Padma Shri for Bhagwandas Raikwar: 'Dau' Honored for Preserving Bundeli Martial Art

• 83-year-old Bhagwandas Raikwar, known as 'Dau', from Sagar, has been awarded the Padma Shri for his dedication to preserving Bundeli martial arts.
• He left his government bank job in 1998 to fully commit to teaching and saving this disappearing martial art, which includes wielding sticks, swords, tridents, and spears.
• Raikwar learned the art at Chhatrasal Akhara in Ramapura Ward, Sagar, and has since taught over 10,000 children and performed on 800 stages across India.
• He emphasizes that the art, once used by figures like Maharana Pratap and Rani Lakshmibai, allows one to defend against multiple attackers.
• His son, Rajkumar Raikwar, now continues his legacy, managing the akhara and ensuring the tradition of this ancient martial art lives on.

Why It Matters: Bhagwandas Raikwar receives Padma Shri for his lifelong dedication to preserving Bundeli martial arts.