Dewas Junior

Introduction to Dewas Junior

Dewas Junior (historically known as Dewas Chhoti Pati) was a prominent princely state in Central India during the British Raj, ruled by the Maratha Puars (or Pawars) who traced their ancestry to the legendary Pramara Rajput clan. The state presented a unique administrative phenomenon in Indian history, sharing its capital, the town of Dewas, with its sister state, Dewas Senior (Badi Pati). The two states, though distinct in their administrations, revenues, and territories, ruled side-by-side from the same capital, sharing public spaces, main streets, and even administrative functions in a remarkable display of dual sovereignty.

Origin and Foundation

The ruling dynasty of Dewas Junior belonged to the Puar (Pawar) clan, which traces its lineage back to the ancient Pramara Rajputs of Malwa. Following the decline of the Paramara dynasty in Central India, branches of the clan migrated southward to the Deccan region, where they adapted to Maratha culture and became prominent military commanders under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and later the Peshwas.

The foundation of the Dewas states is tied to the expansion of the Maratha Empire into Northern India under Peshwa Baji Rao I. In 1728, Peshwa Baji Rao I granted the pargana of Dewas and surrounding territories to two brothers, Tukoji Rao I and Jiwaji Rao I, for their military services. The brothers ruled jointly until their territories were partitioned. Jiwaji Rao I Puar became the founder and first ruler of the Dewas Junior (Chhoti Pati) branch, while his elder brother Tukoji Rao I established the Dewas Senior branch.

For more detailed historical documentation on the origins of the state, see the Golden Book of India by Sir Roper Lethbridge.

The Maratha Period and British Alliance

During the late 18^th century, Malwa became a battleground for competing Maratha factions (the Holkars and Scindias) and predatory bands of Pindaris. Dewas Junior suffered severely from these incursions, losing significant territory and facing economic ruin. The state's survival was ensured only through the intervention of the British East India Company.

In 1818, under the reign of Rukmangad Rao (popularly known as Babasaheb), Dewas Junior, along with Dewas Senior, entered into a treaty of protective alliance with the British East India Company. This treaty brought stability to the region, defined the boundaries of the state, and protected it from external aggression. The British acknowledged the joint rulers' sovereign rights, and the states were integrated into the Central India Agency.

The exact terms of these historical alliances can be reviewed in A Collection of Treaties, Engagements, and Sanads (Volume IV) by C.U. Aitchison.

Key Reformers and Modernization

The late 19^th and early 20^th centuries marked an era of rapid modernization and progressive administration under several visionary rulers:

• Maharaja Narayan Rao "Dada Saheb" Puar (1864–1892): He initiated administrative reforms, improved land revenue systems, and fostered better agricultural practices in the region.
• Maharaja Malhar Rao "Baba Saheb" Puar (1892–1934): A highly educated and modern ruler, he was a great patron of education and social reforms. He established several schools, introduced modern healthcare facilities, and worked toward eradicating social evils. He attended the Coronation Durbar in Delhi and was widely respected for his progressive views.
• Maharaja Sadashiv Rao "Khase Saheb" Puar (1934–1943): His reign focused on judicial reforms, infrastructural development, and rural upliftment. He worked diligently to bridge the gap between rural agrarian communities and urban administrative centers.

Further administrative and demographic accounts of this period can be found in the Imperial Gazetteer of India, Vol XI.

Heraldry and State Symbols

The heraldic symbols of Dewas Junior represented both their ancient Rajput lineage and their proud Maratha heritage:

• The Coat of Arms: The arms of Dewas Junior typically featured a shield depicting traditional Maratha weaponry, supported by two tigers or Maratha soldiers, symbolizing strength and courage. The crest above the shield often depicted a demi-horseman or a representation of the family deity.
• The State Flag: The flag was the sacred Maratha Bhagwa Zenda (a swallow-tailed saffron flag), representing the state's deep ties to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's empire and Hindu spiritual traditions.

Post-Independence and the Modern Era

Following India's independence in 1947, the last ruling Maharaja of Dewas Junior, Yeshwant Rao "Bhao Saheb" Puar, signed the Instrument of Accession to the Dominion of India. In 1948, Dewas Junior merged with neighboring princely states to form the newly created state of Madhya Bharat. Later, in 1956, Madhya Bharat was merged into the state of Madhya Pradesh.

Today, the royal legacy of Dewas Junior is preserved by their descendants. The family remains highly respected in the region, continuing to participate in local cultural, social, and political affairs, keeping the unique heritage of the dual-state of Dewas alive in the modern era.