Arakhs

The Arakhs are a martial tribe who at one time ruled large areas of Awadh. The heroes of Arakh clan include sun-worshipper Maharaja Tilok Chand (who captured the throne of Delhi in 918 A.D. by defeating king Vikrampal), Salhia Singh (who established the town of Sandila), Malhia Singh (who eastablished the town of Malhiabad) and Maharaja Khadagsen (who established Khaga town in Fatehpur district of Uttar Pradesh).

Historical Background

In ancient time, the Arakhs held sway over large areas of Awadh such as Malhiabad, Datli, Sandila, Khaga, Ayah, Sarh-Salempur (in Kanpur), Padri (in Unnao), Arkha estate (in Rae Bareilly), parts of Allahabad (around Singrur), Bahraich, etc. It is said that at one time Arakhs were so powerful that they performed Dashashwamegha yajnas (the horse sacrifices performed by kshatriyas to prove their dominance) in the Aryawarta and no contemporary king dared to challenge their authority.The ruins of a fort of Arakhs at Ayah (near Fatehpur district of Uttar Pradesh) seem to narrate the story of their glorious past.Arakh power declined with the rise of other contending powers; Rajputs and Muslims.

Origin

Arakhs claim themselves to be the ancient-most kshatriya tribe of Indian origin. They claim their descent from ancient Suryawanshi kshatriya clan to which Lord Rama belonged. 'Arakh' is said to be the distorted form of 'Arka' 'अर्क' (a Sanskrit word meaning sun). 'Arkawanshi' (अर्कवंशी) is a synonym of 'Suryawanshi'. Thus a clan of Suryawanshis was also called as 'Arkawanshi'. The founder of Suryawansh Vaivasvat Manu was also known 'Arka Tanaya' (अर्क तनय) meaning 'the son of Arka'. 'Arkawanshi' became 'Arka' (अर्क) and later 'Arak' (अरक) and 'Arakh' (अरख) in locally spoken dialects. Arakhs have been the worshipper of sun god (Arka-अर्क) and Lord Shiva. Arkawanshis also have different sub-clans as Khangars, Gauds, Bachhals and Adhiraj.

Maharaja Tilok Chand Arkawanshi

Maharaja Tilok Chand Arkawanshi was a brave and ambitious ruler. In 918 A.D., he led a powerful army against king Vikrampal of Delhi and after defeating him, took control of Delhi. Subsequently, nine generations of Maharaja Tilok Chand ruled over Delhi. In 1093 A.D. Maharani Bhimadevi, the religious-minded widow of Govind Chand (who died without an heir), handed over the reins of her empire to her spiritual guru Hargovind.

The empire of Maharaja Tilok Chand comprised areas of Delhi and large parts of Awadh including its mountainous areas.Maharaja Tilok Chand Arkawanshi was a worshipper of sun-god (Arka) like his fore-fathers. He built a large sun-temple named Balark temple in Bahraich, which was later destroyed by the Turkish invaders.

Present status

Arakhs, at present, are in a bad state. They are small cultivators, shop-owners and small workers. Their representation in the higher government jobs and political circles is almost negligible. The biggest malady of Arakhs is their poverty and illiteracy. The Arakhs are struggling to revive their past by fighting off their disabilities.