Gundecha | Lineage of a Rajpurohit

• Clan: Gundecha (गुंदेचा)

• Gotra: Gautam

• Kuldevi: Rohini Mata

• Original Homeland: Pali (Rajasthan)

• Migration Path: Pali → Gundoj → Spread across Godwar region

• Patvi: Mada 

The Mul Purush (progenitor) of the Gundecha Jagirdars was Thakur Gangdev Ji, also mentioned in the Bahi of Mutha Pilowani Thikana as Gangdev Ji Sa. His title was equal in reverence to “Maharaj Kanad De Ji Sa” (Kanhad Deo Chauhan of Jalore)

His descendants carried the suffix Gangdev Ji Sa Ra, which evolved into the clan name Gundecha, e.g., Acchal Singh Gangdev Ji Sa Ra.

Thakur Gangdev Ji, a Paliwal Rajpurohit, served as the commander of the Pali army and was the brother of Raja Yashodhara (Rajmal). After losing Pali to Sultan Balban in four successive battles, the family migrated to Mewar through the Nadol Treaty and were integrated into the Mewar Darbar.

Their first estate in Mewar was Gundoj, from which they expanded to other parts of Godwar.

In the Battle of Nagda, ancestors Rampal Ji and Achal Singh Ji fought for Maharana Jaitra Singh.

• Rampal Ji attained Veergati (martyrdom).

• Thakur Achal Singh Ji Gundecha was awarded the Bera Thikana and nearby 15 villages as a military honor, commemorated in the Shree Ram Mandir Shilalekh (inscription) at Bera.

During Rana Hammir Singh’s reign, Thakur Chandra Singh Gundecha, also known as Veer Chandrayat Ji, played a crucial role in restoring peace in Ranakpur, Sadri, and Desuri.

• The Mers had imposed illegal taxes on royal chariots, even taxing the Deora queen's chariot.

• Veer Chandrayat Ji led a campaign to eradicate Mer control from Godwar, successfully restoring Mewar authority.

Thakur Bahad Singh Ji, brother of Veer Chandrayat Ji, assisted Rana Hammir Singh in the battle against Rao Munja Balecha Chauhan of Katargarh Sewari, helping Mewar consolidate control in the region.

Another legendary figure from the Gundecha clan was Gopinath Ji, a general in Maharana Pratap’s army, specifically in the Chandawal contingent. His valor and strategic expertise contributed to Mewar's resistance during its most challenging period.

Thakur Mohabbat Singh Ji was the last ruling Thakur of Mada, holding the Patvi position (Head) among the 52 Rajpurohit jagirs of Godwar.

• He symbolized the unyielding prestige and dignity of the Gundecha Rajpurohits.

• It was said of him that he never bowed before any princely estate — "Kini re samne koni jhukta," not even before Ghanerao or Udaipur’s Maharana.

• His leadership embodied the legacy of honor, martial pride, and independence that defined the Gundecha Jagirdars.

After their military successes and royal service, members of the Gundecha clan were granted multiple jagirs across the Godwar region, forming one of the most prestigious Rajpurohit lineages in Mewar.

• Mangleshwar Mahadev Temple (Mada): A fortified temple complex, it once gave shelter to Thakur Kushal Singh Champawat of Auwa during the British resistance.

  • The "Ek Thamba Mahal" (One-Pillar Palace) still stands within the temple.

• Lakshmi Narayan Temple (Barwa): A major religious site of Barwa Thikana.

• Aatmanand Ji Maharaj Temple (Barwa):
  Dedicated to Aatmanand Ji Maharaj, a great reformer and education promoter of the Rajpurohit community, born into the Gundecha family of Barwa.

The Gundecha Rajpurohits of Mewar were not only spiritual figures but military commanders, jagirdars, temple patrons, and nationalists. Their story reflects centuries of valor, landholding nobility, and cultural leadership, especially within the region of Godwar.