Raja Narhar Khan

Raja Narhar Khan: The Founding Father of Kamsar-O-Bar

I. Introduction

Raja Narhar Khan, originally born as Narhar Dev Rao in the early 16th century, was a distinguished figure in the history of the Kamsar region, which spans parts of present-day Ghazipur district in Uttar Pradesh and Kaimur district in Bihar, India. A descendant of the Sikarwar Rajput lineage, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Kamsar estate and laying the foundation for what would become a significant Pathan community in the region.

II. Early Life and Lineage

Narhar Dev Rao was the eldest son of Puranmal Rao Sakarwar, a prominent Sikarwar Rajput chieftain. After the death of his mother, Puranmal remarried twice, resulting in six stepbrothers for Narhar. Family disputes and internal conflicts led to Narhar’s marginalization within his own household. Despite these challenges, he exhibited remarkable leadership qualities and resilience, gradually gaining prominence in his community.

III. Spiritual Transformation and Embrace of Islam

A significant turning point in Narhar’s life was his encounter with the Sufi saint Makhdum Sayyid Shah Juned Qadri. According to local legends, Narhar and his wife were childless, and upon seeking the saint’s blessings, they were promised five sons in exchange for five rotis. This prophecy came true, and the couple was blessed with five sons: Jahangir Khan, Barbal Khan, Baran Khan, Usman Khan, and Khan Jahan Khan. This miraculous event deepened Narhar’s inclination towards Islam. In 1542, while paying the annual revenue for his estate at the court of Sher Shah Suri, Narhar formally embraced Islam. Recognizing his leadership and military prowess, Sher Shah bestowed upon him the title “Khan-e-Alam” and permitted him to retain his ancestral lands. Narhar’s conversion, however, was met with resistance from his family, leading to further estrangement.

IV. Establishment of the Kamsar Estate

Following his disinheritance, Narhar was granted a portion of land near Kamesaradih by his father. Seizing this opportunity, he established a new jagir and constructed a fort in Kamesaradih in 1542. This fort became the nucleus of the Kamsar estate, and the region derived its name from this settlement. Under his leadership, the estate flourished, encompassing several villages and becoming a significant center of administration during the Mughal era.

V. Legacy and Descendants

Raja Narhar Khan’s legacy was carried forward by his five sons, who established numerous villages along the banks of the Karamnasa and Ganges rivers. His eldest son, Jahangir Khan, became a revered Sufi saint, with his tomb located in Akhini village. Other descendants, such as Quttul Khan and Daud Khan, played crucial roles in expanding and consolidating the Kamsar estate, establishing talukas like Seorai and Dewaitha, respectively.

VI. Conclusion

Narhar Khan passed away in the late 1580s and was buried near his fort in Kamesaradih. His story remains a testament to resilience, leadership, and the complex historical blending of Rajput and Pathan identities in northern India. As the patriarch of the Kamsar lineage, his legacy endures through the generations that followed, leaving a permanent imprint on the cultural and political landscape of the region.

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