The Maratha empire’s history is a tapestry that includes tales of valour, conquest, and complex family lineages. Of the many princely states that came up under the Maratha flag, Dewas stands out as a “twin state” which had Senior and Junior branches ruled by the same clan. In the Malwa region of present-day Madhya Pradesh, the kingdom, which was governed by the Puar (or Pawar) dynasty, a lineage that has deep roots in India’s martial past.

Origins of the Puar Clan

The ruling families of Dewas were of the Puar clan, which traces its lineage back to the Parmaras, an ancient dynasty that at one point ruled Central India. They put forth that they are of the blood of the legendary Raja Vikramaditya of Malwa. Over the years, their fortune went up and down, which saw the migration of the Puar family to the Maharashtra region in the early 17th century. By the early 1700s, the Puar had risen to note as very trusted sardars (generals) under the Peshwas, who were the Prime Ministers of the Maratha Empire.

Foundation of the Dewas State

Dewas’ emergence as a separate political entity is a result of Maratha expansion into Malwa. In the early 18th century, Udaji Pawar, along with his brothers Tukaji and Jivaji, set out with Peshwa Baji Rao I in military campaigns, which led to the subjugation of the area.

Initially, in 1728, Udaji Pawar was given the Dhar territory for what he did. But a break with the Peshwa saw his rights passed to his brothers Tukaji and Jivaji. In 1732, the brothers took over rule in Dewas. Instead of dividing the land between the two of them, they put in place a novel system which divided the state into Senior and Junior branches and which the brothers ran together.

The Senior Branch (Dewas Senior)

Tukaji Pawar, I founded the Senior Branch. This great warrior was key to the Maratha takeover of Malwa and also distinguished himself at the Battle of Dharawi. His rule came to an end in 1754 when he died in a conflict with the Jats.

The lineage went through a series of adoptions, which was a typical practice in Indian princely families for the purpose of securing succession. Notable among the rulers was Tukojirao Pawar II, who took the throne in 1789. It was during his reign in 1818 that the state entered into a treaty with the British East India Company, which secured protection in exchange for loyalty.

In the Senior lineage, which is quite remarkable, was Tukojirao Pawar III (1900 1934). What is noted of his reign is not only his administration but his relationship with the famous author E.M. Forster, who was his private secretary. That period, which we may call a high point for the West, gave a rare look into the court life of Dewas. Tukojirao III did eventually abdicate and went to Pondicherry, which at that time was a French territory. The last in the line of ruling monarchs of Dewas was Krishnaraoji Pawar III, who in 1948 acceded the state to the Dominion of India.

The Junior Branch (Dewas Junior)

The Younger Branch was established by junior brother Jivajirao Pawar I. Also, like his brother, he was key in the Maratha campaigns. The history of the Younger branch was one of internal political turmoil. For example, the second ruler, Sadashivrao Pawar, had a tragic death in 1790 at the hands of his own son, Rukmangadrao.

In the Junior House, we see many adoptions that were for the purpose of upholding the male line. Haibatrao Pawar, who came from the Dhar family, ruled from 1840 to 1864. That branch of the family modernised under rulers like Sir Malharrao Pawar and Sir Colonel Yeshwantrao Pawar. Yeshwantrao was the last ruler of the Junior branch, which, in 1948, put in place the instrument of accession to the new Indian union. Post accession, he served the country in a different capacity as a regimental colonel in the Indian Army.

Legacy and Accession

The unique structure of the Dewas states, which saw two rulers, two administrations often in the same capital city, was an anomaly of the princely era until Indian independence. At the withdrawal of the British in 1947, both the Senior and Junior branches saw to it that their territories became part of the new Madhya Bharat union, which in turn became what today the state of Madhya Pradesh is. Today, the legacy of the Puar clan is very much a part of the cultural and historical heritage of central India.