Dewas was originally established as a sovereign Maratha territory in the first half of the 18th century. While it later became the capital of two princely states during the British era, its foundations were laid by the brothers
Tukoji Rao (Senior) and
Jivaji Rao (Junior) of the
Pawar clan. The Pawar dynasty of Dewas emerged as a prominent military power during the expansion of the Maratha Empire. Members of the clan served with distinction as early as the reign of
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, participating in the foundational battles for Swarajya. Their role grew significantly under
Chhatrapati Shahu, during which they fought in numerous campaigns against the
Nizams , Mughals and the
Portuguese on the western coast. In recognition of their unwavering loyalty and valor in these conflicts, the family was honored with the hereditary titles '
Sena Sapt Sahasri' (Commander of Seven Thousand) and '
Vishwas Rao' (The Trustworthy). By the early 18th century, the Pawar brothers,
Tukoji Rao (Senior) and
Jivaji Rao (Junior), had established themselves as top-tier commanders under
Peshwa Baji Rao I. They were instrumental in the Maratha conquest of the Malwa region, leading successful military charges that broke local resistance and secured Maratha dominance in central India. Following these victories, the territory of Dewas was granted to the brothers in 1728. They initially ruled the region jointly before dividing the administration between their respective branches. This unique arrangement persisted even in the capital town of Dewas, where the two sides of the main street were managed by separate administrations—each with its own systems for water and lighting—until the states were eventually merged in the 20th century. In 1901, the senior branch had an area of and a population of 62,312, while the area of the junior branch was and had a population of 54,904. Both Dewas states were in the
Malwa Agency of the
Central India Agency.
Dewas Junior and
Dewas Senior durbars (courts) were composed of
Sardars,
Mankaris, Istamuradars,
Thakurs and
Jagirdars. File:A rare photograph of the Old Palace (Rajwada) of Dewas Junior.jpg|The Old Palace (Rajwada) of Dewas Junior. File:The Durga Bagh Palace, Dewas Junior State.jpg|The Durga Bagh Palace, Dewas Junior State. File:The Shree Lakshmi Narayan Bhawan Club, Dewas Junior State.jpg|Shree Lakshmi Narayan Bhawan Club, Dewas Junior State. File:Shree Narayan Tower, Dewas Junior. The Clock Tower is named after HH Raja Srimant Narayanrao (Dada Sahib) Puar of Dewas (Junior).jpg|Shree Narayan Tower, Dewas Junior State. The Clock Tower is named after HH Raja Srimant Narayanrao (Dada Sahib) Puar of Dewas Junior State. File:The Gate at Shree Malhar, The Residence of His Holiness Shri Shilnath Maharaj.jpg|The Gate at Shree Malhar, The Residence of His Holiness Shri Shilnath Maharaj. File:The Law Courts, Dewas Junior State.jpg|The Law Courts, Dewas Junior State. File:HH Raja Narayan Rao Puar with Dewas Junior Nobility.jpg|HH Raja Narayan Rao Pawar with Dewas Junior Nobility (
Sardars,
Mankaris,
Thakurs and
Jagirdars). After India's independence in 1947, the Maharajas of Dewas (Jr. & Sr.) acceded to India, and their states were integrated into
Madhya Bharat, which became a state of India in 1950. Later, in 1956,
Madhya Bharat was merged into the state of
Madhya Pradesh. ==Geography==