Following the suspension of the Neza Fair in Sambhal installed in memory of Mahmud Ghaznavi's nephew Salar Ghazi, it appears that the monthly Jeth Fair in Bahraich, the site of Ghazi's authentic shrine, is also facing an uncertain future. Hindu groups have petitioned for a ban on the fair in remembrance of Ghazi and demanded excavation of the tomb's precinct, claiming it was originally a Hindu Sun Tank. They propose reestablishing the Sun Tank and Temple here due to the found remnants connecting it to Hindu heritage. Some historians also associate Salar Masud Ghazi's shrine with the Sun Tank.
In this situation, 'AajTak' dispatched its team to Bahraich to investigate the Ghazi case at the location of his true tomb. Just outside the tomb stands a chain gate that people shower with coins.
Let's delve into this entire affair...
Navigating through narrow lanes, as the team arrived at the main site housing the Salar Ghazi tomb where the Jeth Fair is traditionally held, they noted the escalating dispute. Subsequent to the cancellation of the Sambhal Neza Fair, the pause on Jeth Fair seems threatened here as well. A notice was posted outside the fair committee's office across from the tomb, citing reasons for halting the auction of shops within the fair premises.
In response, the Muslim community asserts that the fair draws both Hindu and Muslim attendees who coexist peacefully. They argue that the Jeth Fair should continue as it supports many livelihoods. They are prepared to comply with administrative and governmental directives but urge the fair not to be canceled.
Source: aajtak
A little further from the tomb lies an area known as 'Kodhi Khana'. It is rumored that bathing here cures ailments and wards off evil spirits. However, Hindu factions argue that this spot, buried beneath the tomb, was originally a Sun Tank. The famous poet Goswami Tulsidas also references Bahraich in his writings, "Lahi aankh kab aandhare, baanjh poot kab lyaai... kab kodhi kaya lahi, jag Bahraich jaai."
Further down, families adhering to Hinduism recount stories passed down about miraculous cures at this site, choosing to visit when conventional treatments fail to bring relief.
Meanwhile, in Bahraich, Hindu organizations have filed a memorandum demanding the halting of the Jeth Fair and excavation of Salar Masud Ghazi's tomb to restore the remnants of the Sun Temple. Swami Vishnudev Acharya contends that a Sun Temple originally stood on this site, overwritten by Ghazi's tomb during Firoz Shah Tughlaq's reign. He emphasizes that the fair aligns with Hindu calendar dates given its intrinsic Hindu affiliations.
Not far from this locale, approximately 7 kilometers from the tomb, lies a tale of Maharaja Suheldev, with a towering 40 feet statue erected in his honor. The foundation stone was ceremonially laid by CM Yogi while PM Modi inaugurated it virtually.
Source: aajtak
During the height of the Ghazi controversy, the statue's unveiling became intertwined with the narrative. While Ghazi is revered as a Sufi saint by some, others view Suheldev as a savior and warrior against invaders.
Historian and Professor of History, Rajeshwar Singh, shared insights with 'Aaj Tak,' describing the surge of foreign aggressors against Nepal-bordering states in the 11th century. During this tumultuous era, Maharaja Suheldev achieved eternal glory as he defended the Bahraich district of Awadh.
He explains Ghazi's role as an invader alongside his uncle Ghaznavi, who ventured into India after plundering Somnath, with Bahraich's Sun Temple as his next target. However, Maharaja Suheldev led a coalition with other Hindu kings, culminating in the Battle of Chittora, defeating and slaying Ghazi. Nonetheless, 200 years later, Firoz Shah Tughlaq replaced the Sun Tank with Ghazi's shrine.
