Dumartar

Origin and Clan Lineage

The Parmars of Dumartar belong to the prestigious Ujjainiya clan of Rajputs, who trace their lineage back to the historic Paramara Dynasty of Dhar and Ujjain in Malwa (modern-day Madhya Pradesh). Following the decline of the Paramara kingdom in the 14^th century due to military pressures from Delhi Sultanate rulers, a branch of the family migrated eastward under Raja Santan Singh and established themselves in the Shahabad district of Bihar (comprising modern Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas, and Kaimur). Over centuries, they founded prominent principalities such as Dumraon, Jagdishpur, and Haldi.

The Rebellion of 1857 and Migration to Dumartar

The destiny of the Jagdishpur branch was dramatically reshaped during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Led by the legendary octogenarian chief, Babu Kunwar Singh, and his brother Babu Amar Singh, the Ujjainiyas of Jagdishpur waged a relentless guerrilla war against the British East India Company. Following the death of Babu Kunwar Singh in April 1858 and the subsequent confiscation of their ancestral estates by British forces, his family and loyal followers faced severe reprisal.

To escape British persecution, many members of the royal family fled into the dense, hilly terrains of the Kaimur hills and migrated eastward toward the Santhal Parganas. It was during this period of displacement that Kanwar Veer Bhahab Singh, seeking safe haven and a new base, settled in the Dumartar region of Deoghar (now in Jharkhand). Due to their origins in the western plains of Bihar (which lay to the west of Bengal but were collectively referred to as 'Purvabhal' or 'Purvaiya' by the local populace), they became known locally as the Purvaiya Rajputs.

Establishment of the Dumartar Taluk

Upon settling in the Deoghar region, the family established the Dumartar Taluk. Despite losing their vast ancestral estates in Jagdishpur, the family managed to acquire land and secure their position as influential local landlords (Talukdars) in the rugged terrain of Santhal Parganas. They adapted to the unique administrative laws of the region, which were later codified under the Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act to govern landlord-tenant relations, ensuring the survival and continuity of their lineage through tumultuous times.

Post-Independence and Modern Era

Following India's independence in 1947, the Dumartar estate, like all other princely states and zamindaris across the country, was formally abolished under the Bihar Land Reforms Act of 1950. The family successfully transitioned from traditional feudal landholders to active participants in democratic India. Today, their descendants reside in the Deoghar district and beyond, pursuing diverse careers in agriculture, public service, and business, while preserving the legacy of their heroic ancestors who fought for India's freedom.

References and Historical Sources

• To learn more about the migration and historical backdrop of the Ujjainiyas, refer to the Official History of Bhojpur District.
• For historical details on the role of Babu Kunwar Singh and his family during the 1857 rebellion, see the Encyclopaedia Britannica entry on Kunwar Singh.
• To understand the administrative and geographic history of the area where they settled, consult the Deoghar District Gazetteer.