Saturday, 3 May 2025

Historical Migration and Socio-Cultural Continuity: A Study of the Pawar (Bhoyar Pawar) Community in Central India



Historical Migration and Socio-Cultural Continuity: A Study of the Pawar (Bhoyar Pawar) Community in Central India

Author:
Rajesh Barange Pawar
MS Pharm in Medicinal Chemistry

Abstract

This research paper delves into the historical migration and socio-cultural continuity of the Pawar (Bhoyar Pawar) community in the Devgarh region between 1600 and 1700, with documented presence in 1824. Drawing from historical documents, including the "Report on the Territories of The Raja of Nagpore" submitted to the Supreme Government of India in 1827 by Richard Jenkins, Esq., and other supporting references, this study investigates the migration of the Pawar (Bhoyar Pawar) community from Malwa during the reign of Aurangzeb.

Key findings presented herein highlight that the Pawar community, specifically the Bhoyar Pawars, initially settled in Devgarh—a region encompassing Betul, Chhindwara, and Wardha districts. Their migration was prompted by the socio-political adversities under Aurangzeb’s rule. Over time, the community became deeply rooted in the region, maintaining cultural continuity and contributing significantly to local society.

This study also documents the allocation of land near Multai, Pandhurna, and Sausar by the Gond Raja of Devgarh, as recognition of the Bhoyar Pawars’ military support. A detailed examination of historical records and population patterns confirms the unique identity of the Bhoyar Pawars, distinct from other Powar/Pawar groups mentioned in broader colonial records. This paper ultimately emphasizes the importance of interpreting historical sources with cultural and regional specificity to preserve the Pawar community’s heritage and identity.

Keywords

Pawar Community, Bhoyar Pawar, Historical Migration of Pawar Community, Socio-Cultural Continuity of Pawar Community, Devgarh Region and the Pawar Community, 1824 and the Pawar Community, Aurangzeb's Reign and the Pawar Migration, Malwa Migration of the Pawar Community, Bhoyar Pawars in Devgarh, Historical Records of the Pawar Community, Population Dynamics of Pawar Community, Land Allocation to the Pawar Community, Gond Raja of Nagpur and Pawars, Resilience of the Pawar Community, Identity Preservation among Pawars, Satpura Vidarbha and the Pawar Community, Bakht Buland and the Pawars, Lodhi Migration vis-a-vis Pawars, Deogurh and the Presence of Pawars, Historical References about the Pawar Community.

Introduction

This paper explores the remarkable journey and enduring cultural presence of the Pawar community—particularly the Bhoyar Pawars—in the Devgarh region, focusing on their settlement during the early 17th century and their sustained presence into the early 19th century. Central to this narrative is the historical report titled “Report on the Territories of The Raja of Nagpore” submitted by Richard Jenkins, Esq., in 1827, who served as the Resident of the Court of His Highness the Raja of Nagpore.

Deogurh (now Chhindwara) emerged as a key region where the Panwar community, one of the thirteen agricultural castes, established itself during the rule of Raja Bakht Buland. Within this socio-historical setting, the Powar community—also referred to as Pawars—claimed lineage from Dhar in Malwa and are recorded to have migrated during the oppressive reign of Aurangzeb. This migration marks the beginning of their historical presence in the Satpura-Vidarbha region.

Studies and Findings

A close reading of Jenkins' 1827 report, printed at the Government Gazette Press, Calcutta, by G.H. Huttmann, states:

“All the cultivating classes were established in Deogurh previously to the Marhatta conquest. The four classes of Kshatriya cultivators came originally from Hindustan during the reign of Bukht Boolund. The most numerous of these classes, are Lodees, great numbers of whom are settled in the districts on the Wynecunga. Another class, the Powars, are also established in the same quarter. They say their ancestors were expelled from Dhar, in Malwa, in the reign of Aurengzebe.”

From this document and additional genealogical literature, the following conclusions are drawn:

  1. Identification of Pawars: Jenkins’ reference to "Powars" is not about the Powars of Balaghat but about the Bhoyar Pawars settled in Chhindwara, Betul, and Wardha—traditionally referred to as Bhoyar Panwars or Bhoyar Pawars.

  2. Historical Migration from Malwa: Consistent across historical texts is the narrative that Pawars migrated from Malwa during Aurangzeb’s reign due to persecution and hardship. Their settlement in the Satpura region corresponds with this timeline.

  3. Population Insights:

    • The document notes the Lodhis as more populous at the time. Today, Lodhis have migrated towards Wainganga, while Bhoyar Pawars have become the dominant group in Devgarh, suggesting a demographic shift.

    • The Pawar community today has a population of around 2–3 lakhs in the Satpura region, compared to an estimated 15 lakh 36-Kul Powars in Wainganga and about 5 lakh Lodhis.

  4. Geographic and Demographic Logic:

    • Balaghat, Seoni, Gondia, and Bhandara are 200+ km from Devgarh, while Multai, Pandhurna, and Sausar are within 50 km—indicating that Bhoyar Pawars settled in the latter areas, earning the regional identifier “Bhoyar.”

  5. First Settlement at Nagardhan:

    • Multiple references affirm that 36-Kul Powars initially settled near Nagardhan, which is closer to Gondia and Bhandara. However, the Jenkins report references those who remained in Devgarh, strengthening the case for them being Bhoyar Pawars.

Supporting References Confirming First Settlements and Migration Patterns

  1. Hindu Tribes and Castes, Vol. II, by M.A. Sherring, 1879, p. 93

  2. Central Provinces District Gazetteer, Balaghat, Vol. A, by C.E. Low, ICS, 1908, p. 101

  3. Central Provinces Census, 1872, Serial No. 38

  4. Pawari Gyandeep, 2nd ed., by D. Temperance, Himalaya Publishing House, 2014

  5. The Gazetteer of the Central Provinces of India

  6. Report on the Territories of The Raja of Nagpore, Richard Jenkins, 1827

Results

Through detailed cross-analysis of population data, historical documents, and settlement patterns, this study affirms the following:

  • The term “Powars” in Jenkins’ and similar colonial accounts refers specifically to the Bhoyar Pawars settled in Devgarh.

  • Population trends support this, showing a strong and sustained Bhoyar Pawar presence in Betul, Chhindwara, and Wardha.

  • Migration records from Malwa and land grants from the Gond Raja of Devgarh further establish the community's socio-political relevance in the region.

Conclusion

This research confirms that the Powar community, particularly the Bhoyar Pawars, has a longstanding and culturally significant presence in the Devgarh region. Their migration from Malwa during Aurangzeb's rule, due to socio-political pressures, marks a key historical transition. Over the centuries, they not only survived but contributed significantly to regional politics and society—receiving recognition from rulers like the Gond Raja for their valor and community leadership.

Today, the Bhoyar Pawars’ deep-rooted presence in Devgarh, Multai, Pandhurna, and Sausar stands as a testament to their resilience, adaptation, and cultural continuity. Historical records must be interpreted through regional and ethnographic lenses to honor and preserve the community’s true identity.

References

  1. Sherring, M.A. (1879). Hindu Tribes and Castes, Volume II, p. 93.

  2. Low, C.E. (1908). Central Provinces District Gazetteer, Balaghat, Volume A, p. 101.

  3. Central Provinces Census (1872), Serial No. 38.

  4. Temperance, D. (2014). Pawari Gyandeep, 2nd ed., Himalaya Publishing House, Mumbai.

  5. The Gazetteer of the Central Province of India.

  6. Jenkins, R. (1827). Report on the Territories of The Raja of Nagpore, Government Gazette Press, Calcutta.

पवारी शोध पत्रिका, माँ ताप्ती शोध संस्थान, मुलताई



वर्तमान पवार गोत्र (उदाहरण):

  • पंवारो के उपनाम

    • पवार (७२ कुल) :

    1.      गिरहारे/गिरारे

    2.      पराड़कर/ परिहार/

    3.      खरपुसे, (केवल छिंदवाड़ा)

    4.      बड़नगरे/ नागरे/ बन्नागरे

    5.      घाघरे,

    6.      छेरके, शेरके (छिंदवाड़ा)

    7.      कडवे

    8.      पाठे, पाठा / पाठेकर

    9.      डोंगरदिये/ डोंगरे

    10.  धारफोड/ धारपूरे

    11.  चौधरी,

    12.  माटे/माटेकर

    13.  फरकाड़े

    14.  गाडगे

    15.  ढोटे/धोटे

    16.  देशमुख,

    17.  खौसी/खावसी/कौशिक/खवसी/खवसे

    18.  डिगरसे/दिगरसे/ दिग्रसे

    19.  भादे/भादेकर

    20.  बारंगा/ बारंगे

    21.  राऊत,

    22.  काटोले/गघड़े/गद्रे

    23.  दुखी/दूर्वे

    24.  किंकर/किनकर

    25.  रबडे,

    26.  कसाई/कसलीकर,

    27.  मनमाडे/मानमुडे

    28.  सवाई,

    29.  गोरे,

    30.  डाला/डहारे

    31.  उकार/ओमकार

    32.  उघडे,

    33.  करदाते/दाते

    34.  करंजकर/किरंजकर

    35.  कामडी,

    36.  कालभूत/कालभोर,

    37.  कोडले/कोरडे

    38.  हिंगवे /हिंगवा

    39.  खपरिये/ खपरे,

    40.  गाडरे,

    41.  गाकरे/गाखरे

    42.  गोहिते/गोहते

    43.  चिकाने,

    44.  चोपडे,

    45.  टोपलें,

    46.  ढोले,

    47.  ढोबले/ढोबारे

    48.  डंढारे,

    49.  देवासे,

    50.  ढोंडी

    51.  नाडीतोड,

    52.  पठाडे,

    53.  पिंजारे/ पिंजरकर

    54.  बरखाडे,

    55.  बिरगाडे,

    56.  बारबोहरे,

    57.  गोंनदिया

    58.  बैगने,

    59.  बोबडे,

    60.  भोभटकर

    61.  बुवाड़े/बोवाड़े

    62.  ठवरी

    63.  मुने/मुन्ने

    64.  रमधम

    65.  ठुस्सी

    66.  रोडले

    67.  लबाड,

    68.  लाडके,

    69.  लोखंडे,

    70.  सवाई,

    71.  सरोदे

    72.  हजारे

    other

    73.  Bisen (in Chhindwada)




    • कुछ लोग अपने उपनाम की जगह पंवार या पवार भी लगााते है।

    ( पंवारो के यह ७२ उपनाम राजपूत सैनिक सरदारों के नाम/पदनाम/पदवी/संकेतित नाम है )


कुलों की इस संगठित संरचना ने उन्हें नए क्षेत्रों में एक नई सामाजिक और आर्थिक शक्ति के रूप में स्थापित किया।

5इस विरासत के तीन सबसे महत्वपूर्ण स्तंभों को सदैव स्मरण रखें:

  • अग्निवंशी क्षत्रिय गौरव: 2,500 ईसा पूर्व से निरंतर चली आ रही प्राचीन वंशावली।
  • 72 कुलों की एकता: विभिन्न राजपूत शाखाओं का एक संगठित और अटूट महासंघ।
  • अनुकूलन की क्षमता: समय के अनुसार स्वयं को योद्धा से कुशल भूमि स्वामी (जमींदार) के रूप में सफलतापूर्वक परिवर्तित करना।

यह इतिहास केवल बीते हुए कल की कथा नहीं है, बल्कि आपकी पहचान और भविष्य की एकता का आधार है। अपनी जड़ों को जानें, ताकि आप एक मजबूत भविष्य का निर्माण कर सकें।

भोयर समाज के इतिहास, वंशावली, भाषा, संस्कृति एवं सामाजिक दस्तावेजीकरण के लिए समर्पित

About the Authors

Shivani Pawar

Researcher – Bhoyari / Pawari Language, Folk Culture and Satpuda Regional Studies
Co-Editor, Writer & Contributor – Maa Tapti Shodh Sansthan, Multai, Betul & Pawari Shodh Patrika

Shivani Pawar works on the documentation and preservation of the Pawari/Bhoyari language, Pawari folk songs, and oral traditions of the Bhoyar Pawar community. Her research focuses on the cultural heritage of the Satpuda region, including Betul traditions, and the historical connections of Pawar lineage with Malwa and Rajputana.

📧 Email: barkhede.shivani@gmail.com

Rajesh Barange Pawar

Independent Researcher | Bhoyari / Pawari Language Researcher | Pawar Community History | Rajasthan–Malwa–Satpuda Regional Studies
Founder & Director – Maa Tapti Shodh Sansthan, Multai, Betul
Chief Editor – Pawari Shodh Patrika

Rajesh Barange Pawar researches the Bhoyari/Pawari language, Pawar community history, the 72 gotras of the Pawar community, and the cultural traditions of the Satpuda region. His work explores the historical connections between the Pawar (Parmar/Panwar) lineage of Malwa and Rajputana and their migration and settlement in Betul and surrounding Satpuda regions, including traditions associated with Maa Tapti.

🌐 Blog: https://rajeshbarange.blogspot.com/
🌐 Pawari Shodh Patrika: https://sites.google.com/view/pawarishodhpatrika/home
📧 Email: rajeshbarange00@gmail.com

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— पवारी शोध पत्रिका
माँ ताप्ती शोध संस्थान, मुलताई


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