A part of Indiaonline network empowering local businesses

Editor's Choice:

Share this on Facebook!

Barabanki District

Indiaonline
Close

Want more stories like this?

Like us on Facebook to get more!
Close

Barabanki District

Barakanki is also known as ‘Enterance of Poorvanchal’ it is the part of Faizabad division located in the heart of the region earlier known as Awath or Outh. Streams of the rivers Ghaghra and Gomti runs almost parallel in the district. Where on one hand this district was the sacred place of “dhyan” and “Tapasya” for the saints, it was also the battle fields of freedom fighters. The people of Barabanki believe that the place derived its name due to the reincarnation of God ‘Baarah’, on this pious land, this place was then known as ‘Baanhanya’, now known as Barabanki. This place was a part of the region ruled by Suryavanshi’s. Lord Rama was of same dynasty. Barabanki city is the District Headquarter of the district. It is also a minority concentrated area with approx. 24% of Muslim population.

Geography of Barabanki


Barabanki is situated between 27°19’ and 26°30 N latitude and 80°05 and 81°51’ E longitude. The district is on the east of Lucknow, capital of Uttar Pradesh. District Faizabad is on the East, District Sitapur in North, Districts of Gonda and Bahraich in North East, Rae Barriely district on the South and district Sultanpur on the South East.The district Barabanki is situated in the eastern direction of Lucknow. The interesting thing about the area of district is, it keep on changing due to the course of Ghaghra river. The district lies in the plains, hence its climatic conditions are quite similar to the average climatic condition of the plains. Hot to exteme hot in summers, cold to very cold during winters and humid to very humid and sultry during rainy season. The winter sets in November and continues till February end. The maximum and minimum temperatures are 45° and 2.5° respectively.

Facts and figures of Barabanki



Area 
3895.4 sq. kms
Latitude 26° 30'and 27° 19' North
Longitude
80° 58'and 81° 55' East
Population (1991)
3257983
Males 
1707951
Females
1550032
Literacy Rate
63.76%
No. of Sub-Division 07
No. of Tehsil 07
No. of Blocks
17
No. of Towns 14
Average rainfall
1056 mm
Temperature
Max.: 45 °C; Min.: 2.5°C
Postal Code
225001
STD Code 05248

History of Barabanki


The headquarters of the district was at Dariyabad until 1858 AD, which was later shifted to Nawabganj in 1859 AD the other popular name of Barabanki. In ancient times this district was part of the kingdom ruled by Suryavanshi kings, whose capital was Ayodhya. As also earlier said, King Dashrath and his famous son, Lord Ram were of this dynasty. The Kulguru of this dynasty was Guru Vashisht who preached and taught the young royal princes of the dynasty at Satrikh, initially known as Saptrishi.

This Region was under the rule of the Chandravanshi kings for a very long period. During the era of Mahabharat, it was part of the 'Gaurav Rajya' and this part of land was known by the name Kurukshetra. During the exile,Pandavas along with their mother Kunti had spent some time on the banks of river Ghaghra.

As per the historical documentation available, brother of Mahmood of Ghazini, Sayyed Salar Masood, attacked this region in 1030 AD.  In the same century Qutubuddin Gaha of Madina captured the Hindu princely states and established the Muslim dominance then on. During the reign of the great Mughal emperor Akbar this district was divided under the sirkars of Awadh and Manikpur.

During that period, many kings and princess opposed the expansion of British rule into this district by waging wars against them. During the British rule, several kings fought for their independence and laid down their lives doing so,   Raja Balbhadra Singh, Chehlari, the great revolutionaries along with about 1000 revolutionaries sacrificed their lives for independence from the British rule The last battle of the First War of Indian Independence was fought in December 1858 AD here in this district.

During the middle of the nineteenth century the revolutionaries put up their last front at 'Bhitauli ' which proved unsuccessful in comarison to the strong British forces. Leaving the Bhitauli front the freedom fighters along with Begum Hazrat Mahal, Nana Saheb entered into the territory of Nepal to continue their freedom struggle from there.

In 1921 AD Gandhiji started the Non-cooperation Movement which igniting the flame of independence once again. As a result, here too, the district leading from the front, opposed the arrival of Prince of Wales to India. Protests were organised and large number of freedom fighter courted arrests at Nawabganj,Shri Rafi Ahmad Kidwai was also arrested. During all the major Movements viz.1922 AD Khilafat Movement, 1930 AD Salt Movement, and in 1942 AD the Quit India Movement, this district actively participated thereby giving sleepless nights to the Britishers. As a result, the District Congress Office was sealed. But, the protest was continued by local leader remaining underground. On 24th August 1942 The Haidergarh Post Office was looted marking the of protest by the revolutionaries. Similar incidents took place at the GPO Satrikh and Barabanki. The people of this district enthusiastically respond to the call of   Satyagraha and large numbers courted arrest. Finaly, on August 15 1947, the country achieved its long-awaited independence. Whole Barabanki along with the rest of the country celebrated the occasion with great enthusiasm.

Infrastructure of Barabanki


The main occupation of the district is agriculture. Main crops being Rice, Wheat, Pulses and other food grains and Sugarcane. Barabanki is well fed by three Rivers, viz.Ghaghra, Gomti and Kalyani and there tributaries almost all year round, except of some of them which dries in summers.Upper part of the district is sandy while the lower part is clayey. Besides it has some handicraft and small scale industries too. Barabanki is also famous for weaving since the presence of Nawabs.


Tourist Places in Barabanki


Mahadeva Temple- There are several instances in the Mahabharata where this ancient temple is referred to. Pandavas after the Battle of Mahabharata had performed the Mahayagya at this place.There is  a well  even today by the name Pandav-Kup. It is believed that the water of the well is having spiritual qualities and those who drink this water get cured of a number of ailments. The fair held on the occasion of Mahashivratri at Mahadeva is unique. For although millions of devotees come to the place, there is not even a single woman devotee to be found during this festival fair.

Dewa - The pilgrim town is just 12 Kms. from the district headquarters of Barabanki. This is the birth place of Haji Waris Ali Shah who influenced the lives of many generations of people with his message of universal love for humanity.  In 19th century he was born in the family of Hussaini Syeds. Hindus held him in high esteem and regarded him as a perfect Sufi and a follower of Vedanta. Haji Waris Ali Shah left for his heavenly abode on 7th April, 1905. He was buried at the spot where he died and this place is marked by a splendid monument erected in his memory by some of his devoted followers, both Hindus and Muslims. Every year Urs is held at the scared tomb in the month of July.  Haji Waris Ali Shah organized 'Urs' of his father in the month of October-November where a big fair known by the name ‘Dewa Mela’ is held to commemorate the Saints. Pilgrims from all parts of the country and abroad come to pay their homage to the great Sufi Saints, Haji Waris Ali Shah and his father Qurban Ali Shah. Main Highlight of this fair is a big cattle market. A good variety of cultural programmes are organized during the Fair including an All India Mushaira, Music Conference, Manas Sammelan, Seeratun Nabi and Kavi Sammelan etc. Even sports activities are organized like Hockey, Volleyball, Badminton, Athletics, etc. A great number of brightly lit and decorated shops offer a variety of handicrafts, household utility items, toys, delicious snacks and exotic sweets. Conclusion of the ten days long festivities is marked by  brilliant fireworks.

Parijaat Tree- Parijaat is regarded as a very sacred tree. There are many sayings about this tree some says Arjuna of the Mahabharata brought this tree from heavens and others belive that the tree was brought by Lord Krishna for his beloved queen Satyabhama. One believe in these sayings or not, but it is true that it is a rare tree and has a very ancient background. It is also mentioned in Harivansh Puran that Parijaat is a type of ‘Kalpvraksh’. This sacred tree of Parijaat which is siyuated in Kintur holds a very special place in the world. Parijaat is  known as Adansonia digitata in botanical terms, it is a special category of trees because,it does not produce either fruits or its seeds,neither can another tree of such kind be planted by cutting its branch and planting them. It is only one of its kind. This is a unisex male tree. Botanists believe that there is no such tree anywhere in the world.

Some other tourist places in Barabanki are:

  • Siddhaur
  • Badosarai
  • Kintur
  • Satrika
  • Bhitauli
  • Masauli


How to reach Barabanki


By Air: Nearest Airport is at Lucknow, which is around 42 Km from district head quarter.

By Rail: Barabanki district is connected by two lines viz.  Northern Railways and North-Eastern Railways.

By Road: The District has good road connectivity by NH 24A, NH28, NH28C and NH56A. Beside it connects with other places through State Highways and various Link Roads.

Distance chart of Barabanki to Other Cities in India


 Lucknow
 42 Km
 Dewa  14 Km
 Gonda  87 Km
 New Delhi
 500 Km
 Bahraich
 99 Km
 Sitapur  104 Km
 Faizabad   99 Km

9280

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