The Dauwa Ahirs or Dauwa Yadavs are a Clan of Ahir/Yadavs found in the Bundelkhand region[1] which was the ancient Cedi Kingdom. They are also known as Dau, Dauwa, Doa or Daua.[2][3] They are also addressed as Dau Sahab due to their power and influence in Bundelkhand.[4]

Origin

change

The Dauwa Ahirs claim descent from Balarama (the half-brother of Krishna) and 12th Century warriors.[1]

History

change

They ruled a estate in the Bundelkhand Agency i.e., the Naigaon-Rebai State during British India.[5] In Mediaeval era, they served as important generals and commanders in the army of the ruling clans such as, the Chandelas or the Bundelas.[6][7] They actively participated in wars along with them.[8][9][7] In Prithviraj-Raso, a Dau warrior named Dongar Singh Dauwa is mentioned who is fighting along with Udal.[7]

References

change
  1. 1.0 1.1 Singh, Mahendra Pratap (2001). Shivaji, Bhakha Sources and Nationalism. Books India International.
  2. Hindī bhāshā kī śabda-saṃracanā (in Hindi). Sāhitya Sahakāra. 1985.
  3. Jain, Ravindra K. (2002). Between History and Legend: Status and Power in Bundelkhand. Orient Blackswan. ISBN 978-81-250-2194-0.
  4. Siddiqui, A. U. (2004). Indian Freedom Movement in Princely States of Vindhya Pradesh. Northern Book Centre. ISBN 978-81-7211-150-2.
  5. The Imperial Gazetteer of India: Moram to Nayāgarh. Today & Tomorrow's Printers & Publishers [1972. 1972.
  6. Divedi, Syam Sundar (1956). Veersingh Dev Charit.
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 Chandbardai (1913). Prithviraj Raso Vol. - Vi.
  8. Gupta, Asha (1999). Aalha Khand (in Hindi). Vāṇī Prakāśana.
  9. Parishada, Madhyapradeśa Ādivāsī Lokakalā (2001). Candelakālīna lokamahākāvya Ālhā: prāmāṇika pāṭha (in Hindi). Madhyapradeśa ĀDivisionāsī Lokakalā Parishad.