A controversy has surfaced in Uttar Pradesh’s Malihabad region, on the outskirts of Lucknow, after members of the Pasi community claimed that a site presently marked as a mosque and graveyard was originally part of an 11th-century fort associated with Raja Kans.
The controversy centers on a location in the Kakori–Malihabad belt, where community representatives allege that the structure once formed part of a historic fort belonging to Nagvanshi ruler Raja Kans. They further claim that a temple dedicated to Lord Mahadev once stood on the premises.
According to the Pasi community, the site’s historical identity was gradually altered over time, eventually giving way to the present-day mosque and burial ground. Community leaders have reportedly written to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, urging intervention and demanding an official inquiry into the matter.
The group has also cited references from old Lucknow gazetteers, asserting that they mention Raja Kans and his influence over the Kakori and Malihabad regions during the 11th century. Historical accounts referenced by the community suggest that Raja Kans resisted the invasion of Salar Masood Ghazi, with accounts of associated conflicts taking place in the region.
Local residents supporting the claim describe Raja Kans as a revered warrior figure whose legacy continues to feature in regional folklore and collective memory.
Following the allegations, tensions have reportedly risen in the area, with local authorities stepping up surveillance given the sensitivity of the dispute. Officials have yet to issue a detailed public statement, although discussions regarding a potential historical and legal review of the site are said to be underway.
The move comes ahead of the Bhojshala-Kamla Maula row, where the High Court passed the verdict that the site is a temple, prohibiting the namaz on the site. The verdict was challenged by the Muslims, saying that the High Court ruling violates the Places of Worship Act, 1991. Meanwhile, the Hindu parties expected that the verdict could be challenged, and they had already asked the Supreme Court to ensure no decision was taken without hearing their side.
The Bhojshala-Kamal Maula case has been one of the most sensitive cases in Madhya Pradesh, with the religious battle that ran for years. The Hindu side considers Bhojshala to be an ancient temple of Goddess Saraswati, while Muslims say that the structure is the Kamal Maula mosque.
In the recent judgment, the Madhya Pradesh High Court said that the site was that of the Bhojshala temple and prohibited the practices of Muslims.
“The disputed area of the Bhojshala complex and Kamal Maula Mosque is held to be a protected monument. The religious character of the disputed area of the Bhojshala complex and Kamal Maula Mosque is held to be Bhojshala with a temple of Goddess Saraswati,” the court said, as the Bench and Bar reported.
“The historical literature of the place establishes it as a center of Sanskrit learning associated with Raja Bhoj,” the bench added.
The High Court also struck down a 2003 Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) arrangement that allowed Hindus to perform puja on Tuesdays and Muslims to offer Friday namaz at the monument.
With the cancellation of the arrangement, the practice of offering weekly Friday prayers at the complex has come to an end.
The High Court also set aside a 2003 Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) arrangement that allowed Hindus to perform puja on Tuesdays and Muslims to offer Friday namaz at the monument. With this order being cancelled, the practice of holding weekly Friday prayers at the complex has now come to an end.
