Amethi, a name that resonates with royal heritage and political prominence, often sparks debate and confusion about its historical rulers and even its geographical identity. Many people mistakenly believe there was only one Amethi and are uncertain whether it was ruled by the Bandhalgoti Rajputs or the Amethia Rajputs.

This article aims to clear these misconceptions by shedding light on the two distinct towns named Amethi that existed in Oudh (Awadh) — one in Lucknow district and the other in Sultanpur district — each with its own lineage and history.

1. Amethi of Lucknow District

The first Amethi, located in Mohanlalganj tehsil of Lucknow district, lies at latitude 26° 45' north and longitude 81° 12' east, about 17 miles from Lucknow and 2.5 miles beyond Gosainganj, along the old road from Lucknow to Sultanpur.

The foundation date of this Amethi is not precisely known. However, historical accounts trace its rise to Kanh Deo, a Gaur Rajput chief who led the army of Govindchandra, a ruler of the Gahadavala dynasty.

Kanh Deo defeated the local Bhar chieftain and established his rule in the region, founding the settlement that came to be known as Amethi. His descendants, who took their name from the place, were known as the Amethia Rajputs.

During the British period, Amethi was recognized as a pargana (administrative division). Over time, the parganas of Nagram and Gosainganj were carved out from it, indicating its administrative and regional importance.

2. Amethi of Sultanpur District

The second and more widely recognized Amethi — the one that features prominently in historical and modern references — lies in the Sultanpur district of Uttar Pradesh.

Situated at latitude 26° 9' north and longitude 81° 49' east, this town stands on the Raebareli–Amethi–Sultanpur road, about 40 km southwest of Sultanpur.

Historically, this region was also known as Raipur-Amethi, with Raipur belonging to the Raja of Amethi, who resided at Ram Nagar. The old fort at Raipur-Phulwari still bears testimony to this legacy, marking the seat of an ancient ruling family.

Unlike the Amethi of Lucknow district, this Amethi was ruled by the Bandhalgoti Rajputs, a powerful clan that held sway over much of the region for centuries. Their rule gave the area its enduring identity, and it is this Bandhalgoti-ruled Amethi that is today associated with the name "Amethi" in popular discourse.

Conclusion

The confusion surrounding Amethi’s history arises from the existence of two separate towns with the same name — one ruled by Amethia Rajputs (Gaur lineage) in Lucknow district, and the other by Bandhalgoti Rajputs in Sultanpur district.

While both share the name "Amethi," they are geographically distinct and historically independent of each other, separated by roughly 115 kilometers.

Hence, the Bandhalgoti Rajputs were the rulers of Amethi in Sultanpur, whereas the Amethia Rajputs trace their lineage to Amethi in Lucknow.