Baiswara Through the Ages:Political History from the Mughal to the Colonial Period

in Published Volumes

Author:

Shagun Gupta
1Ph.D Research Scholar
Department of History
University of Delhi
University Enclave,Delhi,India

Email: Shagungupta31525@gmail.com

Abstract::Abstract:This article examines the political and cultural history of Baiswara, a distinctive region in
Awadh historically inhabited and governed by the Bais Rajput clan, tracing its evolution from the
Mughal era through colonial rule. Drawing on extensive archival records and historiographical
interpretations, it considers Baiswara not merely as a geographical locality but as a socially produced
space where power relations, cultural identity, and economic interests intersect. Applying Henri
Lefebvre’s theory of the production of space, the study highlights how Baiswara’s spatial
configuration—its perceived, conceived, and lived dimensions—has been continuously shaped, contested,
and reinterpreted amid shifting sovereignties. Despite transformations under various regimes, the region
has maintained a unique Rajput identity, articulated through kinship networks, territorial administration,
and symbolic cultural practices. The article contributes to debates on how regional spaces in South Asia
negotiate continuity and change and underscores the enduring significance of local identities in broader
political landscapes.

Key Words::Authority,Awadh, Baiswara, Colonial , Dominance, Mughal, Power etc.