The Pawar Caste: A Historical Perspective

The Kshatriya Pawar caste, also known as Pawar, Panwar, Bhoyar, or Bhoyar Pawar, is a Hindu caste with a substantial presence in Central India, particularly in the districts of Betul, Pandhurna, Chhindwara, and Wardha. Aligned with the Hindu Vedic Varna system, the Pawars are categorized within the esteemed Kshatriya varna, signifying their traditional role as rulers, warriors, and protectors.

Ancient Heritage and Lineage

Rooted deeply in the ancient heritage of the Kshatriya varna within the Hindu Vedic Varna system, the Pawars proudly trace their lineage to the Agnivansha branch of Kshatriyas. This lineage is believed to have originated approximately 2,500 years before the Common Era (BCE), symbolizing a rich historical legacy that has endured through the ages.

Cultural Influence and Contributions

In the cultural tapestry of Central India, the Pawar caste plays a significant role, preserving and perpetuating the traditions associated with their Kshatriya heritage. Their presence in regions such as Betul, Pandhurna, Chhindwara, and Wardha underscores the enduring influence and cultural contributions of the Pawar community in this part of the country.

Confederacy of Clans and Migration

According to genealogists (bhatt/rao), the Pawar caste is born from a confederacy of 72 Kshatriya clans, including prominent ones such as Parmar, Parihar, Solanki, Chauhan, Rathore, Kushwaha, Gahlot, Badgujar, Dangi, Gaur, Balla, Baghel, Tomar, Bhati, Jhala, Labana, Uthed, Ajana, Garg, Jethwa, Kanupriya, Barodiya, Chavda, Dahima, Tank. This confederacy of Rajputs embarked on a migration from Rajasthan and Malwa to the Satpura and Vidarbha regions between the 15th and 17th centuries, a historical movement that shaped the formation of the Pawar caste.

Role in the Parmar Dynasty

In the historical context of Malwa, the Pawars played a pivotal role within the Parmar dynasty. Serving as military chieftains, commanders, and soldiers, they made substantial contributions to the strength and prestige of the Parmar rulers. Renowned for their bravery, the Pawars emerged as a formidable force, notably during the Ghaznavid invasions in the 11th century.

Migration and Resilience

A pivotal and transformative episode in the annals of Pawar Rajputs’ history unfolded following their defeat in 1305 against Alauddin Khilji, the Muslim Sultan of Delhi. Faced with adversity, the Pawars made a strategic decision to migrate, crossing the Narmada River, and eventually settling in the regions of Betul, Pandhurna, Chhindwara, and Wardha. This migration wasn’t merely a geographical relocation but marked a profound shift in their trajectory, reflecting resilience, adaptability, and a quest for a new homeland.

Conclusion

The Pawar caste’s enduring legacy is woven into the fabric of Central India’s history, marked by their pivotal contributions to the Parmar dynasty and their resilience in the face of historical challenges. Their journey from a confederacy of Rajput clans to the formation of distinct gotras within the Pawar caste, and their ability to navigate changing circumstances while maintaining a connection to their historical roots, serves as a testament to the dynamic nature of the Pawar Rajputs. Their story is a fascinating chapter in the rich tapestry of India’s diverse cultural heritage.

Bhoyar Pawar caste, 2. Dhar Parmara Pawar dynasty, 3. Agnikul Pawar, 4. Pawari dialect, 5. Malwa region Pawar, 6. Gotras of Pawar community, 7. Emperor Vikramaditya Pawar, 8. Raja Bhoj Pawar, 9. Maa Gadkalika Pawar, 10. Rajput Kshatriya Pawar lineage, 11. Betul Pawar, 12. Wardha Pawar, 13. Chhindwara Pawar, 14. Central India Pawar caste demographics, 15. Pawar community cultural heritage.

Reference-

1 Bhanu, B.V.(2004).pg no 355, Maharashtra.PopularPrakashan.

2 Singh, K. S. (1998).pg no 461, India’s communities: H-M.

3 Singh, K. S. (1996). Pg no 1155Communities, Segments, Synonyms, Surnames and Titles. India: Anthropological Survey of India.

4 Backward Communities: Identity, Development, and Transformation. (1999).pg no 386, India: Gyan Publishing House.

5 Backward Communities: Identity, Development, and Transformation. (1999). Pg no 297, India: Gyan Publishing House.

6 Census of India, 1891. Page cxvi (1892). India: (n.p.).

7 Singh, K. S. (1996). Communities, Segments, Synonyms, Surnames and Titles. India: Anthropological Survey of India. 1155

8Russell, R. V. (1916). The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India. United Kingdom: Macmillan and Company, limited.

9 Sherring, M. A. (1879). Hindu Tribes and Castes: As Represented in Benares ; with Illustrations. India: Thacker.

10 Kitts, E. J. (1885). A Compendium of the Caste and Tribes Found in India: Comp. from the (1881) Census Reports for the Various Provinces (excluding Burmah) and Native States of the Empire. India: Printed at the Education society's Press.

11 Hunter, W. W. (1885). The Imperial Gazetteer of India. United Kingdom: Trübner & Company.

12 The Calcutta Review. (1902). India: (n.p.). pg no 27

13 The Central Provinces Gazette. (1922). India: (n.p.).

14 Kitts, E. J. (1885). A Compendium of the Castes and Tribes Found in India: Compiled from the (1881) Census Reports for the Various Provinces (excluding Burmah) and Native States of the Empire. India: Printed at the Education Society's Press, Byculla. 3, 45. 51, 78,86

15 Plowden, W. C. (1883). Report on the Census of British India, Taken on the 17th February 1881. United Kingdom: Eyre and Spottiswoode. 60

16 Census of the Central Provinces, 1881. (1882). India: Education Society's Press.92, 262, 290

17 D. Tembhar. (2014). Pawari gyandeep (2nd ed.). himalaya publishing house mumbai.

18 Bulletins of State Intelligence. (1819). United Kingdom: (n.p.). 272

19 Russell, R. V. (1916). pt. II. Descriptive articles on the principal castes and tribes of the Central Provinces. United Kingdom: Macmillan and Company, limited.

20 Maharashtra State Gazetteers: Chandrapur. (1960). India: Directorate of Government Print., Stationery and Publications, Maharashtra State.159 163 778

21 Census of India, 1891. (1893). India: (n.p.). 168

22 Census of India, 1911 .... (1912). India: Superintendent Government Printing, India. 145, 202

23 Barbosa, D., Magalhães, F. d. (1967). The Book of Duarte Barbosa: Including the coasts of East Africa, Arabia, Persia, and western India as far as the kingdom of Vijayanagar. Liechtenstein: Kraus Reprint.117

24 Trench, C. G. C. (1923). Final Report on the Re-settlement of the Betul District in the Central Provinces Effected During the Years 1916-1921. India: Government Printing C.P.. 5, 7, 16

25 Imperial Gazetteer of India .... (1907). United Kingdom: Clarendon Press. 208

26 Imperial Gazetteer of India .... (1907). United Kingdom: Clarendon Press. XIX

27 Hunter, W. W. (1881). The Imperial Gazetteer of India. Netherlands: Trübner & Company. 424

28 The Gazetteer of the Central Provinces of India. (1870). India: Printed at the Education society's Press, Bombay.48

29 Karandikar, S. V. (1929). Hindu Exogamy. India: D. B. Taraporevala. 261

30 The Central Provinces and Berar, a Review of the Administration of the Province. (1923). India: Government Print.. 205

31 Central Provinces District Gazetteers. (1910). India: Printed at the Pioneer Press. 305

32 Grierson, G. A. (1908). Linguistic Survey of India. India: Office of the superintendent of government printing, India. 291, 293

33 Imperial Gazetteer of India: Provincial Series. (1908). India: Superintendent of Government Printing. 296, 309, 310

34 Report on the Administration of the Central Provinces and Berar. (1913). India: Printed at the Government Press. 47, 49, 50

35 Gonda, J. (1970). Notes on Names and the Name of God in Ancient India. Netherlands: North-Holland Publishing Company. 49

36 Gait, E. A. (1914). East India (census).: General Report of the Census of India, 1911 .... India: H.M. Stationery Office. 389, 390, 412

37 Balfour, E. (1967). The Cyclopaedia of India and of Eastern and Southern Asia. Austria: Akademische Druck-u. Verlagsanstalt. 242 (bhoer)

38 38 .The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India, Volume 2. (2018). Russia: ЛитРес.