The Bavan Maval,[1] or Bawan Mawal was a territory of fifty two valleys or Khoras ruled or controlled by Maratha Deshmukhs during Maratha Empire. All these regions mostly came in the districts of Pune and Ahmednagar and each valley had a hereditary Maratha Nayak or Sardar.[2][3]
Some of the Deshmukhis were as follows -
Each of the Maval lords commanded forces enlisted majorly from among his own tenants for the purpose of territorial defense and law enforcement. Additionally, they were appealed by their suzerain to raise troops for royal service in times of need, and would duly receive additional bounties and grants of new territories in reward.[5][6]
The Kunbis of Bawan Mavals enlisted by Chhatrapati Shivaji had transformed into a powerful and important army, and Deshmukhs of Bavan Mavals played an important role in establishing Swarajya and in the several battles.[7]
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