is not confined to textbooks; it is a living, breathing entity. It is in the chants of the yogis at the Gorakhnath Temple, the silent prayers of Buddhist monks at Kushinagar, the pages of the Kalyan magazine, and the bustling energy of its modern markets. From the serene enlightenment of the Buddha to the fierce spiritualism of Gorakhnath, from the rebellion of 1857 to the literary revolution of the Gita Press, Gorakhpur has continually reinvented itself while holding its core identity sacred. To walk through Gorakhpur is to walk through the layered, vibrant, and epic history of India itself.
