Bamrauli - Pargana Chail

Road towards Village Bamhrauli 

Alley

At the top once stood the "Mahal" the original abode of  Hashmis

House of Chaudhari Habban Marhoom

Turns in the village

The 7th Century Hijri Mosque as seen from a distance

Well maintained mosque from Inside

Inside the mosque

 Doorways 

Fields as seen from the Mosque

7th Century Pillars in the mosque

Wheat Crop

Exactly at the steps of Mosque

One fine morning at Bamhrauli - Sehar ka Waqt

Far you see the Ganges

The simple Mausoleum of Makhdoom Sahib

The encomapssing Neem Tree in Hashmi House

Fuzail Hashmi at Hashmi House

Marhoom Jb Abdul Hameed Hashmi - Middan Chaudhary

Mr.Fuzail Hashmi & Nufail Hashmi at Hashmi House Bamrauli

Fields !

Bamrauli is one of the most famous villages in Allahabad located on the right bank of River Ganga. It falls under Tehsil -Sadar , District - Allahabad today but It used to be a part of Pargana Chail in Dist Allahabad before the bifurcation of Allahabad into two parts creating a new district named Kaushambi. 

Similarly Bamrauli is also known to be into two parts, namely Bamrauli Uparhar and Bamrauli Kachhar. The propulation in 1951 is as follows , taken from a book compiled by Rajeshwari Prasad.ICS in 1951.

Name & Origin

Bamrauli appears to be one of the oldest inhabited villages in Pargana Chail. It is not surprising keeping in view its ideal location on the banks of Ganges and lying close to the Teerth Raj Prayag, the centuries old greatest pilgrimage centre of Hindus. It is also believed to be the first Muslim settlement in the environs of the modern city of Allahabad, adding to its cultural and historical significance. The village has long supported a large population, with lands stretching from the riverbanks to the outskirts of the Air Force Station and even beyond. Today, this very station and the city’s only functional airport bear the name Bamrauli Airport. Historically, all these lands once belonged to the zamindars of Bamhrauli, underscoring the village’s former prominence..

Local legend tells of a local chief, Rajah Brahmdeo, who centuries ago ruled over the village and its surrounding lands. In his honor, the settlement was originally called Brahma-rauli. Over time, through the natural evolution of language and usage, the name shifted to Bamhrauli. In modern times, it is commonly referred to as Bamrauli, though many consider Bamhrauli to be the historically correct spelling.

Makhdoom Shah of Bamhrauli

Here rests a saint of great spiritual stature, Makhdoom Shaikh Imaduddin Ismail, who journeyed from Multan at the close of the 7th Century Hijri. Upon his arrival, he pitched his tents on a hillock near the sacred Ganges, choosing a life of peace, prayer, and deep meditation.

In time, his reputation for piety and wisdom spread far beyond the boundaries of the village. Devotees and seekers from distant places began to visit him, drawn by his spiritual presence and teachings. (See Aaaine-i-Awadh)

The local Rajah, perceiving the saint as a potential threat to his estate and authority, arrogantly demanded that Makhdoom Ismail leave the area. Yet, according to legend, miraculous events unfolded that subdued the Rajah’s pride. Overwhelmed by the saint’s spiritual power, the Rajah himself was compelled to abandon the village with his family.

The story further recounts that the Rajah went on to establish another settlement named Bamhrauli, several miles away along the Kanpur–Fatehpur Road. Remarkably, that village still bears the same name today, preserving the memory of this extraordinary encounter between worldly power and spiritual devotion.

Based on historical research, Makhdoom Shaikh Imaduddin Ismail of Bamhrauli is considered the earliest saint to have settled in Prayag (modern Allahabad). A grandson of the renowned Shaikh-ul-Islam Baha’uddin Zakaria Multani (Rah), he is believed to have arrived between 670–690 Hijri at divine inspiration, journeying from Multan to the banks of the sacred Ganges.

Upon his arrival, he established a hermitage and erected a mosque close to the river. This mosque, built alongside his place of meditation, became a center of spiritual devotion and guidance. His reputation soon spread across the region, drawing seekers from near and far. Among his most celebrated disciples was Shah Karak Majzoob of Kara (Sirathu), a highly revered figure in medieval Indian history.

The tomb of Makhdoom Sahib, located within the courtyard of the mosque he founded, remains intact to this day. It continues to be a site of quiet veneration. Although no formal rituals such as Urs are observed here, knowledgeable devotees and locals occasionally visit to pay their respects, keeping alive the memory of his spiritual legacy.

The spiritual legacy of Makhdoom Shaikh Imaduddin Ismail of Bamhrauli extends beyond his own tomb. His wife is also buried nearby, in a small tomb located about a furlong away from his resting place. This lies within the largest cemetery of Pargana Chail, an expansive burial ground covering 99 bighas, reserved solely for interments. Her shrine is locally known as the Barah Dari, and it remains a site of quiet reverence within the community.
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The District Gazetteer of Allahabad (1911) provides documentary confirmation of Makhdoom Sahib’s arrival in Prayag;-

The Hashmis of Bamhrauli, sometimes referred to as the Makhdoomzadas or later as the Chaudharis of Bamhrauli, trace their noble descent to Makhdoom Shah Ismail. Their lineage is deeply rooted in the spiritual and historical legacy of Makhdoom Shaikh Imaduddin Ismail of Bamhrauli, whose presence in Prayag became the fountainhead of reverence and respect that his descendants enjoyed for centuries.

The persona of Makhdoom Sahib—marked by piety, scholarship, and spiritual authority—established a reputation that elevated his family’s standing across generations. His descendants, first known as Makhdoomzadas and later recognized as Chaudharis, were consistently held in high esteem not only by the local populace but also by rulers and kings. This enduring respect reflected both their spiritual heritage and their role as influential figures in the social and political fabric of the region.

The Chaudharis of Bamhrauli and their Zamindari

Between the 7th and 10th Century Hijri, the Makhdoomzadas—descendants of Makhdoom Shaikh Imaduddin Ismail—were primarily engaged in religious and social pursuits. They carried forward traditions of learning, teaching, and spiritual guidance, earning respect and influence in the region.

However, their role shifted dramatically with the consolidation of Mughal authority. When the Mughals replaced Kara with Allahabad as the seat of the governorate, Emperor Akbar established the Subah of Ilahabas. To strengthen his control, he enlisted the support of select local families. Between 1580–1600, Akbar conferred the title of Chaudhari upon a branch of the Makhdoomzadas of Bamhrauli, entrusting them with vast territorial responsibilities.

From that moment, the family’s scholarly and spiritual pursuits gave way to growing social clout and political influence. Year by year, their authority expanded, transforming them from religious guides into social magnates. No socio-religious movement or political struggle in the region was considered effective unless it had the endorsement of the Chaudharis of Bamhrauli. Thus, the descendants of Makhdoom Sahib—the Hashmis of Bamhrauli—emerged as the most vibrant and influential family in Pargana Chail

By the early 20th century, the Chaudharis of Bamhrauli had consolidated their position as the strongest family in Chail. The historian C.A. Bayly, in his seminal work The Local Roots of Indian Politics, aptly described their dominance, noting how their local authority and networks of patronage shaped the political and social landscape of the region.

Book       :The local roots of Indian politics: Allahabad, 1880-1920

Author     :Christopher Alan Bayly

The Bamhrauli family enjoyed the patronage of the emperors of Delhi across centuries, which allowed them to accumulate vast tracts of land. Their holdings began during the Tughlaq and Lodhi eras, steadily increasing after each bandobast (land settlement).

When Akbar created Pargana Chail, Bamrauli was elevated to the status of a headquarter of a taluqa. At this time, the title of Chaudhary was conferred upon one of the family’s branch-heads, marking the pinnacle of their supremacy. From then on, the family’s influence was firmly entrenched, and their estates flourished.

This privileged position continued under the Awadh kings, but the tide turned in 1857, during the freedom struggle. The Chaudharis of Bamhrauli were charged with sedition, and as a consequence, nearly three-fourths of the Bamhrauli estate was confiscated. Despite this setback, their legacy as one of the most influential landholding families in Allahabad remained intact.

Much of the land where Bamrauli Airport and its adjoining villages now stand was once owned by the Bamhrauli family. The airport was constructed in 1919, linking Allahabad to the wider world by air. For a time, Bamrauli held international status: until 1935, it operated direct flights to London, a remarkable feat that underscored Allahabad’s importance in colonial India.

This transformation—from zamindari lands to a modern aviation hub—illustrates the enduring strategic value of Bamrauli’s location, bridging its historical legacy with its modern identity.

Book         :Town planning regeneration of cities
Author : Ashutosh Joshi
Publisher :New India Publishing, 2008

Famous Persons

While Makhdoom Shah Imaduddin Ismail and his sons deserve a separate chapter for their immense spiritual contributions, Bamhrauli has also produced several other notable figures whose influence shaped both the religious and political life of the region.

• Shah Gada Sahib (15th Century) A renowned religious saint whose piety and teachings left a lasting impression on the spiritual landscape of Bamhrauli.

• Shah Fida Sahib (16th Century) A highly respected religious figure, remembered for his devotion and guidance during a period of growing cultural and political change.

• Chaudhary Shaikh Ibrahim, Urf Tidi Shah (18th Century) A powerful magnate of his time, he embodied the transformation of the family from purely spiritual guides into influential social and political leaders. His authority extended across Pargana Chail, reinforcing the family’s prominence.

• Chaudhary Shahab-ud-din (19th Century) One of the most important leaders of the 1857 uprising, he stood as a close aide to Maulvi Liaqat Ali of Mahgaon, a central figure in the rebellion. His defiance against colonial rule came at a heavy cost: his property was confiscated, and he was executed by hanging. His martyrdom remains a powerful reminder of Bamhrauli’s role in India’s first war of independence.

Chaudhari Mohammad Musa Mukhtar, Mohammad Isa , Chaudhary Mohammad Aala, Chaudhary Ummed Ali , Ahmad Ali, Chaudhary Paighambar Bakhsh, Chaudhary Mohammad Khalid, Chaudhary Ubaid-ur-Rahman, Shafee-ur-Rahman, Rafee'ud'deen ,Kabeer'ud'deen etc were the famous persons for the late century.

The prominence of the Chaudharis of Bamhrauli extended well into the modern era. Among the elites of early 20th-century Allahabad, Chaudhari Jamaluddin, along with his brother Chaudhari Kamaluddin, stood out as highly respected figures. Jamaluddin was a nominated member of the Municipal Board of Allahabad, representing Bamrauli and reinforcing the family’s longstanding role in civic and political affairs.

This tradition of leadership continued into the next generation. His son, Chaudhari Hamid, served as an honorary special magistrate and emerged as a major landholder in the post-partition era. His position reflected both the enduring influence of the family and their ability to adapt to the changing socio-political landscape of independent India.

Chaudhary Hamid Sahib Marhoom with his friends (senior officials of Allahabad)

Book       :The local roots of Indian politics: Allahabad, 1880-1920

Author     :Christopher Alan Bayly , Page 174

Among the notable figures of modern Bamhrauli was Chaudhari Middan Marhoom (Abdul Hameed Hashmi) as well as Chaudhari Habban Sahib Marhoom. As the elected Pradhan, Chaudhri Middan emerged as one of the most influential personalities of the village, widely respected across Chail for his leadership, social standing, and ability to represent the community’s interests. His role reflected the enduring prominence of the Hashmi family in local governance and society.

After the partition of India in 1947, the family’s influence extended beyond Allahabad. One of Chaudhari Middan’s sons, Nadeem Shaheen Suharwardi, distinguished himself through his political acumen and social service in Sindh, Pakistan. His contributions to the welfare of the people earned him widespread admiration, and he continues to be remembered in Sindh as a figure of spiritual reverence, regarded by many as a saintly personality.

The Magazine ORIENT gave a detailed life sketch of Nadeem Shaheen Suharwardy from Bamrauli with excerpts as follows:-

Chaudhari Hidayat-ur Rahman S/o Habban Miyan Marhoom

In the post‑partition era, Chaudhari Habeeb‑ur‑Rahman (Habban) emerged as one of the well‑known figures of Bamrauli. His influence and standing in the community reflected the enduring prominence of the Hashmi/Chaudhari lineage, which had shaped the social and political fabric of the region for centuries.

His legacy continued through his sons:

• Hameed‑ur‑Rahman – residing in Allahabad, carrying forward the family’s presence in the city.

• Hidayat‑ur‑Rahman – also based in Allahabad, maintaining the family’s ties to the region.

• Zia‑ur‑Rahman – who still resides in the ancestral house in Bamrauli, symbolizing the family’s unbroken connection to its historic roots.

Today Bamhrauli is known for Fuzail Hashmi as well, a son of Chaudhari Abdul Hameed who is a prominent leader of Congress in Allahabad. His elder brother Zafar Saeed Hashmi was an advocate.

Ch.Hameed ur Rahman

Marriages

The Makhdoomzadas of Bamhrauli maintained a distinct tradition of marriage alliances that reflected both their spiritual lineage and their social standing.

• Early Alliances: Initially, they married exclusively into the family of Makhdoom Shaban al‑Millat Bayabani and his descendants. These two families were regarded as the oldest in Prayag, bound together by their shared heritage and ancestral ties to Multan.

• Expansion to Kara–Manikpur: In later centuries, as their influence grew, the Makhdoomzadas began to form alliances with the elite families of Kara–Manikpur, further strengthening their social and political networks.

• Blue‑Blooded Prestige: Highly regarded as one of the few “blue‑blooded” lineages of the region, they particularly sought alliances with Khanwadas—descendants of saints and saintly figures—ensuring that their marriages reinforced both noble descent and spiritual prestige.

From the 16th century onward, as noble Shaikh and Sayyid families began to populate Pargana Chail, the Bamrauli family gradually confined their marriage alliances to this region. This tradition of marrying within Pargana Chail persisted for centuries without change, reflecting their desire to preserve lineage, influence, and local cohesion.

Once the family gained the title of Chaudhari under Mughal patronage, their alliances naturally extended to families of similar status. They married into the Chaudhries of Behka, Barethi, Makhaupur, Bisauna, and other prominent estates, consolidating their position as one of the most influential zamindari families in the region.

Other branches of the family, who did not hold the Chaudhari title, maintained selective alliances with respected religious and noble families, including:

• Sayyids of Kakrapurwa (across the Ganges)

• Sayyids of Ujhini and Jhusi

• Shaikhs of Pawan, Puraini, and Behka

These marriages were carefully chosen, with a limited number of villages forming a closed circle of exchange, ensuring that the sanctity of lineage and prestige was preserved.

Branches & Offshoots 

Amongst the Chaudharis of Bamrauli, a lot of branches sprang out and the details is as follows:-

The line of Chaudhari Imam Baksh.

Chaudhari Muhammad Aala  had a son named Chaudhari Basheeruddin

Chaudhari Rafiuddin whose son was Kabiruddin who had a son Sharfuddin who first shifted to Shaikhpur and then his descendants migrated to Pakistan. Ahmad Kabir son of Chaudhari Sharfuddin represents the same family. Ahmad Kabir Hashmi has Mohammad Arsalan Hashmi (Bata) and Mohammad Asad Hashmi (Poland).

Ahmad Kabir Hashmi

Chaudhari Muhammad Isa whose descendants are Khalil ur Rahman Saeed ur Rahman ,Ubaid ur Rahman and Shafi ur Rahman – Now Saeed Ur Rahman had Nabi Ur Rahman , Saif Ur Rahman and Ghani ur Rahman. – Ubaid ur Rahman had Sana ur Rahman who shifted to Shaikhpur.  Saif ur Rahman have  four sons ,Lutfur Rahman , Shaamu etc settled at Allahabad ( Igloo)

Ch. Sanaur Rahman

Chaudhari Muhammad Moosa  - had Aziz ur Rahman who had Chaudhari Habeeb ur Rahman (Habban) and in turn he have Humaid Ur Rahman , Hidayat ur Rahman and Zia ur Rahman.

The Line of  Chaudhari Mukarram Ali got extinct as it had only grand dauthers.

The line of Chaudhari Qurban Ali – had Chaudhari Paighambar Baksh – now represented by Chaudhari Abdul Hameed Hashmi Middan MIyan, Abdul Waheed Farooq & Abdul Rasheed Haroon Hashmi.

Middan Miyan have Yusuf Saeed, Yunus Saeed, Aun Saeed, Anas Saeed, Zafar saeed , Suhail , Fuzail, Nufail , Kamal , Qamar & Omar Hashmi whereas Abdul Waheed Farooq  who have Yameen, Usman , Haider Hashmi . Chaudhari Abdul Rasheed Haroon had daughters only.

The Line of Chaudhari Ummed Ali is represented by Chaudhari Jamaluddin ( Lawalad) Chaudhari Kamaluddin who had Chaudhari Muhammad Hamid  , another off shoot of the same branch in represented by Chaudhari Muhamad Abid  & his son Ch. Muhammad Iqbal & Chaudhari Muhammad Ahmad ( Gulab Bari) who have Azam , Aslam and Ismail..

The Off-shoots of Bamhrauli family

One of the striking features of the Hashmi lineage of Bamhrauli is their tradition of migration. Roughly every two centuries, a branch of the family would leave the ancestral village to establish a new settlement. This pattern of expansion ensured that their influence spread across Pargana Chail and beyond, while still maintaining a strong connection to their spiritual and historical roots in Bamhrauli.

By the beginning of the 20th century, seven villages were known to have been populated by off‑shoots of the Hashmi family, apart from Bamhrauli itself:

• Peepal Gaon

• Shaikhpur Ibrahimpur

• Muhiuddinpur

• Kurai

• Kuswan

• Neem Sarai

• Fatehpur

Although the original Hashmi presence in many of these villages has diminished over time, with families dispersing or assimilating into broader society, their legacy remains embedded in the local histories. As of today, the original Hashmi families are still found in Shaikhpur, Muhiuddinpur, and Neem Sarai, while in the other villages their population has faded.

Nevertheless, the histories of these settlements cannot be fully understood without acknowledging the role of the Hashmis of Bamhrauli, whose migrations shaped the cultural and social fabric of the region.Bamrauli has got a large fertile are around it and it lies in the famed Guava belt of Allahabad.

For visiting Bamrauli you need to take an auto from Khusro Bagh and get down near Begum Bazar called Bamrauli Mod. Here you can continue on foot for 10 minutes to reach the village. You may like to give a try to see the Hashmi House (the residence of Hashmis ) that is the lone shining mansion worth seeing. Do not forget to pay a visit to Makhdoom Shah as well.

From the mosque you shall get a glimpse of river Ganges flowing eastward towards Allahabad city. If not a delicate one, you may like to run towards it and get a dip and wash off you sins altogether……….

Mr.Qamar Saeed Hashmi with his nephew Salman Hashmi