Siwan Tourism, Bihar India

Siwan, situated in the western part of the State, was originally a sub-division of Saran District, which in ancient days formed a part of Kosala Kingdom. Siwan became a fully-fledged district when it was split from Saran in 1976.

Siwan derived its name from "Shiva Man", a Bandh Raja whose heirs ruled this area till Babar’s arrival. Maharajganj, which is another subdivision of Siwan district, may have found its name from the seat of the Maharaja there. A recently excavated marvelous statue of Lord Vishnu at Village Bherbania from underneath a tree indicates that there were large numbers of followers of Lord Vishnu. Currently it is not located as border district of Bihar. The Gorkha king had briefly extended his kingdom to Siwan for a few years in 1790s before the British started their rule and repulsed the Gorkhas and that is how the name got stuck to the region. It is now dominated by Yadavs and Rajputs.[5]

Siwan was a part of Banaras Kingdom during 8th century. Muslims came here in the 13th century. Sikandar Lodi brought this area in his kingdom in 15th century. Babar crossed Ghaghra river near Siswan in his return journey. In the end of the 17th century, the Dutch came first followed by the English. After the battle of Buxar in 1765 it became a part of Bengal. Siwan played an important role in 1857 independence movement. It is famous for the stalwart and sturdy ‘Bhoj-puries’, who have always been noted for their martial spirit and physical endurance and from whom the army and police personnel were largely drawn. A good number of them rebelled and rendered their services to Babu Kunwar Singh. The anti pardah movement in Bihar was started by Sri Braj Kishore Prasad who also belonged to Siwan in response to the Non Co-Operative movement in 1920. 

 Siwan District derived its name from `Shiva Man`, a Bandh Raja whose heirs ruled this area till Babar`s arrival. Maharajganj, which is another sub-division of Siwan District, may have found its name from the seat of the Maharaja there. A recently excavated marvelous statue of Lord Vishnu at Village Bherbania indicates that there were large numbers of followers of Lord Vishnu in the area. According to some legends, Siwan is also known as Aliganj Sawan after the name of Ali Bux, one of the ancestors of the feudal lords of the area. Siwan was a part of Banaras Kingdom before the invasion of Muslim rulers. Later on, Sikandar Lodi included this area in his kingdom. After the battle of Buxar in 1765 it became a part of Bengal. Siwan played an important role in 1857 independence movement.