Maharaja Bijli Rajbhar – Rajbhar King of Awadh (12th Century)

Maharaja Bijli Rajbhar

Maharaja Bijli Rajbhar

Image of Maharaja Bijli Rajbhar (Awadh, 12th century)

Title	Maharaja Bijli Rajbhar
Region	Awadh
Capital	Bijnaur Garh
Reign	c. 1150–1194 CE
Dynasty	Bhar/Rajbhar
Mother	Bijna
Birth Anniversary	25 December

Maharaja Bijli Rajbhar was a prominent Rajbhar ruler of the Awadh region in northern India during the late 12th century. He ruled from Bijnaur Garh (present-day Lucknow region) and established a powerful kingdom over a large part of Awadh. According to historical records, his reign lasted from approximately 1150 CE to 1194 CE.

Contents

Early Life and Background

Maharaja Bijli Rajbhar was born into the Rajbhar dynasty. His mother’s name was Bijna, in whose memory he founded the fort of Bijna Garh, which later came to be known as Bijnaur Garh.

Kingdom and Administration

By the late 12th century, Maharaja Bijli Rajbhar had established control over a vast region of Awadh. Government records indicate that his kingdom included 12 forts and covered approximately 94,829 acres (about 184 square miles) of fertile land.

The region was agriculturally prosperous, producing crops such as rice, wheat, gram, peas, sorghum, and millet.

Forts Built by Maharaja Bijli Rajbhar

Maharaja Bijli Rajbhar constructed twelve forts to strengthen his expanding kingdom:

1. Natwa Garh Fort
2. Bijnaur Garh Fort
3. Maharaja Bijli Rajbhar Fort
4. Mati Fort
5. Parwar Paschim Fort
6. Kalli Paschim Fort (ruins exist)
7. Purana Qila
8. Aurawan Fort
9. Dadu Pur Fort
10. Bhatgaon Fort
11. Ain Fort
12. Piprasend Fort

Establishment of Major Forts

As Bijna Garh became insufficient for administration, Maharaja Bijli Rajbhar assigned it to a subordinate chief. Later, he founded Natwa Garh in memory of his father Natwa, located approximately three kilometers north of Bijnaur Garh.

Subsequently, a massive central fort named Maharaja Bijli Rajbhar Fort was constructed. Its remains still exist about 8 km south of Lucknow district headquarters, near present-day Bangla Bazaar.

Battle of Ganjar (Ganjar Bhangar War)

The growing power of Maharaja Bijli Rajbhar alarmed King Jaichand of Kannauj. After an initial defeat, Jaichand conspired with the Mahoba warriors Alha and Udal, tempting them with wealth and territory to attack Bijnaur Garh.

The decisive battle took place at Ganjar Bhangar, an open battlefield devoid of trees. The war lasted for three months and thirteen days and was one of the bloodiest conflicts of the period. Due to the extensive bloodshed, the land came to be known as “Lauh Ganjar” (Iron Ganjar).

Martyrdom and Legacy

In 1194 CE, Maharaja Bijli Rajbhar attained martyrdom while bravely fighting in the Battle of Ganjar. Following his death, Devmati Rajbhar of Devgarh attacked the retreating forces of Alha and Udal, forcing them to flee toward Kannauj.

Today, the battlefield area is known as Ganjariya Farm. Maharaja Bijli Rajbhar remains a symbol of courage, resistance, and Rajbhar pride in Awadh history.

References

• District Gazetteer, Barabanki, Government Records – Page 25