Bachhil Rajputs of Badaun

Abstract

The Bachhil Rajputs who are now a minor group pre-dating the major Rajput group have managed to achieve superiority over almost all the pre-Rajput tribes of north India and the pre-Bachil Rajput tribes like the Bhars, Bharthaars, Bhuihars, Bhils were displaced. Regarding the martial skills and castle making the Bachhils played significant role in the formation of historical path of Shahjahanpur and Badaun. Itself a monument of historical significance, Jalalabad Fort has twenty-five feet high walls, which in those days were a symbol of invincibility – a structure now associated with the Chandelas after Jalaluddin Khilji renamed the city. Though put up stiff oppositions at the hands of Akbar during and Shahjahan the Bachhils suffered heavy reverses losing thousands of men under Diler Khan.They kept on fighting through the example of the Bachhil brothers of Myau who fought very fiercely during the Revolt of 1857. In a battle with the Chauhan leaders, they were defeated, but the songs that have been sung to the tune of last breath rendered by them became songs of Bachhil lineage to eternity. The factors which are discussed in this article include genealogy and pedigree of the Bachhils with special consideration of the current and future subordination and the tales of bravery that the Bachhils continue to pass on.