The area of Badagaon was 223 KM2 (86 sq. mi) in 1627. It was given by Maharaja Jhujhar Singh of Orchcha to his younger brother Maharaj Hardaul Deo.
Maharaj Rai Singh was great grandson of Maharaj Hardaul Deo who divided Badagaon among eight sons.
Maharaj Rai Singh was also Diwan to of "Raja Ram of Orchha"
Kunwar Sawant Singh was the first to received bijna 1690 and was the 2nd son of Maharaj Rai Singh. Kunwar Sawant Singh was granted the title “Mahendra” by Padshah Alamgir - Jahangir.
He was also “commander in chief” of Orchcha Army at the time of Maharaja Prithvi Singh of Orchcha in 1740.
After the death of Maharaja Prithvi Singh of Orchha in 1752, Raja Mahendra Sawant Singh of Bijna succeeded the throne of Orchha in 1752 and ruled till 1765
He separated Bijna from Orchha in 1765 and declared Bijna Independent State.
His cenotaphs/Chhatri is in Orchha.
Married and had issued three sons