Dauwa Ahir or Dauwa Yadav are a Gotra (Clan) of Ahirs 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 or Thakur Sahab due to their power and influence in Bundelkhand.[4]
They claim descent from Lord Balarama (brother of Shree Krishna) and Alha & Udal; the 12th century Ahir generals[5] of Parmal.[1]
They ruled a estate in the Bundelkhand Agency i.e., the Naigaon-Rebai State during British India.[6] In Mediaeval era, they served as important generals and commanders in the army of the ruling clans such as, the Chandelas or the Bundelas.[7][8] They actively participated in wars along with them.[9][10][8] In Prithviraj-Raso, a Dau warrior named Dongar Singh Dauwa is mentioned who is fighting along with Udal.[8]
At Banda there was dispute between Nawab of banda and Ranjor Dauwa (Ahir) of Ajaygarh. A battle had beed fought between them for the possession of the Bhurgarh fort (near banda) in which Ranjor dauwa and his Men became Victorious.[11][12]
• Raiman Singh Dauwa, a warrior of Bundelkhand