The Chronicle of the Surwar Gaur Dynasty: 

I. Origins: The Sovereigns of Surpur and Dhaudhar

The saga of the Surwar Gaur Rajputs begins in the ancient lands of Surpur, Rajasthan. Seeking new horizons, the clan migrated to Bihar under the leadership of Maharaja Dushasan Shah. A formidable ruler, Dushasan Shah held sovereignty over 36 Parganas stretching from Chandauli to the Sone River, establishing his seat of power at the fortress of Dhaudhar.

His eldest son, Maharaja Surgandhar Shah, succeeded him, bringing great prosperity to the realm. Beyond his role as the King of Dhaudhar, he served as the Killedar (Fort Commander) of Rohtasgarh, further cementing the family's military prestige.

II. The Schism: The Paths of Hem Shah and Puran Mal

Upon the reign of Maharaja Dev Shah, the lineage branched into two powerful houses of his sons:

 * The Namudag Line : The eldest son, Hem Shah, ascended the throne of Dhaudhar to continue his father’s legacy. In the rule of his son Raja Achal Singh, they fought with Aurangzeb and lost that war , then they moved to Palamu area and established Namudag -Mahuari Raj (detailed information in the upcoming paragraph).

 * The Ranka Line : The younger son, Prince Puran Mal, set his sights on Palamu. Under the guidance of his father, Dev Shah, Puran Mal served as the General of the army that assisted the Chero King, Bhagwat Rai, in conquering Palamu. In gratitude for his valor, the Chero King appointed Puran Mal as his Dewan and granted him the estates of Ranka and Chainpur. Though they began as allies, the Ranka branch later fought the Cheros to secure their own independent territory. In British Era they got title of Princely state. Raja bahadur of Ranka raj also participated in the world war 2  with the British and got much respect.

Fort of Ranka Raj 

1. Ranka Raj fort 

2. Chainpur fort 

III. Resistance and Exile from Dhaudhar: The Conflict with Aurangzeb

The tide of history turned during the reign of Hem Shah’s son, Maharaja Achal Dev Singh. A man of fierce independence, he intercepted and executed a Mughal Nawab-merchant who was spreading terror within the Surwar borders.

This defiance drew the wrath of the Emperor Aurangzeb, who laid siege to Dhaudhar. The fortress fell, and the Royal Family was taken captive. However, moved by Achal Dev’s extraordinary bravery, Aurangzeb eventually released them on the condition that they depart for the Palamu region.

IV. The Rise of the Namudag Raj

Exiled but undefeated, the family established a new stronghold in Sanda Sari. They displaced the Chero influence from 45 villages and founded the Namudag Raj, a confederacy of five key estates: Mahuari (the Seat of the Main Family), Namudag, Naudiha, Gulabjhari, and Udaygarh.

The heir, Raja Vaidyanath Dev Singh, was consecrated as King. He established three great forts:

 * Naudiha Fort 

 * Bichladih Fort

 * Namudag Fort

   (Note: Today, these once-glorious structures have faded due to regional unrest, yet their history remains.)

V. Vengeance and Expansion: The Fall of Devgan

The sovereignty of Namudag was often challenged by the Cheros of Nawa Jaipur. The Chero rulers of Devgan refused to cede 30 villages rightfully belonging to the Surwar Gaurs. They resorted to treachery, inviting Raja Vaidyanath Singh to a feast only to assassinate him.

The crown passed to his son, Yuvaraj Puran Dev Singh. Consumed by the need for justice, Puran Dev performed a ritual prayer to the Kuldevi (Clan Goddess), drew his ancestral sword, and laid waste to the Devgan Fort. He slew the Chero King and, in a final act of triumph, buried the fallen foe beneath the gates of his own Naudiha Fort.

With this victory, Raja Puran Dev Singh consolidated 653 Mauzas (villages) under his rule, ensuring that the Surwar Gaur name would be feared and respected for generations and continues residing in Mahuari (capital). In the British Era they title of Zamindari estate.

:- Namudag Raj old fort 

:- Ranka Raj fort