Raja Sukhdeo

Raja Sukhdev (Born 995 AD - Died 1050 AD) was ruler of Sravasti (Sahet-Mahet) a small northern kingdom of India in early 11th century. He is known by many names like Suhaldev, Sakardev, Suhirdadhwaj, Rai Suhrid Dev, Suhridil, Susaj, Shahardev, Sahardev, Suhahldev, Suhildev Suhal dhar, sohil dal, sohil deo, sudri dal and Suheldeo.

He was the eldest son of the Raja Mordhwaj. His origin is variously reported. He is said to have been a Tharu, a Bhar, a Kalhans or a Bais Rajputs. He also had a fort at Asokpur.

During invasion by father-son duo Sahu Bin Ataullah and Saiyyad Salar Masud in 1031–1033, the rulers of upper region of Ghaghara River and adjoining parts were much disturbed to find a foreigner in their country, soon they formed a local confederacy.

Raja Sukhdev headed this confederacy of local kings namely Rai Raib, Rai Saib, Rai Arjun, Rai Bheekhan, Rai Kanak, Rai Kalyan, Rai Makaru, Rai Savaru, Rai aran, Rai Birbal, Rai Jaypal, Rai Shreepal, Rai Harpal, Rai Hakru, Rai Prabhu, Rai Deo Narayan and Rai Narsinha.

In June 1033, as per tradition, Salar Masood was intimated by Rajput confederation that the land belonged to Rajputs and Hindus and Masood should evacuate these lands. Masood replied that all land belongs to Allah and hence he would not retreat.

Battle of Bahraich
The nephew of Mahmood Ghaznavi, known as Masud Ghazi, invaded India with army of more than 100,000 men with 50,000 cavalry in May 1031. This time, the army was not a raiding party like that of Mahmood who came with intention of raiding, looting and retreating with the loot to Ghazni. They were backed by the imperial army of Persian empire and came here with the intention of permanent conquest and Islamization of India.

King Anandpal tried to check this Gazni advance towards heartland of India. He was helped by King of Sialkot, Rai Arjun. But, this alliance was overwhelmed by superiority of numbers of Muslim army. After defeating Anandpal and Rai Arjun, Masood advanced towards towards Malwa and Gujarat. King Mahipal Tomara tried to check their advance here but was defeated too.

After victories across North Indian plains, Masood Gazni settled at Bahraich near Lucknow. He stayed here up to mid 1033. Meanwhile, 17 Rajput kingdoms of North India forged an alliance. This is biggest confederation that have ever existed in India. They were Rai Raib, Rai Saib, Rai Arjun, Rai Bheekhan, Rai Kanak, Rai Kalyan, Rai Makaru, Rai Savaru, Rai Aran, Rai Birbal, Rai Jaypal, Rai Shreepal, Rai Harpal, Rai Hakru, Rai Prabhu, Rai Deo Narayan and Rai Narsinha. Various kshatriya clans that participated in this war included Bais Rajputs, Arkawanshi kshatriyas, Kalhans Rajputs, Raikwars and bhar warriors. The head of this confederation was Raja Sukhdev.

In June 1033, as per Hindu traditions, Masood Gazni was intimated by Rajput confederation that the land belonged to Rajputs and Hindus and Masood should evacuate these lands. Masood replied that all land belongs to Allah and hence he would not retreat.

On 13 June, Morning, Rajput army of about 120,000 descended on Muslim camp of Bahraich. Masood's army was completely besieged and encircled. A fierce battle continued for days. Both the armies fought courageously. The location of this battle to be precise was near Chittaura Jheel, a lake about 8 KM away from modern Bahraich on Bahraich-Gond Road. On the evening of 14 June 1033, Sunday, Salar Masud was killed during the battle.

The location of this battle was near Chittaura Jheel, a lake about 8 km away from modern Bahraich on Bahraich-Gond Road. Ashtwarka Muni, the guru of Maharaja Janak used to live here in his ashram. Every year a fair is organized here on Kartik Poornima.

Afterwards
Raja Sukhdev was latter on subverted by Sri Chandradeo, the Rathor monarch of Kannauj in the battle which was fought in Satrikh village. His family fled to Jumla, which is now in the territory of present day Nepal.

Family genealogy
As per the Local tradition the family genealogy (incomplete) of Raja Sukhdev is as following: (1) Mayura Dhwaja ; (2) Hansa Dhwaja ; (3) Makara Dhwaja; (4) Sudhanya Dhwaja; (5) Suhirdal dhwaja (Raja Sukhdev).