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Raigur
Rishi Gotra: Piplad Rishi
Kuldevi: Aashapura Mata
The Raigurs have been both spiritual and martial figures — serving as royal priests, administrators, and warriors under the Songara Chauhan rulers of Jalore and later under the Rathores of Marwar.
The founder of the Raigur lineage was Harraj Ji Rajguru, who served as the Rajpurohit of Jalore State during the rule of Maharaj Samar Singh Songara. Harraj Ji, a learned Rajguru and Jagirdar of Gol (Ummedabad) and ten other jagirs, had no biological heir in his later years.
He adopted Prince Ajmal Songara, the son of Chawarchi (and grandson of Kirtipal Chauhan), and renamed him Shankar Ji. Shankar Ji was married to Rai Bai Panchlod, daughter of Panchlod Jagirdar of Thikana Mumbari. From this union, the lineage of Raigur Rajpurohits began, deriving their name from “Rai-guru” — the royal gurus or counsellors of the Songara rulers.
Maharaj Samar Singh granted Thikana Sankarna and a total of seven jagirs to Shankar Ji Rajpurohit for his valor and service. Sankarna remained the Patvi Thikana (principal estate) of the Raigur clan during the Jalore State period.
The original seven jagirs granted to Shankar Ji were:
Sankarna
Chawarcha
Budtara
Chhiparwara
Harji
Bithuda
Palo Ra Vaas
These jagirs formed the early territorial base of the Raigurs in the Jalore-Marwar frontier, establishing their presence as both warriors and landlords.
Sheodan Ji, son of Shankar Ji, gifted the village of Ratanpura to his ruler Rao Ratna Ji of Jalore.
In the next generations, Sanga Ji constructed the famous Sanga Beri (stepwell) at Sankarna, while his brother Lal Ji established the village of Noon.
Descendants of Vikram Singh Ji, from this lineage, later acquired and established jagirs in Dujana, Bhetala, and Govindala.
Pala Ji, from the same branch, built the Subhadra Mata Temple and the Pala Vav (bavdi) at Sankarna. His descendant Lakshman Ji established the village of Khirodi near Sanchore.
In the later lineage of Vasa Ji, the brave Rai Singh Ji Mamaji attained martyrdom while defending cows from looters. His sacrifice is remembered with reverence; his elder brother’s wife committed Sati, upholding the family’s valorous tradition.
Sankarna – Patvi Thikana of the Raigurs; administrative and cultural seat.
Ravalvas – Granted as a reward for bravery after a Raigur warrior looted the Gangore procession of Mertiyas to avenge the humiliation of the Songaras and Rathores of Jodhpur.
Punayata
Madri
Dhabar
Aakeli – A Sona Naveshi Thikana.
Vingarla
Dhalop
Netra
Patawa
Sokda
Pali (Old Pali) – Historic settlement with ties to early Rajpurohit administration.
These jagirs were lost or confiscated due to political changes during Marwar’s centralization and British interference:
Noon – Founded by Lal Ji, later confiscated.
Khirodi – Founded by Lakshman Ji, confiscated in the late Jodhpur period.
Govindala – Lost during land redistribution.
Bhetala – Confiscated post-1800.
Budtara – Merged into neighboring estates during the Rathore administration.
Chawarcha – Merged into neighboring estates during the Rathore administration.
Chhiparwara – Merged into neighboring estates during the Rathore administration.
The Raigurs of Sankarna are recorded to have fought bravely against the invading forces of Alauddin Khilji, providing strong resistance during the Jalore invasion (VS 1356 / 1299 CE).
Their defense of Sankarna became a symbol of loyalty to the Songara Chauhans and earned them poetic remembrance in later folklore.
“सोनगरा छत्री सूरा, रायगुरा री रीत ।
ए दुय एक एक सू आगला, पूरी राखी प्रीत ।।”
👉 Meaning: “The Songaras are brave under the umbrella of valor, and the Raigurs follow a sacred code; both surpass each other in love and loyalty.”“मरजादा राखंण माण, रायगुरु राणां रूड़ा।
सोनगरा ने दी शरण, मलिच्छा ऊं माडां ।।”
👉 Meaning: “Raigurs, the pride of warriors, preserved their honor; when the Songaras granted refuge, they shielded even from the attacks of invaders.”“अनोखी राखे पण ऐन, गहरा दिये गाढा ।
रायगुरु रूड़ी रीत, जसह राखण जाढा ।।”
👉 Meaning: “They fulfilled promises with unmatched courage, deep as the ocean — the Raigurs upheld traditions of loyalty and bravery.”“अखै ओ सोनगरो आप, नृप जालंधरनाथ ।
रायगुर रहे जिणधरा मांण सुनवाउं माथ ।।”
👉 Meaning: “The Songaras were rulers by divine right, and the Raigurs were their soul and honor — their fame spreads far and wide.”“मरद न मोड़े माणं, देवण गाढा दातार ।
अबखी राखी आंण, सोनगरा री रायगुर ।।”
👉 Meaning: “The Raigurs never retreat from honor; they are true patrons of courage.
Even today, they uphold the legacy entrusted by the Sonagaras.”
The Raigurs of Sankarna continued to play important roles in regional politics, priesthood, and social service during Marwar’s integration into British India. Many descendants of the clan served as administrators, landlords, and soldiers in later Marwar and Jodhpur State.
Even today, Sankarna Thikana remains a revered heritage center for Raigur descendants, preserving ancient documents, Rao Bahis, and Kuldevi temples.
The only Rajpurohit to reach such a high rank in the Indian Army, he was a world champion in tent pegging and a celebrated equestrian who brought honor to the nation and the community.
An officer in the 61st Cavalry, he is among India’s top Polo and Showjumping players, with several medals and trophies to his name.
The first IPS officer of the Rajpurohit community, known for his anti-dacoit operations and fearless service, upholding the spirit of dharma and justice.
Rao Bahi of Sankarna Thikana
Chauhan Kul Kalpadrum
Marwar Pargana ri Vigat
Folk Dohas and Oral Traditions of Jalore-Marwar
Family Records of Raigur Lineage and Rav Bahis
