History of Barabanki District states that there are several legends suggesting the origin of the name of this district. The most popular among them is that, due to the reincarnation of `Bhagwan Baarah` on this poise land, this place came to be known as `Baanhanya` which in course of time became Barabanki. The headquarters of the district was at Dariyabad until 1858 AD, which was later shifted to Nawabganj in 1859 AD, which is the other popular name of Barabanki.
As the saying goes, in ancient times this district was part of the kingdom ruled by Suryavanshi kings, whose capital was Ayodhya. Further, according to the history of Barabanki District, it was under the rule of the Chandravanshi kings for a very long period. During the Mahabharata era, it was part of the `Gaurav Rajya` and this part of the land was known by the name Kurukshetra. Pandavas along with their mother Kunti had spent some time on the banks of Ghaghara River during their exile. `Parijaat` world`s unique tree, Kunteshwar Mahadev Temple on the banks of Ghaghara, Bazaar Dharam Mandi (Dhamedi), and the famous Lodheshwar Mahadeva`s Shivling, etc. are proof enough that this region had an important place even five thousand years ago during the Mahabharata period.
As per the historical documentation available, in 1030 AD this region was attacked by Sayyed Salar Masood, brother of Mahmud of Ghazni. In the same century Qutubuddin Gaha of Madina annexed the Hindu princely states. During the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar this district was dividedly under the sirkars of Awadh and Manikpur. Many kings opposed the expansion of British rule into this district by waging wars against them. During the British Raj, several kings fought for their independence. Raja Balbhadra Singh Chehlari along with about 1000 revolutionaries sacrificed their lives for independence from the British rule. The last battle of the First War of Indian Independence was fought in December 1858 AD here in this district.
In 1921 AD Gandhiji started the Non cooperation Movement, thereby igniting the flame of independence once again. Here too, the district opposed the arrival of Prince of Wales to India. During Khilafat Movement in 1922 and in 1942 the Quit India Movement, the people of this district actively participated in these movements. As a result, the District Congress office was sealed. But, the local leaders continued their protests remaining underground. Thus, Barabanki District largely contributed in the freedom movement of the country.
