Manana | Lineage of a Rajpurohit

The Manna (or Manana) clan is a prominent Rajpurohit clan with deep roots in the Marwar region of Rajasthan. Their Rishi Gotra is Gautam, and Hinglaj Mata is widely worshipped as their Kuldevi, though some lineages also revere Chamunda Mata.

Historically, the Mannas served as Rajpurohits and administrators to the Gohil rulers of the Khed State, a polity that existed prior to the arrival of the Rathores in Marwar. The Mahiwal Rajpurohits, often regarded as their brother clan, share similar genealogical and occupational roots.

Under the Gohil dynasty, the Manna Rajpurohits were not only spiritual advisors but also feudal lords and administrators. They were granted three significant jagirs:

• Kaludi

• Kritpala

• Karwari

These grants elevated the clan’s status and influence in the region. They maintained a balance of spiritual and administrative roles and were vital to the running of the Gohil polity.

With the Rathore ascendance in Marwar, many Manna Rajpurohits transitioned into the trade sector, especially in camels and grain, often traveling and settling in parts of Gujarat and Kathiawar. During this time, the clan amassed substantial wealth and logistical prowess.

One of the most notable figures was Thakur Anant Singh Ji Manna, the founder and jagirdar of Basni Manna, who was a reputed businessman with a caravan of over 5000 camels. He played a vital role in Marwar–Kathiawar trade during the 18th century.

Over time, some older jagirs were confiscated or lost their feudal status, while others were retained or granted anew by the Rathore rulers. The major present-day jagirs and settlements of the Manna Rajpurohit clan include:

• Basni Manna (main thikana and seat)

• Narnadi

• Sarwari

• Kaludi

• Partial control or presence in:

  • Mannwas (Jasol)

  • Bamnu

  • Navdiya Bera

  • Varkana

🔶 Bilasar Jagir:
Granted to Lila Ji Manna by Rawat Meghraj of Guda-Nagar, this jagir is present in Barmer region but people doesn't know about it due to some lack of information.

🔶 The clan also held the jagir of Kahwo in Tharparkar (Sindh) granted by Sodha Parmar Rulers of Dhat Region, which was abandoned post-Independence, leading to resettlement in Kutch, Gujarat by some Manna families.

The valor, grandeur, and generosity of the Manna Rajpurohit clan are remembered in folk couplets (dohas) such as:

थलवट रजवट थाट, मनणा मोटी मरजाद।
बासणी मनणावाट, शासण दातार सूरा।।

Translation:
The Mannas, residing in the arid royal lands (Thalwat Raj/Thali), live with dignity and honor. But the Mannas of Basni surpass all — they are generous patrons and brave warriors.

This couplet highlights the prestige of Basni Manna, revered not just for wealth but for leadership and valor.

Some historical texts mistakenly mention the Manna Rajpurohits as of Gohil origin, likely due to their long-standing service to the Gohils. However, according to Thakur Nahar Singh Ji Mahecha Rathore of Jasol, in his book on Rulers of Barmer/Khed/Mallani region, the Mannas were Rajpurohits to the Gohils, not of them — a crucial distinction that clarifies their true –Rajpurohit identity.

To this day, the Manna Rajpurohits continue to contribute significantly in fields such as administration, trade, military, and social leadership. Their strong identity as Dharmic warriors, administrators, and businessmen remains intact across generations.