Raksela Dynasty
Before the Chero dynasty, Palamu was ruled by the Raksela dynasty. The Raksela ruled in south-east Palamu. Before entering Palamu, they were divided into two groups. A group settled in Devgaon (In Garhwa district). The second group settled in Kudhelwa (In Palamu district). Thus the two branches of Raksela in Palamu. The Devgaon branch built its fort at Devgan and declared Devgan as its capital. Devgaon is currently located in Garhwa district. The Kudhelwa branch built its fort at Kudhelwa and declared Kudhelwa as its capital.The Raksela were ruled by Palamu in Jharkhand and Surguja in Chhattisgarh. The center of political activity of the Raksela was in Surguja more than in Palamu.
During the reign of Raksela, the Kalachuri rulers invaded the border region of Palamu and Surguja and annexed it to their empire. But in other parts of Palamu and Surguja, Raxel continued to rule firmly. During the rule of Raksela, the Kharwar, Gond and Korwa castes predominated in Palamu. The largest number were of Kharwars.
War Between Nagvanshis and Raksela
First Battle
During the time of Nagvanshi King Bhimkarna, Raksela King of Surguja attacked Chotanagpur with 12000 cavalry and a large infantry. Bhimakarna defeated the Raksela in the battle of Barwa and went back to Surguja.
In this war, Bhimakarna robbed the Raksela badly, among the items obtained from the loot was the idol of Lord Vasudeva (Vishnu). After the victory of this war, Bhimakarna Annexed Barwa and Tori Pargana into his empire.
Second Battle
The second battle of Raksela and the Nagavanshis took place at Korambe (Lohardagga). This war was very fierce, hence Korambe is called Haldighati of Jharkhand. Chhatrakarna the Nagvanshi Ruler was victorious in this war.
Important Facts About Raksela Dynasty
a) Before the arrival of the Chero in the 16th century, Palamu was ruled by the Raksela. Bhagwat Rai killed Ram Singh, the last king of the Raksela of Palamu, in 1572 and laid the foundation of the Chero dynasty by ending the Raksela rule.
b) At the time of the establishment of the Mughal dynasty, Palamu was ruled by the Raksela