Raja Daud Khan, of Dewaitha, Kamsar-O-Bar

Daud Khan of Dewaitha (c. 1576 – 1650): The Warrior Zamindar of Kamsar and a Dewan

Raja Diwan Daud Khan, was a distinguished figure in the history of the Kamsar region, renowned for his bravery, leadership, and strategic acumen. His name became synonymous with valor, and his deeds were spoken of far and wide. A descendant of the Kamsari Pathans, he established Dewaitha in 1605 AD, a village once known as Daudpur. His rule marked a significant period of expansion and consolidation of power, laying the foundation for the Daudpur Zamindari estate, which stretched from Dewaitha to Zamania.

Family background

Family tree of Raja Daud Khan.

Daud Khan was the great-grandson of Narhar Khan, the founder of the Kamsar region. Narhar Khan’s third son, Bahbal Khan, had five sons, each of whom played a role in shaping the Kamsar region. Among them, Chand Khan, Daud Khan’s grandfather, received a share of the family estate and founded Jaburna. He later divided his land among his five sons, name as Daud Khan, Hateem Khan, Tajat Khan, Qasim Khan, and Taj Khan. Hateem Khan and Taj Khan settled at Jaburna. While Qasim Khan established Ghorohiyan, although his descendants later migrated to Dalton Ganj and Palamu district and are knon as "Kamisara Pathan" a offshoot of Kamsaries. The youngest Taj Khan, founded kesruva although he was without issue so his property was divided among his brothers. Daud Khan settled at Dewaitha in year 1605.

Daud Khan’s cousin, Raja Sarkar Dewan Quttul Khan, was a powerful zamindar who revived the Kamsar Jagir, originally established by their ancestor Narhar Khan. He successfully consolidated 52 villages under his rule and built a fort and an Eidgah Jama Masjid at Seorai during Akbar’s reign. However, his ambitions led to conflict with Man Singh Rai of Reotipur, who ultimately betrayed and killed him in 1602, severing his head as a trophy.

Eidgah of Quttul Khan 

The news of Quttul Khan’s deception and brutal murder enraged Daud Khan. Without hesitation, he mounted his horse, wielded his sword, and rode straight to Reotipur. There, he engaged in a fierce duel with Man Singh Rai, where both warriors displayed their prowess in combat. However, Daud Khan’s skill proved superior, and he decapitated Man Singh Rai, avenging his cousin’s death.

A letter of Quttul Khan written to the family of Man Singh Rai of Reotipur in 1601.

Later, a formal exchange of severed heads took place, allowing Quttul Khan’s body to be buried with full honor, his head being interred separately. This act of vengeance solidified Daud Khan’s reputation as a fearless warrior and a man of unwavering loyalty.

Rise to power

Following his cousin’s demise, Daud Khan succeeded him as Dewan of the Subah under Emperor Jahangir. He further strengthened his position as a jagirdar, overseeing the pargana and expanding his ancestral lands. The Daudpur Zamindari estate emerged under his rule, extending from Dewaitha to Zamania. His fort (kot) in Dewaitha served as the administrative center of his estate, marking a new phase of regional governance.

He also build a mosque at Dewaitha, an eidgah and planted large orchad near Dewaitha, which was known as Hazara Baagh. Mahmud Khan, his eldest son, founded Rasulpur. Kabir Khan, his second son, established Kabirpur (Rohura). However, over time, most of his descendants migrated to Akhlashpur, where they formed strong family ties. Remains of the baagh Daud Khan planted at Dewaitha can still be seen, in the satellite veiw of the village even after 4 centuries of land divisions.

A satellite view of Dewaitha.

While much of Daud Khan’s fort and estate has faded over time, a portion of his kot (fort) still remains in Kot Muhalla, serving as a tangible reminder of his era. The stories of his bravery, leadership, and contributions to the Kamsar region continue to be recounted among his descendants and the local populace.

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