BAHRAICH

city, east-central Uttar Pradesh state, northern India, located on a tributary of the Ghaghara River and on a rail line between Lucknow and Nepalganj, Nepal. Bahraich is a centre of trade (agricultural products and timber) with Nepal; there is also some sugar processing. The tomb of Sayyid Salar Mas'ud, an Afghan warrior-saint who died there in 1033, is visited by Muslim and Hindu pilgrims. The ruins of a Buddhist monastery are located west of Bahraich. The surrounding agricultural region produces rice, corn (maize), wheat, and gram (chick-peas). The area's history is little known before Sayyid Salar Mas'ud's invasion in 1033. It subsequently changed hands several times, finally becoming part of British India. Pop. (1991) 135,400.