Freedom Fighter | Gandhian Reformer | Tribal Upliftment Leader

Ram Singh RajPurohit, widely respected as “Bapu Saheb”, was a courageous freedom fighter, social reformer, and a devout follower of Mahatma Gandhi’s principles. Born on 12 December 1917 in Khawasa, Jhabua district, Madhya Pradesh, he belonged to the Sevad Rajpurohit clan. His fearless role in India's freedom movement, especially the Hyderabad Satyagraha and Civil Disobedience Movement, and his post-independence social activism made him a revered figure in central India.

Ram Singh was born in Khawasa, his paternal jagir (estate), to Bheru Singh Ji RajPurohit, the local jagirdar. His mother, Krishna Kanwar, belonged to a Rajguru family from Ghatgara, District Dhar.

His birth is also recorded as taking place in Bhawata, District Ajmer (Rajasthan) at his maternal grandfather’s home. From a young age, he was known for his sharp intellect and deep sensitivity to injustice, especially the oppression by feudal landlords.

Influenced by Mahatma Gandhi, Ram Singh Ji left his post as a Patwari in the princely state of Jhabua and joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (Satyagraha) in the early 1930s.

• In 1932, due to his nationalist activities, the state terminated his job and confiscated his jagir.

• He was exiled from his home region and moved to Ratlam State, where he continued his underground activism.

• He came into contact with the Arya Samaj and strengthened his resolve for social and political reform.

When Hyderabad’s Muslim Nizam suppressed the religious freedom of the majority Hindu population, Arya Samaj called for non-violent protest. Ram Singh joined this pan-Indian movement:

• He was part of a peaceful satyagrahi group sent from Ajmer to Hyderabad.

• The Nizam’s forces brutally tortured the unarmed protestors — Ram Singh Purohit received 50 lashes and was subjected to acid burns on his back.

• He was imprisoned in Hyderabad Jail, and later in Aurangabad Jail, where he endured extreme physical torture.

• After release, he led resistance in Shivgarh against atrocities on tribal populations by local landlords.

Despite repeated state repression, he remained committed to Gandhian principles:

• Returned to Khawasa in 1935 and resumed the post of Patwari to sustain his family.

• Actively participated in the anti-liquor movement and continued nationalist propaganda.

• Again lost his job and land due to involvement in the 1942 Quit India Movement and was exiled from Jhabua.

In 1946, for violating prohibitory orders and breaking border restrictions, he was jailed once again.

• Led reconversion efforts among Bhil tribals, many of whom had converted under foreign influence.

• Worked against child marriage and dowry, encouraging simplicity and social justice.

• Remained unmarried and never participated in caste feasts or death rituals.

• After independence, he continued to live a Gandhian lifestyle and worked for the development of the tribal communities.

• Honored as a freedom fighter by the Government of India on the 25th Independence Day.

• Received freedom fighter’s pension of ₹500/month.

• Honored by:

  • Indore Municipal Corporation

  • RajPurohit Provincial Sabha, Ratlam

  • District Collector, Jhabua

  • Freedom Fighters Committee, Ratlam

  • United Bank of India

  • Gandhi Ashram, Kushalgarh

  • Municipal Council, Khawasa

• His name is inscribed on a marble plaque at Thandla Block’s Government Higher Secondary School campus.

Ram Singh Ji passed away on 2 June 1986, at the age of 69, in his ancestral village Khawasa, leaving behind a legacy of courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to India's freedom and tribal empowerment.

• “Bapu Saheb” – a title given by the people for his Gandhian path and fatherly image.

• Freedom fighter from Alirajpur and Jhabua