Jalilpur Zamindari
Jalilpur Zamindari (1750-1947) was a zamindari (estate) in Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh, India. This zamindari was controlled by the prominent Nirban clan of Yaduvanshi Ahirs, and it played a significant role in the socio-economic and cultural fabric of the region.1
Origin And History
The roots of the Jalilpur Zamindari can be traced back to Rao Gopal Krishan, a resident of Badli village near Delhi. It was his son, Rao Tara Chand, who served into the Mughal Court during the mid-18th century. At that time, the Mughal Empire was in decline, and many officials sought alternative employment due to the empire’s financial woes. Rao Tara Chand was among those who left the Mughal Court and joined the service of Landhoura Riyasat.
- Rise To Prominence
Rao Tara Chand’s dedication and skills saw him appointed as the head of the Revenue Department in 1759 by Raja Ramdayal, marking the beginning of his ascent in Landhoura Riyasat. Over time, he gained immense importance within the court.
The estate’s expansion continued through his grandson, Diwan Bhola Singh. Diwan Bhola Singh not only expanded the estate but also moved its headquarters from Mahu to Jalilpur. He acquired Mahu for a sum of Rs 80,000 from the Nawab of Bachraon, demonstrating his commitment to the growth and prosperity of the Zamindari.
- List Of Zamindars
Rao Tara Chand : He had two sons, Rao Rattan Singh and Kunwar Pratap Singh. Rao Rattan was recognized for his chivalrous service in the troops.
Kunwar Pratap Singh : He was appointed Diwan of Landhoura Riyasat, was granted 11 villages in the Bijnor district for his service during the 1857 Mutiny. He wed Ganesh Kanwar from the Nawada family and had two sons with her, namely Kunwar Kundan Singh and Kunwar Bhola Singh.
Diwan Bhola Singh : In 1860, Diwan Bhola Singh assumed the hereditary role of Diwan, a responsibility entrusted to him by Rani Dhan Kunwar. However, he later resigned from the position and began jointly overseeing estate management in Mahu. Under his guidance, the estate expanded, and he subsequently relocated the headquarters to Jalilpur. He had two sons Kunwar Jagdish Singh and Kunwar Balbir Singh (died young).
Kunwar Jagdish Singh : He was a visionary leader, started the first sugar mill in 1930 and invested in education, healthcare, and infrastructure development in the region.
Post Independence
After Indian Independence, the Government of India actively pursued the integration of the Princely States and Zamindari Estate into the rest of the country, with the promise of compensation for the hereditary rulers and zamindars.
- Present Head
The current head of Jalilpur Zamindari is Kunwar Yash Raj Singh, who has taken on roles such as Block Pramukh of Jalilpur Block and Honorary Wildlife Warden of the Hastinapur Sanctuary. His dedication to public service, education, and wildlife conservation continues the family’s tradition of contributing to the community. He was married to Sharda Devi of Bhiraoti Raj (Badaun). His three sons are Kunwar Pawan Raj Singh, Kunwar Prashant Raj Singh and Lt. Col. Atul Raj Singh.
