MIRZAPUR

The popular Hindi web-series Mirzapur shows gang rivalries in Purvanchal centred at Mirzapur. But the importance of the place is much beyond mafia lordships. Rather, a particular mountain range close to Mirzapur is sacred to the Hindu community - Vindhyachal. And historically speaking, before the establishment of the Mizrapur city by the British (spelled as Mirzapoor), the Chunargarh (spelled as Chunargur by the British) or Chunar Fort present there was one of the major landmarks of Mughal era. 

Pre-independent Mirzapur was surrounded by two major Princely States - Benares (or Banaras) and Rewa, (whose subjects would transit through the hilly and forest terrain of this area), tributary State of Surguja and British territories of Shahabad and Palamau of Bengal. On old maps the Vindhyachal range is mentioned as Binda Hills and at that time both Mirzapoor (or Mirzapore) and Chunargur were equally important cities in the Chunar district of Allahabad province. The Chunargargh fort is of importance as this was the place where Shuja-ud-Daulah was cornered by the East India Company after the Battle of Buxar 1764, one of the two key battles between the EIC and the Mughals that established firmly EIC's dominance in northern India (also called as 'Hindustan'). Its this fort that was the main artillery and ammunition depot of the Northwestern Provinces (a predecessor to United Provinces or Uttar Pradesh). During the 16th century, the Suri Dynasty used this fort as a strategically important fort that would battle the Mughals across the Hindustani belt. Chunar lost its prominence in the 19th century when Mirzapur became a much bigger township, much for it becoming a trade hub selling cotton and silk. The city was established by the British and thus even today some of the names of Mirzapur landmarks recall the old British legacy, such as Wellesleyganj (after Lord Wellesley), Burrier Ghat, Drummondganj, etc. 

Vindhyachal is considered as a sacred Hindu site having the temple of Goddess Vindhyavasini, who killed the demon Mahisasura according to the legends. Holding the most holiest of all the Shakti Peeths (sacred site of Shaktism), Vindhyachal has temples dedicated to Goddess Durga, Goddess Kali and Goddess Saraswati. Its also the place where Lord Vishnu received his Sudarshan Chakra, the same Chakra which was lashed out at Sati by Lord Vishnu himself, which chopped off her toe at the same place as well. So the religious connection of Vindhyachal is immense and thus is of deep importance to the Hindus. And not just the ones mentioned here, but there are other tales related to Vindhyachal that are of religious importance. 

During the Mughal-Suri history, there were aboriginal tribes living in this region such as the Bhars, Cheros, Seoris, Kols and Kharwars. They held important landholdings specially in the Palamau region till they were expelled by the British. And not just Palamau but their impact spread throughout Benares and Ghazipur regions. Although the inter-tribal conflicts don't exist at present, but the memories linger in the marginally small section of these people even today. Coming to the British era, the district of Mirzapur was finally carved out in 1861 from Allahabad province. The parganas of Chaurasi, Chhiyanve, Upraudh, Kon, Saktesgarh, Bhagwat, Bhuili, Haveli Chunar, Qariat Sikhar, Agori, Barhar, Bijaigarh, Bhadohi and Majhwa were collectively known as Mirzapur district that came into effect from 1880. The geography of Mirzapur remained unchanged only till 1989 when Sonbhadra district was separated out, thus reducing the largest district of Uttar Pradesh in half. 

Here's a map of Mirzapur in the 20th century. The Princely States are coloured in lime and British territories in shade of red, while Mirzapur is highlighted in shade of chrome.