Forgotten Struggles of Benares

The early 19th century history of Benares (Varanasi), though often noted for administrative developments under British rule, was also marked by intense religious and political turmoil. Among the most significant of these episodes were the Hindu-Muslim riots of 1809–1810, which centered around contested religious spaces and deep-seated communal tensions.

Conflict Over Sacred Spaces

At the heart of the 1809 unrest was the mosque constructed by Aurangzeb on the site of the ancient Bisheshwar (Kashi Vishwanath) temple. Tensions escalated when a small stone shrine was being built in the disputed zone between the temple and the mosque. This provoked anger from the Muslim Julaha (weaver) community, led by Dost Muhammad and Fateh Muhammad.

The Julahas responded violently—demolishing the unfinished Hanuman shrine and desecrating other Hindu religious sites in the vicinity. This triggered a strong reaction from the Raghuvanshi Rajputs of Benares, who quickly mobilized and took charge of defending the temple.

Clashes and Retaliation

Although British magistrate W.W. Bird managed to temporarily disperse the crowds, unrest continued. When the Julahas attempted an assault on the Bisheshwar temple, the Rajputs retaliated fiercely. Battles broke out in the narrow lanes of Gayaghat, leading to the deaths of around eighty Muslim attackers.

A subsequent riot near the mosque was briefly contained by British forces. However, the Julahas launched another attack, this time desecrating the sacred Lat Bhairon pillar, slaughtering a cow, and shattering the pillar. By the time Mr. Bird returned, the site had been desecrated and abandoned. Troops were deployed to secure the area.

Escalation and Aftermath

The following day, tensions erupted into full-scale violence. Around noon, an armed Rajput force, joined by angry Gosains (Hindu ascetics), stormed Aurangzeb’s mosque, set it on fire, and reportedly executed all nearby Muslims. This act ignited city-wide riots, with mosques destroyed and Muslim localities attacked. The Julaha quarters were left in ruins, and marketplaces were torched.

Attempts by Mr. Bird to calm the situation failed. The Rajput groups next turned to the Dargah of Fatima and the tomb of Prince Jiwan Bakht near Pisachmochan. Though Mr. Bird pursued them, he arrived too late to prevent destruction. He ordered his forces to fire on the crowd, and in the first volley, the Rajput leader was killed, leading to disarray and retreat.

British Response and Continued Tensions

Order was gradually restored, but over fifty mosques had been destroyed. British forces were stationed at key Hindu and Muslim religious sites for months to prevent renewed violence. The incident also strained relations between the British military and local police, complicating governance in the region.

The arrival of Colonel Neill proved instrumental in stabilizing the situation. His leadership ensured that the unrest did not evolve into a broader rebellion at that time.

Role in the Revolt of 1857

The city of Benares once again faced turmoil during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Amid the uprising, Rajputs—particularly the Raghuvanshi Rajputs—played a crucial role in protecting Hindu temples and sacred sites from further attacks. Many Rajput warriors laid down their lives defending places like the Kashi Vishwanath temple, demonstrating exceptional bravery.

Their resistance ensured that these temples remained enduring symbols of faith and resilience, despite centuries of conflict and repeated invasions. Yet, these sacrifices are largely absent from mainstream historical accounts.

Legacy and Recognition

The contributions of the Raghuvanshi Rajputs and other Rajput defenders of Benares during this turbulent period reflect a deep commitment to cultural and spiritual preservation. Their actions were not merely defensive but embodied a larger fight to protect India’s religious and civilizational heritage.

This forgotten chapter of Indian history deserves recognition and remembrance. The courage and sacrifices of these warriors should be preserved for future generations, offering both inspiration and historical truth.