{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Sultanpur's Historic Parganas: Tracing Administrative Divisions from Mughal Era to British Rule and Their Modern Relevance",
  "summary": "Sultanpur once comprised 12 parganas, administrative units now referred to as 'mohal' or 'area' in revenue records. The term's usage began in the 12th century, and these units underwent significant geographical reorganization during the British period.",
  "content": "Sultanpur's Enduring Historical Significance\nThe region of Sultanpur, historically, has extended far beyond its mere physical boundaries, deeply intertwined with significant dynasties and personalities across ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history. This district, a silent witness to numerous pivotal events that have etched their names in the golden letters of Indian history, was once systematically divided into 12 administrative units known as 'parganas'. The term 'pargana', still in use in revenue records today to denote a 'mohal' or 'area', stands as a crucial element of the region's rich administrative heritage.\n\nOrigin and Early Use of the Term 'Pargana'\nThe concept of 'pargana' emerged in the 12th century, with its earliest written appearance attributed to Abul Fazal. According to historian Rajeshwar Singh, in his book 'Sultanpur: Itihaas ki Jhalak' (page 33), the term 'pargana' was first utilized for land tax payments around 1210 AD. C.A. Elliot, in his 'Unnao Chronicle', further notes that the word saw its initial application during the reign of Shihabuddin Ghori. Dr. W. Oldam also elaborates that 'pargana' was first used in the early Muslim period to describe cultivated tracts of land amidst forests, which were often controlled by specific lineages and castes. In contemporary terms, these ancient parganas functioned much like today's tehsils; just as a district comprises several tehsils today, so too did Muslim-era districts contain multiple parganas.\n\nBritish Reorganization of Parganas\nSenior journalist Vikram Brijendra Singh informed TrendKia that prior to 1869, Sultanpur comprised a total of 12 parganas. However, upon the British acquisition of power, a comprehensive reorganization of the administrative boundaries of Sultanpur and its neighboring districts was undertaken. As part of this restructuring, parganas such as Isouli, Barosa, and Aldemau were transferred from Faizabad and integrated into Sultanpur. Conversely, parganas including Inhauna, Jaish, Simrauta, Mohanlalganj, and Subiha were removed from Sultanpur and annexed to adjacent districts. These significant historical facts and geographical adjustments reflect the cultural, political, and social transformations prevalent during that historical epoch.\n\nEnduring Legacy in Modern Revenue Administration\nWhile the political systems of the Mughal era no longer govern the nation, their administrative and linguistic influence persists within the Indian governance framework. Many districts across India continue to utilize Arabic and Persian terms, remnants of the Mughal court language, within their revenue administration. This historical continuity ensures that the word 'pargana' remains a significant part of Indian revenue records today, serving as a linguistic echo of bygone administrative divisions and their long-lasting impact.\n\nWhat this means for you\n• Across India: This news sheds light on the evolution of India's administrative vocabulary and historical land divisions, demonstrating how ancient terms continue to be relevant in modern legal frameworks.\n• In Sultanpur: It helps residents understand their district's deep historical roots, its changing geography, and its administrative identity, thereby fostering awareness of local heritage.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. What does the word 'pargana' mean?\n'Pargana' refers to a specific tract of land or area, also known as 'mohal' in revenue records.\n\n2. When did the use of the word 'pargana' begin?\nThe use of the word 'pargana' began in the 12th century and was first found in the writings of Abul Fazal.\n\n3. What changes occurred in Sultanpur's parganas during the British period?\nThe British administration reorganized the boundaries of Sultanpur and surrounding districts, with some parganas being added and others removed.\n\n4. Which parganas were added to Sultanpur from Faizabad?\nThe parganas of Isouli, Barosa, and Aldemau were separated from Faizabad and incorporated into Sultanpur.\n\n5. Which parganas were removed from Sultanpur and merged with neighboring districts?\nThe parganas of Inhauna, Jaish, Simrauta, Mohanlalganj, and Subiha were removed from Sultanpur and merged with adjacent districts.\n\n6. Where is the word 'pargana' still used today?\nThe word 'pargana' is still used in Indian revenue records today, especially in documents related to land.\n\n7. How can a 'pargana' be compared to a modern administrative unit?\nIn simple terms, ancient parganas were similar to today's tehsils, functioning as sub-divisional administrative units within a larger district.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/national/sultanapura-ke-aitihasika-paragane-mugala-kala-se-britisha-raja-taka-ka-saphara--1694",
  "category": "India",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-19",
  "tags": [
    "Sultanpur History",
    "Pargana",
    "Revenue Records",
    "Mughal Era",
    "British Rule",
    "Administrative Division",
    "Land Tax",
    "Mohal"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}