Raja Deendar Khan

Raja Muhammad Deendar Khan: Founder of Dildarnagar and Pioneer of Kamsar’s Syncretic Legacy

I. Introduction

Raja Muhammad Deendar Khan, originally known as Kunwar Naval Singh, was a significant historical figure in the Kamsar region of present-day Ghazipur district, Uttar Pradesh. His life and legacy are marked by his conversion to Islam, establishment of Dildarnagar, and contributions to the region’s architectural and cultural heritage.

II. Early Life and Conversion

Kunwar Naval Singh hailed from the Sikarwar Rajput lineage and resided in Samohta village, located in the Chainpur tehsil of Bihar. In the 1660s, during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, Naval Singh’s brother, Miya Danish Khan, caught the emperor’s attention and was adopted by him in 1674. This association led the entire family to relocate to Lahore, where they embraced Islam. Upon conversion, Kunwar Naval Singh took the name Muhammad Deendar Khan.

III. Establishment of Dildarnagar

On 16 July 1698, Raja Deendar Khan purchased the village of Akhanda in the Ghazipur district for 592 Alamgiri coins. He established a settlement there, naming it Deendarnagar after himself. Over time, due to British mispronunciation, the name evolved to Dildarnagar in 1839. Raja Deendar Khan was appointed as the jagirdar of parganas Chainpur, Zamania, and Chausa, solidifying his administrative influence in the region.

IV. Architectural Contributions

Raja Deendar Khan was instrumental in developing the infrastructure of Dildarnagar. Between 1699 and 1705, he constructed the Shahi Masjid (Jama Masjid) and an Eidgah in the town. In 1710, he reconstructed the Rani Sagar tank, a significant water reservoir named after Queen Damayanti, enhancing the town’s water management system.

V. Military Engagements and Legacy

During the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Alam I, on 16 Muharram 1122 Hijri (approximately 1710–11 CE), Raja Deendar Khan’s son, Kunwar Dheer Singh (also known as Muhammad Bahrmand Khan), who served as the faujdar of Chainpur, was killed in a battle against a rebellious former faujdar of Chausa. This conflict, influenced by Moatsim Khan, the faujdar of Ghazipur, led to the looting of several villages and desecration of religious sites. The bravery of Bahrmand Khan and his companions is commemorated at the Kuttul Khan Mosque in Seorai, where their graves are located.

VI. British Period and Modern Developments

The British established the Dildarnagar Junction Railway Station in 1862, enhancing the town’s connectivity. By 1879, Dildarnagar was officially recognized as a town. In the 1890s, the Fatehpur Bazaar, initially part of Usia village, was incorporated into Dildarnagar, further expanding its commercial significance.

VII. Cultural Significance

Dildarnagar, originally Deendarnagar, stands as a testament to the syncretic culture of the region, reflecting the harmonious blend of Rajput and Mughal influences. The town’s history is preserved through its architectural landmarks and the continued remembrance of figures like Raja Deendar Khan, who played a pivotal role in shaping its identity.

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