Hastinapuras

Hastinapur is an ancient city located in the Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It holds significant historical and religious importance, particularly within the context of Hindu epics. The city is primarily known as the capital of the Kuru kingdom during the Vedic period.

According to the Mahabharata, Hastinapur was the ancestral home of the Kauravas and Pandavas, the central figures of the epic. The narrative describes numerous significant events that took place in and around Hastinapur, including the dice game that led to the great war. The city is believed to have been founded by King Hastin, from whom it derives its name.

Archaeological evidence suggests that Hastinapur was inhabited from around 1100 BCE. Excavations have revealed layers of settlement, indicating its long history as a prominent urban center. The city faced several catastrophic floods, which, according to tradition, led to its eventual abandonment and relocation of the capital.

Modern Hastinapur is a pilgrimage site for Hindus, with several temples and other religious structures associated with the Mahabharata. Notable sites include the Karna Temple and the Draupadi Temple. The Archaeological Survey of India has conducted excavations in the area, contributing to our understanding of its past. While much of the ancient city is believed to have been lost to the Ganges River, its legacy continues to be a subject of historical and cultural interest.