Raghuvanshi
Raghuvanshi are a prominent Rajput clan historically associated with the region of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Their lineage traces back to the legendary King Harishchandra of Varanasi, and they are mentioned in Buddhist, Jain, and Brahminical texts. Over the centuries, even though the Somvanshi Rajputs, Mughals, and Bhumihars ruled the region, the Raghuvanshi presence remained strong.
Historical Significance
Ancient and Medieval Rule
Varanasi was ruled by Raghuvanshi Rajputs in ancient times, with King Harishchandra and other rulers of this lineage playing important roles in early regional history. References to them appear across various religious texts. Although political power shifted to other dynasties over time, the Raghuvanshis maintained a continued presence in and around Varanasi.
Role in Temple Defense
The Raghuvanshi Rajputs of Varanasi have historically acted as protectors of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, serving as its first line of defense. According to the Varanasi Gazetteer, two notable instances of their resistance occurred during communal unrest in 1809 and 1857:
- In 1809, an attack on the temple by Muslim weavers led to retaliation by local Rajputs, resulting in the deaths of around 80 attackers. In response to a desecration involving cow slaughter on the temple premises, the Rajputs destroyed the weaver locality and reportedly demolished over 50 mosques, including the Aurangzebi Masjid.
- In 1857, during renewed communal tensions, the Raghuvanshis again stood in defense of the temple.
Participation in the 1857 Revolt
The Raghuvanshi Rajputs played a significant role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, particularly in the Varanasi-Dobhi-Azamgarh region. Known for their independence, especially the Raghuvanshis of Dobhi, they mobilized upon hearing about uprisings in Ghazipur, Azamgarh, and Banaras.
They formed a strong armed group and launched attacks on both British forces and their Indian collaborators. Notably, they targeted British authority in Kirakat Tehsil, severed British communication lines along the Banaras-Azamgarh road, and made a determined attempt to capture Banaras.
A fierce battle took place at Pisnaharia-ka-Inar, about five miles north of Banaras. Despite suffering heavy casualties and losing their gunpowder due to monsoon rains, they resisted using swords, spears, and limited firearms. Eventually, they were pushed back across the Gomti River, and the British retaliated by ravaging every Rajput village in the area.
Alliance with Kunwar Singh
A few months later, the Raghuvanshis of Dobhi supported Babu Veer Kunwar Singh, the celebrated leader of the 1857 revolt from Jagdishpur (Bihar) and a distant relative. After defeating the British near Azamgarh, Kunwar Singh’s forces were forced to retreat following British reinforcements, leading to further reprisals against the Rajputs.
Execution of Leaders
In May 1858, British forces invited Raghuvanshi leaders of the Dobhi estate to a meeting at Senapur village and treacherously arrested them. Thakur Dayal Singh Raghuvanshi and twelve of his relatives, along with nine followers, were executed by hanging from mango trees. Their bodies were further shot and left hanging. Villagers later retrieved and cremated the remains.
Martyrs of the Revolt
The following Raghuvanshi Rajputs are remembered for sacrificing their lives during the 1857 rebellion:
- Thakur Dayal Singh Raghuvanshi
- Thakur Abhilash Singh Raghuvanshi
- Thakur Yadubir Singh Raghuvanshi
- Thakur Madhav Singh Raghuvanshi
- Thakur Viswesar Singh Raghuvanshi
- Thakur Chhangur Singh Raghuvanshi
- Thakur Rambharos Singh Raghuvanshi
- Thakur Shivbrata Singh Raghuvanshi
- Thakur Jaimangal Singh Raghuvanshi
- Thakur Devki Singh Raghuvanshi
- Thakur Ramdular Singh Raghuvanshi
- Thakur Jayalal Singh Raghuvanshi