Srirakh | Lineage of a Rajpurohit

In 1291 CE, during Sultan Jalaluddin Khalji’s invasion, the Mandore Fort fell from the Parihar rulers, allowing Khalji’s forces to assault Pali. After 3–4 months of resistance, the Paliwal Rajpurohits—renowned for their scholarship and governance—were defeated on the festival of Raksha Bandhan.

In response, they performed a mass self-sacrifice known as the "Lakha Jammar", and migrated in two major groups from Pali.

One group moved westward and settled in Olaan (Jaisalmer), invited by the Maharawal of Jaisalmer.
They performed Shatakundi Yajnas, evidence of which survives today.

The Maharawal granted them land rights (zamindaris) over multiple villages. These Paliwal Rajpurohits contributed significantly to the economy by establishing 84 villages (khedas) and building reservoirs, ponds, and khadeens.
They introduced a tax farming system (ijaradari) with the support of Modi and Bohra communities.

Among these migrants, the Shrirakh or Chhirakh Paliwals were granted the Jagir of Reevdi.
They became major zamindars and trusted advisors to the local rulers.

Reevdi served as their ancestral jagir in Jaisalmer. However, due to internal family disputes and disagreements with the state, they migrated further eastward into Marwar, aligning themselves with the growing power of the Rathore dynasty.

Note: The Shrirakh/Chhirakh Rajpurohits belong to the Gargacharya gotra of the Paliwal Rajpurohit community.

During a political vacuum in Malani—caused when Jagmal (son of Rawal Mallinath) killed Jaitmal, and the Sevad Rajpurohits (Bijad and Bahad) renounced their duties—the Rathores appointed other Paliwal Rajpurohit clans, including the Shrirakh, to religious-political positions.

The Shrirakhs served the Rathores as:

• Rajpurohits

• Spiritual advisors

• Diplomatic agents

• Custodians of Rajput dharma and tradition

In 1348 CE (Vikram Samvat 1405), Munjhaji Rupasinghot, a Shrirakh Paliwal Rajpurohit, was granted the village of Bisu by the descendants of Budhaji Dhandhal (elder brother of folk-hero Pabuji Rathore).

His younger brother received Fogera, a nearby village, as a Sasan (tax-free) grant.

Later, the Kotadiya Rathores of Kotda granted a nearby village to their Rajguru Rajpurohits.
As a result, the original Bisu was renamed:

• Bisu Kalan – for the Shrirakh Paliwal Rajpurohits

• Bisu Khurd – for the Rajguru Rajpurohits

• Clan Name: Shrirakh (or Chhirakh)

• Community: Paliwal Rajpurohit

• Gotra: Gargacharya

• Kuldevi: Janki Mata

• Original Homeland: Pali, Rajasthan

• Languages Spoken: Rajasthani, Marwari, Dhatki

• Religious Role: Rajpurohits to the Kotadiya Rathores of Marwar

• Migration Path: Pali → Jaisalmer (Olaan, Reevdi) → Marwar (Bisu Kalan, Fogera)

The Shrirakh Paliwal Rajpurohit clan remains a revered sub-branch within the broader Rajpurohit community of Rajasthan.
Their legacy is built on:

• Adaptability amidst invasions

• Strategic diplomacy with changing rulers

• Commitment to dharma and Vedic traditions

• Longstanding religious service to Rathore rulers

Their settlements in Bisu Kalan, Fogera, and Reevdi, as well as their temples and heroic legacies, continue to inspire and define the historical-religious identity of western Rajasthan.