Introduction
Banda District is located in the Chitrakoot Division of Uttar Pradesh with its headquarters at Banda. Banda District lies between latitudes 24 degree 53 minutes and 25 degree 55 minutes north and longitudes 80 degree 7 minutes and 81 degree 34 minutes east. It is bounded in the north by Fatehpur District in the east, by Chitrakoot in the west, by Hamirpur and Mahoba districts and in the south by Satna, Panna, and Chhatarapur districts of Madhya Pradesh.
History of Banda District
Banda District is named after its headquarters town, Banda, which is said to have derived its name from Bamdeo, a sage mentioned in Hindu mythology as a contemporary of Lord Rama. Bamdeo is said to have had his hermitage at the foot of a hill Bambeshwar near Khutla in Banda.
Ancient History of Banda District
Banda District can boast of a rich history going back to the remote antiquity. The stone implements and other remains found here prove the ancient history of Banda District. In prehistoric times the region seems to have been inhabited by primitive people, the Adivasis. As per the history of Banda District, the earliest known traditional ruler of this region was Yayati and the region was later named as Chedi-Desha.
Medieval History of Banda District
Further, history of Banda District states that around 4th century BC, this region seems to have been occupied by Nanda Empire of Magadh, which later formed the territory under Mauryan Empire till Ashoka`s death. Kushanas too ruled over this tract of land. The present district of Banda also shared the fruits of golden age under Gupta Empire and contributed towards peace and prosperity of central India. This region was later named Jejakbhukti or Jajhoti. For a short while this region was annexed by the Huns and then under Panduvamsi king Udayan. When famous king Harshavardhan (606 AD - 647 AD) established his supremacy over north India, this region was a part of this dominion. Lodi-sultans did occupy Kalinjar for a short while. After the death of Akbar, the region again became independent under local chiefs.
Modern History of Banda District
As per the history of Banda District, the treaty of Bassein in 1803 brought Banda legally under British rule although Nawabs of Banda resisted their entry throughout. It was in 1812 that Kalinjar came under British occupation. In March 1819 Banda town was made the headquarters of the newly created southern Bundelkhand District. The inhabitants of Banda District inspired by the incoming freedom fighters from eastern districts actively took part in the freedom struggle of the country. After facing great oppositions, British officers left Banda and Nawab declared himself to be independent. Subsequently, Nawab of Banda region not only organized his governance in Banda but also assisted the revolutionary efforts elsewhere in Bundelkhand. However, the British troops soon plundered Banda after defeating Nawab's army.
Mahatma Gandhi`s non-cooperation movement (1920) had a huge impact in the district. Mahatma Gandhi visited Banda in the year 1929. In 1930, civil disobedience movement started in Banda along with the rest of the country. On August 8, 1942 Quit India Movement was launched. Thus, the historical accounts suggest that Banda District played a significant role in the freedom struggle of India. In 1998, a new district, Chitrakoot was constituted with two tehsils namely Karwi and Mau. Banda District remained with four tehsils namely Banda, Baberu, Atarra and Naraini.
Culture of Banda District
Cultural traditions of Banda District are rich and diversified. The seasonal folk-songs commonly sung in the villages are Hori or Phag during spring, Malhar and Kajri in the rainy season. Women sing special songs for special occasions such as sohar (sung on the occasion of the birth of a child) or Mangla geet during marriage ceremony. Bhajan-Kirtan in a chorus accompanied with musical is very popular among the inhabitants of the district. A number of open air performances, combining the rural style of folk music and dancing with some national theme are a regular feature of rural life in this district. Nautanki and dramas based on mythology are often staged and attract large gatherings, particularly in the villages. A number of fairs are organized at different places and on different occasions in Banda District. Some of the popular fairs are Bhuragarh fair, Nawab Tank fair, Chilla fair, Bilgav fair, Kalinjar fair, Khatri Pahar fair and Tihramafi fair.
Education in Banda District
General education in Banda District includes education from the pre-junior basic or nursery stage to the University stage. The pattern and system of education is almost uniform all over the state of Uttar Pradesh. Education at junior and senior basic stage is based on Wardha scheme of education initiated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1937; state government of Uttar Pradesh adopted this with certain modifications in the year 1938. There are several institutions imparting education up to graduate and post-graduate levels in Banda District. Further, one Ayurvedic Medical College and one Government Polytechnic and one Industrial Technical Institute is functioning in Atarra. There were several Sanskrit Pathshalas in the district, all of which are affiliated to the Varanaseya Sanskrit Vishwa Vidyalaya, Varanasi. They impart education in Sanskrit literature, Vyakarana (grammar) and other areas.
Physical education forms part of the curriculum of almost all the educational institutions in the district. Training under the auspices of National Cadet Corps and the Bharat Scouts and Guides Association is also given in number of higher secondary institutions. District sports council is also functioning in the district the granted by the State government to promote sports activities in the district. Social Welfare Department of state government started a school for blind students.
Tourism in Banda District
Tourism in Banda District gives the opportunity to explore various sites of historical and religious importance. This district has a rich history associated with it and it gets reflected through its various historical sites. The tourist places of Banda District attract people from distant places.
Some of the popular places of interest of Banda District are mentioned below -
Pilgrimage Tourism in Banda District -
Bamdeo Temple: The temple is said to have derive its name from Bamdeo Rishi, a sage mentioned in Hindu mythology as a contemporary of Lord Rama. Bamdeo is said to have had his hermitage at the fort of a hill. There is one big and oldest Shivling, situated in the temple.
Maheshwari Devi Temple: This temple is situated at the heart of Banda city. It is one of the main attractions of this region.
Leisure Tourism in Banda District -
Kalinjar Fort: Kalinjar Fort is a historical fort situated in Banda District. This is one of the eight famous forts built by Chandela kings. Situated at the interface of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, this fort served as a great barrier for ambitious kings or invaders aiming towards south. This hill fort of Kalinjar is situated in the village of Tarahti under the Naraini Tehsil around 56 kms south of Banda. It stands on an isolated flat-topped hill of the Vindhya Range, which here rises to a height of 244 metres above the plain. The main body of the fort lies from east to west, quadrilateral in form, being nearly a mile in length by half a mile in breadth.
Bhuragarh Fort: Across Ken River there are ruins of Bhuragarh fort said to be built with brown stones by Raja Guman Singh in 17th Century. This place was main centre at the time of freedom struggle. A popular mela is organized in this place called 'Natbali Ka Mela'.
Rangarh Fort: Rangarh fort was built in the middle of the Ken River.
Nawab Tank: Nawab tank is situated about 3 kms south of Banda. This tank has been built by Nawab of Banda, and therefore it is known as Nawab Tank.
Four Stone Pillar at Kairada Village: Kairada village on the road from Banda to Mahoba, 15 km distant from Banda and 40 km from Mahoba. The foundation of the village was done in the Chandella period about 900 years ago. There is a tank situated here, which was built by special stone.
Nature Tourism in Banda District -
Khatri Pahar: Shydha a small village lies about 24 km distant from Banda close to the ken river. Nearby is Khatri Pahar that is 259 meters above the sea level. On its top there is a small temple dedicated to Angleshwari Devi.
Banda District is linked with roadways to all the adjoining districts of Kanpur, Allahabad, Chitrakoot, Fatehpur District, Hamirpur, Mahoba and the adjoining districts of Madhya Pradesh.
