Nestled on the banks of the eternal Ganga, Kanpur stands as one of North India’s major industrial centres with its own historical, religious and commercial importance. Believed to be founded by king Hindu Singh of the erstwhile state of Sachendi, Kanpur  was originally  known   as  `Kanhpur’.  Historically,  Jajmau  on the eastern outskirts of present day Kanpur is regarded as one of the most archaic tounships of Kanpur district. Upto the  1st  half  of the 18th century Kanpur continued to survive as an insignificant village. Its fate, however, took a  new  turn  soon   after. In May 1765, Shuja-ud-daula, the  Nawab  Wazir  of   Awadh, was  defeated  by  the British near Jajmau. It  was   probably  at  this  time  that  strategic  importance   of  the  site  of Kanpur was realised by the British. European   businessmen  had  by  this  time  gradually  started   establishing  themselves  in Kanpur. In order to ensure protection to their  lives  and  property  the  `Awadh local forces’ were shifted here in 1778. Kanpur passed into British hands under the  treaty  of   1801  with  Nawab  Saadat  Ali Khan of Awadh. This forms a turning point in the history of Kanpur. Soon  Kanpur  became one of the most important military station of British India. It was declared a district on 24th March 1803.