Badaun’s Nizamuddinpur Shah: Village with Mughal Roots and Ram-Sita Coins Sparks Name Debate

Badaun, December 18, 2025: The historic village of Nizamuddinpur Shah, located about 50 kilometers from Badaun district headquarters in Uttar Pradesh, is drawing attention for its rich cultural past and the ongoing debate over its name. The village’s history dates back to the Mughal era, and recent discussions have revived interest in its unique heritage.

Mughal-Era Origins
Eighty-year-old resident Shyamlal Maurya explains that the village’s name has been in use since the Mughal period. During the 1857 revolt, a significant portion of the Muslim population migrated from the village to Delhi’s Nizamuddinpur area and to the Nagina-Dhampur region in Uttar Pradesh. Families in Delhi still preserve knowledge of their ancestral roots in the village.

Discovery of Ancient Coins
Local residents recall that an ancient mound in the village, when excavated, yielded old coins dated 1417. Remarkably, these coins reportedly bore engravings of Lord Ram and Sita, with Hanuman depicted at their feet. Villagers see these artifacts as a link to the village’s long-standing cultural and spiritual heritage, suggesting that Nizamuddinpur Shah’s history predates even the Mughal era.

Village Today
Currently, the village has a Muslim population of around 300 and a Hindu majority of over 4,000. Residents like Ashutosh Pathak and Haridwarilal note that basic facilities remain inadequate, including the absence of a nearby inter-college, forcing students to travel up to 10 kilometers for higher education.

Call for a Name Change
Amid these historical and demographic dynamics, some villagers are advocating for a change in the village’s name to better reflect the present Hindu majority. Discussions within the community have intensified, with residents appealing to authorities to consider their request. The debate has thrust Nizamuddinpur Shah into the spotlight, highlighting the intersection of history, culture, and contemporary identity.