| Conventional Long Name: | Jagdishpur Raj |
| Common Name: | Jagdishpur |
| Religion: | Hinduism |
| Era: | Early modern period |
| Status: | Self-governing landownership under the Company rule |
| Year Start: | 1702 |
| Year End: | 1858 |
| Capital: | Jagdishpur |
The Jagdishpur Raj was a feudatory zamindari ruled by a cadet branch of the Ujjainiya dynasty. It was situated in modern-day Jagdishpur, in the erstwhile Shahabad district (now in Bhojpur district) of Bihar.[1] The capital of the principality was the town of Jagdishpur by which the principality derived its name.[2]
The Ujjainiya branch of Jagdishpur is considered as the one of the senior branch of the Ujjainiya dynasty. Raja Mandhata Singh, the last ruler of Bhojpur revolted against the Mughal authority. However, he was killed by his own family members. Due to confusion regarding the succession to the throne of Bhojpur, Mughal governor of Bihar used this opportunity to completely annex Bhojpur and was succeeded and Bhojpur came under the direct administration of Mughal dominion.[3]
However, Raja Sujan Singh, a brother of Raja Mandhata Singh succeeded in getting back 1/3 of his territory and also Jagdishpur, the capital of the erstwhile Kingdom of Bhojpur. He was succeeded by Raja Udwant Singh.
A son of Raja Sujan Singh, Raja Horil Singh established a separate independent principality and declared himself as the separate ruler of Dumraon. The Mughals returned their half of territories but this return of territory came at a cost, they were reduced to the status of minor feudal rulers. Also, the division of territory between family members caused the final downfall of Bhojpur. [4]
See also: Siege of Arrah. During the rule of Kunwar Singh, the estate took part in the Indian Rebellion of 1857.[5] Kunwar Singh was motivated to rebel after having financial difficulties due to the high revenue demanded by the British authorities and family litigation.[6] The British also attempted to take over the management of the estate.[7]
As a result of this, Kunwar Singh (who was 80 at the time) decided to join the rebellion and was considered to be the leader of the rebellion in Bihar. He was helped by his brother, Babu Amar Singh and his commander-in-chief, Hare Krishna Singh. After some initial success, Kunwar Singh and his forces were eventually driven out of Jagdishpur by the British. A year later, Kunwar Singh died and the rebellion was led by his brother who was eventually captured and hanged. Because of these events, many consider Kunwar Singh to be one of the "greatest chiefs" of Jagdishpur.[8]
From 1810 to 1947, the Jagdishpur estate was ruled by the following individuals[9]