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#India, Challenge and Response: Unity in Variety, 1906-1994 Volume 3 By Bimal C. Ray
#India, Challenge and Response: Unity in Variety, 1906-1994 Volume 3 By Bimal C. Ray
#Society, Polity & Economy By Dipti Kumar Biswas 1979 AD
#Society, Polity & Economy By Dipti Kumar Biswas 1979 AD
#The Indian War of Independence 1857 By Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
#{{Cite book
#{{Cite book
| last = Singh | first = Surya Narain
| last = Singh | first = Surya Narain

Revision as of 16:23, 10 May 2011

The Royal House of Tulsipur or Tulsipur-Dang was one of 22 principalities in the Baise Rajya confederation of the western Rapti region before the unification of Nepal, c. 1760. The Rajas of Tulsipur-Dang belonged to the SINHRaj Chauhan clan. From Chaughera (near Ghorahi, Dang) they ruled the Dang and Deukhuri Valleys as well as territories around Tulsipur State south of the Siwaliks, now in India.

Tulsipur kingdom was about 150 by 150 miles. It bordered Salyan Rajya (Nepal) and Pyuthan (Nepal) in the north, Balarampur Principality (India) in the south, Madi Khola (Nepal) and Arnala River (Basti, India) in the east and Bahraich (India) in the west.

During the unification of Nepal, the part in the Siwaliks and the valleys to the north were ceded to Nepal. Remaining lands became known as Tulsipur State, one of the largest Taluqs of Awadh in India. After the Indian War of Independence of 1857 the Tulsipur State was absorbed by the British East India Company.

Key Information

Dynasty

Solar Suryabanshi

Surname

Singh

Gotra

Kashyap

Kul Devata - Dynasty God

Sun God

Shakti-Mata of the Kingdom

  • Mata Patan Devi.
    Mata Patan Devi.

Mata Patan Devi or Pataneshwori Mata. Her Temple is in Tulsipur, near Balarampur (present day India). The temple is less than One kilometre from Tulsipur Railway Station and Two kilometer from Tulsipur Bus Station. It is 29 kilometer from Balrampur, 65 kilometer from the Gonda and 150 kilometer from Gorakhpur. A major celebration and puja takes place during "Chaite Dashain" and "Navaratri" at the Goddess Patan Devi's Temple.

Jagat-Guru of the Kingdom

Baba Ratan Nath (Grandson of Gorakhnath). His monastery is in Chaughera Dang, Nepal. This site is situated in Ghorahi Municipality ward No. 4 Chaughera, one and half km east by Ghorahi Lamahi highway. A major celebration and puja takes place 7 days before "Chaite Dashain" at the Baba Ratan Nath's Monastery.

Kingdom, Palaces and Notes

Tulsipur State Principality in India currently lies near a town in district of Gonda, Oudh / Avadh. Connected to Utraula by road, the remains of old mud fort of the large palace still resides in the southern part of Tulsipur near Balarampur India. This was the Southern Palace.

Before 1760-1786 AD Unification War, this principality was known as Tulsipur Dang rajya which was part of 22 principalities of Nepal. Remaining walls of an old palace fort is in Tulsipur-Chaughera region (Chaughera Dang Tulsipur, Nepal). This was the Northern Palace.

House of Tulsipur Rajahs used Northern Palace during summer months and Southern Palace during winter months. Tulsipur rulers are Hill Chauhans from (Chauhan SINHRAJ Clan) and claim King Rama and his descendants of Ayodhya as their ancestors.

Ancient History

The land, Its Rulers and Their Origin

History vs. Mythology: There have been various writers from the West and the East including Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus who have used the word "Ancient History" and "Mythology" interchangeably perhaps not to the fullest satisfaction of purists and modern historians. For the sake of brevity and for the purpose of this section "Ancient History", it is used here interchangeably.

King Vivaswata (7500 BC)

He was the founder of Ayodhya. He is considered father of Manu and descendant of Narayana, Brahma, Marichi, Kashyap Rishi and Sun God.

Other notable Suryabanshi Kings in the ancient times have been:

Ikshvaku

He played a pivotal role in the transformation of the ancient Vedic religion into modern Hinduism.

Prithu

He chased Prithvi, who fled in the form of a cow and eventually agreed to yield her milk as the world's grain and vegetation.

Mandhata

He became a famous and Chakravarti (ideal universal ruler) king. He defeated most of the other kings of his time.

Harishchandra

He was renowned for his piety, justice and often told as a benchmark for an ideal life.

Sagar

King Sagara performed "Ashwamedha Yagya" to prove his supremacy.

Dilip

King Dilipa was a very pious king and performed as many as 100 Yagnas.

Bhagiratha

He is credited for bringing River Ganga to Earth.

Raghu

He was a king of Aryan History. The famous saying started after King Raghu is that " Raghukul reet sada chali aayi, praan jaaye par vachan na jayee" (means that whatever happens, even the life goes but the words given to someone must be kept at any cost).

King Rama of Ayodhya (4175 BC)

Lord Rama's kingdom spanned from present day Iran including Afghanistan to end of New Zealand including Indonasia (Source: Various Hindu Legend, Mythology and History of Ancient India).

The Hindu Holy Scriptures "Vayu Purana" and "Uttra khand" of the epic story Ramayana speak of the two Kosalas. It mentions Shravasti as capital of the North Kosala and Kusavati as that of the South Kosala. The two Kosalas are said to have been once under the suzerainty of one and the same king, known as Lord King Rama. The epic hero Lord King Rama had installed his son Prince Lava in North Kosala with Shravasti as its capital which lies on the foot of the Himalayas and his son Kusa in South Kosala as Kusavati as its capital which lies on the foot of the mountain Vindhyas.

On the border district of Gonda and Shravasti lies a vast area of ruins presently known as Sahet Mahet or Set Mahet. The ruins of Sahet, known as ancient Sravasti, are spread over an area of 400 acres. Towards the Rapti River, a little north of Sahet, lies the ancient city of Mahet. The fortified entrance to Mahet is made of mud, constructed in a beautiful crescent shape. The area represents ancient site of Shravasti known as the capital of Uttar Kosala.

King Brhadbala (3172 BC)

Suryabanshi Rajah Brhadbala participated in the war of Mahabharata.

King Sravast (3100 BC)

According to Mahabharata, he was King of Sravasti, Capital of Uttar Koshala. The ancient history of these districts is the history of Shravasti and regions around it. This region is about 16 km from Balrampur, 83 km north of Ayodhya and 1,152 km from Rajgir. The town was founded by Sravast - a king of Chauhan Solar race and descendant of King Rama. The first member of the twin name, Sahet Mahet, is applied to the site of the walled city of Shravasti.

King Sumitra (1605 BC)

He is presumed to be the last King of Ayodhya and of the entire land belonging to Lord King Rama. Legend has it that after Suryabanshi King Sumitra, his Kingdom that spanned from modern Iran to New Zeland, was divided into hundreds of different kingdoms to be ruled by various Suryabanshi Kings in broader Asia.

Amhul Dev (600 BC)

Founder of Chauhan Kingdom in Northern and Western India.

King Vikramaditya (1st Century AD)

Raja Vikramaditya was King of Sravasti or Sahet-Mahet. It is said that he was the King of Ujjain as well. Legend says he re-built the temple of Devi Pataneshwori in Tulsipur, India. There is an interesting story about Raja Vikramaditya and the location of Ram Janmabhumi in Ayodhya. In the Hindu tradition in India and Nepal, the widely used ancient calendar is Vikrama Samvat or Vikrama's era. This is said to have been started by the legendary King. Raja Vikramaditya's son was AdityaVardhan and grandson was ShaliVardhan.

Suryabanshi Kings and Notes

According to Holy Puranas, Holy Upanishads, Shruti Scriptures, Religious Epic Stories and Ancient History of India, there have been 350 generations of Suryabanshi Kings from ancient period to early medieval time of Chauhan SINHraj.

Medieval History

Chauhan Kings

  • Ajaypal Dev 250 AD
  • Dholrai Pal 600 AD
  • Chauhan Manikrai 650 AD
  • SINHraj Chauhan 725 AD

Raja Mordhwaj Dev

Born 970 AD – Died 1020 AD.

He was King of Sravasti. His eldest son was Suhel Dev.

Raja Suhel Dev

Born 995 AD - Died 1050 AD

Suhil or Suhel Dev of Sahet Mahet was known widely for his valour. He is said to have forewarned Muslim invader Sayyed Salar Masood or Masud that if he wished to save his and his men's lives, he had better leave the land and go elsewhere. Suhel Dev asserted that the land belonged to his ancestors and they were determined to drive the outsiders from their land. Masud, thereupon sent a brief and simple reply that the country is God's and that the property of him belongs to on whom He bestows it. Whoever gave it to your father's and your ancestors, he questioned.

The council of war decided and told Masud to remain on the defensive, but the Hindus drove off his cattle and forced an attack. The loss was great on both sides and one third of Muslim army perished. During month of June 1033 continuous fighting went on. Two-thirds of what remained of the Muslim army was slain and among them was Saiyad Saif-ud-din who was the Kotwal of the Muslim army. In spite of many vicissitudes, Masud did not lose courage and while making a bid to mount his horse to repel the attack; his body-guards were attacked by Shuhel Dev and his men. An arrow pierced the main artery in Masud's arm resulting in his death and the remnants of his body-guards were cut to pieces by Suhel Deo on June 14, 1033.

Thus ended the singular invasion by the Muslims and Islam was in abeyance in Avadh for the next 160 years until the conquest of Shihab-ud-din Ghuri in 1193 AD.

It seems probable that Sultan Iltutmish effected the subjugation of lands as far as Avadh, Bahraich & the districts north of Ghaghra including Gonda. From this time onwards Gonda & Bahraich seem to have always been held singly by the Muslims owing to its isolated position due to river Ghaghra. Sultan Iltutmish appointed his eldest son Malik Nasir-ud-din Mahmud, as governor of Avadh in 1226 AD.

Muslim author Minhaj-uj-Siraj historically recorded in the document known as "Taqat-i-Nasiri", the Muslim prince Malik Nasir-ud-din overthrew and reduced to submission the Bhars under whose sword more than one hundred and twenty thousand Muslims had perished. These Bhars resisted the Muslim prince together with their local rulers of Tulsipur, Gonda, and Bahraich. Tulsipur rulers were descendants of Suhel Dev who claimed King Rama of Ayodhya as his ancestor. There are writing that indicate he re-built Mata Patan Devi's Temple in Tulsipur, India.

The location of this battle to be precise was near Chittaura Jheel, a lake about 8 KM away from modern Bahraich on Bahraich-Gond Road. Ashtwarka Muni, the Guru of Maharaja Janak used to live here in his ashram. Every year a fair is organized here on Basant Panchami.

Founding of Tulsipur Principality

Hill Chauhans ruled north-western lower Himalayan valleys as early as 700 AD. There are some oral legends that have been passed on i.e. Chauhan SINHRaj (700 AD), Suhel Dev (1000 AD). Writings available in Baba Ratan Nath's monastery indicate Megraj Singh Chauhan as Rajah of Tulsipur during early 13th Century. It is difficult to ascertain if Rajah Megraj was the founder of Tulsipur dynasty. Nevertheless, unless further evidence is uncovered, history of Tulsipur and of its rulers point to Rajah Megraj Singh Chauhan.

24th Ruler - Raja Meghraj Singh Chauhan

Born 1325 AD. Died 1385 AD.

Raja Megraj Singh Chauhan ruled vast land in the lower Himalays including three lower valleys of Dang, Deokhuri and Rapti. He was 374th Generation of Suryabanshi King.

A deer hunting episode has been recorded in Yogi Baba Ratan Nath's Chaughera monastery which lies currently near Dang / Deokhuri in Nepal. The story narrates that King Meghraj arrow-shot a deer while hunting in his forest land (present day jungles of Nepal / India border). As the deer was struck by the arrow, it ran bleeding heavily. The King followed the trace of blood for couple of miles. At the end of the blood trail, he saw a Yogi-Baba meditating under a large tree. The blood stained arrow was in front of him and Yogi-Baba had blood mark on his ribs.

The king, realizing his mistake, immediately begged for forgiveness. The King asked the Yogi for his permission to speak. Then he humbly requested the Yogi to come to his palace so he could personally nurse the Yogi's wound and offered him 84 kind of dishes known as "Chaurasi Byanjan".

Yogi forgave the King and mentioned to him that he was Baba Ratan Nath (Grandson and/or third line from GorakhNath). He said he was given a mission by Gorakh Nath Baba to establish a Hindu peeth in the western frontier land of Lord Rama's Kingdom (present day Iran / Afghanistan).

In Hindu scriptures, Gorakhnath is considered to be incarnation of Lord Shiva. King Rama himself had worshiped Lord Shiva in many occasions during his reign and prayed to Lord Shiva as his JagatGuru. Stories of King Rama's dedication to Lord Shiva are found in holy book epic Ramayana. It is also found in the book of "Swastani" which is collection of stories and hymns to Lord Shiva.

Baba Ratan Nath blessed 84 Kosh (about 150 miles) in each dual direction (east / west and north / south) as the Kingdom to be ruled by King Meghraj and his descendants. The King built a temple for Baba Ratan Nath in the northern part of his state (currently in Chaughera/Tulsipur/Dang, Nepal).

Baba Ratan Nath re-established Patan Devi Temple in Rajah Meghraj's southern part of the state (currently in Tulsipur village near Balarampur India) per Gorakhnath's wishes. Devi Patan temple is one of the most important 51 Shakti Peeths revered by Hindus in Nepal and India border. Located 70 km from Gonda and 2 km from Tulsipur village in India, this famous shrine is surrounded amidst the beauty of Himalayan tarai. It is believed that while Lord Shiva was carrying the corpse of his wife Sati, the right shoulder of Sati had fallen here. In addition, it is believed that goddess Sita entered the earth at this place.

After blessing King Meghraj Singh Chauhan, Baba Ratan Nath is said to have moved on to his mission to the western frontier land (present day eastern Iran and Afghanistan) of Lord Ram.

Even to this day, a large fair takes place every year during Chaitra Dashain/Panchami at Baba Ratan Nath's monastery (present day Nepal) and Patenashwori Temple (present day India). For seven (7) days Baba Ratan Nath is worshiped in his monastery. The day before Chaita Dashain, deity of Baba Ratan Nath is taken from Tulsipur/Dang Nepal to Patan Devi temple in Tulsipur India. On Chaita Dashain/Panchami, both deities are worshiped side by side.

About 100 years later - - - - -

28th Ruler - Raja Udat Singh Chauhan

He ruled in the period of 1485 AD.

33rd Ruler - Raja Ramkrishna Singh Chauhan

Oral legend says he ruled in the period of 1575 AD.

About 150 Years later - - - - -

18th Century History

40th Ruler - Raja Nawal Singh Chauhan

Born 1730 AD. Died 1795 AD.

King Nawal Singh Chauhan was considered the 40th chief King and Raja of the Chauhan SINHraj dynasty (Source: Hamilton - British author).

King Nawal was also known as Nawab Singh by his Muslim subjects. He ruled from Caughera (present day Nepal). He has been identified by various names such as Newal / Nehal / Nawab / Nawal Sen / Singh. King Nawal's vast state borders at this time were Salyan Kingdom (Nepal) in the North, Balarampur Kingdom (India) in the South, Madi River (Maaddi Khola, Nepal) and Arnala River (Basti District, India) in the East and Bahraich (India) in the West.

In 1760-1763 AD, while King Nawal Singh Chauhan was away at the southern palace during winter months time, his northern land Tulsipur-Dang-Chilli-Phalabang was annexed by Gorkhali King Prithvi Narayan Shah. The land including Dang, Chhilli and Phalabang were given as a dowry in the marriage of King Prithvi's daughter to Ranabhim Shah in 1767 AD (Source: Tamrapatra 1804 Vikram Sambat, Nepali Itihas). King Prithvi did this as a reward to King of Salyan for helping or staying neutral during the war against Rajah of Tulsipur.

Unhappy that King Prithvi had attacked his land while he was away in the southern part of his country; he went to sporadic wars lasting over two decades against the Gorkhali King and Salyani Raja. During these years King Prithvi Narayan died in 1775 AD in Kathmandu and his son Singha Pratap died in 1777 AD in Kathmandu as well. Rajah Nawal Singh continued to wage sporadic wars which lasted for many years (about 25 years to be precise) but he was eventually defeated.

Finally in 1786 AD during Regent Bahadur Shah and King Rana Bahadur Shah's time, all of his land in the Nepali Territories were ceded to Kingdom of Nepal. Consequently, Raja Nawal Singh Chauhan was forced to move to southern part of his land near Balarampur (currently in India). He ruled from his southern palace as Rajah of Tulsipur (one of the largest Taluqs of Oudh) hence forth.

Historians have noted that Tulsipur Rajya in the Nepali Territories were known by various names such as Tulsipur-Dang Rajya or Dang-Tulsipur Rajya or simply Dang Rajya. The correct history is that the kingdom was known as Tulsipur Rajya - one of 22 Principality until the war of 1760-1763 AD. After the defeat of Rajah Nawal Singh Chauhan by Gorkhali Rajah, the land of Dang-Chilli-Phalabang were divided and ruled by various Rajahs paying tribute to Rajah of Salyan. Rajah of Tulsipur continued his claim to these lands. This all ended after the final unification to Nepal in 1786 AD.

Raja of Tulsipur State - One of the largest Taluq of Oudh

In the late 1700s, British author Hamilton noted that among the most powerful Taluqdars of Avadh/Oudh were Rajah of Tulsipur, Raja of Baiswara, Raja of Balarampur, Rajah of Momudahbad, Rajah of Nanparah and Raja of Tiloi.

Each of these Taluqdars had elaborate forts with guns. Tulsipur State had 12 guns in its fort according to author Hamilton.

Technically speaking, Raja Nawal Singh Chauhan would be the Last Rajah of Tulsipur-Dang Principality as his northern territories were ceded to Nepal in 1786 AD. One could state that, ruling from his Southern_Territories, 1786 AD onwards, it would make Rajah Nawal Singh the first Rajah of Tulsipur State, one of Oudh Taluqas in British India. To the contrary, he and his ancestors were ruling the Southern_Territories for centuries already and the Raja simply continued to rule his remaining Kingdom from his Southern-Palace.

Henceforth, he would continue be the 40th Chauhan and the 40th Rajah of then known as Tulsipur State, one of the largest Taluqs of Oudh in India.

19th Century History

41st Ruler - Raja Dalel Singh

Chauhan Raja Dalel Singh was born in 1750 AD. He died in 1820 AD.

42nd Ruler - Raja Dan Bahadur Singh

Born 1775 AD. Died 1845 AD.

Chauhan Raja Dan Bahadur Singh was a powerful King. In 1822 AD, he went to war and killed Kanslir Shah (Rajah of Salidna or Saliana). He was fiercely known for his ability to put together a force of 25,000 fighters in a day's notice. During his life, it is said that he fought over fifty-two battles. (Source: Full text of Gazette).

Lord Amherst "Governor General of India" came to visit the Chauhan King in 1828 AD. They went for hunting trips shooting Tigers, Rhinos and Elephants and bonded well with each other. Pleased, the British Governor with Nawab of Oudh, increased the Rajah's purse and recognized Tulsipur as an independent state.

According to some Nepali historians, around 1827 AD, King of Nepal ordered Raja of Phalawang and Salyan, Tej Bahadur Shah to expand Nepali territories into plains of India by negotiating with Nawab of Oudh. This did not succeed as the Chauhan Raja of Tulsipur was able to push back Raja Tej Bahadur to the original hilly territories of Tulsipur. It is also evident from the fact that the entire Southern Tarai Territories of Tulsipur was receiving purse and paying tax to British East India Company until 1857 Mutiny War.

Raja of Tulsipur fought sporadic wars over territories with Raja of Balarampur Digbijay Singh around 1839 AD which lasted for some time without any decisive results (Source: Gazeneer of the province of Oudh).

British historians have noted that there is suspicion King Dan Bahadur Singh was poisoned by his son Rajah Drigraj Singh who wanted to become King sooner.

  • William Pitt Amherst - Raja Dan Bahadur Singh hosted Lord Amherst for Hunting Expedition in 1828 AD.
    William Pitt Amherst - Raja Dan Bahadur Singh hosted Lord Amherst for Hunting Expedition in 1828 AD.

43rd Ruler - Raja Drigraj Singh

Born 1800 AD. Died 1855 AD.

It is an interesting observation from historical perspective that Chauhan Raja Drigraj himself was banished to Balarampur in 1850 AD by his son Raja Drig Narayan Singh. There is suspicion that Raja Drigraj Singh was poisoned by his son, Raja Drig Narayan in 1855 AD while imprisoned (nazarband) in Balarampur.

44th Ruler - Raja Drig Narayan Singh

394th Generation of Suryabanshi King. Born 1825 AD. Died around 1859 AD.

Raja Chauhan Drig Narayan Singh was a rebel from early on. He resisted paying tax to the British in 1855 AD. In the meantime Sepoy Mutiny broke out. British East India Company considered King Drig Narayan a barrier to the British expansion plan. British force from Delhi was sent to capture the King. He was imprisoned, "nazarband" and kept in Lukhnow Fort called "The Residence". This palace was built by Nawab Asif-ud-Daula in the year 1775 AD.

At the time of Mutiny in August 1857, the political prisoners in the fort were King Wajid Ali Shah's brother Mustafa Ali Khan, Mughal Princes Mirza Mohammad Shikoh and Mohammad Humayun Khan, Nawab Rukn-ud-Daula and the "Raja of Tulsipur" Chauhan Drig Narayan Singh.

His consort, Rani of Tulsipur Ishwori Kumari Devi was Joint Leader of the War of Independence during 1857-1858 AD. The Rani was considered a heroine during the freedom fight. While Rajah Drig Narayan Singh was a prisoner in Lucknow fort, Rani of Tulsipur was siding actively with the freedom forces in Bahraich to free her husband and her country from the British. Her contributions to the cause of freedom were remarkable. She had collected a large force to assist the freedom forces and strengthen her own position. Raja Riasat Ali Khan of Utraula had also joined the freedom forces at Gorakhpur under Mohammad Hasan who once was the nazim of Gonda-Bahraich.

End of Tulsipur Principality

The Rani of Tulsipur, Ishwori Kumari Devi, the Raja of Gonda, Devi Baksh and Bala Rao never surrendered. Bala-Rao later died in the malaria-infested jungles of Nepal. British crushed the 1857 Mutiny uprising with the help of Maharaja Jung Bahadur Rana of Nepal. The freedom fighters' principalities were confiscated in April 10, 1859 AD when they refused amnesty. State of Tulsipur was bestowed to the Raja of Balrampur who sided with the British throughout the revolt.

Raja of Gonda Devi Baksh Singh, Raja of Peshwa Nana Saheb and Rani of Awadh Begam Hazrat Mahal escaped to Nepal territories.

The last Rajah of Tulsipur, Chauhan Drig Narayan Singh, a political prisoner of the British East India Company, died as a Martyr during the First War of Independence in 1859.

The bloodstained, enraged Rani of Tulsipur, who refused to give up without a fight, escaped capture by the British only to die in 1865 AD of exposure or disease in the wilds of southern Nepal, a fate she may have preferred to slavery.

Thus ended the rule of the Hill Chauhans, the sovereignty of their Tulsipur Kingdom and a dynasty that had lasted for 1100 Years.

45th Chauhan - Tirtharam Singh

Born 1845 AD. Died 1867 AD.

Tirtha Ram Singh was on the run with his mother, Rani of Tulsipur Ishwori Kumari Devi, during and after 1857 mutiny. He had personally taken his son Har Dayal Singh when he was two years old to Banaras for his son's safety. It is likely that he died around Nepal India border not too long after his mother's death in the Jungles of Nepal and India.

The major difficulty in finding written accounts of Chauhan Tirtha Ram Singh stems from the fact that little is available since most of the people who formed the core elements of the rebels or freedom fighters were either hanged or blown off the mouths of guns or destroyed in the Terai Jungle by disease and hard-life.

Various English and Indian writers on the subject of 1857 Mutiny have stated that all those who were left after were either living in different parts British India or had run off to Nepali territories and thus rendered unable to state anything based on truth because of fear of life or forfeiture of liberty.

Some were so overwhelmed by disgust and grief that they thought it pointless to leave anything for posterity. Some who managed to save their life by escaping were so much pressed by privation and misery that they died premature deaths or forever lived in silence and were unable to leave for the future generations anything which may have been historically useful.

20th Century History

46th Chauhan - "Sardar" Har Dayal Singh

Born 1865 AD. Died 1925 AD.

Rani of Tulsipur Ishwori Kumari Devi had her grand children hidden in different parts of northern India and southern Nepal while she herself was on the run from the British forces. She had rejected amnesty from the British and waged war continuously. British considered her and her descendants real and a viable threat to the expansion plan of the British Empire in India.

One of her grand child Hardayal Singh (son of Chauhan Tirtharam Singh), at the age of two, was taken to Benaras by his father and was raised there by the supporters of Raja Drig Naryan Singh. The supporters were told to hide the identity of all the grand children including Hardayal Singh for the fear of the British due to their family's involvement in 1857 AD Mutiny and the War of Independence.

Hardayal Singh studied Pharasi and secured Sashtri degree in Benares / Allahbad. Pharsi language was used as the official corresponding language between various countries in the sub-continent of India during this time. Nepal's Prime Minister Maharaja Bir Shumshere brought Hardayal Singh to KTM in 1886 AD due to Hardayal's expertise in Pharasi language.

He joined Muhshi-Khana and Takshar as an officer. During Prime Minister Maharaja Sir Chandra Shumshere Rana's time, he rose to become "Sardar" of Munsi-Khana and Takshar. Today's Foreign Ministry and Finance Ministry in Nepal was known as Munshi-Khana and Takshar during the Rana rule. Prime Minister Chandra Shumshere affectionately awarded title of "Khalifa" meaning "The One Who Knows" to “Sardar” Har Dayal Singh.

In addition, "Khalifa" Sardar Hardayal and his descendants were granted "Teen Khun Maff" (Three Offenses Not-Punishable). Maharajdhiraj of Nepal had "Sab Khun Maff" (Unlimited Offenses Not-Punishable) and the children of ruling "A" class Ranas had "Sat Khun Maff" (Seven Offenses Not-Punishable) as per the rule at that time.

The "Khalifa" was considered one of the closest core advisors to the Prime Minister. He expected to be promoted to "Bada Kazi" by Chandra Shumshere, but the Rana gave that promotion to much junior Sardar from Rajbhandari clan. When Sardar Hardayal was breathing his last in the Aryaghat (Pashupati Temple), Chandra Shamshere himself came to Aryaghat. It was an unusual act at the time for Shree-Teen Prime Minister himself to visit any dying nobleman at Pashupathi Ghat.

Chandra Shamshere in the Aryaghat had asked if there was anything that he could do for his "Khalifa". Sardar Hardayal Singh has been reported to have said nothing and had asked for nothing in response. The "Khalifa" had felt that he had rightly earned the title of "Bada-Kazi" and was very unhappy that this injustice fell upon him during his sunset days. It was reported that Chandra Shumshere did not want to bestow power-of-position of Bada-Kazi to Sardar Hardayal because he hailed from Thakuri Rajputana clan.

When asked by later generations why large land of "Birta or Mauja" was not asked for or acquired, his son "Sardar" Jwala Singh said that his father subscribed to "Suti khanu bhanda gari khanu bes. Magi khanu bhanda mori janu bes" philosophy. In English it would translate to "Work hard instead of doing nothing, but let death come before you have to beg for a living".

Note: Anecdotally speaking, it is interesting to note that throughout history, "House of Tulsipur" generations have chosen War, Banishment, Exile, Poverty, Humiliation and even Death than to Beg for anything.

"Sardar" Hardayal Singh was married to "Raj-Kanya" of Musikot - one of the 24 Principalities of Nepal (Chaubise Rajya).

They had 5 (Five) sons as follows:

  • "Gadhi Ko Hakim" Thakuri Bijay Singh
  • "Pahalwan Saheb" Thakuri Lakshman Singh
  • Consul General, Judge, “Sardar” Jwala Singh - see below the 47th Chauhan
  • "Taksar Ko Hakim" Thakuri Karna Singh
  • "Jaleshwor Mal Ko Hakim" Thakuri Sittal Singh

47th Chauhan - "Sardar" Jwala Singh

Born 1890 AD. Died 1963 AD.

Jwala Singh earned Bachelor’s degree in English and Law from Calcutta University. He rose to the rank of "Sardar" of Munsi-Khana. Later on, he served as Consul-General to Tibet. He also served as Judge in Joodha Shumshere’s court as well. He is credited as the first author of Nepali-English Grammar course book. "Jwala-Singh-Grammar" was widely used in higher secondary education in Kathmandu Valley.

There is an interesting story about "Sardar" Jwala Singh while he was a student in Calcutta. During this time (around 1908 AD), either the ruling Rana Prime-Minister himself or a future-would-be Prime Minister in the roll was in Calcutta for a visit. All the Nepalis were chanting "Jai Maharaj, Jai Maharaj". He reportedly had remarked "I condone it" to this behaviour. “Sardar” Jwala Singh had felt a need for change at an early age.

There is another documented fact about him while he was serving as Consulate General in Tibet. Then, would be future Prime Minister, Pudma Shumshere had asked for Tibetan horses. “Sardar” Jwala Singh, an honest administrator, sent the Tibetan horses and the price description as information only to Pudma Shumshre. The Rana took this as an insult. Reportedly the Rana had fumed “Tyo-Tyo Thakuri ko etro himmat” (how dare that lousy Thakuri !!).

Later when Pudma Shumshere became Prime Minister, as an act of revenge or dissatisfaction, he relieved “Sardar” Jwala Singh prematurely during the annual "Pajani". As a sole earner, the loss of prestigious income severely impacted the Sardar and his ability to support his expanding family. This single incident later seems to have harshly affected "Sardar, Judge and Consul-General" Jwala Singh's ability to give the highest education to his younger children and grand children.

During "Sardar" Jwala Singh's time, Zarowar or Jabodar Singh Chauhan from India / Nepal border (one of the grand children of Rani of Tulsipur) had inquired about his half-cousin uncle Har Dayal Singh, whom he had heard had gone to Nepal. This inquiry was reported by several descendants of "Sardar" Har Dayal Singh when they visited India during several occasions.

"Sardar" Jwala Singh had 5 (five) sons:

  • "Makwanpur Mal Ko Haakim" Dilip Singh - see below the 48th Chauhan.
  • "Babusaheb" Thakuri Mohan Singh
  • "Babusaheb" Thakuri Devi Singh
  • "Babusaheb" Thakuri Tara Singh
  • "Babusaheb" Thakuri Manohar Singh

Note: The term Babusaheb or Bausab or Raja were used interchangeably to denote the same respect and title to the descendants of "Sardar" Hardayal Singh.

48th Chauhan - "Gadhi Ko Haakim" Dilip Singh

Born 1905 AD - Died 1975)

Dilip Singh was "Makwanpur Gadhi Ko Hakim". He was married to Bhuwaneshwori Devi Jyu Thakur. She was Pahari Rajput lady from a ruling Thakuri clan in Nuwakot. She was the only sister (elder) of Ram Jung Jyu Thakur (Vakil in Kathmandu Adalat).

She is the only daughter of Khamba Bir Jung Jyu Thakur and Jayat Kumari Devi Singh (Rajkanya of Musikot). She is grand-daughter of Shakta Bir Jyu Thakur. She is great-grand-daughter of Juddha Bir Jyu Thakur. "Senapati" (Military Commander) Juddha Bir Jyu Thakur fought and died in Kuti during the Nepal-Tibet war. She is great-great-grand-daughter of Maha Bir Jyu Thakur. She is great-great-great-grand-daughter of Kali Bir Jyu Thakur.

They had 4 (four) sons and 4 (four) daughters:

  • "Engineer Bausab" Thakuri Shanta Singh
  • "Mailo Bausab" Thakuri Prachanda Singh - see below the 49th Chauhan.
  • "Sahila Bausab" Thakuri Vivek Singh
  • "Kanchha Bausab" Thakuri Binayak Singh
  • "MaileeMaisab" Shanta Shaha - Married to Lt.Col Devendra Bahadur Shaha
  • "SahileeMaisab" Meena Thapa - Married to Laxman Bahadur Thapa
  • "KanchhiMaisab" Usha Hamal - Married to Principal Kishna Raj Hamal
  • "SaniMaisab" Uma Hamal - Married to Lt.Col Bhola Birkram Hamal

Modern History

49th Chauhan - "Babusaheb" Thakuri Prachanda Singh

Born 1933 AD. Died 2001.

"Babusaheb" Thakuri Prachanda Singh Gorkha Dakshin Bahu, was born during the day of Shivaratri in 1933 AD in Makawanpur Gadhi while his father was serving as the “Gadhi Ko Hakim” there. Thakuri Prachanda Singh was merely 18 years old, when he was selected to lead as a Field-Officer in Rapti Land Distribution Project in Narayani Zone Tarai.

Under the project, he was responsible for distributing thousands of acres of land to hundreds of people who came from all walks of life. During the distribution, he personally registered towns and villages with names such as Buddhanagar, Krishnanagar, Bramhapuri, Shivanagar, Ayodhyapuri, Birendranagar, Sukranagar and many others.

One of the town Thakuri Prachanda Singh registered was "Gitanagar", named after Geeta Rani Rana, a lady belonging to Ranas of Nepal, for whom he had fallen head-over-heels while she was worshiping Lord Pashupati Nath in Kathmandu on a pilgrim visit from Phaphamau Castle, Allahabad, India. Ten years later, he would marry this beautiful woman and she would become his beloved wife till he passed away in 2001.

Geeta Rani Rana was born during the day of Krishna Ashtami in 1936 AD. She grew up attending St. Mary's School in Shillong (India) and spending holidays in Lansdowne Road, Calcutta. Even today, her eyes light up as she fondly recalls her younger years in Calcutta, playing bets on horse-races, attending late evening socials and mingling with her royal relatives from various principality states. Now in her almost 80s she shares that the changes from the Principality Days were inevitable but the period was unique in its own way in the history of South Asia.

  • Geeta Rani Rana is daughter of "Rajsaheb" Thir Jung Bahadur Rana and Ranisaheb Pudma Kumari Devi of Phaphamau Castle, Allahbad, India. While being commissioned as an officer in the British India Military, he took honorary early leave due to permanent hearing loss in one ear. His younger brothers Rana Yudhistir Jung, Rana Belayat Jung and Rana Jhalak Jung Bahadur were officer-rank Major in the British India Army and served in Great World War II commanding Madras Regiment, Khairagarh Forces and Tripura Forces. During WWII, they were decorated with Defense Medal, 1939-1945 Star Medal, 1939-1945 War Medal, Burma Star Medal and India Service Medals. Present 50th Chauhan of Tulsipur is own grandson of Rajsaheb Thir Jung Bahadur Rana.
  • She is grand-daughter of Commander-in-Chief Tripura State Forces, Col. Jodha Jung Bahadur Rana MBE, Military Cross Medal, MID Award, GSM Medal, Allied Victory Medal, King George V Silver Jubilee Medal, King George VI Coronation Medal, British War Medal, KCIO First (1st) King's Commissioned Officer and Ranisaheb Kumari Devi (daughter of Sangram Sursingh, Benaras). Commander-in-Chief (Tripura) Col. Rana Jodha Jung fought in Great World War I commanding Tehri-Garhwal Sappers and Miners 1914-1919 in France, Flanders, Egypt and Mesopotamia. The 39th Garhwal Battalion was led by Rana Jodha with great courage and gallantry which won him Military Cross in the Battle of Loos in France. Rana Jodha Jang Bahadur, who, in spite of being wounded, continued to lead his men against the Germans, and did not desist until a second wound in the neck rendered him unconscious. The Rana displayed great tenacity, leadership and conspicuous gallantry by leading his company right up to the German defenses in the face of heavy fire. He received 5 bullet wounds in the neck and upper shoulder during The Great War and recovered in Europe. He later commanded forces in Afgan War and Wazirstan War as well. Rana Jodha Jung attended the coronation ceremony of British Monarch King George VI in London representing Maharaja Kishore Dev Manikya and State of Tripura in 1937 AD. King George VI awarded Coronation Medal to the Rana in Buckingham Palace ceremony. Veteran of the Great WWI, Afghan and Wazirstan War, Col. Rana Jodha Jung Bahadur was scheduled to be promoted to General by the British Military before his retirement. The ruling Prime Minister of Nepal requested the British to hold the promotion from going through. The difficulty was that Nepali Prime-Ministers were honorary-rank Lt.Gen and roll-in-line brothers were honorary-rank Colonel in the British military. Had the promotion gone through, all honorary-ranking officers of Nepal would have to salute Rana Jodha Jung which would create a political problem for the rulers of Nepal. Throughout Prime Minister Chandra's reign in Nepal, he had asked Rana Jodha Jung on many occasions to return to Nepal. Shree-Teen Chandra was concerned hence observing very closely Rana Jodha Jung's numerous war accomplishments and rising fortunes with the Brithish Crown. Present 50th Chauhan of Tulsipur is own great grandson of C-in-C (Tripura) Col. Jodha Jung Bahadur Rana.
  • Commander-in-Chief Tripura State Forces, Col. Rana Jodha Jung Bahadur, MBE; MIC, MID, GSM, Victory, Jubilee, War and Coronation Medals; KCIO 1st King Commissioned Officer.
    Commander-in-Chief Tripura State Forces, Col. Rana Jodha Jung Bahadur, MBE; MIC, MID, GSM, Victory, Jubilee, War and Coronation Medals; KCIO 1st King Commissioned Officer.
  • 1st Delhi Durbar 1877 AD.
    1st Delhi Durbar 1877 AD.
  • She is great-great grand daughter of Strongman_of_SouthAsia Maharaja Sir Jung Bahadur Rana of Kaski and Lamjung, Nepal and Maharani Hiranyagarva. Jung Bahadur's eldest son was Gen. Jagat Jung known as "Mukhiya Jarnel" and eldest grandson was Gen. Yuddha Pratap known as "Naati Jarnel". Prime-Minister of Nepal and Maharaja of Kaski & Lamjung Jung Bahadur Rana was the first Maharajah and Prime-Minister from South Asia to embark on a State-Visit to the Royal British Court and Royal Court of France. The Maharaja was received by reigning monarch Queen Victoria in 1850 AD and by Emperor of Prance Napoleon III in 1851 AD. Present 50th Chauhan of Tulsipur is own great-great-great grandson of Maharaja Jung Bahadur Rana.
  • Maharaj Jung in London 1850 AD.
    Maharaj Jung in London 1850 AD.

Late "Babusaheb" Shree Gorkha Dakshin Bahu Thakuri Prachanda Singh and Shreemati Geeta Rani Rana have 3 (three) sons and 3 (daughters):

  • Ms. Himali Singh - married to Dhananjay Bahadur Singh, Thakuris of Baitadi, Nepal.
They have one (1) son - Vikrant Bahadur Singh.
  • Mr. Rajpal Jwala Pratap Singh - see below, the 50th Chauhan.
  • Mr. Deshpal Jwala Singh - married to Bhumija Singh, ruling Rajput-House of RaeBareli , India.
They have two (2) daughters: Samragyi R.L. Singh and Saubhagyi R.L. Singh.
  • Ms. Ishwori Chand - married to Arun Bahadur Chand, Thakuris of Bardia, Nepal.
They have one (1) son - Avanish Singh Chand.
  • Ms. Laxena Hamal Thakuri - married to Shailesh Hamal Thakuri of Udaypur Thakuri Clan.
They have one (1) son - Sarbodaya Singh Thakuri.
  • Mr. Dharmapal Jwala Pratap Singh - Unmarried.

50th Chauhan - Mr. Rajpal Jwala Pratap Singh

Born 1964 AD.

Married to Sabina Thapa - daughter of Five-Times Prime Minister Shree Surya Bahadur Thapa of Nepal. They have one child as of 2011.

Her name is Avantika Rajya Laxmi Singh. She was born in 2006 AD in New York, USA.

Sabina R.L. Singh (Ms. Sabina Thapa) is a graduate and alumni of John Jay College where she earned Masters Degree in Criminal Justice and Public Administration. She is an alumni and accomplished competitive athlete of St. Mary's School in Kathmandu.

She devotes her time and is professionally engaged with non-profit-agencies. She is a passionate advocate for "People with Disabilities". Her work with these wonderful individuals have been covered and published in local media such as Newspapers and TVs. In addition, it has taken her to the galleries of The Smithsonian where art-work by her consumers have been displayed.

An avid conversationalist, admirer of South Asian Art and a Super-Mom, she enjoys travelling to water destinations.

References

  1. Benett, William Charles (1878). Gazeteer of the Province of Oudh. Allahabad: Northwestern Provinces and Oudh Government Press.
  2. Badley, B.H. (1884). Tulsipur Fair: Glimpses of Missionary Life and Work in India. London: Religious Tract Society in London.
  3. Hunter, William Wilson (1908). The Imperial Gazetteer of India. Oxford: Clarendon.
  4. Full Text of Gazette. New York: Columbia University.
  5. Mukherjee, Rudrangshu. Awadh in Revolt, 1857-1858: A Study of Popular Resistance.
  6. Amin, Agha H. (May 1998). Reflections on Commencement of Writing of Sepoy Mutiny of 1857-59.
  7. Bouillier, Veronique. The Nepalese State and Goraknath Yogis.
  8. The Calcutta review, Volume 74
  9. India, Challenge and Response: Unity in Variety, 1906-1994 Volume 3 By Bimal C. Ray
  10. Society, Polity & Economy By Dipti Kumar Biswas 1979 AD
  11. The Indian War of Independence 1857 By Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
  12. Singh, Surya Narain (2003). The kingdom of Awadh. New Delhi: Mittal Publications.
  13. Jackson Laufer, Guida Myrl. Women Rulers Through the Ages: An Illustrated Guide.
  14. Suguna, S. Women's Movement.
  15. Indian Women Freedom Fighters 1857-1947 By Ushā Bālā, Anshu Sharma 1986 AD
  16. Mittal, J.P. History of Ancient India: From 7300 BC to 4250 BC. Vol. Volume I. {{cite book}}: |volume= has extra text (help)
  17. Mittal, J.P. History of Ancient India: From 4250 BC to 637 AD. Vol. Volume II. {{cite book}}: |volume= has extra text (help)
  18. Life of Maharaja Sir Jung Bahadur of Nepal By Maharajkumar Gen. Padma Jung 1909 AD
  19. Jang Bahadur in Europe: The first South Asian Mission to the West by John Whelpton 1983 AD
  20. The British Empire http://www.britishempire.co.uk/
  21. Annals and antiquities of Rajasthan by James Tod
  22. Ethnic Gurjars of South Asia
  23. History of Gonda http://gonda.nic.in/history.htm
  24. Nationalisation of the Indian army, 1885-1947 By Gautam Sharma
  25. Valour and sacrifice: famous regiments of the Indian Army By Gautam Sharma
  26. Hours of Glory: famous battles of the Indian army, 1801-1971
  27. The Windsor magazine, Year 1916 Volume 43
  28. The Indian corps in France By John Walter Beresford Merewether, Frederick Edwin Smith Birkenhead (Earl of)
  29. Subedar to Field Marshal By Pratap Narain, Manas Publications 1999
  30. Leadership in the Indian army: biographies of twelve soldiers By V. K. Singh
  31. Raja Bodh Jung Bahadur Rana http://bodhjungschoolalumni.blogspot.com/
  32. The Life and Times of Maharaja Juddha Shumsher By Ishwari Prasad
  33. The Great Mutiny http://greatindianmutiny.com/
  34. Awadh / Oudh / Ayodhya http://www.tornosindia.com/
  35. Hindu Rajput http://hindurajput.blogspot.com/

Gallery

  • King of Nepal Prithvi Bir Bikram Shahdev 1885 AD - Grandson of Maharaja Jung.
    King of Nepal Prithvi Bir Bikram Shahdev 1885 AD - Grandson of Maharaja Jung.
  • Queen of Nepal Lalit Rajyalaxmi - Mother of King Prithvi Bir Bikram and daughter of Maharaja Jung.
    Queen of Nepal Lalit Rajyalaxmi - Mother of King Prithvi Bir Bikram and daughter of Maharaja Jung.
  • Maharaja Jung and Prince of Wales Hunting in 1876 AD.
    Maharaja Jung and Prince of Wales Hunting in 1876 AD.
  • Maharaja Jung Bahadur and Maharani Hiranyagarva 1864 AD (Princess, ShahDev Dynasty Nepal).
    Maharaja Jung Bahadur and Maharani Hiranyagarva 1864 AD (Princess, ShahDev Dynasty Nepal).
  • Prime Minister Mathbarsingh Thapa 1843 AD - Maternal Uncle of Maharaja Jung.
    Prime Minister Mathbarsingh Thapa 1843 AD - Maternal Uncle of Maharaja Jung.
  • Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa 1825 AD - Maternal Grand Uncle of Maharaja Jung.
    Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa 1825 AD - Maternal Grand Uncle of Maharaja Jung.

External links

Notes

1) Wikipedia says Tulsipur clan is Suryavansi. How does that relate to Chauhan?

The question "Are Chauhans Suryavanshi?" is a popular one. These discussion can turn from cordial and academic to pure shouting and emotional.

  • House of Tulsipur has always worshiped Sun God as their "Kul Devata" (Dynasty God). Historical writings up to 1300s AD in Tulsipur monasteries / temples and local oral history mention about this culture and practice. Every four years there is "Dewalee Clan Puja" (not to be confused with HIndu festival of lights Diwali - though House of Tulsipur celebrates that as well) where a "bali" (sacrifice) is given to our Dynasty-Shakti-Devi "Mata Patan Devi". A male member of the clan, with one stroke, slices the head (my apologies for these details to animal rights advocates out there). During this once every four year function/celebration, only males and unmarried females of the clan are allowed to darshan the Sun-God i.e. "Kul Devata" which is covered at all other times.
  • The Harsh Inscription of 10th century AD reveals that Chauhans considered themselves as Suryavanshi Khsatriyas.
  • The Hammir Mahakavya of 1400 AD also writes Chauhans as Suryavanshi Khsatriyas.
  • There are many claims that Chauhans are Suryavanshis. One writings mentions that Agni is Fire and Fire means Surya.
  • Agnikula or Agnivanshis claim surfaced only around 16th century AD with the manuscript of Raso.
  • Among many Chauhans that claim origin to Suryavanshas, two listed here are "Pundir Chauhan" and "Gohil Chauhan".


2) With all due respect to Lord Ram, how does King Ram's land cover Iran to New Zeland?

Good point. It would not be a stretch to state that Mythology is what they are, Mythology, until they are proven by documented facts and physical findings, which then, as some like to pontificate, becomes History.

This raises an interesting question as to "Are Puranas, Shrutis, Mahakabyas and Legends History?". Some will vehemently articulate and strongly state that they are.


3) Is there any class difference between Rajputs?

The tradition of common ancestry permits a poor Rajput yeoman to consider himself as well born as any powerful landholder of his clan, and superior to any high official of the professional classes. No race in South Asia can boast of finer feats of arms or brighter deeds of chivalry, and they form one of the main recruiting fields for the South Asian army of the day. They consider any occupation other than that of arms or government derogatory to their dignity, and consequently during the long period of peace which has followed after end of British Raj, they have been content to stay idle at home instead of taking up any of the other professions in which they might have come to the front.

-Encyclopædia Britannica (1911 edition)

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