Sodha | Lineage of a Rajpurohit

The Sodha clan derives its name from its prominent ancestor Sodhal (also known as Sodha Dev).
According to historical traditions, Dalhar Ji Sodha came to Marwar along with Rao Sihaji Rathore due to political unrest in their ancestral region.

Dalhar Ji's son Pithad Ji went to Kannauj along with Rao Duhad Rathore and Lumb Rishi and brought Devi Chakreshwari’s idol (Nagnechi Mata), building her temple in Nagana village around Vikram Samvat 1365 (1308 CE).

"सोढ़ो लायो सगत ने, धुहड़ राव धर धरा।
चक्रेश्वरी, नागणेची, रण प्रोहत रावरा ।।"
Translation: “Sodha brought the holy gathering, with Rao Duhad standing firm.
The Rajpurohit of the Rao established Chakreshwari as Nagnechi.”

Rao Duhad Ji Rathore honored Pithad Ji Sodha and his descendants, granting them the title of Rajguru Purohit. They received nine jagirs and held ceremonial importance among the Mahecha and Dhavecha subclans of Rathores.

Tirsingri Sodha is the Patvi Thikana (principal seat) of all Sodha Rajpurohits.

Jagir Villages:

1. Tirsingri Sodha (Patvi Thikana)

2. Maylawas

3. Gudanal

4. Megawas

5. Deriya

6. Simrakhiya

7. Nagaro Vas

8. Sodho ki Dhani

9. Daharo Vas

As per the Marwar Mardumshumari Report, the descendants of Sodhal are called Sodhas. Pithad, son of Dalhar, was granted Tarsinghdi village by Rao Duhad Ji, and his lineage continued as Rajguru Purohits for the Mahecha and Dhavecha Rathores.

Pithad Ji Sodha fought alongside Rao Duhad Rathore in almost every major battle in Marwar, serving both as a warrior and a trusted ally.

Once, Aana Baghela raided the area to steal cattle. Pithad Ji Sodha, along with Rao Duhad Rathore and Dedhda Dholi, pursued and confronted him. A fierce battle ensued to rescue the cattle.

• All three fought valiantly and attained martyrdom in the conflict. 
• In their memory, a chabutra (memorial platform) with Heroic Memorial Stones was built near the pond of Tirsingri Sodha.

The Sodha clan is a respected khamp (lineage) within the Rajpurohit community, holding high spiritual and social stature.
Unlike some other clans, it has no sub-clans and is well known for kharcha khata (good spending).

While some traditions suggest a shared origin between Sodha Rajpurohits and Sewad RajPurohits, Dr. Prahlad Singh Rajpurohit clarifies that they are distinct clan gotras — Sewad are Bharadwaj, whereas Sodhas are Bhardwaj — and can intermarry as per Rajpurohit matrimonial customs, where clan gotra compatibility is prioritized.

Sodhas of Tirsingri are known for producing robust and valiant personalities.
Sodhas represent a significant portion of the Rajpurohit community in the armed forces, including:

• Brig. Jeevan Singh, Gudhanal (Retd)

• Col. Surender Singh, Para Regt (SF), Vill. Simrakhiya

• Col. Prem Prakash Singh, Armoured Corps (Retd), Vill. Gudhanal

• Subedar Dungar Singh, SM, Grenadiers, Vill. Simrakhiya

Many more serve in the 11th, 12th, and 19th Grenadier Battalions, proudly representing the Sodha clan of Rajpurohits in the Indian Army.