A part of Indiaonline network empowering local businesses

Editor's Choice:

Share this on Facebook!

Bahraich District

Indiaonline
Close

Want more stories like this?

Like us on Facebook to get more!
Close

Bahraich District

Bahraich is the part of Devipatan division. Bahraich, known for the beauty of its dense forest and its location on the banks of River Saryu (tributary of River Ghaghra), shares its borders with Barabanki, Gonda, Balrampur, Lakhimpur and Sitapur. The Most important thing about the district is that it shares the international border with the neighbouring country, Nepal. Bahraich is the minority concentrated area, as majority of its population is of Muslims. It is also said that during the time of freedom 1375 refugees from Pakistan came to Bahraich and were rehabilitated in the district.


Bahraich


Origin of Name


There are four popular theories given for how Bahraich got its name-

First and the most popular one is the Inventor of Universe, Lord Bhrama (Hindu belief) made Bahraich its capital. It was also known as part of Gandharva Forest. Even today north east area of several hundred square Kms of the district is covered with the forest. It is said that Brahma ji developed this area as the place of worship and meditation for Rishis & Sadhus or saints. Therefore this place came to known as “Brahmaich" hence, Bahraich.

Second theory is an ancient tribe known as Bhars inhabited here and other parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh and the name is derived from them.

The third theory is that the district got its name from the Arabic word bahr which means a large body of water. As the place is situated on the banks of river Ghaghra. The famous Arab visitor Ibne-ba-tuta is also said to have visited Bahraich and wrote that Bahraich is a beautiful city situated at the bank of holy river Saryu.

Last theory is, it got its name from the Ashram of Rishi Bhar, a town near bahraich is named “Risiya” which was named rishi bhoomi in ancient times. The district of Bahraich was part of the Great Nanpara  Estate made up of lands belonging to the Raja of Nanpara. The Rajas of Nanpara owned more than three hundred villages in the District including all the forests. A large part of the education system in the district was the legacy of the late Raja Sadat Ali of Nanpara who built the major roads and hospitals.

Geography of Bahraich


Bahraich is located in historic Awadh. It borders Nepal district Bardiya to the northwest and Barabanki  to the northeast. The rest of Bahraich is surrounded by other districts in Uttar Pradesh: Lakhimpur and Sitapur on the west, Hardoi to the southwest, Gonda to the southeast, and Shravasti to the east.It is situated at 27°58’ North and 81°6’ East. The climate of the district is hot and humid. Temperature ranges from 44°C to 3°C in summers and winters respectively.

Facts & Figures of  Bahraich


Area 4696.8 sq. km
Latitude 27°58’ North
Longitude 81°6’ East
Population (2011) 3,478,257
Males 1838988
Females 1639269
Population density 706 per sq. km
Sex Ratio 891females per 1000 males
Literacy Rate 51.1%
No. of Tehsil 04
No. of Blocks 14
No. of Villages 1227
Postal Code 271801
STD Code 05252



History of Bahraich


History of the place goes back to the period of Lord Bhrama (creator of Universe) and Lord Rama. According to Puranas (Hindu holy books) Luv, son of Lord Rama once ruled this place. It is also written that during the period of exile Pandavas visited this place with mother Kunti. Rishi Valmiki, Rishi balark and Rishi Ashtwakra lived here. River Saryu is clearly mentioned in Ramayana.

In 1856 Resident General Outrem declared the rule of company on Awadh. Bahraich was made the centre of a division. Mr Wingfield was appointed as the commissioner. Because of the kingdom Grabbing policy of Dalhousie whole nation was against the British rule, Leaders of freedom struggle, Nana Saheb and Bahadur shah zafar visited Bahraich and hold the confidential meeting at the place now known as “Gullabeer”, with local rulers. As soon as the mutiny of 1857 stated in Awadh , Bahraich also became the part of it. The struggle was at large scale. The british officers ran towards himalyas via Nanpara . But the soldiers of revolting king blocked the way and forced them to go back to Bahraich in order to go to Lucknow. But on reaching the Behram Ghat they came to know that the boats were under the control of revolting soldier. Struggle triggered and three officers were killed, thus the whole district came under the control of freedom fighters.

But after the loss of Lucknow the power of freedom fighters started decaying. On 27th Nov. 1857 Balbhadra, King of Chalori lost his life struggling with Britishers near Chinhat. On 26th Dec. 1858, British army captured Nanpara and destroyed the entire place. The freedom fighter gathered at the fort of Bargadia a great struggle took place there.

After establishment of congress party at Bahraich by Baba Yugal Bihari, Shyam Bihari Pandey, Murari lal Gaur and Durga Chand in 1920, second freedom struggle started. In Feb. 1920 total strike was called in Nanpara, Jarwal and Bahraich. When Gandhiji started the salt movement on 6th may 1930 there was total strike again. The salt law was broken, all eminent leaders were arrested.

On oct. 1931 Pt. Jawahar lal Nehru visited Bahraich and held public meetings at Rampurwa, Hardi, Gilaula and Ikuana. On 9th Aug. when Gandhi ji got arrested during Quit India movement there was great resentment among the people and many leaders were arrested. Finally on 15th Aug. 1947 everyone’s dream came true and India was free. Freedom was celebrated all over the country with full enthusiasm and zest including Bahraich.

Infrastructure of Bahraich


Agriculture is the main occupation of the district. Bahraich is not very industrially developed place most of its occupation depends on agriculture and forest, Main crops are wheat, paddy, massor, sugar cane and pea.

Tourist Places in Bahraich


Dargah Sharief, Chittaura Jheel, Temple of Junglee Nath, Kailashpuri Barrage, Kartaniya Ghat Alligator Breeding center.

Biggest wildlife reserve of the state of Uttar Pradesh - Kartarniya ghat wildlife reserve is in Bahraich. Other places of interest include Shravasti which is a holy place for Buddhists and Jains, where Lord Buddha spent twenty four years of his life preaching Buddhism. Shravasti is visited by tourists from Korea, Japan,Srilanka and China.


How to reach Bahraich


By Air: There is no Airport in Bahraich however, closest major airport to Bahraich, India is  Nepalgunj Airport. This Airport is in Nepalganj, Nepal and is 66 Km from the center of Bahraich, India.

The nearest major airport in India is Amausi Airport. This airport has international and domestic flights from Lucknow, India and is about 115 Km from the center of Bahraich, India.

By Road: Bahraich has a good network of roads and national highway 28 C runs through the heart of the District. Bahraich is well connected with other districts of  Uttar Pradesh UPSRTC provides road connectivity to Lucknow, Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi, Haridwar, Bareilly, Delhi and Agra. The frequency for the Lucknow is after every 15 minute.

By Rail: Bahraich is also on Indian Railways route map and provided a meter gauge line,running from Gonda to Bareilly  and serve by several slow speed train and an express connecting Kasganj to Gonda. Jarwal Road is a small station 65 km from District Headquarter and lies on Delhi-barauni line.

Distance Chart of Bahraich from Other Cities in India


Lucknow  128.7 Km
Brabanki 101.2 Km
Gonda  62 Km
Balrampur  63 Km
Delhi  549.7 Km
lakhimpur
  131 Km

15561

Related Links

Major Cities You Must Know

Are you a Business Owner?

Add the products or services you offer

Promote your business on your local city site and get instant enquiries

+ LIST YOUR BUSINESS FOR FREE