[2] At the turn of the 20th century, Banthra Sikandarpur was described (as "Banthara-Sikandarpur") as a large double village on the road from Lucknow to Kanpur.

[3] The landowners were Chauhan Rajputs, who held the place in pattidari tenure.

[3] At a later date, they went on to establish the nearby villages of Bani and Hamirpur, and they settled at Banthra at about the same time.

[3] At that time, Banthra had a police station, post office, and military encamping ground, while Sikandarpur to the south hosted a market twice a week, on Wednesdays and Sundays.

[3] Trade in cattle was the main commercial activity at Sikandarpur's markets.