IAS (Retd) If one were to ask members of Generation G in Nagpur, “Who founded the city?”, most would likely respond: Bakht Buland Shah. The reason is evident—the grand and imposing statue of the Gond king, seated on his throne, stands prominently at Vidhan Bhavan Chowk in Civil Lines. Historical Overview of Bakht Buland Shah According to eminent historian Dr. Shubha Johri, former Head of History at RTMNU and HCC expert member, “Bakht Buland Shah was a direct descendant of Raja Jatba, the founder of the Devgad dynasty.”

 

Historical records note that Raja Jatba, a Gond chieftain, ruled from Deogarh (Devgad) during Emperor Akbar’s reign. After his death, his son Kok Shah—also known as Gorakh Shah—ascended the throne. Bakht Buland Shah was born a Hindu under the name Bhagtu. Following the death of his father Kok Shah, a succession struggle erupted. Hostility from his brothers forced him into temporary exile from Devgad. Determined to reclaim his inheritance, he sought the support of Emperor Aurangzeb. His efforts bore fruit and his claim was recognized, and he was restored as ruler. During this period, he also spent several years at the Mughal court in Delhi. Vidarbha historian Dr. B. R. Andhare describes Bakht Buland Shah as “an astute strategist” who forged alliances with regional powers, including the Subedar of the Deccan and Emperor Aurangzeb. With Aurangzeb’s backing, he regained the throne in 1670.