Mod Singhji Rajpurohit

Rajpurohit Statesman | Faujdar of Kharwa | Freedom Movement Contributor | Poet

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Mod Singhji Rajpurohit (died 1961) was a prominent Rajpurohit noble, statesman, military commander, and poet from the princely Thikana of Kharwa, located in the Marwar region of Rajasthan, India. He played a decisive role in the administration and defense of Kharwa, particularly under the rule of Rao Gopal Singhji and his successor Rao Ganpati Singhji. Mod Singhji was also a notable contributor to the early phase of the Begun Kisan Andolan, a significant peasant uprising in pre-independent Rajasthan. He is remembered as a towering personality in the socio-political, military, and cultural landscape of 20th-century Rajasthan.

Early Life and Ancestry

Mod Singhji hailed from the Sewad clan of Rajpurohits, whose ancestral seat was the Thikana of Tantoti. His lineage traces back to Pithaji Sewad, whose three sons—Sherji, Ramnathji, and Badrinathji—migrated from Tantoti following a dispute with the ruling Thakur. Around Vikram Samvat 1872 (circa 1815 CE), Rao Dev Singhji of Kharwa, facing a vacuum in the Rajpurohit line, invited the brothers to Kharwa.

While Badrinathji later settled in Gowaliya, Sherji and Ramnathji remained in Kharwa. Sherji had only one daughter, while Ramnathji had two sons, from whose lineage Mod Singhji was born.

A notable ancestor, Rajpurohit Baldevji, served as a close confidant and administrator under Rao Madhosinghji of Kharwa. Baldevji is credited with supervising several important construction projects and upholding the administrative integrity of the estate.

Career

Role in the Royal Court

Mod Singhji gained prominence during the reign of Rao Gopal Singhji, acting as a key figure in court affairs. He served as guardian to Rao Ganpati Singhji during his formative years at Mayo College, Ajmer—an elite institution for royal scions.

Upon Ganpati Singhji's accession, Mod Singhji was appointed Faujdar (military commander) of the Kharwa estate. He was responsible for fort security, raising a special armed unit for defense against dacoits and internal strife. His cousin Rajpurohit Dulji was an integral member of this unit, assisting in strategic operations and regional patrols.

Mod Singhji was often seen standing armed beside the Rao, whether in court proceedings or while traveling—embodying the Rajpurohit martial spirit.

Involvement in the Begun Kisan Andolan

In the early 20th century, Mod Singhji played a pioneering role in the Begun Kisan Andolan, an agrarian revolt in the Begun Thikana. The movement paralleled the better-known Bijolia Kisan Andolan and sought to challenge exploitative feudal practices.

As noted by Ramnarayan Chaudhary in Vartaman Rajasthan, Mod Singhji, despite only receiving education up to grades 6–7, possessed a brilliant memory, natural oratory, and sharp political instincts. He was regarded as a people’s leader, laying the groundwork for organized farmer resistance. He became a trusted ally of Vijay Singh Pathik, a prominent figure in the Indian freedom struggle.

Personality and Character

Mod Singhji’s persona was marked by a unique blend of royal etiquette, peasant sensibility, and philosophical depth. Despite his limited formal education, his grasp over oral traditions, statecraft, and diplomacy made him a sought-after advisor. He often held informal sessions with villagers, nobles, and military commanders, where he would engage in discussions ranging from policy to poetry.

He was a skilled poet, composing verses that captured themes of duty, justice, valor, and the human condition. His works, though largely preserved through oral tradition, are remembered for their depth and sincerity.

Community Leadership and Legacy

In his later years, Mod Singhji served as the President of the Rajpurohit Sabha of Pali-Marwar, where he worked toward unifying the Rajpurohit community, advocating for social justice, and reviving cultural heritage.

His leadership drew attention at the highest levels. Maharaja Hanwant Singhji of Jodhpur, recognizing Mod Singhji’s contributions, gifted him a jeep—a rare gesture at the time—so he could travel across Marwar with ease to continue his work.

He also took an active role in the documentation and preservation of Kharwa's royal and local history, ensuring that oral histories, customs, and temple traditions were recorded for posterity.

Death and Remembrance

Mod Singhji passed away in 1961, at the age of 88. His contributions to administration, freedom movements, cultural preservation, and community unity have ensured his enduring legacy in both Rajpurohit and Rajasthani history.

Raghunathji Temple

The Raghunathji Temple, situated near Gopal Dwara outside Kharwa Garh, has long been under the care of Mod Singhji's family. Though the precise date of its construction is unknown, the temple remains a living symbol of the Rajpurohit clan’s spiritual and cultural responsibilities.

The east-facing courtyard hosts rituals, community prayers, and oral storytelling, reinforcing the family's sacred custodianship and cultural leadership.

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References

Sekhawat, Sujan Singh – Kharwa ka Vrahad Itihas
Chaudhary, Ramnarayan – Vartaman Rajasthan
Rajasthan mai Swatantrata Sangram ke Amar Purodha: Rao Gopal Singh Kharwa
Rajasthan ka Swatantrata Sangram Kavya: Pratinidhi Rachnaye
Unnisavi Sadi ka Ajmer

Tikai Bhairon Singhji

Mod Singhji

Dr Devi Singh Rajpurohit

Babulal Rajguru

Bapu Saheb Ram Singhji

Tarachand Raigur

Suja Kanwar Rajpurohit

Purshottamdas H. Purohit