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Srirakh
The Shrirakh (or Chhirakh) Paliwal Rajpurohits are a historical lineage of Gargacharya gotra Paliwal Rajpurohits, known for their feudal roots in Pali, displacement during the Khalji invasions, and their later emergence as Rajpurohits, zamindars, and advisors in Jaisalmer and Marwar. Their journey from migration to prominence spans major events of 13th to 14th-century Rajasthan.
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.