According to the Puranas, King Luv and King Prasenjit, sons of Lord Rama, ruled Bahraich. The Pandavas and Mother Kunti also came to this place during their exile.
In a shocking incident, reportedly one man was killed and five others were injured after a clash erupted between two groups of people during the Durga idol immersion procession in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich on Sunday. As per reports, the deceased has been identified as Ram Gopal. Currently embroiled in the controversy, let us take a closer look at the history, significant tourist places and other important facts about the district Bahraich.
As per the government website of the district Bahraich– https://bahraich.nic.in/, the district was earlier known as Bharaich. The name was changed later. It was known as the capital of Lord Brahma and part of Gandharva forest. It was said that God Brahma developed this forest area as a place of worship for sages and sadhus. According to medieval historians, this place used to be the capital of the Bhar Dynasty, due to which it was called Bharaich.
According to the Puranas, King Luv and King Prasenjit, sons of Lord Rama, ruled Bahraich. The Pandavas and Mother Kunti also came to this place during their exile. Maharaja Janak’s gurus Rishi Ashtavakra, Rishi Valmiki and Rishi Balark also resided in this area.
Revolution of 1857
The district also played an active role in the First War of Independence of 1857. On 7 February 1856, Resident General Outram declared the Company’s rule over Awadh and also made Bahraich a centre. Nana Saheb, a prominent leader of the freedom struggle, was campaigning against British rule. Nana Saheb held a secret meeting with local rulers in Bahraich. The meeting took place at a place called Gullabir, where the kings of Bhinga, Bondi, Chahlari, Rehua and Charda gathered and promised to support the freedom struggle along with Nana Saheb.
King Veer Balbhadra Singh of Chahlari also actively participated in this struggle. The rebellion in Bahraich started along with Awadh. The British officers of that time tried to escape, but the local revolutionaries surrounded them and three British officers were killed in the conflict. Thus, the entire district came under the control of the freedom fighters.
Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Bahraich
During the second freedom struggle movement, Mahatma Gandhi visited Bahraich in 1929 and addressed a public meeting. On 6 May 1930, a strike was held in Bahraich in support of Gandhiji’s salt movement and the salt law was violated. During this time many prominent leaders were arrested. In this way, Bahraich also contributed immensely to the freedom movement. Finally, the country became independent on 15 August 1947. After independence, about 1375 refugees from Pakistan were settled in Bahraich.
Places to Visit in Bahraich
The city has Raja Suheldev Memorial. It is a memorial to the great King Suheldev of Shravasti in Bahraich. King Suheldev defeated Ghaznavid commander Ghazi Miyan in 1034 in Bahraich. There is a famous Dargah Sharif in Bahraich, which was built by Firoz Shah Tughlaq. It is believed that bathing in the water of this Dargah cures skin diseases.
Bahraich also has Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary. In 1987, it was brought under ‘Project Tiger’ along with Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary and Dudhwa National Park.
