Bhagwandas Raikwar (1944-2026) Biography, Family

Quick Info

Profession	Indian Martial Arts Guru
Nationality	Indian
Date of Birth	02/01/1944
Age	82 years (died on 19, Apr, 2026)
Birthplace	Sagar, Madhya Pradesh
Date of Death	19/04/2026

Latest News about Bhagwandas Raikwar

19/04/2026

Bhagwandas Raikwar, the guardian of Bundeli Martial Arts and 2026 Padma Shri awardee, passed away on 19 April 2026 at AIIMS Bhopal at the age of 83 while undergoing treatment for respiratory issues. He died before receiving the award in person, which was subsequently accepted by his son Rajkumar Raikwar at the President's residence during the Padma Awards ceremony.

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Bio/Wiki

Bhagwandas Raikwar, also known as 'Dau', was an Indian practitioner and coach of traditional martial arts from Sagar, Madhya Pradesh.
He was the guardian of Bundeli Martial Arts, a weapon-based traditional martial art form.
He was born in a traditional and historic region of Bundelkhand and developed an interest in ancient martial arts in his early years.

Physical Stats & More

Eye Colour	Black
Hair Colour	Bald

Educational Qualification(s)

Held a secure bank job before leaving it in 1982 to pursue his passion for martial arts.

Personal Life

Religion	Hinduism
Languages	Hindi Bundeli

Relationships & More

Marital Status (at the time of death)	Married
Spouse	Not publicly disclosed

Family

Relation	Son
Name	Rajkumar Raikwar

Career

Awards	Year: 2026 Award: Padma Shri Award Presented By: Government of India Year: 2026 Award: Padma Shri Award Presented By: Government of India Note: Awarded posthumously; received by his son Rajkumar Raikwar at the President's residence
Career Highlights	Founded a training center named Chhatrasal Bundelkhand Akhada in 1964 in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh. Trained more than 1000 students in Bundeli martial arts and weapon techniques. His troupe participated in national and international festivals to promote Bundeli heritage. Dedicated his life to preserving and promoting Bundeli martial arts and indigenous weapon-based traditions. Trained more than 1,000 students in Bundeli martial arts and weapon techniques. Cremated with full state honours in Sagar.

Awards

Year: 2026 Award: Padma Shri Award Presented By: Government of India
Year: 2026 Award: Padma Shri Award Presented By: Government of India Note: Awarded posthumously; received by his son Rajkumar Raikwar at the President's residence

Career Highlights

Founded a training center named Chhatrasal Bundelkhand Akhada in 1964 in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh.
Trained more than 1000 students in Bundeli martial arts and weapon techniques.
His troupe participated in national and international festivals to promote Bundeli heritage.
Dedicated his life to preserving and promoting Bundeli martial arts and indigenous weapon-based traditions.
Trained more than 1,000 students in Bundeli martial arts and weapon techniques.
Cremated with full state honours in Sagar.

Some Lesser Known Facts

1. Born and brought up in a traditional and historic region of Bundelkhand.
2. Developed interest in Bundeli warrior and ancient martial arts in his early years.
3. Left a secure bank job in 1982 to pursue his passion for martial arts.
4. Known for his ability to defeat 12 opponents with a single strike in the Akhada arena.
5. Trained over 20,000 students according to some reports, though official records cite 1,000+.

Bhagwandas Raikwar Indian Martial Arts Guru Indian Sagar, Madhya Pradesh