Exploring the Historic & Cultural Sites of Barabanki District

Namaste! Barabanki, a town rich in history and culture, is home to Historic & Cultural Sites of Barabanki. From ancient temples and forts to architectural wonders, these landmarks reflect the town’s deep-rooted heritage and significance in the region. Each site tells a story of the town’s past, blending religious, cultural, and historical elements.

In this article, we will explore the most famous historic and cultural sites in Barabanki. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking to immerse yourself in the town’s cultural essence, these destinations promise a meaningful and enriching experience.

Demographics and Language:

• Male Population: 17,07,073
• Female Population: 15,53,626
• Language Spoken: Hindi (Awadhi)

This rich demographic and cultural backdrop sets the stage for an exciting exploration of Barabanki. The district is known for its vibrant local traditions, historical landmarks, and a thriving community that welcomes visitors with warmth. Your ideal stay awaits at our well-equipped hotel. Click here to book now!

How to Reach Barabanki

By Air

The nearest airport to Barabanki is the Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow, located approximately 45 kilometers away. This airport serves as a major gateway to Barabanki, connecting it to various domestic and international destinations.

By Train

Barabanki is well-connected by rail, falling under the North-Eastern Railway division. The Barabanki Railway Station is about 28 kilometers from Lucknow Station. This connectivity makes Barabanki a key transit point for travel to and from major metro cities and state capitals across India.

By Road

National Highways: Barabanki is accessible via three major National Highways:

• NH-28: Runs from West to North-East, connecting Barabanki to several important locations.
• NH-28C: Leads towards the Nepal Border, enhancing cross-border connectivity.
• NH-56: Passes through Haidargarh, a Tehsil of Barabanki, extending towards East Uttar Pradesh.

Origin of the Name of Barabanki

Barabanki, often referred to as the ‘Entrance to Poorvanchal,’ has a rich historical background. One popular theory suggests that the name originated from ‘Bhagwan BAARAH,’ whose presence in this region led to the area being called ‘BAANHANYA.’ Over time, this evolved into Barabanki. Initially, the district headquarters were located in Dariyabad until 1858 AD, after which it was moved to Nawabganj in 1859 AD.

Historical Significance

In ancient times, Barabanki was part of the Suryavanshi kingdom with Ayodhya as its capital. King Dashrath and his son, Lord Ram, were prominent figures of this dynasty. The Kulguru, Guru Vashisht, taught the royal princes at Satrikh, formerly known as Saptrishi.

During the Mahabharat era, this district was under Chandravanshi rule and was part of the ‘Gaurav Rajya.’ It was known as Kurukshetra, where the Pandavas spent part of their exile.

Ancient Monuments and Historical Events

The region is home to several historical landmarks such as the ‘Parijaat’ tree, Kunteshwar Mahadev temple, and the Lodheshwar Mahadeva’s Shivling. These sites highlight the district’s significance during the Mahabharat period.

In 1030 AD, Sayyed Salar Masood, a commander of Mahmood of Ghazni, invaded the region. Later, Qutubuddin Gaha of Madina established Muslim dominance. During Mughal rule, Barabanki was part of the Awadh and Manikpur sirkars.

Freedom Struggle and British Era

Many local rulers opposed British expansion through armed resistance. Raja Balbhadra Singh Chehlari and about 1,000 revolutionaries fought for independence, with the last battle of the First War of Indian Independence occurring here in December 1858 AD. The revolutionaries’ last stand at Bhitauli was ultimately unsuccessful, leading to the retreat of freedom fighters to Nepal.

Gandhiji’s Non-cooperation Movement in 1921 and subsequent protests, including the Khilafat Movement (1922), Salt Movement (1930), and Quit India Movement (1942), saw active participation from Barabanki’s residents. Major protests and looting of post offices were significant events in the district’s struggle against British rule.

Barabanki as an Administrative Entity

Originally known as Dariyabad, Barabanki’s administrative headquarters were established by an officer named Dariab Khan. This remained the district headquarters until 1858 AD, when it was moved to Nawabganj in 1859 AD. This change occurred during British expansion, incorporating Kursi from Lucknow district and Haidergarh from Rae Bareli district.

Local Transportation: The Town Bus Stand in Barabanki serves as a hub for mofussil routes and local travel. It facilitates connections to smaller towns and villages in the district through UPSRTC and other local bus services. With three National Highways passing through, road connectivity is robust, ensuring easy access to major cities and neighboring states.

Culture & Heritage Pride

Raja Balbhadra Singh Chehlari

Raja Balbhadra Singh Chehlari, born on June 10, 1840, is celebrated for his bravery during the First War of Indian Independence. Leading around 1,000 revolutionaries, he fought the British forces at Aovari, near Barabanki. His courage was noted by British Brigadier Sir Hopp Grant, who documented his ferocious attacks in his memoirs. Raja Chehlari’s heroic stance on the battlefield remains a symbol of resistance and patriotism.

K.D. Singh ‘Babu’

Kunwar Digvijay Singh, known as K.D. Singh ‘Babu’, was a distinguished hockey player born on February 2, 1922, in Barabanki. Renowned for his exceptional skills, he led the Indian hockey team to Olympic victories in 1948 and 1952. Despite his achievements, he faced personal struggles and tragically ended his life on March 27, 1978. His legacy in Indian hockey is celebrated through his numerous awards and contributions to the sport.

Flt. Lt. Shankar Dayal Bajpai

Flt. Lt. Shankar Dayal Bajpai, born January 25, 1960, in Barabanki, was a courageous fighter pilot who sacrificed his life for the nation. Serving in the Indian Air Force, he was posted at a critical Indo-Pak border post. On December 10, 1987, his Jaguar aircraft was lost during a routine sortie, marking his end but highlighting his dedication to national security.

Literary Figures

Barabanki has produced notable literary figures across genres:

• Sant Kavi Baijnath: A renowned linguist and poet, born in 1890, known for his work in Ramkatha literature.
• Sant Kavi Chaturbhuj Das: An influential poet of the Nirgun Bhakti stream, contributing significant works like Nirgun Sagar.
• Sant Kavi Jagjivan Das: A prolific writer born in 1727, known for his contributions to Hindi literature with works like Agh Vinaash and Prem-Path.
• Ravi Dutt Mishra: A scholar and astrologer from 1769, recognized for his books on astrology and literature.
• Shankar Dayal Awasthi: An accomplished writer from Dariyabad, known for his works like Shivsiya Bratbodh.

Other notable personalities include Pandit Mahesh Dutt Shukl, Guru Prasad Singh ‘Mrigesh’, and Shiv Singh Saroj, who enriched Hindi literature with their diverse writings.