Lucknow: Thousands of supporters from the Pasi Community gathered at the Maharaja Bijli Pasi quila in Lucknow to pay respect to Maharaja Bijli Pasi on his birth anniversary. Pasi was a warrior king, who lived in the 12th century and belonged to the Pasi community. The event attracted people from in and around lucknow. Musical programmes which glorified Bijli Pasi and other warriors like Uda Devi Pasi were also held.
Dharmendra Kumar Rawat, a resident of Lucknow, expressed his enthusiasm while commemorating the birth anniversary of the illustrious Maharaja Bijli Pasi. Reflecting on the city's rich history, he highlighted Maharaja Bijli Pasi's legacy as a great king who once commanded 12 forts in Lucknow. Drawing upon his three decades of observation, Rawat noted subtle transformations in the area, such as the delineation of boundaries and the installation of an impressive gate.
Emphasizing the potential for tourism in the region, Rawat suggested that the site undergo a thoughtful beautification process. This, he believed, would not only preserve the historical significance of the place but also attract visitors, contributing to the cultural and economic vibrancy of Lucknow.
Dr. Jaiveer Singh, the General Secretary of the Babasaheb Vahini within the Samajwadi Party, shared his purpose for attending the event. Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of incorporating the valorous history of the great king into educational curricula, asserting that exposure to such stories would inspire students.
Furthermore, Dr. Singh acknowledged the preservation efforts initiated during the tenure of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) government. He specifically credited the noteworthy contributions of R.K. Chaudhary to the successful execution of these preservation initiatives. Dr. Singh emphasized the need for ongoing efforts, calling for the beautification of the site. He argued that enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the historical place would not only draw tourists but also contribute significantly to the state's economic growth.
Manav Rawat, President of the Lucknow University of BAPSA (Birsa Ambedkar Phule Students Association) told The Mooknayak,"Not many people are familiar with Maharaja Bijli Pasi. I believe it is essential to include the history of Maharaja Bijli Pasi in the curriculum, especially for students. Unfortunately, due to the Brahminical system, rulers from marginalized sections often go unnoticed. It is ironic that Maharaja Jaychand, a well-known historical figure, is celebrated, while Maharaja Bijli Pasi, who defeated Jaychand, remains relatively unknown in history."
Kaushal Kishore, the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs in India and the chief guest at the event, shared, "Lucknow city, with its roots traced back to Lakhan Pasi, holds a rich historical significance. The pasi community, with several forts scattered across Uttar Pradesh, once ruled over this region as a formidable empire."
Minister Kishore then referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to rewriting history and acknowledging individuals who have been historically overlooked, recognizing them as freedom fighters. In alignment with this vision, he announced plans for the establishment of a larger statue of Uda Devi, a notable figure, and the setup of an office dedicated to addressing the grievances of the pasi community. This initiative aims to provide a platform for the community's concerns and contribute to their recognition and welfare.
He subtly criticized the BSP government, stating, "The area adjacent to this fort was once a lake owned by Maharaja Bijli Pasi. Unfortunately, certain individuals acquired the land and erected statues of their own, neglecting the rightful installation of a statue commemorating Maharaja Bijli Pasi."
Maharaja Bijli Pasi was a ruler, contemporary to King Prithviraj Chauhan of Delhi and Jaychand of Kannauj. His seat of power was Bijnaur, a village about 15 km from the city centre . It is said that Maharaja Bijli Pasi established the city in the memory of his mother- Bijnagarh, which later was called Bijnore (Incidentally, there is a district 400 kilometres from Lucknow by that name).The village has grown now into a small town. It can be said that in the time of Maharaja Bijli Pasi Lucknow did not exist as today and even the old Lucknow came much later.
Bijli Pasi is believed to have been in engaged in the battle of supremacy with Raja Jay Chand and Allha Udal. It is believed that he had continued battle with Allah Udal and attained martyrdom in 1194 while fighting him. With the ascendence of politics of Dalit assertion, the 12th century king has emerged as a political figure. The construction of boundary wall by Mayawati led BSP-BJP government in 1997 was seen as an attempt to tighten the hold of BSP amongst the Dalit Voters, over the past few years the BJP government has also tried to woo the community through various overtures and in that process, Saranya railway overbridge in Kaushambi was named after Maharaja Bijli Pasi.
He is said to have built 12 forts in and around Lucknow among which the most prominent fort stands at southern end of Lucknow city in Ashiana township. While one fort exists in Ayodhya, Rest forts do not exist even in remnants or in ruins.
Remnants of even this qila or fort at Bijnaur are no more than three naked pillars of uneven size on a mound of some height.
The crumbling pillars were safeguarded by BSP government in 1997 by constructing the boundary wall along the fore-walls of the qila, and entire thing given a look of a Park. The inside of the quila hardly looks like a fort as it is dotted by hillocks.
The fort is full of bushes and seems to be abused by encroachers and anti-social elements although the entry inside the fort premises is restricted. And the Park has fixed timings of opening and closing in morning and evening hours. The Bijli Pasi Qila is not a ‘protected’ monument under the umbrella of ASI.
The place has been visited by dignitaries like Chief Ministers and Union Ministers but no attempt has been made to declare it as a protected monument or a tourist site as suggested by some people.
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