The Pawar Rajputs: A Historical Journey from Malwa to Central India
Author: Rajesh Barange Pawar
MS Pharm Medicinal Chemistry, India
Email: rajeshbarange00@gmail.com
Betul, Madhya Pradesh, India
The Pawar caste, also known as Panwar, Bhoyar, or Bhoyar Pawar, is a Hindu community that holds a significant presence in Central India, particularly in the districts of Betul, Chhindwara, and Wardha. Rooted in the Kshatriya varna of the Hindu Vedic Varna system, the Pawars trace their lineage back to the Agnivansha branch of Kshatriyas, believed to have originated around 2,500 years before the Common Era (BCE).
According to genealogists (bhatt/rao), the Pawars are descendants of a confederacy of 72 Kshatriya clans,
This group of Rajputs migrated from Malwa to Satpura and Vidarbha between the 15th and 17th centuries. Over time, these clans evolved into gotras, eventually leading to the formation of the Pawar caste.
Role in Malwa’s History
In the historical context of Malwa, the Pawars played a crucial role in the Parmar dynasty, serving as military chieftains, commanders, and soldiers, contributing significantly to the strength and reputation of the Parmar rulers. They were renowned for their bravery and constituted a formidable force. Their martial skills and allegiance were key factors in maintaining the strength of the Parmar state.
A Turning Point: Defeat by Alauddin Khilji
A pivotal moment in Pawar Rajput history was their migration following the defeat in 1305 against Alauddin Khilji, the Muslim Sultan of Delhi. This historic loss prompted the Pawars to cross the Narmada River and settle in Betul, Chhindwara, and Wardha regions.
Some historical accounts suggest that before settling in these regions, the Pawars resided in eastern Malwa—areas like Shajapur, Shujalpur, Sehore, and Dewas—for approximately 300 years.
New Identity in New Lands
In their new territories, the Pawars established themselves as agriculturists and continued their martial traditions. They are known as:
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"Kshatriya Pawar" or simply "Pawar" or "Panwar" in Betul and Chhindwara, and
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"Bhoyar Pawar" or "Bhoyar" in Wardha.
The name "Bhoyar" is associated with their initial settlement in Bhorgarh fort, which later became a part of their identity. During the early 20th century, efforts were made to revert to the original and traditional name "Pawar" as a mark of pride and cultural preservation.
REFERENCES
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Panwar Samaj: Ek Sinhavlokan (1984), Dr. Dyneshwar Tembhare, Panwar Sandesh, pp. 16–18.
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Panwar Kul Dardhan (1985), In Krishnarav Balaji Panwar (Ed.), Panwar Sandesh, pp. 21–22.
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Bhojpatra (1986), In Pannalal Bisen (Ed.), Bhojpatra, pp. 12–14.
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Avasthi, Manju (1995), Balaghat jile ki jan boliyo ka bhashavaigyanik avam sanskritik Adhyayan.
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Genealogy author: Madansingh ji Morsingh Barwaji, Mu. Singapura Post- Galwa, Via Kosithal, District- Bhilwara, Rajasthan (Available in Patrika published by Bhopal Pawar Samaj Sangthan).
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Dr. Dyneshwar Tembhare (2014), Pawari Gyandeep (2nd ed.), Himalaya Publishing House, Mumbai.
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Vallabh Dongre (2013), Sikho Sabak Pawaro, Satpuda Sanskriti Sansthan, Bhopal.
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Ramkishor Pawar, Pushtak Mera Betul (2022), BFC Publications.
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Singh, K. S. (1998), India's Communities, Anthropological Survey of India.
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Singh, K. S. (1996), Communities, Segments, Synonyms, Surnames and Titles, Anthropological Survey of India, p. 1155.
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Rajesh Barange Pawar, https://rajeshbarange.blogspot.com
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Genealogy author: Rajkumar Saroth, Umaranala, Chhindwara, M.P.
This account of the Pawar Rajput community is a tribute to their valor, migration, cultural transformation, and continued legacy in Central India. The journey from royal guardians of Malwa to agrarian warriors of Satpura is a testament to the enduring strength and identity of the Pawars.
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