Raisen
This article has been extracted from THE IMPERIAL GAZETTEER OF INDIA , 1908. OXFORD, AT THE CLARENDON PRESS. |
Note: National, provincial and district boundaries have changed considerably since 1908. Typically, old states, ‘divisions’ and districts have been broken into smaller units, and many tahsils upgraded to districts. Some units have since been renamed. Therefore, this article is being posted mainly for its historical value.
Raisen
Head-quarters of the Nizam at-i-Mashrik or eastern district of Bhopal State, Central India, situated in 23 20' N. and 77 47' E u i2| miles by metalled road from Salamatpur station on the Indian Midland section of the Great Indian Peninsula Railway. Population (1901), 3,495. Raisen always played an important part m the history of Eastern Malwa, especially during the Muhammadan period. The fort stands on the northern end of a spur of the Vindhyas, the town lying at its foot. Nothing is known of the foundation of the fort, which is said to have been built by Hindus, but its name appears to be a corruption of Rajavasim or the ' royal residence. 3 The wall is built of massive sandstone blocks and is pierced by nine gates. Inside are numerous ruins and a few buildings in a state of fair preservation, including three Hindu palaces and a mosque. In the sixteenth century Raisen was the stronghold of Silharl, a Gahlot Rajput. After his death the fort was held by Puran Mai, as guardian to Pratap Singh, the infant grandson of Silhari. In 1543 Puran Mai incurred the enmity of Sher Shah, and the fort was attacked. After a prolonged and strenuous resistance Puran Mai surrendered on a promise of honourable treat- ment, but was promptly murdered and his family sent into slavery. Raisen then became a part of Shujaat Khan's territory, and sub- sequently under Akbar was the chief town of a sarkdr in the Subah of Malwa A British and State post office and a school are maintained in the town.
