Bareilly History: Nestled in the heart of Uttar Pradesh, the bustling city of Bareilly is often dubbed as ‘Nath Nagri’ (the City of Lord Shiva) and a major economic hub. But beneath its modern facade of crowded markets and thriving industries lies a historical tapestry of breathtaking depth and drama. The history of Bareilly is not a mere chronological record; it is an epic saga spanning millennia, woven with threads of ancient mythology, formidable empires, resilient warrior clans, colonial resistance, and cultural renaissance.
To understand Bareilly is to embark on a journey through time—a journey that begins in the mists of the Mahabharata era and continues vibrantly into the 21st century. This comprehensive guide will unravel the complete history of Bareilly, exploring its legendary origins, its pivotal role under various dynasties, and the events that shaped its unique identity. We will delve beyond the textbooks to uncover the stories of the people, the architecture, and the spirit that defines this fascinating region.
1. The Dawn of Civilization: Bareilly in the Ancient Era
The Mythological Foundations: Ahichchhatra and the Serpent Sacrifice
Long before it was called Bareilly, this land was steeped in divine legend. The name of the ancient capital, Ahichchhatra, translates to “the canopy of serpents.” According to Hindu mythology, this is the very site where Lord Krishna, the divine hero of the Mahabharata, subdued the serpent demon king, Kaliya. The legend narrates that after a dramatic dance on Kaliya’s hoods, Krishna spared his life but banished him from the Yamuna River. It is said that the serpents (Nagas) who accompanied Kaliya raised their hoods to form a canopy over Krishna, thus giving the place its sacred name, Ahichchhatra.
This mythological connection is not just a story; it is the bedrock of Bareilly’s spiritual identity, linking it directly to the core of Hindu religious consciousness.
The Archaeological Evidence: Panchala Kingdom and the Mahabharata Connection
Moving from mythology to recorded history, the region finds its proud place in the great Indian epic, the Mahabharata. Ahichchhatra served as the capital of the Northern Panchala Kingdom, one of the most powerful tribal republics (Janapadas) of ancient India. The Panchalas were key allies of the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra War. The epic mentions Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, being the princess of Panchala, daughter of King Drupada.
The archaeological site of Ahichchhatra, located in present-day Aonla tehsil of Bareilly district, provides tangible proof of this glorious past. Excavations conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have revealed a sequence of human habitation dating back to at least 1500-1000 BCE, starting with the Painted Grey Ware (PGW) culture, which is archaeologically associated with the later Vedic period and epics like the Mahabharata.
Ahichchhatra: A Glimpse into an Ancient Power Center
The ruins of Ahichchhatra sprawl over an area of approximately 5.5 square kilometers, making it one of the largest ancient sites in India. The excavations have uncovered:
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Massive Fortifications: The city was protected by a huge earthen rampart and a later brick fortification, indicating its strategic importance.
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Temple Architecture: Remains of several ancient temples, including a large Shiva temple, have been found, showcasing the Nagara style of architecture. The intricately carved terracotta panels found here are considered some of the finest examples of ancient Indian art.
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Structured Urban Planning: Evidence of well-laid streets, residential complexes, and public drainage systems points to a highly advanced urban center.
Ahichchhatra continued to be a significant city through the Mauryan and Gupta periods, with findings of Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) and Gupta-era coins testifying to its prolonged prosperity. For anyone seeking the origins of Bareilly’s history, a visit to the quiet, sprawling mounds of Ahichchhatra is a pilgrimage to the very beginning.
2. The Medieval Transformations: Buddhism, Janapadas, and Early Kingdoms
Following the decline of the Panchala kingdom, the region of Bareilly did not fade into obscurity. It seamlessly transitioned into the next phases of Indian history.
Bareilly as a Buddhist Centre
While the region was a stronghold of Vedic and Brahmanical traditions, it also warmly embraced Buddhism. The Chinese traveler and Buddhist scholar Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang), who visited India in the 7th century CE during the reign of King Harshavardhana, recorded his travels through this part of the country. He mentioned visiting a district called “Po-li-ye-to” (believed to be the old name for Bareilly) and noted the presence of several Buddhist monasteries and stupas, housing thousands of monks. This indicates that Bareilly was a vibrant center for Buddhist learning and philosophy, coexisting with its Hindu traditions.
The Rise and Fall of Local Dynasties
The medieval period saw the region being contested by various local dynasties after the fall of the Guptas. It came under the control of the Maukharis and later the Gurjara-Pratiharas, who were the dominant power in North India from the 8th to the 11th centuries. The Pratiharas were great patrons of art and architecture, and their influence can be traced in the stylistic evolution of the temples in the region.
This era was characterized by a constant churn of power, with local chieftains and Rajput clans often asserting their autonomy. This period of flux set the stage for the next great transformation: the arrival of the Delhi Sultanate and, subsequently, the Mughals.
3. The Mughal Epoch: Bareilly as a Sarkar
With the establishment of the Mughal Empire, Bareilly was systematically integrated into the imperial administrative framework. During the reign of the great emperor Akbar, as documented in his monumental work, the Ain-i-Akbari, Bareilly was listed as a Sarkar (district) within the Subah (province) of Delhi.
Administration and Infrastructure under Akbar
Under the Mughals, the region saw significant development. The fertile plains of Rohilkhand, watered by the Ramganga and other rivers, became a major producer of food grains, contributing substantially to the empire’s revenue. The Mughals built roads and caravanserais, improving connectivity and trade. The administrative focus, however, remained on the ancient site of Aonla (near Ahichchhatra), which was the primary urban center.
The Foundation of Modern Bareilly: Mukrand Rai and the Qila of Bareilly
The pivotal moment in the founding of the modern city of Bareilly occurred in 1657, towards the end of Emperor Shah Jahan’s rule. A local chieftain named Mukrand Rai is credited with establishing the city we know today. He built a formidable fort, the Qila of Bareilly, and a reservoir known as Mukrand Tal, around which the city began to grow.
Mukrand Rai’s fort became the nucleus of a new urban settlement. He also constructed the Dhopeshwar Nath Temple, a shrine that remains one of the most important religious sites in the city, further cementing Bareilly’s spiritual significance. This act of city-founding transformed Bareilly from a cluster of villages into a defined urban and strategic military center, setting the stage for its dramatic role in the 18th century.
4. The Age of the Rohillas: Forging a Path of Their Own
The 18th century in North India was a period of great turmoil following the decline of the Mughal Empire. It was in this power vacuum that the Rohillas, a group of proud and martial Pashtun tribesmen, rose to prominence and left an indelible mark on Bareilly’s history.
The Arrival of Ali Mohammed Khan
The architect of Rohilla power was Ali Mohammed Khan. Originally a mercenary soldier, he gathered a band of Rohilla Afghans and, through a combination of military prowess and political acumen, began to carve out a territory for himself. By the 1740s, he had established his control over the entire region, which came to be known as Rohilkhand (the land of the Rohillas), with Bareilly as its capital.
Ali Mohammed Khan was not just a warrior; he was a capable administrator. He established a robust revenue system, maintained a disciplined army, and ensured law and order. Under his rule, Bareilly flourished as the capital of a powerful and independent state, attracting traders, scholars, and artisans.
The Rohilla Kingdom: Administration, Culture, and Power
The Rohilla court in Bareilly became a center of Afghan culture and Islamic learning. The Rohillas were known for their bravery, their intricate code of honor (Pukhtunwali), and their patronage of architecture. They built mosques, gardens, and palaces, many of which, though in ruins today, speak of a bygone era of grandeur.
The kingdom, however, faced constant external threats, primarily from the neighboring Nawabs of Awadh and the increasingly influential British East India Company.
The First Rohilla War and the Treaty of 1774
The death of Ali Mohammed Khan led to a succession struggle and internal strife, weakening the Rohilla state. The Nawab of Awadh, Shuja-ud-Daula, saw this as an opportunity to annex Rohilkhand. He formed an alliance with the British East India Company, which was eager to curb any independent power in the region.
This led to the First Rohilla War in 1774. The combined forces of Awadh and the British defeated the Rohillas decisively at the Battle of Miranpur Katra. The Rohilla leader, Hafiz Rahmat Khan Barech, died a hero’s death on the battlefield.
The subsequent treaty forced the Rohillas to pay a massive indemnity and cede a large part of their territory. While a much-reduced Rohilla principality was allowed to continue under Faizullah Khan, the real power now shifted to the British, who had established themselves as the kingmakers. This event was a critical turning point, not just for Bareilly but for the entire political landscape of North India, marking the beginning of direct British political intervention in the region.
5. Bareilly Under the British Raj: Resistance, Rebellion, and Reformation
After the Rohilla War, Bareilly was technically under the Nawab of Awadh, but the British Resident held de facto control. This period of indirect rule lasted until 1801, when the British East India Company formally annexed Rohilkhand, bringing Bareilly directly under its administration.
The Company Bahadur Takes Control
The British introduced their own system of administration, focusing on land revenue settlement (the Permanent Settlement) and establishing a network of courts and police. While this brought a degree of stability, it also led to the disenfranchisement of many old aristocratic families and increased the tax burden on peasants. Bareilly became an important military cantonment, and the presence of a large number of Indian sepoys in the British army became a significant feature of the city.
The Revolt of 1857: Bareilly as a Major Seat of the Rebellion
Bareilly exploded onto the national stage during the great uprising of 1857, the First War of Indian Independence. The city became one of the most important and formidable centers of the rebellion in North India.
The sepoys in Bareilly mutinied on May 31, 1857. They were soon joined by the civilian population, disgruntled landlords, and the dispossessed Rohilla nobility. The rebels needed a leader of stature, and they found one in Khan Bahadur Khan Rohilla, the grandson of the great Hafiz Rahmat Khan.
Khan Bahadur Khan Rohilla and the Provisional Government
Khan Bahadur Khan established a provisional government in Bareilly, declaring himself the Viceroy of the Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar. He annulled the British land revenue settlements, appointed his own officials, and even minted coins in the name of the Emperor. For nearly a year, Bareilly was free of British rule.
Khan Bahadur Khan’s administration, however, faced immense challenges, including financial constraints and internal disagreements. The British, after recapturing Delhi and Lucknow, turned their attention to Bareilly. In May 1858, a powerful British force under Sir Colin Campbell marched on the city. The rebel army fought bravely but was ultimately defeated in the Battle of Bareilly.
Aftermath of the Revolt and the Consolidation of British Power
The recapture of Bareilly was followed by brutal reprisals. Khan Bahadur Khan was captured and executed. The British dismantled the power structure of the old Rohilla families and tightened their control over the city and the region. The events of 1857, however, cemented Bareilly’s reputation as a city of fearless resistance.
In the subsequent decades, Bareilly settled into its role as an important administrative and military center of the British Raj. The introduction of the railway in the late 19th century connected it to major cities like Delhi and Kolkata, spurring commercial growth and making it a key node in the colonial economic network.
6. The Cultural and Religious Tapestry of Bareilly
Beyond politics and war, Bareilly’s history is richly defined by its spiritual and cultural evolution.
The Rise of the Nath Panth and the Alakh Niranjan Movement
Bareilly is renowned as Nath Nagri, primarily due to the presence of the ancient Dhopeshwar Nath Temple, believed to have been established by Mukrand Rai. The city is a major center for the Nath Panth, a Shaivite yogic tradition. The most iconic cultural element of Bareilly is the cry of “Alakh Niranjan!” which echoes through the city, especially during the festival of Shahi Julus (a procession for Lord Shiva). This chant, meaning “I behold the Pure, Formless One,” is the salutation of the Nath yogis and has become the spiritual heartbeat of the city.
Bareilly as a Centre of Islamic Scholarship
Simultaneously, Bareilly emerged as a significant center for Islamic reform and scholarship in the 19th and 20th centuries. It is the headquarters of the Barelvi movement, a movement of Sunni Islam founded by Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Qadri (1856-1921). The movement emphasizes the love and sanctity of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad and has millions of followers across the Indian subcontinent and beyond. The Ala Hazrat Dargah and the Islamic seminary associated with it are major landmarks and centers of learning, attracting devotees and scholars from all over the world.
This unique synthesis—where the chants of “Alakh Niranjan” coexist with the calls to prayer from numerous mosques—defines the unique communal harmony and cultural composite of Bareilly.
7. Bareilly in the 20th Century: Freedom Struggle and Beyond
The spirit of resistance that defined Bareilly in 1857 continued into the 20th century during the Indian freedom struggle. The city actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22) and the Quit India Movement (1942). Many local leaders emerged, leading protests, boycotts, and facing imprisonment.
Post-independence in 1947, Bareilly faced the challenges of Partition, witnessing an influx of refugees from Pakistan. The resilient spirit of the city helped in the successful rehabilitation of these populations. The city gradually expanded beyond its old boundaries, and the establishment of industrial estates and educational institutions marked its transition into a modern urban center.
8. The Modern Metropolis: Bareilly Today
Today, Bareilly is a bustling metropolis, the seventh-largest city in Uttar Pradesh. It is a major hub for the wooden furniture and cane industry, often called the “Wood City of India.” Its products are exported across the country and internationally. It is also a significant trade center for crops like wheat, paddy, and sugarcane from the fertile Rohilkhand plains.
Preserving the Past: Historical Landmarks You Must Visit
For the history enthusiast, Bareilly offers a living museum of its past:
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Ahichchhatra: The ancient ruins are a must-visit for anyone interested in archaeology and the Mahabharata era.
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Dhopeshwar Nath Temple: The heart of the city’s spiritual life.
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Ala Hazrat Dargah: A magnificent example of Islamic architecture and a center of global Islamic scholarship.
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Fun City & Zoopark: Representing the modern, recreational face of the city.
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The Company Gardens (Gandhi Udyan): A remnant of the British era, providing a green lung to the city.
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The Bareilly Fort (Qila): Though only remnants remain, the site where Mukrand Rai laid the city’s foundation is of immense historical importance.
For a deeper dive into the archaeological findings of the region, you can explore the resources at the Archaeological Survey of India official website: https://asi.nic.in/
To understand the global impact of the Islamic scholarship originating from here, you can visit: https://www.alahazratnetwork.org/
For a broader context on the history of Uttar Pradesh and the Rohilkhand region, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism department provides excellent resources: https://www.uptourism.gov.in/
9. Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Bareilly
The history of Bareilly is a microcosm of the history of North India itself. It is a story of layers—ancient upon medieval, Mughal upon Rohilla, colonial upon post-colonial. From the mythical serpents of Ahichchhatra to the valiant Rohilla horsemen and the rebellious sepoys of 1857, the city has continually reinvented itself while holding onto the core of its identity.
Its unique cultural fabric, woven from the threads of the Alakh Niranjan chant and the teachings of Ala Hazrat, makes it a fascinating study in harmony. As Bareilly charges forward into the 21st century as a commercial and industrial powerhouse, it carries the weight and wisdom of its extraordinary past. To know Bareilly’s history is to understand the resilience, faith, and indomitable spirit that have shaped this land for over three thousand years. It is not just a city; it is a living, breathing chronicle of India’s enduring saga.
