Historic Manhar Kheda Fort’s ownership sparks controversy in Shamli
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – The Manhar Kheda Fort in Jalalabad in Uttar Pradesh’s Shamli district has become the centre of a heated dispute, with the Rajput community staking a claim over the historic site. The fort, currently home to Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) MLA Ashraf Ali, is claimed to have belonged to the Rajput dynasty before its capture centuries ago.
The Rajput community has filed a formal complaint with the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the Archaeological Department, claiming the fort as their ancestral property. The district administration has submitted a detailed report to the Archaeological Department, setting the stage for a potential legal battle.
According to Bhanu Pratap Singh, a representative of the Rajput community, the fort was originally ruled by their ancestors before being seized by Jalal Khan in 1690. “Jalal Khan betrayed my ancestors during a feast, poisoning them. The women committed suicide to protect their honour, and the elderly and children were brutally killed,” Singh said.
He further claimed that the site has links to the Mahabharata era. “The Pandavas spent their exile here, and Acharya Dhumaya’s ashram was situated in this region. The fort is a symbol of our heritage, and we are the rightful heirs to its legacy,” he added.
The Rajput community has provided historical records and genealogical evidence tracing their lineage to Raja Gopal Singh, the ruler during the fort’s capture. Singh asserted, “I am from the 16th generation of Raja Gopal Singh. We demand the fort’s protection and recognition as a historical site.”
In response to the Rajput community’s claims, the Shamli district administration has forwarded its report to the Uttar Pradesh Archaeological Department. SDM Hamid Hussain stated, “A map and revenue records have been sent for review. No conclusive decision has been made yet. The land is currently listed under population records and does not explicitly mention ancestral property or fort ownership.”
The dispute also brings to light a legal battle from 1868 when the ancestors of Ashraf Ali reportedly filed a case in Saharanpur court, asserting their ownership of the fort and the surrounding area. The case was dismissed, but the Rajput community claims that it only solidified their stance.
The issue has sparked strong reactions across the region. Bhanu Pratap Singh warned of widespread protests if their demands are not met. “We will not allow our heritage to be erased. If necessary, we will launch a large-scale agitation,” he said.
MLA Ashraf Ali has not issued a formal statement but sources close to him have dismissed the claims as baseless. “This is an attempt to politicise a historical site for communal and political gain,” said a local supporter.
The fort dispute has stirred communal sentiments in Jalalabad. While the Rajput community views it as a matter of reclaiming their history, many locals see the move as a politically motivated attempt to undermine MLA Ashraf Ali, a prominent Muslim leader.
A local historian, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said, “This is not just about the fort; it is about control and narratives. Both sides must approach this issue sensitively and avoid inflaming communal tensions.”
The Uttar Pradesh Archaeological Department is now tasked with determining the fort’s historical ownership. Officials emphasised the need for thorough research. “We are reviewing all records and evidence presented. The findings will guide the next steps,” said an official.
For now, the people of Jalalabad await clarity on their town’s most iconic landmark. As the story unfolds, the fort stands as a silent witness to centuries of history, now entangled in a complex web of politics, heritage, and identity.
