Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will inaugurate the Maharaja Suheldev Memorial in Bahraich on June 10th. Located on the banks of the Chitaura Lake, this memorial will symbolize the historic victory day and valor fair.
UP News: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will inaugurate the newly constructed Maharaja Suheldev Memorial on June 10th at the historic Chitaura Lake in Bahraich. The memorial, built at a cost of approximately ₹39.49 crore, features a 40-foot-tall statue of Maharaja Suheldev depicted on horseback with a spear and bow.
Valor Fair to be Organized, Led by Om Prakash Rajbhar
Om Prakash Rajbhar, the leader of the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (Subhaspa) and a minister in the UP government, will also participate in the event. His party is organizing a valor fair (Shaurya Mela) to commemorate Maharaja Suheldev's historic victory and the local cultural heritage. This fair is celebrated annually.
Who was Maharaja Suheldev?
Maharaja Suheldev was a valiant warrior from Shravasti and the ruler of the Bahraich region. When Mahmud of Ghazni attacked the Somnath Temple, undermining the nation's integrity, Suheldev rallied tribal communities like the Banjaras and Tharus, employing guerrilla warfare tactics. Under his leadership, Indian forces prevented foreign invaders from entering the Awadh region for decades.
Decisive Battle with Sayyid Salar Masud Ghazi
Later, Sayyid Salar Masud Ghazi, Mahmud of Ghazni's nephew and commander, marched towards Bahraich with a large army from Delhi. After winning the Battle of Meerut, he attacked Bahraich. To counter this threat, Maharaja Suheldev forged an alliance with smaller kings from various regions including Lakhimpur, Sitapur, Lucknow, and Barabanki.
Historic Battle at Chitaura Lake
This historic battle was fought on the banks of Chitaura Lake. Due to Maharaja Suheldev's strategic skill and the unity of his forces, his army defeated Masud's powerful army. Salar Masud died after the battle and was buried there. A shrine now stands at that location, where the Ghazi Mian Mela is held annually.
Hindu Organizations Begin Celebrating Victory Day
June 10th is observed as Victory Day to commemorate Maharaja Suheldev's historic victory. For years, Hindu organizations and social groups have celebrated this day as a symbol of the Maharaja's valor. This tradition is now taking on a grander scale with the completion of his memorial on the banks of Chitaura Lake.
