History of Bahraich

On February 7, Mr. Wingfield was appointed as the commissioner of Bahraich. The agents of leaders of freedom struggle, Nana Saheb & Bahadur Shah Jafa visited Bahraich to have a confidential meeting with local rulers. The meeting was held at a place called "Gullabeer". As part of freedom struggle, mutiny started in Bahraich as soon as it started in Awadh. The struggle at Bahraich was at a large scale. All the people were against the British rule and there was general resentment among the people.

When the struggle started, three British officers moved towards Himalayas via Nanpara. But the soldiers of revolting kings blocked their way and as a result they returned to Bahraich in order to go to Lucknow. But when they reached near Behram Ghat all the boats were under the control of revolting soldiers. Struggle ensued and three officers were killed. Thus the whole district came under the control of freedom fighters.

After the loss of Lucknow, the power of freedom fighters started decaying. On Nov 27, 1857, Balbhadra Singh, king of Chahlari lost his life during the war with britishers near Chinhat. On 26 Dec 1858, British Army captured Nanpara and they ruined the entire place. The freedom fighters gathered at the fort of Bargadia. A great struggle took place there.

Second freedom struggle started in Bahraich with the establishment of congress party in 1920. In 1920, Congress party was established in Bahraich by Baba Yugal Bihari, Shyam Bihari Panday , Murari Lal Gaur & Durga Chand. Smt. Sarojni Naidu visited Bahraich in 1926 and appealed all the workers for self rule and to wear Khadi. In Feb. 1920 total strike was called in Nanpara , Jarwal & Bahraich Town to oppose Simon Commission. In 1929 Gandhiji visited Bahraich & held a public meeting in old Govt. High School. There were sharp reactions in Bahraich when Gandhiji started his salt movement. On 6th May 1930 there was total Strike. Salt Law was broken. All the eminent leaders of the freedom struggle were arrested.

On 6th October 1931 Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru visited Bahraich & held public meeting at Rampurwa , Hardi, Gilaula & Ikauna. On 9th August when Gandhiji was arrested during Quit India Movement there was great resentment amongst the people and many leaders were arrested.

On 15th Aug. 1947, Gandhiji`s dream became true and the day of freedom was celebrated with great enthusiasm. It is said that 1375 refugees from Pakistan come to Bahraich and were rehabilitated in the district.