People, Positions and Obituaries · 21 April 2026

Bhagwandas Raikwar, Padma Shri Awardee and Bundelkhand Martial Art Pioneer, Passes Away

Exam-focused facts from the 21 April 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

  • Padma Shri awardee Bhagwandas Raikwar, a pioneer of the Bundelkhand martial art form Akhada, passed away at the age of 82 at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhopal.
  • Raikwar was honoured with the Padma Shri in the Bundeli Martial Arts category under the Unsung Heroes segment during the 2026 Republic Day celebrations.
  • Born on January 2, 1944, he dedicated his life to the preservation of Bundeli martial arts and served as the Ustad (master) of the Chhatrasal Vyayamshala.
  • He is credited with transforming the traditional Akhada and Bundeli martial arts into a format suitable for stage performances.
  • His demonstrations featured combat techniques involving traditional weapons such as the lathi (staff), bhala (spear), dhal (shield), talwar (sword), and trishul (trident).

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