Bastar

Bastar gave its name to a kingdom in the forested uplands of central India. Tradition traces its ruling house to Annam Deo, who came from Warangal in the early fourteenth century. The goddess Danteshwari became closely associated with the dynasty, and her shrine at Dantewada stood among the most important sacred places of the kingdom. Bastar itself served as a seat of its rulers before their court moved to Jagdalpur.

The kingdom retained a distinctive political and religious life amid its forests and plateau settlements. In the eighteenth century, succession disputes drew neighbouring Jeypore into Bastar affairs. Dalpat Deo recovered the throne in 1731 after taking refuge there, and later moved his capital to Jagdalpur. Maratha expansion brought fresh pressure upon the kingdom during his reign, changing its relationship with powers beyond the Bastar country.