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History of Raebareli

Raebareli has been an integral and eminent part of the central Uttar Pradesh. It has stories of flourishing culture, language and literature that it known to people all over India. This city being very close to Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh has seen innumerable progress from a very long time in past. It constituted a part of the vast Awadh region in medieval times. This was a booming city where prevailed rich forms of art and culture as well as excellent options for business and trade. The people of Raebareli are known for their business skills and literary achievements.

Raebareli in Treta Yuga


During Treta Yuga Raebareli formed a part of the very famous Kosala Kingdom that formed the reigning territory of Lord Rama. The capital of Kosala Kingdom was Ayodhya that is very close to Raebareli today. Since Raebareli formed an integral part of the Awadh region, the people here primarily speak Awadhi that is a vernacular from Hindi dialect.

Kosala Kingdom

Raebareli under Bhars, Rajputs and Great Emperor Akbar


It is known from the beginning of time that Raebareli was founded by ‘Bhars’ Dynasty and was, hence, coined as ‘Bharauli’ or ‘Barauli’. This name lately got changed or corrupted to ‘Bareli’ with which we all refer this place with even today. The ‘Bhars’ were later displaced by Rajputs and some by Muslim colonists. This area was ruled by Kanpurias and Amethias, two Rajput clans that bloomed their reign in East and Northeast. Later, under the regime of Akbar the area presently covered under Raebareli district was divided between the ‘Sirkars of Awadh’ and ‘Sirkars of Lucknow’.

Awadh in Medieval India

Raebareli and the Kayasth Community


The prefix ‘Rae’ to Raebareli holds two myths, firstly, there is a very famous village called ‘Rahi’ merely 5 Kms away from the heart of Raebareli. Secondly, the ‘Rae’ community constituted of ‘Kayasth’ and ‘Manihars’, who dominated the city for a majority of time in past. ‘Rae’ represents the title of many ‘Kayasths’.

Formation of Raebareli District


The establishment of Raebareli as a district was done by the time East India Company. It was at this time that the Britishers created Raebareli as their headquarter town in 1858 with the same name.

History of Raebareli during Independence


The people of Raebareli have courageously fought for India’s Freedom Struggle. Every rebellious upsurge saw a massive participation and active role from the locals here. The district walked every step together with all the freedom movements happening anywhere in the country. Even it did not hold its step back during the initiation of Quit India Movement on August 8, 1942. The people of Raebareli have bravely partaken the Satyagraha Revolution to its success and completion. There were massive arrests, lathi-charges, mutilation and killing of the freedom activists in Sareni area of Raebareli before Independence for their revolt against British Rule.

Literature in the History of Raebareli


Padmavat by Malik Mohammad Jaisi

Historically, the literary work done by very famous poets like Mallik Mohammad Jaisi and Surya Kant Tripathi Nirala in Awadhi is revered by all Hindi literature fanatics. Mallik Mohammad Jaisi was born in 1447 at Jais, Raebareli District. His noble work titled as “Padmavat” details the conquest of Alauddin Khilji after listening about the very beautiful Queen Padmini of Chittor. Here he remarkably explains the story of never ending spiritual love that existed between queen Padmini and her husband Rawal Ratan Singh the king of Chittor.

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