Meston Road Kanpur

Meston Road is a prominent commercial street in Kanpur, India, named after James Meston, who served as Lieutenant Governor of the United Provinces from 1912 to 1918. It is also known as "Gun Bazaar" due to its concentration of arms and ammunition shops. The road holds historical significance in India's independence struggle, being associated with the Congress party, with Tilak Hall located nearby. Meston Road was opened to the public in 1913.

The area witnessed the 1913 Kanpur Mosque Incident, where part of the Machhli Bazaar Mosque was demolished during Hindu-Muslim riots. Despite petitions from Islamic scholars, James Meston ruled against preserving the structure, leading to its removal. This sparked outrage among Muslims, culminating in a violent police response on August 3, 1913, when over 600 cartridges were fired at unarmed civilians, an event condemned by Lord Hardinge, then Governor General of India.

In March 1931, communal riots erupted again between Hindu congressmen and Muslim shopkeepers. Despite these conflicts, the area now symbolizes communal harmony, with the "Beech Wala Mandir" (temple) standing alongside a mosque. Both religious sites have endured through riots and represent peaceful coexistence.

Key landmarks on Meston Road include Tilak Hall, inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1934; Cawnpore Kotwali, a British-era police headquarters; Premchand's House, where the renowned writer lived from 1905 to 1909; the Jain Glass Temple; Machhli Bazaar Mosque; Beech Wala Mandir; Agrasen Smriti Bhawan; and umbrella shops. These landmarks reflect the road's historical, cultural, and religious significance.