Shankargarh

The estate of Shankargarh was founded in 1892, as a zamindari granted to a collateral branch of the ancient Raksel family from Surguja State. The Lal Sahebs of Shankargarh share a direct agnatic connection with the Surguja ruling line, descending specifically from the lineage linked to Raja Bahadur Bindeshwari Prasad Singh Deo CSI (brother of MahaRaja Indrajit Singh Deo of Surguja and Raja of Udaipur 1860/1876), through his third son who continued the family in allied estates. The family traces its roots to the Raksel Rajputs of the Lunar race (Chandravanshi), an ancient dynasty descended from a Raksel Raja of Palamau. The Raksel rulers historically governed vast mountainous regions inhabited by diverse tribal communities such as the Gond, Oraon, Bhumij, Korwa, Bhuiya, Kharwar, and others—integrating with these adivasi groups rather than dominating them outright. Over centuries, they maintained harmonious relations with the local tribal populations, respecting their customs, forest-based livelihoods, and deep connection to nature.

The Lal Sahebs have always embodied a profound love for prakriti (nature) and the forests that define this region. Living amidst dense jungles and hills, they treated the land not as mere property but as a sacred trust shared with the adivasi communities. They protected forest rights, supported tribal traditions tied to the environment, and ensured that the indigenous people could sustain their way of life in harmony with the ecosystem.

In their rule and legacy, these zamindars worked tirelessly for the welfare of adivasis—promoting access to education, healthcare, and sustainable practices like forest conservation and eco-friendly agriculture. They stood as protectors of tribal rights, preventing exploitation of natural resources and fostering coexistence where adivasis thrived alongside the land's biodiversity.

Even today, the descendants of the Lal Sahebs remain dedicated nature lovers and champions of adivasi causes. Their commitment to jungle preservation, environmental harmony, and uplifting tribal communities makes their legacy one of genuine service and stewardship. To anyone who learns about them, it becomes clear that these rulers truly dedicated themselves to the benefit and upliftment of adivasis, living in sync with nature and ensuring the forests remained a shared home for generations