The Clans of the Rajpurohit Community: History, Role, Identity and Complete List
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The Clans of the Rajpurohit Community: History, Role, Identity and Complete List
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The Clans of the Rajpurohit Community: History, Role, and Identity
Introduction
The Rajpurohit community of Rajasthan, Gujarat, the Dhat region of Sindh, and Malwa in Madhya Pradesh represents one of the most unique socio-political groups of India. Rajpurohits are not Brahmins and a distinct community. Unlike Brahmins, Rajpurohits were not confined to priestly functions. They carried a dual identity — at once spiritual guides and martial leaders. Throughout history, they served as rajgurus, coronators, landlords, jagirdars, diplomats, and warriors, holding a critical place in Rajputana society.
Central to Rajpurohit identity is the clan system (gotra–vansh). Each clan traces its origin to a mūlpurush (ancestral figure) and is tied to specific dynasties, regions, or jagirs. These clans regulated marriage, preserved genealogical memory, and sustained both heritage and martial tradition.
This article is divided into four major sections:
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Why Rajpurohit Clans Are Important
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Rajpurohit Clans as State Rajpurohits of Rajput Dynasties
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Rajpurohit Clan Spheres or Groups
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Comprehensive List of Rajpurohit Clans
- Fake and Non-Existent Clans & Threats to Clan System
1. Why Rajpurohit Clans are Important
Preserving Lineage & Heritage
Each clan — for example, Panchlor, Sewad, Raigur, Mutha, Sodha — descends from a mūlpurush (ancestral figure). These clans act as living genealogies, preserving oral histories, devlis, village traditions, and have their records maintained in bahis. Marriage among Rajpurohits strictly follows the clan and gotra system, ensuring social order and continuity.
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In Rajpurohits they give more priority to Clan (locally also known as Got) than Rishi Gotra During Marriage.
Cultural & Religious Role
Rajpurohits traditionally performed coronations and often acted as the ruler’s representative in his absence in Administration and during Yajnas or Rituals also they used to Represent ruler in his absence as Yajmans. Every Clans have their kuldevis and their temples, keeping folk traditions alive. They preserved and transmitted Vedic knowledge, dharmic practices, and culture — blending spirituality with martial responsibility.
Clans act as strong identifiers, connecting individuals to their roots. The gotra framework represents unity in diversity within the community. Preserving clan histories builds awareness and pride among younger generations, ensuring that Rajpurohit identity remains intact.
Modern Relevance
Today, documenting Rajpurohit clans is vital for heritage conservation — from renovating devlis and temples to safeguarding oral and historical traditions. Clan-based studies also highlight the unique spiritual–martial duality of Rajpurohits, making them distinct from both Brahmins and Rajputs.
2. Rajpurohit Clans as State Rajpurohits of Rajput Dynasties
Across Rajputana, different clans of Rajpurohits were appointed as hereditary Tikais (state rajpurohits) by ruling dynasties. This illustrates their pivotal role in politics, administration, and coronation rituals:
- Pratiharas of Mandore – Panchlor clan
- Parmaras of Abu, Chandrawati, Kiradu, Amarkot, Bhinmal – Rajguru clan
- Pratiharas, Parmaras of Jalore & Sindhal Rathores – Jagarwal clan
- Rathores of Marwar, Bikaner, Kishangarh, Malwa states & Idar – Sewad (Seor) clan
- Sisodiyas of Mewar/Udaipur – Mutha clan (Paliwal group)
- Chauhans of Jalore – Raigur clan
- Gohils of Khed – Manana clan
- Deora Chauhans of Sirohi – Udesh/Udech clan (later replaced by Audichya Brahmins)
- Bhattis of Derawar – Bhanwariya clan
- Chauhans of Lata – Siddhap clan
- Dhavecha and Mahecha Rathores of Mallani – Sodha clan
- Deval Pratiharas of Bhinmal region – Dudawat clan
👉 This alignment of Rajpurohit clans with Rajput rulers demonstrates their integration into statecraft, balancing religious authority with feudal and military duties.
3. Rajpurohit Clan Spheres or Groups
3.1 Paliwal Group
- Origin: Group Named upon origin region of Pali
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Clans: Mutha, Gundecha, Srirakh/Chhirakh, Balvancha, Palliwal, Santhua
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Background: Centered around Pali and Godwar region.
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Marriage Rule: Intermarriage permitted as these clans do not descend from one ancestor.
3.2 Rajguru Group
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Clans: Pindiya (due to some event/incident), Ajariya (from ajari village), Silora (from silore), Sachora (from sanchore), Barmera (from barmer), Bhanawariya
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Background: Offshoots of the ancient Rajguru clan, often named after towns or events.
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Marriage Rule: Intermarriage forbidden due to common root ancestry.
3.3 Udesh/Udech Group
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Clans: Fondar, Daviyal, Digari, Haliya, Kesariya, Vora, Makwana, Netad, Dadala, Punayacha, Radua, Udesh
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Background: Strong presence in Barmer, Jalore, and Sirohi.
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Marriage Rule: Intermarriage permitted.
Independent Clans
Some clans like Sewad, Jagarwal, Panchlor, Sodha, Dudawat stand outside such spheres. They are independent but have subclans, e.g.:
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Sewad: Akherajot, Mulrajot, Kanot, Khetawat, Nimbawat, Rajawat
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Dudawat: Raythala subclan (from raythal village)
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Panchlor: Chawandiya (branch clan originated from chawanda village, does not intermarry)
4. Comprehensive List of Rajpurohit Clans
Prominent Clans
- Sewad (Seor) – Most prominent clan
- Sodha – Feudal lords of Sodhawati
- Mutha – Ex-rulers of Pali, warlords of Godwar
- Gundecha – Feudal lords of Pali and Godwar
- Panchlor – Ancient Agnikund-origin clan
- Jagarwal – Ancient Agnikund-origin clan along Rajguru and Panchlor
- Rajguru – Ancient Agnikund-origin clan
- Manana – Rajpurohits of Gohils; known for wealth and bravery
- Raigur – Landlords in Jalore and Pali
- Bakaliya
- Sothda
- Sidhap
- Mahiwal
- Fondar
- Kevancha
- Kesariya
- Udesh
- Balvancha
- Bhanwariya
- Thanak
- Srirakh
- Lafa
- Pindiya
- Johi (Prominent Regions of Gujarat and Sindh)
- Makwana
- Santhua
- Dudawat
- Siha/Siya
- Sepau
- Chawandiya
- Shrigaur
Lesser-Known / Smaller Clans (Population Wise)
- Punayacha
- Jarganiya
- Daviyal
- Podarwal
- Bujad
- Netad
- Radua
- Vora
- Hathla
- Digari
- Narayancha
- Kedariya
- Mawa
- Nandwana
- Madpad
- Somda
- Raythala
- Tamtamiya
- Dhamdhamiya
- Titopa
- Dadala
- Vyas
- Selarwal
- Haliya
- Luntara
- and others of Rajguru-sphere origin.
Many clans which are part of some major sphere mentioned above are not mentioned here again as they are already mentioned above in the respective spheres.
5. Fake and Non-Existent Clans & Threats to Clan System
There are many clans falsely associated with Rajpurohits such as Pareek, Pushkarna, Ojha, and Audichya, which do not belong to the Rajpurohit community. Recently, some people have circulated a list claiming that there are 150+ clans, but the majority of these are fake and never existed within Rajpurohit society. Such misrepresentation threatens the integrity of the traditional clan system.
Another issue is that some subclans of major clan groups have started calling themselves independent clans — for example, branches like Raythala (of Dudawat) or Chawandiya (of Panchlor). This is misleading since they remain within their parent clan sphere and cannot intermarry within it.
Further, there is an ongoing propaganda to distort Rajpurohit clan names. For example, Johi is being falsely changed into Joshi, and Udesh into Audichya by certain Brahminical groups. This is an attempt to absorb Rajpurohits into the Brahmin fold, which is incorrect, as Rajpurohits are a distinct community with their own culture, history, traditions, lifestyle, and phenotypes.
Conclusion
The Rajpurohit community is not a single caste but a federation of clans that balanced priestly, feudal, and martial roles. They crowned kings, advised rulers, led armies, held jagirs, and preserved kuldevi traditions. Their clan system is both a genealogical framework and a cultural map of Rajputana heritage. Documenting these clans safeguards not only history but also the identity of a unique community that stood at the crossroads of dharma and valor.
Sources
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Bahis of Rajpurohit clans (genealogical records)
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Rajpurohit Jati ka Itihas (Part I)
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Rajpurohit Gotra Vansh
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Jyotipunj
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Oral traditions and bardic genealogies
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Local histories of Rajput states
If any clans you think are not mentioned then you can Mail us with information regarding your clan- Email:- [email protected]
Cover Photo:- Thakur Uttam SinghJi (Bisukala)
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