ancient Devi Bhagawatam as "Matripura" or "Matapur", where it is mention as one of the famous pilgrimages. In Devi Gita the final and most important chapter of the text, it is mentioned as one of the important places of Shakti worship: "Devi spoke:... I am now telling something out of My affection to My Bhaktas... Matripura or "Matapur" in the Sahyadri mountain; here the Devi Renuka or Matapur Niwasini Jagdamba Devi dwells..." Appasaheb Deshmukh was the ruler of Mahur sarkar and the sardar of gond King in the 12th century AD. Bharat Ratn Nanaji Deshmukh was his descendant. Raje Udaram Deshmukh of Mahur Raje Udaram, a Deshastha Rigvedi Brahmin from Washim was the Jagirdar of Mahur. He was initially a sardar in Nizamshahi Kingdom along with Sardar Lakhuji Jadhavrao, father of Rajmata Jijau Saheb. In year 1616, both Lakhuji and Udaram deserted Malik Ambar to join Mughals. Maratha Sardars were desired by both sides for their light infantry and cavalry. Both Sardars changed sides according to their interests. Raje Udaram was a good friend of Sardar Raje Lakhuji Jadhavrao. He died in 1632 AD, on the foothills of Daulatabad fort. Later Pandita Sawitribai or Rai Bagan, his wife, was the ruler of Mahur. There is a story of her valour. After death of her husband Raje Udaram-Deshmukh of the Mahur in Varhad province, who was in Mughal services, she took sword and joined Mughal services. After her son Jagjivanrao's death she continued to manage her jagir along with her grandson, Baburao. She was maintaining the Jagirs in Berar province, viz., Mahur, Pusad, Washim, Malegaon, Umarkhed, etc. Aurangzeb entrusted this Mahur-queen with the responsibility to quell the rebellion of Sardar Herchandrai. Savitri thereupon readied herself for the encounter. Taking the army from the Mahur-hills she proceeded towards the warfield. She tied her choli (bodice) to the flag-pole and exhorted to the army: “I am marching on the army, making flag of choli. "You are, after all men! You ought to be more valorous than me! Fight with full might! Kill the enemy! Win the battle! Protect the honour of your sister!" this call by her really kindled fire in the minds of the soldiers and they fought relentlessly. She also personally fought with all her might and consequently Harchandrai was defeated. For her valour during the war of accession in 1658, she was given an honorary name Rai Bagan by Aurangzeb.