Allahabad([lhbd]), or Settled by God in Persian, is a major city of India and is one of the main holy cities of Hinduism. It was renamed by the Mughal emperor Akbar from the original (still unoficially used) native name of Prayaga, and is by some accounts the second-oldest city in India. It is located in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, lying some 205 kilometres (127mi) south of the state capital, Lucknow. It is the administrative headquarters of the Allahabad District. Allahabad is one of the fastest growing cities in India at present.Allahabad has been ranked the world's 130th fastest growing city (growth rate: 2.09 per cent (2011)). The ancient name of the city is Prayaga (Sanskrit for "place of sacrifice"), as it is believed to be the spot where Brahma offered his first sacrifice after creating the world. It is one of four sites of the mass Hindu pilgrimage Kumbh Mela, the others being Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. It has a position of importance in Hindu scriptures...
