LOCATION & BOUNDARIES of Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh -
The district Barabanki is situated about 29 Kms. in the East direction of Lucknow the Capital of Uttar Pradesh. This district being one of the four districts of Faizabad division, is located in the heart of Awadh region and it lies between Latitudes 26° 30' North and 27° 19' North and Longitudes 80° 58' East and 81° 55' East. District Barabanki is surrounded by district Faizabad in the East, districts Gonda and Bahraich in the North East, district Sitapur in the North West, district Lucknow in the West, district Rae Bareli in the South and district Sultanpur in the South East. The river Ghaghra forms the North Eastern Boundary separating Barabanki from Bahraich and Gonda.
AREA of Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh -
According to the 1991 census the area of the district was 4401 sq. kms. The area is liable to vary from year to year due to the slightest change in the coarse of the river Ghaghra, because this slight variation makes a noticeable change in the overall area of the district.
TOPOGRAPHY of Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh
The district can be topographically divided into three main regions. First TARAI region, the area in the North East towards river Ghaghra. Second GOMTI PAR region, the wide area from South West to South East of the district. Third is called the HAR region, which is situated at some height to the Gomti Par region. The whole tract is gently undulating land with gentle slope from the North West to South East.
RIVER SYSTEM AND WATER RESOURCES of Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh
The district is well fed by rivers Ghaghra, Gomti and Kalyani with their tributaries for major part of the year. Although some of them dryout during summers and create havoc during rainy season by flooding.
GHAGHRA
Ghaghra is the most important river of the district. It, being a mountain river, is the main resource of water round the year. Ghaghra flows from the northern boundary of the district to the South East. Some portion of Tehsil Fatehpur and some portion of Tehsil Ram Sanehi Ghat falls on its banks. Ghaghra forms the northern boundary separating Barabanki from Bahraich and Gonda.
GOMTI
This is the second important river in the district, being a river with its origin in the plains itself flows, throughout the year. Gomti flows from Lucknow into this district and covers the northern part of tehsil Haidergarh and some portion of the tehsil Ram Sanehi Ghat.
KALYANI
Kalyani is a small river of local origin. It flows through the district along with its tributaries, covering most of central portion of the district. Kalyani creates havoc during the rains, flooding considerable part of the district, though during summers there is hardly any water in certain sections of the river.It is an important source of water for major period of the year, with banks precipitous at a number of places.
RAIT
Rait is a small stream which flows dangerously during rains, flooding its adjoining areas, but dries up during the summers.
GEOLOGY of Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh
The district being a part of the plains, conforms to the same geological sequence as the plain itself. The soil structure of the district is composed of alluvial soil, the soil brought in by the rivers. The upper belt is called 'Uparhar' and the soil texture is yellowish clay. The basin land of the rivers is mostly sandy soil, and the land adjacent to the rivers is sandy loam. The only mineral of any note found in the district is sand, which is available in sufficient quantity on river banks, and is used in construction works. The district is also noted for its deposits of brick earth.
CLIMATE of Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh
The district lies in the plains of the State, and hence its climatic conditions are quite similar to the average climatic condition of the plains. Hot to very hot in summers, cold to quite cold during winters and humid to very humid and sultry during rainy season. Most of the rain occurs from June to September and often in November to January. The winter sets in November and continues till February end. The maximum temperature recorded in 1997-98 was 45.0°C and minimum was 2.5°C. The average rainfall recorded for 1997-98 was 1056 mm.
FLORA
One of the sayings is that Barabanki got its name due to excessive forests. But, unfortunately today very little land area remains as a token of forest in this district. With passage of time, pressure of the increasing population and the need to grow more food, ultimately became the reason for clearing of the majority of forest cover for cultivation. As of today, majority of the forest cover in Barabanki district is on uneven land scape and consists of a mixed variety of vegetation mainly bushes. The forests are small and scattered. The total area under forests is approximately 5308 hectares. with 29% in tehsil Ramsanehi Ghat, 27% in tehsil Fatehpur and 15% in tehsil Haidergarh. Most of the forest cover is on the banks of the river Gomti and Kalyani. In addition to this, on 1034 Kms of PWD roads in the district are trees on both its sides. The trees like Shishum,,Arjuna, Kanji, Khair, Saagaun, Subabul, Neem, Eucalyptus, Babul, Kanju, Gold Mohar, Kesia, Akesia, Mango and Jamun are found in sufficient numbers.
GROVES
The land area under groves, gardens and plantations is fairly distributed throughout the district, Groves in the district consist mostly of mango and are concentrated in tehsil Nawabganj, Ramnagar and Fatehpur.
FAUNA
Animals in the wild have greatly decreased in number and variety in the district due to excessive hunting and poaching during the past century. The various animals found here are Neel Gai (Blue Bull), Hiran (Deer), Barasingha (Swamp deer), Padha (Black Buck), Cheetal (Spotted deer), Fox, Jackal, Porcupine. The Neel Gai has become a menace to the farmers here in the district due to their increasing numbers. However, all the above animals are on the protected list.
BIRDS
The birds of the district are similar to those of the adjoining districts. The chief game of birds found are several varieties of Ducks, King Fisher, partridges, pigeons, peacock and several other water birds.
REPTILES
A number of varieties of snakes and other reptiles are found almost everywhere in the district especially in the rural areas. Some of the poisonous snakes found here are Cobra, Krait and Rat snake. Several non-poisonous snakes have also been noticed and python being the main among them. The other reptiles found in the district are the chameleon and Bichhkhopra.
FISH
Fish are found in the rivers, streams, ponds, canals, catchment areas and artificial reservoirs of the district. There are a number of species of fish which have been found in this district so far, the chief being the rohu (Labeo rohita), nain(cirrhina mrigala), mangur(clarius batrachus), saul(ophiocephelus spp.), katla.
Culture of Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh
Dewa Sharif during Urs
In the first quarter of 19th century when the Moghul Empire in India was on its last leg and sectarian frenzy was being spurred up to establish British Rule in the country, a child was born in the quite little town of Dewa in this district, who was destined to influence the lives of a vast majority of people by radiating divine love for humanity with the centripetal brilliance of his soul to guide them on the path of righteousness and piety.
Waris Ali Shah of Dewa came of a family of Hussaini Syeds distinguished for piety and learning. His genealogy shows that he was born in the 26th generation of Hazrat Imam Hussain. The date of his birth is disputed varying from 1233 A.H. to 1238 A.H. The author of Maarif Warisya has put the date of his birth as 1234 A.H. corresponding to 1809 of the Christian era. His father, Syed Qurban Ali Shah belonged to a land-lord class and was a man of considerable learning having completed his education in Baghdad.
Waris Ali Shah was not yet three years old when he lost his parents and the burden of his upbringing fell on the feeble shoulders of his grandmother. At the age of five he started learning 'Quran' and committed it to memory. He seldom read his books but to the amazement of his tutor he could say his lessons correctly. He preferred solitude to books and often slipped away out of doors to spend long periods in retirement and contemplation. He was never seen playing with children of his age and took pleasure in giving them sweets and distributing money among the poor. It soon became evident to those around him that he was not quite of the earth. His brother-in-law Haji Syed Khadim Ali Shah who lived at Lucknow took charge of his education and initiated him in the mysteries of occult science, giving him the necessary training.
Portrait of Haji Waris Ali Shah
It was not long before Haji Syed Khadim Ali Shah died and his mentle descended upon the boy at the age of fourteen. Waris Ali Shah started initiating people in his order and had a number of disciples. When he was only fifteen, the burning glow of divine love impelled him to start on a pilgrimage to Mecca, he gave away all his property including a valuable library to his relations and destroyed documents relating to his estate.
TRAVELS ABROAD
Dewa Shrine by Night
For 12 long-years he traveled in Arabia, Syria, Palestine, Mesopotamia, Iran, Turkey, Russia and Germany, it is said that he performed Haj 10 times in the course of his travels. One day while inside 'KABA' he began humming a tune. The keeper of 'KABA' warned him and said 'You seem to forget that it is the house of God' . Quick cam the reply 'Can you tell me a place where God is not present?' From the date of his first Haj, Haji Waris Ali Shah discarded putting tailored clothes and started donning the Ahram (Unstitched cloth wrapped around the body). He traveled on foot and used no conveyance of any sort but got the boats only to cross the Seas. He visited Constantinople in the time of Sultan Abdul Majid who was so impressed at the sight of the holy stranger that he offered himself to be admitted in his order. Haji Waris Ali Shah was the guest of Prince Bismarck when he visited Berlin.
When he returned home his own people did not know him. His ancestral house was in ruins and when he went round the village no one came to welcome him.Some of his relations shunned him, lest he should claim back his property which they held in their possession. He smiled at their coldness and remarked 'They seem to think that I have come back for the sake of my property, as if I care for it' and went away to resume his wandering.
A SUFI SAINT
Sufism is based on love, which they say is the eternal order of the universe. All matter is composed of invisible particles or atoms by the force of gravitation. This natural phenomenon is interpreted in Sufism as the tendency of LOVE. Since God created man in his own likeness, the man as the highest form of creation must essentially claim affinity with the divine and the absolute.
Haji Sahab was so possessed of the divine idea that he practically lost all self-consciousness. His inward bent of mind prevented him from holding long discourses. He was one of those Saints whose thoughts are altogether absorbed in the contemplation of the Almighty and had no room for anything else.
EXTRAORDINARY POWER
Another view of the mausoleum
Haji Waris Ali Shah never claimed any extra ordinary powers for himself. but there are innumerable instances of his having healed the sick by a glance or by a touch. Once on his way to Bahraich, he wanted to cross the river Ghaghra in floods, but no boat was available at the ferry. He decided to swim across the river with his companions. They were in the state of terrible fright and reluctant to follow him, but to their astonishment, the water was found to be only knee-deep, when they got in and simply waded through it. His feet never showed any sign of dirt though he remained bare-footed, nor did they leave any mark on the carpet when he stepped in the room.
INFLUENCE
Hindus held him in high esteem and regarded him as a perfect Sufi and a follower of Vedant. To the Hindus he said 'Believe Brahma Do not worship idols and be honest'. Thousands of Hindus, including Sadhus and Fakirs of different Panthas paid homage to him and entered his order. He always welcomed them with these words 'You and I are the same' he recognised God in every individual, because he had realised, Him in himself. He did not ask non-Muslims to abjure their religion on the contrary he advised them to follow it with greater zeal and sincerity.
Haji Waris Ali Shah was as popular with the English educated youth as with the people of the old generations, English knowing men flocked to him in hundreds and sat at his feet. He was the first Sufi Darvesh to have crossed the Seas and visited Europe and was also the first to have attracted the English knowing Class. A Spanish Noble by the name of Count Galaraza came all the way from Spain to visit him and had an interview with him at Dewa.
PASSING AWAY
Mazar of Haji Waris Ali Shah
Haji Waris Ali Shah a monarch in the domain of Sufism passed away for his heavenly abode on April 7th, 1905, after a brief illness. His mission was to teach the love of God as well as universal love by rallying men of conflicting creeds under one common banner. He was buried at the spot where he died and this place is marked by a splendid monument erected in his memory by some of his devoted followers.
Hindu-Iranian Architecture
The mausoleum of Haji Waris Ali Shah is a monument of communal amity, constructed on a pattern, blending the Hindu-Iranian styles of architecture. The mausoleum is an emblem of communal harmony, universal brotherhood and affection, preached by the Saint. The tomb, the shrines and the latticed outer apartment girdling the inner shrine for 'Parikrama' (Tawaf) are indicative of the Hindu style of architecture while the towers and minarets present the Persian architecture.
It is noteworthy that Hindus along with Muslim devotees made a significant contribution to the construction of the mausoleum. The silver platted spire was donated by Raja Udit Narain Singh of Ram Nagar in this district, the silver covering on doors was done on behalf of the rulers of Kashmir and the entire marble flooring was completed from the Estate donated by Thakur Pancham Singh of Mainpuri at whose cost a mess runs to feed the visitors during the Mela. The mausoleum is surrounded by an array of Khanquahs and imposing gate in front of it. There is a trust to look after the management of the mausoleum and properties donated by the disciples.
Every year Urs is held at the scared tomb in the month of 'Safar' with non-stop quawwali recitals.
Haji Sahab organised Urs of his father, Haji Qurban Ali Shah in the month of 'Kartik' according to Hindu calendar when a big fair is held to commemorate the Saints. Relieved of agriculture operations in the month of the fair people from far and wide participate in it in a festive mood. Visitors from all the parts of the country come to pay their homage to the great Sufi Saint Haji Waris Ali Shah and his father. Pilgrims from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia are also attracted to make the fair a cosmopolitan congregation.
HIGHLIGHTS OF FAIR AND EXHIBITION
The Dewa Fair, which attracts pilgrims and visitors from all parts of the country to the mausoleum of the great Saint, comes in full swing with the ceremony of Chadar presentation on the tombs of Haji Waris Ali Shah and his father. Embroided sheets of Varanasi Silk are placed on the tombs of Haji Sahab and his father Haji Qurban Ali Shah.
Opening Ceremony
These sheets are carried in silver plates in a procession. Quawwalis and devotional songs are recited all the way by professional singers as the procession wends its way to the mausoleums. Pilgrims also carry Chadars singing their way to the shrines.
There is much of interest to the peasantry in Dewa Fair. A big cattle market is the highlight of the fair and is the main source of its revenue. The cattle market has been split into various portions each being reserved for a particular species of animals.
The demonstration of improved agricultural implements and engines for pumping of water for irrigation draw large crowd of cultivators. Concerns dealing in chemicals fertilizers arrange free distribution of packets and literature explaining the use and effects of various types of fertilizers.
The cynosure of all eyes at the Dewa Fair is a decorated exhibition consisting of stalls of various departments, depicting the activities and achievements through colourful exhibits arranged in any eye-catching manner. The exhibits portray through pictures, photographs and models methods to contain the population explosion. In another stall are placed on view various exhibits showing the cultural life and historical places of the state and also national building schemes.
Some field demonstrations are also arranged by agriculture and Cane departments to explain improved farm strategies to agriculturists. Improved agricultural implements are also on show.
A scene of Kavi Sammelan
A good treat of cultural programmes are held at the fair by conducting Mushaira, Kavi sammelan, Music Conference and Debate in a decorated pandal.
Sports loving people find great pleasure in events like Hockey, Volleyball, and Badminton tournaments as well as Rifle shooting and Kite Flying programmes.
The Dewa Fair which is regarded as one of the finest and neatest fair in the state has its own water supply arrangement. The exhibition association every year spend large amounts in maintaining sanitary and conservancy service to keep the Mela area spite and span. Treatment facilities and First-Aid services are provided free of cost during the ten days Mela period. An elaborate arrangement is made to maintain law and order and regulate traffic arrangement by having a full-fledged Kotwali, Wireless Station, Walkie-Talkie sets and central Loudspeaker system. Evenings, in the fair provide greater attractions for the visitors as the entire township in the fair is transformed into a fairy land with millions of coloured lights.
Fireworks display
A brilliant display of fireworks marks the conclusion of the ten days Dewa Fair. The Fireworks manufacturers of Dewa, Fatehpur, Zaidpur, Nawabganj and also from outside the district vie with each other in demonstrating their skill in letting
Fireworks display
off paper-balloons in the sky with a flame burning at its center, firing rockets with a flame burning at its center, firing rockets with a string of multi-coloured fireballs shooting in the air and depicting picturesque landscape by igniting gun powder inside the fast rotation wheels releasing mariads of twinkling star-like sparks of various tints.
Cuisine of Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh
Places of interest in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh
Mahadeva Temple of Barabanki Uttar Pradesh
Bam-bhole,bam-bam-bhole resounding with the devotees moving in groups with Kanwar on their shoulders is famous for Lord Shiva's Lodheshwar temple where the wishes of the devotees are being fulfilled since time immemorial and continues to be so even today. Even today, the people flock in lakhs to this place in the month of Phalgun every year i.e. on the occasion of Mahashivratri to worship and offer water to the famous shivling. This ancient Shiv temple is situated at village Mahadeva in tehsil Ram Nagar of district Barabanki on the banks of Ghaghra. Lodheshwar Mahadev has ancient history to its credit. The Shivling in this temple being one of the exotic and rarest of the 52 shivlings on the surface of earth.
Mahadeva Temple Singh Dwar - It is said that, prior to the Mahabharat period, Lord Shiv wished to reappear on the earth once again. Pandit Lodheram Awasthi was a learned Brahmin, simple, kind and good natured villager. One night Lord Shiv appeared in his dreams. Next day, Lodheram who was childless, while irrigating his field, saw a pit from where his water was getting drained into the earth. He tried hard to plug it, but failed and returned home. In the night, again he saw the same statue in his dreams, and heard whispers saying 'The pit where water is getting drained is my place establish me there and I would get fame by your name.' It is said that, next day when Lodheram was digging the said pit, his implement struck a hard substance, and he saw the same statue in front of him, blood was oozing from the place where his implement had hit the statue, this mark can be seen even today. Lodheram was terrified by this sight, but he continued to digout the statue, but failed to get to the other end of the statue, so he left it as it is, and built the temple at the same place with half his name 'Lodhe' and the Lord Shiv's 'Ishwar', thereby became famous by the devotees name i.e. Lodheshwar. The Brahmin was then blessed with four sons, Mahadeva, Lodhaura, Gobarha and Rajnapur, villages named after them exist even today.
Mahadeva Shivling -
There are several instances in Mahabharat where this ancient temple is referred to. Pandav after the Mahabharat had performed the Mahayagya at this place, a well exists even today by the name Pandav-Kup. It is said that the water of the well is having spiritual qualities and those who drink this water get cured of a number of ailments.
In the history of the melas and fairs the world over, the fair held on the occasion of Mahashivratri at Mahadeva is unique. For the millions of devotees thronging the place, there is not a single woman devotee to be found during this festival fair.
The pilgrim town of Dewa is situated just 42 Kms. from Lucknow and 12 Kms. from the district headquarters of Barabanki in the heart of erstwhile 'Awadh'. This is the birth place of Haji Waris Ali Shah who was to influence the lives of many generations of people with his message of universal love for humanity. Haji Waris Ali Shah came of a family of Husaini Syeds, and was born in thefirst quarter of the 19th century. His father Syed Qurban Ali Shah died in his early childhood. Hindus held him in high esteem and regarded him as a perfect Sufi and a follower of Vedanta. Haji Saheb left for his heavenly abode on 7th April, 1905. He was buried at the spot where he died and this place is marked by a splendid monument erected in his memory by some of his devoted followers, both Hindus and Muslims. Every year Urs is held at the scared tomb in the month of 'Safar' (July). Haji Waris Ali Shah organized 'Urs' of his father in the month of Kartik (October-November) where a big fair known by the name 'Dewa Mela ' is held to commemorate the Saints. Pilgrims from all parts of the country and abroad come to pay their homage to the great Sufi Saints, Haji Waris Ali Shah and his father Qurban Ali Shah. A big cattle market is the highlight of the Fair. A good variety of cultural programmes are organized during the Fair including an All India Mushaira, Kavi Sammelan, Music Conference, Manas Sammelan, Seeratun Nabi etc. Sports loving people find great pleasure in events like Hockey, Volleyball, Badminton, Athletics, etc. Hundreds of brightly lit and decorated shops offer a variety of handicrafts, household utility items, toys, delicious snacks and exotic sweetmeats. A brilliant display of Fireworks marks the conclusion of the 10 days Fair.
Village Kintur, about 38 Kms. east of district headquarters Barabanki was named after Kunti, mother of the Pandav. There are a number ancient temples and their remains around this place. Nearby a temple established by Kunti, is a special tree called Parijaat. There are a number of sayings about this tree, which have popular acceptance. One being, Arjun brought this tree from heavens and Kunti used to offer and crown Shivji with its flowers. The other saying being, that Lord Krishna brought this tree for his beloved queen Satyabhama. Historically, though these saying may have some bearing or not, but it is true that this tree is from a very ancient background. The following is said in the Harivansh Puraan about Parijaat. Parijaat is a type of Kalpvraksh, it is said to be found only in the heavens and, whosoever makes a wish under this tree, gets fulfilled. In the Religious and ancient literature, we find a number of references to the Kalpvraksh, but no description whatsoever of its existence can be found anywhere in the world, except for only Kintur (Barabanki ). Whereby this unique Parijaat tree of Kintur holds a special place in the world. In botanical terms, PARIJAAT is known as Adansonia digitata and has been kept in a special category, because it does not produce either its fruit or its seeds, neither can its branch cuttings can be planted to reproduce a second Parijaat tree. This is a unisex male tree, the botanist say, that there is no such tree anywhere else to be found.
Parijaat Flower - The leaves of this tree in the lower portion has five tips like the fingers of a hand, while at the upper reaches it has seven. Its flower is very beautiful and white in colour, on drying out it takes on golden tinge. This flower has five petals. This tree blossoms very occasionally, with very few flower, but when it does, that is after the 'Ganga Dashehra', spreads its fragrance far and wide. The age of this tree is said to be 1000 to 5000 years. The perimeter of the trunk of this tree is around 50 feet and height of around 45 feet. There is another popular saying that, its branches do not break or dryout but shrink and disappear into the original trunk. The nearby people consider it to be their protector and obliging, henceforth they protect its leaves and flowers at all costs. Local people hold it in high esteem, in addition to the large number of tourists who visit to see this unique tree.
It was initially known as Siddhpura, and as time passed by, it became Siddhaur. It is around 50 Kms from district headquarter Barabanki. It is adorned by the famous Siddheshwar Mahadev temple, and here in the months of December and January each year a big Fair is held on the occasion of Shivratri. There is a mausoleum of Sufi Saint Qazi Qutub and people come to pay their respects to this Sufi Saint. A big Fair is held here on the occasion of every Id-ul-fitr and Id-uz-Zuha.
Badosarai around 9 Kms. northeast of Ram Nagar tehsil headquarters, was established around 550 years by a spiritual King. About 6 Kms southeast of this place is the temple of Baba Jagjivan Das the founder of the 'Satnaami' sect at Kotwa, popularly known as Kotwa Dham, with a very beautiful pond nearby. Thousands of pilgrims take a holy dip in this pond during the Fairs held in the months of October and April. There is a mazar of a Sufi Saint Malamat Shah between Badosarai and river Ghaghra, who left for his heavenly abode about 300 years ago. People throng this place to pay their respects to this Sufi Saint.
Kunteshwar Shivling Temple Situated around two to three miles East of Badosarai, Kintur is named after Kunti, the mother of Pandav, as per the ancient sayings. Initially its name was Kuntapur. It is famous for Kunteshwar Temple, where people visit in great numbers.
It is said that its original name was Saptrishi, because Guru Vashisht, the Kulguru of the Suryavanshi kings, preached and taught the young princes here. It is the penance ground of great number of Saints and ascetics. No certified evidences are available to give any authentic details prior to the Muslim rule about this place. This was the headquarter of Sayyed Salar Masood, the brother of Mehmood of Ghazni. His father Salar Shah's tomb is here, and people visit this monument to pay their respects. The main congregation is held during the full moon of 'Jaishtha' that is the summers. Sheikh Salahuddin had also come with Salar Shah and settled down in Satrikh.
On the banks of the stream Soti is Bhitauli, the last front of the Freedom fighters of the First war of Indian Independence in 1857-1858. Here Raja Guru Bux Singh with his men fought the British bravely. This place has a fort and sufficient remains of the freedom struggle and hence it has been declared as the place on the protected historical heritage list.
This is the birth place of Late Shri Rafi Ahmad Kidwai, great freedom fighter, politician and statesman of India. He was buried in Masauli after he left for his heavenly abode and a tomb was built in his memory. Masauli is the home of the illustrious Kidwais.
Events in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh
Political Leaders of Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh
Late Rafi Ahmad Kidwai -
Late Rafi Ahmad Kidwai is in those firsts, who jumped into the freedom movement on the call given by Mahatma Gandhi. His enthusiasm and organisational capabilities made him a leader in a very short span of time. He was jailed several times during the freedom struggle and spent more than 10 years in jails, proving his strong emotions for the freedom movement. He was a multifaceted personality, he was courageous, had practical view, had good organisational capacity, was sensitive to human emotions, was fundamentaly a man of deeds and these qualities were seen during his days in administration.
He was born in the family of Imtiaz Ali his father, on 18 February 1894 at Masauli. He was Minister incharge of the Revenue, Home and Jail departments in Uttar Pradesh, and was so successful that he was made a central minister in the very first cabinet after India became independent. As a central Communications minister he presented to the nation the communications policy which was a tremendous achievement. He started the Airmail service in India on 30 January 1948 between New Delhi, Mumbai (then Bombay), Kolkata (then Calcutta) and Chennai (then Madras). The Inland letter is the gift of Rafi Ahmad Kidwai to the nation. He had sown the seeds of Green Revolution in 1952 when he was the Food Minister, and took measures to stop the blackmarketing of foodgrains, thereby improving the overall food situation in the country. He was a true soldier, because he put all his efforts and energies to the service of the nation and kept fulfilling his duty to the nation. Being in chair as minister of food, he left for his heavenly abode on the 24th October 1954, leaving behind millions in tears, leaving behind a true nationalistic legacy. He was laid to rest at his native place, Masauli, true son of the soil.
Late Ram Sewak Yadav -
Honesty, dedication and service to people became synonyms of Ram Sewak Yadav. He was instrumental in spreading the Socialistic think across the length and bredth of the nation. Ram Sewak Yadav was born in the family of Ram Gulam Yadav his father, on 2nd July 1926 in village Taala of Tehsil Haidergarh. After completing his eduction upto Intermediate in Barabanki, he moved on to Lucknow University for his higher education, where he completed his B.A. in 1949. He did his degree in Law from Lucknow University in 1951. He practiced Law, but left it in 1956. He entered into active politics by joining Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, whom he considered as his Guru. In 1956, he became a legislator for the first time by winning the Ram Nagar assembly seat byelection. He earned his recognition as a leader with fighting qualities and was Member in 1957, 1962 and 1967 Loksabhas.
With his hard work and dedication to the party and nation, he not only hoisted the flag of Socialism in the district, State but the whole nation. He was the national Secretary General of the All India Socialist Party. He travelled abroad several times with Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia to spread the socialist movement. He lost the 1974 Loksabha election, but took it in his strides, and worked hard for the party and enriched its movement. Ram Sewak Yadav was again elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1974 from the Rudauli Assembly seat. This great son of this land who lit the flame of socialism in the country died on 22nd November 1974 leaving all stunned and shocked.
Bihar became the first state in India to have separate web page for every city and village in the state on its website www.brandbihar.com (Now www.brandbharat.com)
See the record in Limca Book of Records 2012 on Page No. 217