History of Bisen Khanzada Community in Awadh region
The Khanzada or Khan Zadeh are a community of Muslim Rajputs found in the Awadh region of the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India.
The word Khanzada is a Persian word which means son of a khan, or king. This has literally the same meaning as the word Rajput, which also means son of a king.
The Bisen khanzada are largest in terms of numbers among the Khanzada community. There are in fact several distinct communities of Bisen Khanzada scattered throughout eastern Uttar Pradesh. Each has a different traditions as to its conversion to Islam. Perhaps the most famous Bisen Khanzada family is said of the taluqdars of Usmanpur in Barabanki District.
In addition to the Taluqdar of Usmanpur, prominent Bisen families are also found in Balrampur District, where the zamindars of Mahua and Burhapara were substantial landowners.
This Usmanpur estate was founded by one Koushal Singh (also known as Raja Khushhal Singh), who obtained an estate as a reward for military service against the Bhar tribe in the region under the Tughlaq Sultan in 13th Century. Raja koushal sing was the younger brother of Bisen Raja of Manjhouli (currently in Deoria Distt. of Uttar Pradesh.)
Raja Koushal was having no child, One day passing throgh his kingdon a Faqir Syed Asraf Jahangir Samnani ( His Shrine is located in Kichoucha Sharif,Ambedkar Nagar Disst. of UP.) blessed him & told that you will have two sons but you have to give me the eldest of them. In this way Raja blessed with two Sons Lakhan singh & Bhikhan Singh.
According to his promise Raja Koushal Singh gave his eldest son Lakhu singh to Syed Ashraf Jahangir Simnani R.A. who converted him to Islam & named Lakhu khan.
Raja koushal singh divided his kingdom into two equal parts & divided equally among his two sons. Raja kouahal singh died in 1449 AD & because Thakur Lakhu khan was the eldest son so he become the king.
Raja Lakhu khan divided his estate into three Taluqas among his three sons, Lakhupur, Kothi & Usmanpur. Kothi to Thakur Haibat Khan, Usmanpur to Thakur Ahmad Khan & Lakhupur To Thakur Dawood Khan.
Raja Lakhu khan died in 1470 AD.
Usmanpur Taluqa
Usmanpur is a Village in Sidhaur Block in Barabanki District of Uttar Pradesh State, India. It belongs to Faizabad Division . It is located 27 KM towards South from District head quarters Barabanki. 6 KM from Sidhaur. 45 KM from State capital Lucknow.
History:
The name of Usmanpur is named after a Shaheed, Usman Shahid whose shrine is still there on the east of the village.
Thakur Ahmad khan became the first Taluqdar of Usmanpur & in early 18th century Thakur Ghaznafar Khan confirmed ownership of Usmanpur and neighboring villages by the Nawabs of Awadh.
To be continued….