The Rajpurohits are a specific independent caste known as Rajguru Purohits, distinct from Brahmin Purohits. The customs and traditions of this society are similar to those of the Rajput society. Their marriage practices, while resembling those of the Rajputs, are remnants of the world's ancient powerful systems. They adhere to the Hindu Rishi Gotra (lineage) system but prioritize their clan Gotras.

Historically, this society gained recognition as a feudal community that played a leading and crucial role in countless wars and strategies. Socially, this community is highly respected in all societies and is considered good leaders with a judicial character. Internally, this community practices a strong social discipline, which accounts for its high social acceptance in Rajasthani society.

Historically, this community has a significant number of folk deities and Bhomiyas or Khetpals (local guardian spirits). People maintain strong emotional connections with their ancestors, Sati Matas (venerated women who immolated themselves), and Jhunjar warriors.

They have had a significant social influence in the Marwar, Bikaner, Godwar, and Mewar regions, where they have always played a leading role for all communities in various capacities.

Their own Dholis (drummers), Damamis (musicians), and Bhats (genealogists/bards) sing their praises as Shubhrajs, mostly related to their respective clans. This community has acted as patrons for these dependent communities.

Language: The dialect of the Rajpurohits is highly respectful. It is a completely ornate language where the respect for the listener is paramount. The use of informal pronouns is strictly prohibited. This dialect is classified as the language of the royal court.

This community has followed the Shaiva (Shiva-worshipping) and Shakti (Goddess-worshipping) traditions since ancient times. Over time, their beliefs have become associated with the martial representation of the Vaishnava (Vishnu-worshipping) way of life, where temples of Charbhuja Nath Ji (a martial form of Lord Vishnu) are found in their villages. 'Jai Shri Rughnath Nath Ji Ri Sa' is their mutual greeting, connected to the martial aspect of Lord Rama.

Ancestor worship is given great importance in this community. The worship of Sati Mata Ji and Bhomiya Ji is an integral part of their way of life, which relates to their ancient martial culture.

Rajpurohits in Religious Texts: Religiously, Rajpurohit has been a strategic position. Dev Guru Brihaspati was the Rajpurohit of the gods, who fought wars for them and played a leading role in peace treaties. Initially, this position was given to Rishis associated with Rishi traditions, who were defined as Raj Rishis or Brahma Rishis. During the Mahabharata period, Guru Dronacharya was the Rajpurohit of the Kauravas.

Here, Rajpurohits were involved in intellectual works as teachers, warriors, scholars, etc. The role of the Rajpurohit community has been to serve as the Rajguru for the state, rather than merely attaining a religious title. As Rajgurus, the responsibility of the Rajpurohits was dedicated to the state, not just the king. There have been many instances in history where Rajpurohits revolted against the ruling power and lost their positions. On the other hand, for a Brahmin Purohit, being a Rajpurohit was a purely religious position dependent on the king's favor, whereas for Rajguru Purohits, being a Rajpurohit was a strategic post with no direct connection to religious rituals. There is no doubt that the Rajpurohit community has been a highly intellectual community from the beginning.

The Rajpurohit society was a highly significant factor in the medieval period, not only participating in numerous wars but also acquiring many Jagirs and land through their unparalleled bravery and courage. This community is often confused with the Brahmin caste due to class ambiguity, whereas this society emerged as an independent martial feudal community in the early medieval and medieval periods (from the 3rd century to the 19th century). From time to time, people from different clans played the role of strategic partners as Rajguru Purohits for different empires.

Rajpurohits have also been very good cultivators. They fought many battles against invaders for water, land, and animals. The Rajpurohit society is a hardcore vegetarian community, a trait that is a symbol of their historical and cultural evolution. The Rajpurohit is the only martial community in the world that practices hardcore vegetarianism.

They experienced a significant rise in political power during the medieval period, especially during the Rathore kingdom. Rajpurohits have held Jagirdaris from the beginning. The ancient power of Pali remained in the hands of the Paliwal Rajpurohits for a long time.

The Rajpurohits have numerous Gotras and sub-Gotras, which are prominent in their own right, such as Sevড়, Mannana, Jagarwal, Raigur, Rajguru, and many others. During marriages, clan Gotras are given importance instead of Rishi Gotras, and the powerful system is followed, where cross-marriages occur between two or more clan groups. This is completely different from the social customs of the Brahmin caste and is ancient.

The Rajpurohit society is a community with a very low population, which may currently be around 7-8 lakhs (700,000 - 800,000). This population is mainly found in western Rajasthan and the border areas of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Haryana in very limited numbers. A small part of the Rajpurohit society also lives in the Sindh province of Pakistan, whose number is unknown. In Rajasthan, the Rajpurohit caste is found in Jodhpur, Bikaner, Churu, Sirohi, Jalore, Barmer, Pali, Nagaur, Ajmer, Ganganagar, and Hanumangarh.

The birth rate in the society is declining, and marriages are also being delayed, due to which their population is continuously decreasing, and the situation is quite critical.

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