Archive · 25 Oct 2025
Sheikhzadas: The Forgotten Rulers Who Shaped Lucknow
Long before the fancy Nawabs ruled Lucknow, there were the Sheikhzadas.
They were like the city's first kings, building forts and making Lucknow important.
Sheikh Abdur Raheem Bijnori was a key leader, and he built a big fort called Machhi Bhawan.
The Sheikhzadas even helped Emperor Humayun when he was in trouble.
They were known for their kindness.
The fort was later torn down, but their memory lives on.
Today, you can see their influence in places like Nadan Mahal, a tomb, and the fish symbol.
The Sheikhzadas helped shape the Lucknow we know today.
The Sheikhzadas were rulers of Lucknow before the Nawabs.
Sheikh Abdur Raheem Bijnori was appointed as the first Subedar (Governor) of Awadh.
Machhi Bhawan was a significant fort built by the Sheikhzadas.
The Sheikhzadas helped Emperor Humayun by providing horses and financial aid.
The fish emblem used by the Nawabs originated with the Sheikhzadas.
- Who
- The Sheikhzadas, rulers before the Nawabs.
- What
- The Sheikhzadas' legacy in Lucknow, including their role in building the city and aiding Emperor Humayun.
- When
- From the 12th century through the Mughal era, before the Nawabs.
- Where
- Lucknow, India.
- Why
- To highlight the Sheikhzadas' role in shaping Lucknow's early identity and culture.
- Key Figure
- Sheikh Abdur Raheem Bijnori
- Notable Fort
- Machhi Bhawan
- Fort's Fate
- Demolished by the British in 1858
- Sheikhzada's Aid
- Helped Emperor Humayun with horses and money
- Sheikhzada Title
- Mahi Maratib (Order of the Fish)
- Emblem Origin
- Fish motif predates the Nawabs