Suja Kanwar Rajpurohit | Freedom Fighter | Rajpurohit

Suja Kunwar Rajpurohit (c. 1837–1902), also known as Veer Sujan Singh Rajpurohit, was a Rajpurohit warrior woman from Ladnun, Rajasthan, who played a significant role in the 1857 Indian Rebellion against British colonial rule. Renowned for her bravery, she abandoned her husband for his cowardice, took up arms, and led a resistance against the British-backed "Kali Gauri Army" (Black Army) in Ladnun. She remains a celebrated icon in the Rajpurohit community, inspiring initiatives like Rajpurohit Youth Day.

Born around 1837 in Ladnun, then part of the Marwar Kingdom, Suja was the daughter of Hanwant Singh Rajpurohit, a respected nobleman with close ties to the local Thakur of Ladnun, Bahadur Singh. From a young age, she learned horse riding, sword fighting, archery, and marksmanship alongside royal children. Unlike most women of her time, she was educated and well-versed in ancient scriptures.

At 16–17 years old (c. 1854), Suja was married to Baijnath Singh Rajpurohit of Biti village, Kishangarh State. However, during their journey back to Biti, dacoits attacked their caravan. When Baijnath Singh cowardly urged her to surrender her jewelry, Suja drew his sword, killed the dacoit leader, and wounded others, forcing them to flee.

Disgusted by her husband’s cowardice, she publicly disowned him, declaring:

"I am a Rajpurohit woman of honor. I cannot live with a coward who would shame my milk (motherhood) and my bangles (womanhood)."

She returned to Ladnun, adopted male attire, and vowed to live as a warrior, dedicating her life to protecting her people.

In 1857, the British-backed Kali Gauri Army (a mercenary force terrorizing villages) advanced toward Ladnun. The local ruler, Thakur Bahadur Singh, feared defeat, but Suja organized a militia and led the defense.

• She fortified Ladnun, stationed cannons, and took position at the Rahu Darwaza.

• Wielding a long-barreled gun (lambchhar bandook) and a sword, she charged into battle, rallying villagers with cries of "Har Har Mahadev!"

• The Kali Gauri Army was routed, and Ladnun was saved from destruction.

For her bravery, Thakur Bahadur Singh honored her with:

• The title "Veer Sujan Singh Rajpurohit" (recognizing her as a male warrior).

• Permission to wear a Rajput turban (pagri) and carry weapons.

• Special privileges, including exemption from dismounting before any noble.

Despite societal norms, she never remarried but arranged a second marriage for her ex-husband, even attending his wedding in male attire.

Suja Kunwar Rajpurohit is revered as a symbol of courage and women’s empowerment in Rajasthan. Her legacy is honored in the following ways: